Title: Underneath the Stars
Author: Midlight Bunny
Rating: PG
Type: Crossover (SM / GW)
3. Ascending the Throne
At dawn Usagi was woken by her chambermaids and told to eat the breakfast they had brought up from the kitchen. She could feel eyes on her, ready to reprimand her faster than light eating habit, but today she would surprise them. Usagi slowly ate her breakfast, savored the taste of the chocolate pancakes sprinkled with powered sugar -- one of her favorites that the head chef, Makoto Kino, made especially for her. Wiping the remnants of the breakfast from her lips, she went to shower as the chambermaids continued to run around her room preparing for the important day.
Trudging into the enormous bathroom, she mentally cursed the night run for her fatigue and aching muscles. Removing her clothes, she tested the water and step inside the tub. She was slightly tense, but relaxed when the warm water ran over her body.
Today was the big day. Today she would meet the world, so to speak; Serenity Peacecraft would finally be unveiled to the press. Just imagining herself in front of the huge sea of reporters made her stomach queasy. 'I hope that everything goes smoothly today. I must be positive. Happy thoughts...'
Usagi got out of the tub and dried herself off when she felt her skin start to prune. Stepping back into the bedroom, she managed a squeak as she was mobbed by her chambermaids.
Seating her in front of the maple vanity, they brushed her hair and applied light, natural looking make-up to her face. Next they dressed her in an ankle length white dress with a fitted top that was decorated by interlocking gold circles going along the front. The sleeves of the dress were puffed at the shoulders and then laced with gold ribbon to accent the color of her hair. White strap sandals were then placed on her feet and her hair was styled; half went up in a bun while the other half flowed freely behind her. For the final touch, a small princess crown was placed on her head -- a gift from Relena.
*
Reaching the ballroom, Usagi spotted Relena giving last minute instructions to Pargan.
"Morning, Lina," called Usagi as she neared her sister.
"Good morning, Seri. Are you ready for the conference?"
Peeking into the room, Usagi saw a mob of people running around to set-up equipment and to find the best seats. She turned and leaned against the door to face Relena. She was nervous and scared half to death.
"I don't know if I can do this, Lina. There are so many people."
"I know you can do this, Seri. You will be getting a lot of responsibilities from now on, but all of us believe that you can handle it. If it makes you feel any better, I can seat the guys in the front for support."
"Can you? Oh, thank you, Lina. Your the best big sister anyone could have," said Usagi as she hugged her sister.
"Well, I am the only big sister you have," laughed Relena. "However, how are we going to keep the press off of Quatre?"
The issue of Quatre Winner posed a problem. The identities of the gundam pilots were only known by a few people in the universe; the other pilots could be easily passed off as personnel. However, the young man, who happened to be the heir to the L4 colony cluster, was just too well known and wealthy. The press would speculate why he would travel so far for a press conference in the Sanc Kingdom on Earth.
"I know. Have the other guys pose as his bodyguards and say that he's an acquaintance that came to show support… that should work."
Agreeing on the course of action, Relena had the guys seated in the front of the press. She also made sure that Quatre was strategically placed in the front row with the Duo on his left, Wufei on his right, and Trowa seated in back -- to keep the facade of his bodyguards.
*
Straightening her lavender business suit, Relena made a last minute inspection of her attire. As she stepped up to the ballroom doors, she was stopped by her sister. Quickly, Usagi tied a maroon ribbon onto her sister's hair at the nape of her neck and nodded her head in approval.
*
Reporters were still running around the room when Relena walked up to the podium in front of the grand staircase. It took only seconds for the crowd to settle and direct their full attention to the woman at the front -- the reason why they were currently in the Sanc Kingdom.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming. It has been six months since the incident concerning colony X-18999 and a year and a half from the Eve Wars. Today, I, Relena Darlian, am here before you as Princess Relena Peacecraft..." Murmurs were heard in the crowd as Relena continued, "...not the Vice Foreign Minister. For that reason, I have asked you here today. On this day, I have the pleasure of introducing my sister to the world."
The members of the press were in frenzy as the four ex-Gundam pilots watched, silently offering their support.
"She will be taking over my position and responsibilities as crown princess of the rebuilt Sanc Kingdom."
Turning to Pargan, she nodded her head.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I present to you, her highness, Princess Serenity Peacecraft," Pargan proudly announced.
All heads turned to the grand staircase awaiting the first look of the other princess. Slowly the doors opened to reveal the new head of the Sanc Kingdom.
Usagi held her head high and walked with practiced grace to the podium. "Good afternoon. My name is Serenity Peacecraft. As stated by my sister, I will now represent the Sanc Kingdom under the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. I may be young, but like my sister I will do everything I can to maintain peace." Looking through the sea of reporters, Usagi nodded toward a woman near the front.
"Princess Serenity, what are your views on war?"
"I detest wars, but how would we appreciate this peace if we had not seen the effects of wars."
Searching the crowd again, Usagi nodded toward an individual near the back of the room.
"Princess, why are you now taking over for your sister, the Vice Foreign Minister?"
"With her position as Vice Foreign Minister, Relena does not have the time to oversee the progress of both the Sanc Kingdom and the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. Since we share similar views, she believes that I can give the Sanc Kingdom proper supervision and representation, while she continues to maintain the peace between members of the Nation," informed Usagi.
"Serenity, will you be reopening the Academy?" inquired the famous TV personality, Minako Aino.
"As of now, plans for the reopening of the Academy are underway. I have already received numerous applications, but to give every applicant an equal opportunity into the school, students will be selected by numerous qualifications and not by political influences."
The press conference went on as reporter after reporter kept shouting her name and asking her views on things from current affairs to her favorite color. She answered every question diplomatically, but found herself getting tired of speaking in such a formal tone and speech. However, she was jolted out of her boredom by one simple question and the chaos that ensued.
"Serenity, why is the head of the Winner Corporation here in the Sanc Kingdom?"
Before she had a chance to speak, another reporter shouted over the crowd, "Perhaps Winner is marrying the new princess. There have been reports of him meeting someone with her description. That person was also seen meeting with Winner's guards. Or maybe they are secretly married." All eyes turned to a beet-red Quatre and a blushing princess as cameras flashed from all directions.
'Damn tabloid reporters. What the hell do they think they're doing?' thought Usagi.
"I'm sorry everyone, but I invited Quatre because he is a good friend of ours and he wanted to show his support for Serenity," Relena quickly interjected as she flashed a smile to the crowd. "Now if there are no more questions, my sister and I thank you again for coming."
Both princesses then made a hasty retreat as the room was overrun with reporters making phone calls to their editors about this breaking news.
*
"Phew. I do not want to do that again anytime soon. Thanks for saving me from that last reporter, Lina."
"I told you that I'd help you through this, did I not?"
Usagi smiled. Picking up her pace, she walked along side her sister as they headed to the private living room on the third floor -- otherwise known as their floor. Seating themselves in the wine red love seat, Usagi and Relena collapsed.
Not long after, the four ex-pilots entered the crimson decorated room and seated themselves around the