~Wavering Destiny~
by Strawberry Moon Rose
So we finally made it! A year later, exactly. This is the final chapter of Wavering Destiny. I don't even know what to say. Most people write a one-shot as their first fanfiction, but no, I had to go and write a novel! This whole experience has been great, and I've learned so much. When I first started, I had no idea I'd invest so much time into writing it. I'm not proud of this story by any means, but I'm proud of how far I've come as a writer. (And believe me, those of you who have been with me since day one and read the very first versions of the first couple chapters, you know what I mean.)
Seiya and Usagi have always been a couple that I really connect with. I found it heart wrenching how the anime ended and was inspired to write this story when I came across this breathtaking Seiya & Usagi AMV to the song "White Flag" by Dido. There's a link to it on my channel, I highly encourage you all to check it out after this. This story is also just the first in many Seiya and Usagi fanfics to come, so if you'd like, follow me to keep updated :)
A/N: 12/16/20 - I am currently writing another Seiya and Usagi fanfic (so if you like the maturity of this chapter, you'll like this next one! I wrote Wavering Destiny when I was 17 or 18 in high school, and I'm 25 now so my writing has matured as well. Can't wait for you all to read it!)
After you read this chapter, go to my instagram art account: taylorlynn04art and say hi! I meeting fellow Sailor Moon fans. I've made so much Seiya/Usagi fan art and future fics and previews will be announced there!
This story was inspired by a lot of music, but mostly by that of Roxette.
Also a huge thank you to every single one of you readers who follows, favorites, and reviews! It means more to me than you know, and yes, I read and cherish every one. And those of you who haven't left a review yet (you know who you are) this is your last chance! So in the name of the moon, speak up! :)
So this final chapter is really long and sort of split into two parts. Be aware that this chapter alone might bump the rating of the story up to M. There's nothing really all that explicit, but just so you know. (And yes, I almost died of embarrassment while writing it.) ;)
And with that, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes...
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves" -William Shakespeare
Enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.
Final Chapter 51: When Destiny Wavers
Three months later.
"Can I get you guys anything else?" Unazuki piped, setting the chocolate milkshakes on the table with a clink. She hugged the silver platter to her chest and smiled brightly.
"I think we're good. Thanks, Unazuki," said Minako. She leaned in and took a sip of her strawberry-banana smoothie at the same time Yaten did. They were sharing one together, two straws bent in opposite directions, around a table at the Fruit Parlor CROWN. Their foreheads touched, and when she looked up, Yaten's emerald eyes were gazing into her own. They both grinned and pulled away.
"Aw, you two are so cute!" Unazuki crowed. "Minako, you're lucky! I still can't believe you snagged Yaten from the Three Lights. I want a cool boyfriend like him someday." She sighed dreamily.
"Oh, Unazuki, stop! You're making me blush." Minako giggled.
Yaten pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. Little did Unazuki and the rest of Tokyo know, when the Three Lights had made a comeback debut last month with a single that topped the charts (the song she and Minako had wrote and performed at the party), they were no longer boys, but secretly cross dressing girls. Yaten loved being able to fool everyone and still be herself at the same time. And when they weren't in public, she could even wear makeup and her own clothes. It was like old times, but even better.
"If I wasn't on the clock, I'd ask for an autograph," Unazuki joked, brushing her orange bangs away from her face.
"Maybe some other time." Taiki smiled over the book in her hands. Her amethyst eyes flitted to Ami, who was sitting beside her, shoulder to shoulder, thigh to thigh.
"That'd be wonderful." Unazuki beamed and flounced away.
Under the table, Taiki was rubbing the edge of her foot against one of Ami's. Ami kept blushing and fiddling with her glasses, pretending not to notice. But when she was certain nobody would catch her, she would touch Taiki back. They hadn't come out as a couple yet, but everyone already suspected it.
"Geez, is Usagi ever gonna join us?" Rei complained. She spooned some vanilla ice cream into her mouth.
"She's always late, I wouldn't worry, Rei." Yuuichiro plucked the cherry off the top of Rei's sundae.
Rei gave him a look and whacked his shoulder. "Well, yeah, but this is different! There's food involved."
"Oh." He mussed his fingers through his long brown hair and laughed sheepishly.
Rei sighed and reached for a napkin. "Sheesh, if you're gonna steal my food, at least don't make a mess! Here..." She leaned close and dabbed the corner of his mouth, wiping off a miniscule drop of chocolate syrup.
"Th-th-th-thanks, Rei!" His face turned redder than the cherry he'd just eaten.
She smiled. "Don't mention it, you idiot."
Rei had finally realized that chasing after someone she couldn't have was pointless, especially when there was somebody there all along who was crazy for her. Reluctant at first, she decided to take Minako's advice seriously and give Yuuichiro a chance. A real chance. Beneath his unkempt hair and chin stubble, she started to see how his brown eyes resembled chocolate drops and his handsome cheekbones. And there was some chemistry between them, seeing as she'd kissed him years ago, even if it was only on the cheek. For now, they were just friends, but tomorrow was a mystery.
"So speaking of Usagi, where is she?" Luna asked curiously. She and Artemis were seated between Yaten and Minako. Diana sat proudly on the Starlight's lap, purring like a motorboat when Yaten would stroke behind her ears and under her chin.
"Downstairs in the arcade with Seiya." Minako tossed her blonde hair. "Probably still playing that racing game. Who wants to bet Seiya is kickin' her butt?"
"If they're playing video games, who's watching the kids?" Rei raised a brow. Chibi-Usa and Chibi Chibi were with their parents the last they'd seen.
There were a few seconds of silence.
"Should we go check on them?" Ami said nervously.
"I wouldn't worry about it," Taiki assured her. "I'm sure they are having a blast."
"Faster, Usagi! Faster! Seiya's gonna overlap you!" shouted Chibi-Usa.
"I'm trying! It won't go any faster!" Usagi jerked the steering wheel to the left, then the right, avoiding a boulder at the very last second. The wheels spun and she struggled to maintain control.
"I'm gonna win, Bun Head!" Seiya taunted. She pressed her foot to the floor, feeling a surge of adrenaline.
"Gonna win!" Chibi Chibi parroted. She was sitting on Seiya's lap, hands on the middle of the steering wheel, helping. Or at least thinking she was. Even with a toddler blocking her view, Seiya was nearing a new record, one that had been set years ago by Haruka.
"Oh, no you don't!" Usagi leaned forward, giving it her all. The simulated trees passed by in a green blur. The finish line came into view on her screen, and just when she thought she had a chance, Seiya let out a victory cry and pumped both fists in the air. The game lit up with flashing lights, accompanied by jumbled beeps and blurps that sounded like music to Seiya's ears. Her ego inflated like a balloon. "Yes!" she cried.
Usagi pouted when the words "GAME OVER" flashed on her screen. She sank forward in defeat.
"You stink, Usagi! Seiya even had Chibi Chibi in her - I mean, his lap, and still won!" Chibi-Usa said, correcting herself quickly. Having to pretend they were guys still took some getting used to.
"Oh, can it! I'd like to see you give this a shot," Usagi retorted. She looked over at Seiya, who was grinning like a fool, and stuck out her tongue. For just once, couldn't Seiya lose at something? Was it too much to ask for?
"Good game, Bun Head. Maybe next time I'll let you win." Seiya leaned over, pulled her close, and kissed her on the mouth. Usagi flushed instantly, a smile crawling across her lips when the Starlight pulled away. Every time Seiya kissed her in public, it gave her even more butterflies than usual. She was still half-expecting paparazzi to jump out and catch them, but so far dating a superstar was as easy as it had been before. And she liked that.
"You need to give her a handicap, it's the only way Usagi even stands a chance of winning!" Chibi-Usa said.
"Why, I outta-" Annoyed marks popped on Usagi's forehead. She shook her fist in the pink-haired girl's direction.
"How about this?" Seiya said. "You and me, Chibi-Bun Head. Right here. Right now. Let's see how good you really are."
"You're on!" Chibi-Usa declared boldly.
Usagi slid out of the seat, offering it over to her daughter. Seiya passed Chibi Chibi off to Usagi and they stood on the side to watch the match.
Seiya fed the machine a few tokens. Clunk. Clunk. Within seconds, they were choosing their cars.
"I won't go easy on you, Chibi Bun Head," warned Seiya, curling her fingers over the rubbery steering wheel.
"Good. I want to kick your butt fair and square, Sei." Chibi-Usa turned and faced the screen, anxious for the race to begin.
She could see her reflection in the screen like a mirror. A cute, yet mature, twelve-and-a-half-year-old girl looked back at her with wide ruby eyes. If someone had told her that in the future she'd be sitting where she was now, having fun with her new mom and little sister, she wouldn't have believed it for a second. But then again, that was life - sometimes you had to close your eyes and see what happened. And she was perfectly happy with where she ended up.
The countdown appeared on the screen. 3...2...1...GO!
"Oh my, those four are still going at it?" Motoki said with a laugh. He stood in the nearby row of games, cleaning down the monitors. Since he and Reika had broken up months ago, he'd spent a lot of time at work. The arcade wasn't too busy for a sunny Saturday afternoon, though all anyone could hear was the ruckus Seiya, Usagi, Chibi-Usa, and Chibi Chibi were making.
"Oh, I bet you they'll be here till dark!" said Makoto. She was engrossed in a video game and was barely paying attention. Eyebrows knit together in concentration, fingers flying, her face was almost pressed to the screen. The new Sailor V video game had come out last week; Sailor V Crystal, and she still hadn't managed to get past level four. Every time she got to the end, a giant green monster with four arms would appear. So far, she couldn't defeat it.
"Almost...!" She grunted, feeling a bead of sweat form on her forehead. If Makoto didn't win this time, she didn't know what she'd do.
"You've got to use the attack button and jump at the same time." Motoki paused from cleaning to peer over her shoulder.
"What! Impossible! I can't do that and dodge the missiles!"
"What are you talking about? I've watched you clear through almost every game in this arcade. You definitely can do it, Mako. Don't give up." Motoki plopped down in the chair beside her and watched. But when she got to the green monster at the end, she panicked.
"Jump! Shoot!" Motoki said encouragingly.
Makoto flicked her wrist, causing Sailor V to jump just as a missile was launched. She pressed the fire button quickly, but it was too late. The blast hit her and the blonde character fell over with X's in her eyes.
"Rats!" Makoto cursed, banging her fist against the counter.
"Aw, and you almost had it!" Motoki inserted a coin into the slot for her. "Mind if I help you this time? Two is better than one."
Makoto looked over and was surprised at how close he was. She could smell the peppermint gum in his mouth and woodsy cologne on his neck.
"S-sure!" she said, quickly facing forward.
The game started up again, and she blew through the first three levels like cake, despite the nervousness growing in her tummy. When she entered the unbeatable level, Motoki leaned even closer, putting his hands over hers and guiding her through the moves.
"See? You have to predict when the shots are going to be fired, or you'll be too late. Like this..."
"Got it." Makoto's green eyes were locked on the screen. They were so in sync together, it was as if they were one.
When the monster popped up, Makoto felt her jaw lock. She pushed forward, dodging the missiles with time to spare.
"Now, jump!" Motoki instructed. And Makoto jumped. She pressed the fire button and lasers zipped out, annihilating the beast to moondust.
"Oh my god!" Makoto stood up in shock. "I...I did it! I mean, we did it! We beat level four!" She was suddenly overcome with the urge to hug him.
"I know! We make a great team!" Motoki said jovially.
Makoto smiled, a tint of pink coloring her cheeks. "Yeah, we do..." Was she imagining it or did Motoki kind of look like the sempai who had broken her heart?
"Well, what are you waiting for?" he said, and went back to buffing the game monitors. "Level five has your name all over it! Go for it."
Makoto grinned and turned back to the game. "Thanks, Motoki," she said, suddenly feeling shy.
He paused and looked up, longer than necessary, his eyes glimmering under his sandy-blonde bangs. "Anytime, Mako."
"Haruka-papa! Michiru-mama! Isn't that Ami and the others?" Hotaru stopped walking and pressed her face up against the parlor's large window outside.
"Is it?" Michiru came up behind the raven-haired girl. "Oh, you're right, Hotaru. It is them. Should we go in and say hello?"
Hotaru brightened. "Oh, can we?"
Haruka shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see why not. We don't have much else to do, might as well kill some time."
"I'm not bored when I'm with you," Michiru said with a sly smile.
Haruka chuckled and guided her lover towards the door, hand at the small of her back.
When the family of three entered the parlor, the bell jangled and they were hit by the sweet scent of lemonade and ice cream. The radio was playing quietly, and the announcer was talking about the Three Light's upcoming tour which was already sold out. One of their new singles came on, filling the room with positive energy. They made their way to the usual booth in the corner by the windows. There sat Taiki, Ami, Yaten, Minako, Yuuichiro, Rei, and the cats, talking and eating.
"Haruka! Michiru! Hotaru!" Rei looked up in surprise. "What a coincidence seeing you girls here!"
"How is everyone?" Michiru greeted them in an airy voice. She adjusted her shawl, showing off an pretty pearl necklace.
"Good, how are you?" Ami replied. Her eyes moved to Hotaru. "My, how you've grown, Hotaru! You're almost as tall as Usagi now."
Hotaru smiled shyly. "Is Chibi-Usa here?" she asked politely.
"Yep, down in the arcade with Usagi and Seiya," Minako chirped. "Why don't you go join them, Hotaru? I'm sure they can squeeze in a game with you if you ask."
"Oh, no, that's okay. I'm not really into video games. I think I'll just go say hi to Chibi-Usa. Thank you!" Hotaru waved and wandered off excitedly.
"So," Michiru mused, sliding into the booth beside Taiki. "I hear the chocolate parfaits are on special today. Is that true?"
Yuuichiro licked his lips. "Yep. But if you ask me, anything here's good!"
"I second that." Yaten took a long sip of her fruity smoothie.
"Hey, don't drink it all!" Minako yanked the glass back in her direction. Everyone laughed.
Michiru looked up over her shoulder, to her lover who was still standing. "Haruka? Do you want anything, dear?" she asked, touching her shoulder daintily.
"Maybe later. I'm gonna hit the arcade. It's a been a while. Maybe Kitten needs an opponent..."
"You should challenge Seiya while you're down there. I would pay to watch that," Yaten said.
Haruka paused and tossed the idea around in her head. She was a formula one champion in real life after all, and she'd always set the high scores in simulated races too. How could she turn down a perfect opportunity to kick Seiya's ass?
Haruka's lips edged up in a grin. "Why not?" she said, "sounds interesting."
"This I gotta see," said Rei.
And with that, everyone raced down to the CROWN arcade, milkshakes in hand, anticipating the showdown. Haruka lead the way, everyone following her like a pack of anxious wolves.
Usagi and Chibi-Usa were at the claw machine, trying (but failing) to pluck a Sailor Mercury plushy from the pile. Hotaru stood next to her best friend, cheering her on. Seiya was nearby, helping Chibi Chibi press the light up buttons on a children's game.
"Seiya Kou," Haruka thundered, standing behind the Starlight with her arms crossed.
"That's my name, don't wear it out." Seiya helped Chibi Chibi for a bit longer, taking her time, not even bothering to turn around. When the voice didn't say anything more, she glanced up over her shoulder. Her eyes grew as large as grapefruit when she saw who was addressing her. "Oh," she said, masking her surprise. "I didn't know you were here. Something wrong?" She got to her feet.
"I challenge you to a race," Haruka declared, ignoring her question.
"A race?"
"Yeah." Haruka nodded in the direction of the machines.
"Why?"
"Because I need a worthy opponent, and I hear you're pretty good."
"Then you heard right." A smile crept across Seiya's face. She cracked her fingers. "Alright. Challenge accepted."
"That's what I wanted to hear."
Usagi noticed everyone enter the arcade so she and Chibi-Usa and Hotaru hurried over to see what was going on. She grabbed Chibi Chibi and gathered around the racing game. Even Makoto and Motoki had come over to watch.
Haruka took her usual place, Seiya to her right. It felt like just yesterday to Usagi that she'd stood nearby and watched Haruka race Minako in the very same spot. Haruka really ticked the blonde off by giving her a handicap. But Seiya really was good, and Usagi knew Haruka wouldn't be able to pull a stunt like that now. No, she could see the fire in Haruka's green eyes; a hunger for competition with a tinge of excitement. She wouldn't fool around.
"It's been years since I've played this." Haruka stuffed two tokens into the slot. "I may not be up to par."
"They didn't have these kind of things back on Kinmoku, but Bun Head drags me here after school a lot, so I've gotten the hang of it quick." Seiya cocked her head. "But no worries, I'll go easy on ya."
Haruka just chuckled and faced forward. She sat up straight, her hands loose at ten o'clock and two o'clock. While the game started up, she closed her eyes, picturing herself inside a real car. She could almost feel the vibration from the engine, smell the leather, and taste the wind. She had this. She knew she did.
Seiya bounced her legs anxiously. She really wanted to win. Bad. But something was different this time. She knew that even if she lost, she'd still win. Because here she was, playing Haruka Tenoh, someone who had hated her guts since forever, in an arcade, for fun. Things sure had come a long way since the encounter in the dressing room with their hostile handshake. Seiya wasn't sure what exactly had changed in Haruka, or when, but little by little she'd started to come around after the Chibi-Usa ordeal became a thing of the past. She didn't make snippy comments or shoot daggers when she saw Seiya with Usagi, but they barely even acknowledged each other, which they were both okay with. She wouldn't go as far as saying they were friends per se, but at least they could be in the same room without going at each others throats. It was a start. A good start.
"Good luck, Haruka," Michiru purred.
Haruka smirked. "I won't need it."
"Go for it, Seiya!" cheered Usagi enthusiastically. "You can do it!"
Seiya winked in the blonde's direction. "Got that right. Thanks, Bun Head."
Usagi blushed happily. "No problem."
The countdown appeared on the screen. 3...2...1...GO!
The race began and both their cars took off like rockets, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust at the starting line. Energizing arcade music blared from the systems, drowning out their thoughts. They sped down the curves in the dirt road and around the bends at 350 kilometers per hour.
Seiya swallowed. She flitted her eyes to the map for a second. The blinking dot showed Haruka was in the lead, but not by far. Seiya gave it a little more gas. With ease, she caught up to Haruka's green racecar.
"You got this, Sei!" Chibi-Usa said.
"Chibi Chibi!" crooned Chibi Chibi.
"Gosh, they're both good," Motoki murmured. "I've never seen two people get so intense during a game."
"I'm getting nervous just watching them," Makoto said back.
"Me too," agreed Ami.
Taiki adjusted her glasses. "I don't know, Seiya might lose this one..."
"Don't count on it, she's coming up fast," Yaten said, eyes glued to the screen.
And she was. By this point, they were on their second lap and Seiya had caught up. Head to head, they zipped around the corners. A beeping sound indicated a new record was being set. By who, they didn't know. The speedometer climbed to 400 kph.
Haruka panicked for a second when she spotted Seiya gaining on her tail. Was she really going to lose? To Seiya? She couldn't think of anything more humiliating than that. Just the thought fueled her motivation to win. She gave a burst of acceleration, surpassing the Starlight's vehicle.
Seiya clenched her teeth. How did she do that? She gave it more gas, but too much, and when a rock suddenly appeared she had to swerve and nearly lost control. But she regained it quickly and crossed the white line.
Haruka glanced over at her opponent. "Final lap. Think you can catch up?" she taunted.
"Just you wait." Seiya had never been so focused in her entire life. This was more than just a game to her. Anything competitive always was. And because it was against Haruka, the stakes were high.
Both cars zoomed around the track. They reached the final stretch, Haruka in the lead. Seiya gritted her teeth, nerves slashing through her chest as the finish line approached. With each second, she was closing the distance between them, and finally she was at Haruka's rear. More! Just a little...bit...more!
Her car inched forward, creeping up alongside Haruka's. Haruka panicked, her heart pounding like crazy. Impossible! She floored it.
"It's gonna be a close one!" Rei cried nervously.
"You have this, Seiya!" Yaten practically shouted.
The finish line was here. And as if it played in slow motion, everyone watched as the green car took the lead, breaking an all-time new record. The game lit up, a jumble of music bleating out in celebration. The high score flashed in giant numbers. Noise erupted around them as everyone congratulated the winner.
Seiya exhaled and sat back in her chair, half-smiling. I lost.
Haruka sat there for a moment in her seat, letting the adrenaline in her system settle down. Nobody had seen her grin so wide before. She turned to Seiya and stuck out her hand. "Good game."
Seiya blinked in surprise. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was some kind of trick. But then she saw the sincerity in Haruka's eyes and she smiled too, taking the butch's hand and giving it a firm squeeze.
"You too," Seiya told her. And at that moment, she felt happier than she would have if she'd won.
"You did great, Seiya," Usagi said when the Starlight stood. "In my eyes, you're still a winner!"
Seiya couldn't help but laugh. She ruffled Usagi's hair with her hands, making her bangs stand up in every direction. "Bun Head, do you have any idea how corny that just sounded?"
"Hey!" Usagi finger-combed her hair back in place. "You know what I meant..."
"I know, I'm just teasing you." Seiya gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"How should we celebrate Haruka's victory?" Chibi-Usa asked, bouncing on her heels.
Usagi's eyes lit up. "I know! Who's up for some ice cream at the new shoppe that opened down the street?"
Rei looked at her incredulously. "We just ate!"
"What?!"
Rei scoffed. "You were busy playing games, so we ate without you. It's your own fault."
Usagi pouted. "Rei! You're so mean!"
"Nuh-uh."
"Uh-huh!"
Before they could argue anymore, Haruka stepped between them. "You know what? Ice cream sounds pretty good right now. We haven't eaten yet either, so it's fine."
"Yay!" Usagi cheered. She stuck her tongue out at her friend. Rei just rolled her eyes and looked the other direction.
Everyone gathered their things, tossed their empty smoothie cups in the trash, and spilled out of the arcade. The automatic glass doors opened for them.
"Come again!" Motoki called.
"Oh, we will," Makoto trilled with a tiny wave.
The group gathered on the sidewalk, chatting as they made their way to the ice cream shoppe at the end of the block.
Just then, a blue and white motorcycle vroomed by, down the streets of Tokyo. Chibi-Usa wasn't sure why, but she paused and looked. The rider wore a dark jacket and a white helmet, and judging by the frame, it was a man in his twenties. Hanging onto his back, with her arms wrapped around his abdomen was a tall, slender girl with long legs the color of cinnamon. She too wore a helmet, with long, forest-green hair whipping out behind her.
Chibi-Usa smiled and waved. The couple was going too fast to see her, but she didn't care.
"Oh, do you know them, Chibi-Usa?" Ami asked.
"I guess you can say that."
"Aw man, I'm stuffed!" Usagi patted her belly. "I shouldn't have ate that whole hot fudge sundae by myself!"
Seiya laughed. "I offered to help you finish it, but you insisted that you could eat it all."
Usagi groaned. "Don't remind me!"
The Starlight was walking her home later that night. Everyone else had gone their own way after going out for ice cream. Chibi-Usa was spending the night at Hotaru's, and Rei and Minako had offered to babysit Chibi Chibi. Luna was off with Artemis, and Diana had gone with her owner. Everyone else had gone home.
The sun was setting. The sky was the color of apples and oranges. It was a warm summer night, the crickets chirping in the trees.
Crunch. Crunch. The pebbles of the sidewalk ground beneath their sandals. Usagi took a deep gulp of air. She loved the sweet scent of fresh-cut grass and cherry blossoms.
"You didn't have to walk me all the way home, Seiya," Usagi said. "Your apartment is across town. Now I'll be worried about you walking back."
"Don't sweat it. I'd never let a pretty girl like you walk home at night all by yourself, Bun Head."
"You're a pretty girl too." Usagi giggled. "So I can't let you walk home alone."
Seiya chuckled. "But as far as anyone knows, I'm a guy. So I think I'll be fine."
They had reached Usagi's house now, the two-story building looming before them. The red roof shone where the sunset reflected on it. Seiya opened the gate for her chivalrously, and they made their way up to the porch, past a couple of lush bushes. Inside the tall pink and white fence, it was quiet, and they felt alone in the midst of Tokyo.
"You want to come inside for a bit?" Usagi didn't want her to leave just yet. It'd been a great day and she didn't want it to end. She saw the hesitation on Seiya's face and said quickly, "It's okay, my parents aren't home. Dad's doing a photography project for work and Mom went with. Shingo's at a friend's house this weekend."
"Okay." Seiya leaned against the door while Usagi fished around in her pocket for the key. "So...are you ever going to introduce me to your folks? We've been going out for a long time now, shouldn't they know who I am?"
Usagi jammed the key into the lock, fiddled it around, and pushed the door open. "Everyone knows who you are, Seiya. You're famous."
"You know what I meant."
"I'm just worried how Dad will react. He's always been really freaky about me dating... But Mom will love you and Shingo will be impressed. I guess you're right. We should do it soon."
Seiya stepped out of her shoes in the entryway, steadying herself with a hand on the wall. "It's okay, Bun Head, don't worry yourself over it. You can introduce me to them whenever you want to."
Usagi closed the door behind them. "Thanks, Seiya," she said.
"No problem."
There were a couple seconds of silence. "You want anything to drink?" Usagi asked, heading to the kitchen. On her way, she flicked the lights on and felt better. After all, she hadn't been home alone with Seiya since the Starlight had spent the night as her bodyguard. But all of their friends had shown up, and Chibi Chibi and Luna had been there too, so did it even count? Now it really was just the two of them.
"No, I'm good." Seiya casually leaned against the wall, her hands in the pockets of her baggy mens jeans.
"You sure?" The kissing sound of the refrigerator opening sounded through the kitchen. Usagi stared inside, waiting for something to jump out at her.
"Yep."
"Alright then..." Usagi finally settled on a soda pop. She cracked the metal lip and tipped her head back, letting the carbonated drink sizzle her tongue and trickle down her throat. She grabbed a bag of potato chips from the cupboard and headed into the dining room.
"Actually, do you wanna go upstairs?" Seiya asked. "It's more comfortable."
Usagi shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."
The two girls climbed the stairs to Usagi's room. Seiya hadn't been in her house for a while, but it looked the same as she remembered. Usually when she'd stop by late at night, she never came inside. She'd just stand outside the gate and throw rocks at Usagi's window until she came out onto the balcony. They'd talk for hours out there, under the dome of stars.
Usagi plopped down on the corner of her bed, the bag of chips in her lap. She tossed a handful into her mouth. Crunch. Crunch.
Seiya sat down at the little table nearby. "I can't believe you're still hungry," she said lightly. "I thought you said you were stuffed from the ice cream."
Usagi gave her a look and went on chomping.
Seiya got up and sat down beside her. The bed sank a little at both of their weight. Seiya dove her hand into the bag and pulled out a single chip.
"You're real quiet, Seiya. It's not like you. Something wrong?" Usagi took a swig of pop.
"Nope. Just thinking."
"About what?"
Seiya blushed a little. "Just about...stuff," she said quickly, and took another chip.
"Oh." Usagi chewed for a while. She glanced over her shoulder, out the window. The sun had vanished behind the buildings. Even if Seiya left now, it'd be dark by the time she reached the apartment that she and Yaten and Taiki were sharing. No matter how tough Seiya thought she was, Usagi wasn't going to let her walk home at dark alone.
"Seiya, it's getting late. Why don't you stay the night?"
She looked pleasantly surprised. "Okay, cool. But I'll have to call Taiki and let them know I won't be home."
"The phone's in the hall," Usagi offered.
Seiya nodded and stood. "I'll be right back..." The Starlight sauntered across the room, her glossy blue-black ponytail swinging behind her back with each step she took. She left the door open and Usagi could hear her footsteps thudding down the stairs.
Usagi set her drink down on the table and brushed the crumbs off herself. The second she was alone, the realization sank in: Seiya was going to spend the night and they were going to sleep together in her bed. But they'd done it all the time in Seiya's room at the palace, so why did she feel so nervous about it now?
But it felt different this time, more intimate, somehow. It was in her bedroom, with her pink walls and bookshelves full of manga. In her bed, with her pillows and blanket with the little rabbits and crescent moons on them. Usagi's stomach did somersaults.
"They said it was fine," Seiya said, entering the room. She plopped back down beside Usagi. "But I'll need to borrow some pajamas."
"Do you want to wear some of mine? They might be small, but..."
Seiya's face lit up. "Sure."
They went over to the dresser and Usagi opened the second drawer for her. She pulled out the first thing her hand touched for herself and headed downstairs to the bathroom to change while Seiya dressed in her room.
Once she was in the bathroom, Usagi locked the door and unzipped her dress, letting it fall into a heap at her ankles. She stepped out of it and kicked it aside. She'd ended up grabbing a lacy nightgown. It was silky and thin, sort of see through in the light, but she yanked it over her head anyways.
Usagi turned to face her reflection in the mirror. She felt sort of high and nervous, like she'd drunk twelve cans of soda. Was it noticeable? She fluffed her bangs and adjusted her space buns. She slathered some cherry blossom and peach lotion onto her hands. Then she grabbed her toothbrush and brushed her teeth. Twice.
She wasn't sure how long she'd been gone. What if she walked back into her bedroom and Seiya was still getting dressed? Just picturing her standing there partially naked made her go pink in the face. But knowing Seiya, she'd just laugh it off.
Just to be safe, Usagi waited two more minutes before she padded upstairs and down the hall to her bedroom. She creaked the door open and hesitantly stepped inside, holding her breath.
Seiya was lying in her bed on her side, one elbow propped up against the side of her head. She was wearing Usagi's pink button-up pajama top and bottoms that she'd had for years. They were tight across the chest and short on her ankles, but she looked so cute in them, Usagi's heart swooped.
Seiya smirked when the blonde met her gaze. "I was starting to wonder if you fell in," she teased.
Usagi stuck out her tongue. She closed the door and crossed the room. When she crawled into bed, the springs creaked. She slid under the comforter.
Unlike Seiya's king-sized bed, Usagi had had hers since she was a kid, and it was only a twin. They had to snuggle real close or she'd fall off the side, which she did sometimes when she'd shared it with Chibi-Usa. But neither of them seemed to mind the closeness one bit.
Usagi studied Seiya's face in the twilight. The dying sunset poured in from behind her, making the edges of her hair look as blue as her eyes. Her eyes, which looked so captivating, both loving and protective, drew her in like a magnetic force. She waited and waited for Seiya to say something, but she didn't. She just gazed at Usagi, a faint smile gracing her smooth lips.
Usagi tugged on the sleeves of her nightgown. What is up with her tonight? She's acting weird.
"I love you, Bun Head," Seiya whispered. She caressed her girlfriend's cheek with the back of her hand, using feather-light pressure.
"I love you too, Seiya."
Seiya opened her mouth to say something else, but shut it. She scooted closer, so their bodies touched in every place under the blanket, from their knees to their stomachs to their bosoms.
"I... Um... I want to show you how much I love you." Seiya's voice sounded kind of tight, almost high-pitched. Her breath was hot against Usagi's cheek. It took her a minute to realize what Seiya was saying.
Usagi's heart quickened. She tried to speak, but had to swallow first for the words to get out.
"Okay," she said shakily.
"I just..." Seiya closed her eyes, as if it made it easier to talk somehow. "...I just want to make sure you want that too. If not, that's okay. We can wait."
"No," Usagi said quickly. "I do want that. I want you, Seiya. All of you." She was half-expecting Seiya to laugh at how corny those words were, but she didn't. Usagi had never seen her so serious before.
Seiya opened her eyes. She was blushing so fiercely, she was sure Usagi could feel the heat radiating off her face.
"Are you sure you're ready?" she asked again. It almost sounded like she was asking herself.
Usagi nodded. "Yes." Somehow she'd known from the moment she'd invited Seiya into the house that this would happen. She'd hoped for it, at least. She couldn't count the number of nights she'd spent fantasizing about it. They'd known each other for years. And it was finally going to happen.
"Okay..." Seiya inched closer at a snail's pace. Usagi eased onto her back, staring up at the ceiling, waiting patiently. Nerves gnawed at her belly. Her heart was hammering so hard, she could feel it in her fingertips and toes. Dryness crept up her throat and her palms began to sweat. She wanted it so bad, she couldn't believe how anxious she felt. Seiya finally leaned in, and for a second, they were breathing the same air.
It started with a kiss.
They'd done it dozens of times before, but this was different. Seiya was moving at a much slower pace than she usually did, as if trying to savor every second like it was the last. Usagi's lips were wet and warm against her own, and together, their mouths danced.
Seiya's hands deviated from her neck. She trailed them down Usagi's shoulders to her forearms, making the blonde shudder involuntarily, then back up again. She massaged Usagi's neck, working her fingers into the blonde locks behind her ears as she kissed her sweetly, passionately.
"Mmm..." A soft moan of pleasure escaped Usagi's lips. She realized she'd never known what it was really like to kiss Seiya until now. The Starlight had been holding so much back, she was taken by surprise.
She felt Seiya's tongue pressing against her lips, begging for access. She granted it, tilting her head back and letting Seiya explore the tenderness inside her mouth. Seiya tasted like the ice cream they'd eaten earlier.
Usagi pressed her hands down on Seiya's shoulder blades, encouraging her to come closer. She wanted to feel her body so close that their hearts would beat as one. And Seiya did just that, locking one leg over the blonde's hip, then easing over until she was fully on top of her.
They'd been kissing for so long, neither one knew how much time had passed. When they paused to catch their breath, Usagi gazed up into Seiya's eyes, a shy smile flitting over her lips. Her heart was beating double time and they hadn't even started yet!
Seiya smiled back, a bloom of pink appearing on her cheeks as her hands crept down the moon princess's body and toyed with the end of her nightgown. She rubbed the lace between her fingertips, her hands brushing against the skin of Usagi's thighs. She massaged her leg, wanting to touch her all over.
Usagi sat up a little, and Seiya gently eased the nightgown up over her head. She tossed it aside and it fell to the floor. Usagi flushed a flaming pink and laid back down, feeling naked in her lingerie while Seiya was still fully dressed.
The amazement was written all over Seiya's face and she didn't try to hide it.
"You're so beautiful," Seiya murmured, leaning forward to kiss the skin near her neck. The scent of strawberries tickled her nose as she kissed every part of her with lips that felt like butterfly wings to Usagi; her elbows, her wrists, her hands. Seiya worked her way down, trailing tender kisses from the top of her breasts, then down her stomach, stopping once her chin grazed against the hem of her panties.
"Seiya..." Usagi whispered, almost begging.
"Yes?" Seiya looked up. Her eyelashes were so thick and long they nearly touched her eyebrows.
"You too..." Usagi managed in a quavering voice. She motioned for the Starlight to come up, and she did.
Usagi reached up and started to unbutton her shirt. Or at least tried to. Her fingers were trembling so bad, she fumbled over and over, like they were numb and she couldn't feel what she was doing. She was relieved Seiya didn't laugh at her inexperience, but looked down at her with caring, patient eyes that said, it's okay.
It took her twice as long as it should have, but one by one, she managed to get each button out of the slot, exposing a little bit more of Seiya, like she was unwrapping a present. The more she got undone, the faster her heart thundered. She felt a surge between her legs and wondered if Seiya was getting as excited as she was.
The shirt fell open to the sides, and Seiya shrugged it off, leaving her in a silky blue bra with lace trim.
Gazing up at the Starlight above her, all Usagi could think of was how soft Seiya's breasts would feel under her hands and how much she wanted to touch them for the first time, and how much she wanted Seiya to her everywhere. She slipped her hands down Seiya's bare abdomen and tugged feebly on her bottoms, which the Starlight helped her remove, revealing a matching pair of panties.
Seiya's skin was a creamy pale, the color of moonlight. Her legs were long and toned, Usagi could feel them dovetailed against her own, as soft as rozamoku petals. Her shoulders were bare and her arms looked strong.
Usagi ran her hand down the girl's back, lower and lower, making the Starlight shiver in pleasure. Their eyes met and they both felt warmth rise in their cheeks. The moment was so intimate. This was the most she'd ever seen of Seiya, and she was embarrassed to find herself wanting to see even more.
Before she lost the nerve, she felt up along Seiya's back and fingered her bra strap. She unhooked the row of teeth and the bra began to slide down her shoulders. Seiya looked stunned for a moment, shocked even, that Usagi would do something so bold, so enticing. She grinned and shrugged it off entirely.
Seiya went to work at Usagi's straps, guiding them down each shoulder teasingly, making the blonde squirm under her ticklish touch. Usagi was wearing a cute bra with polka dots on them that suited her perfectly. It was a shame it was coming off.
Seiya unlatched the single hook in the back and removed the garment off her lover with ease. It too hit the floor.
Their lips found each others once again and their bodies slowly pressed together. It was so warm, from both the skin on skin and the feelings inside them. Usagi's heart thumped madly. It almost hurt, pounding against her bare chest.
"Seiya..." Usagi said when the Starlight had worked her panties off. "This...is...my first time. So please be gentle..."
"Of course," Seiya whispered, kissing her collarbone. She felt her cheeks burn, and she couldn't even bring herself to look up. "I...I haven't really done this before either," she admitted.
Usagi was kind of surprised. She figured Seiya was confident when it came to everything, including sex. Knowing that the Starlight was probably as nervous as she was made her feel a whole lot better.
As Seiya reached over to turn off the lamp on the nightstand, Usagi caught her wrist.
"Y-you want the lights on?" Seiya said in disbelief.
Usagi nodded.
Then she chuckled. "Wait, don't tell me you're afraid of the dark, Bun Head."
Usagi's features settled into a smile. "It's not that... I just want to remember this night perfectly, Seiya. All of it."
Seiya gazed down at her for a moment longer, then grinned. "Me too..." she purred into her ear.
Stars splatter-painted the dark sky. The wind carried the cricket's tuneful melody. Moonlight poured into the window, casting shadows on the bed where the couple laid naked, facing each other, trying to catch their breath.
Usagi couldn't stop smiling. Seiya looked pretty thrilled herself. Like anyone's first time, it'd been exciting and awkward and amazing, all at the same time.
They had gone soft and slow, moving together and taking the time to explore each others bodies before building up the passion. It wasn't perfect like in the movies, but they'd learned together as they went along. From the giggles to the moans and cries, to the arching and writhing and warmth of tongue and caress of fingers, Seiya knew she would dream about it all over again when she fell asleep.
And now they snuggled together under the blanket, basking in the moonlight. Their hair had come half-undone during the lovemaking, so they'd untied each others completely. Blonde and blue tresses flowed freely in waves, mixing together on the sheets.
"What are you thinking, Seiya?" Usagi studied her face in the dark.
"That tonight was the best night of my life," she said honestly.
Usagi managed to blush, even after what they'd just done. "Same."
"Bun Head..." The name sounded different after the variety of ways she'd just used it, from a weak whisper to a plea to a rugged scream. Seiya reached over and touched her cheek. "I'm so glad that you're here with me. There's so much... so much ahead of us to look forward to and worry about, but I've never felt happier."
"Seiya..." Usagi rested her hand over the Starlight's, interlacing their fingers. They were quiet for a while, no need for words. Then she felt the sheets stir and the fragrance of spicy pomegranates and roses grow stronger as she leaned in.
"Can you promise me one thing, Bun Head?" Seiya whispered.
"Anything."
"Promise that you'll marry me someday."
Tingles shot from Usagi's head to all ten toes. Happiness expanded like an explosion inside her, so extreme that she wasn't sure she'd survive it. Usagi's eyes felt prickly for an instant and she had to blink to keep from crying. Her mouth wobbled into a smile.
"I promise, Seiya," she said, and leaned up and kissed her.
Seiya wrapped an arm around her frame and hugged Usagi close so their foreheads touched. They eventually fell asleep that way, breathing in each others scent.
A shooting star glistened through the night sky, right across the full moon. And like their celestial symbols shining over them as they slept, they would always be together; the stars and the moon.
THE END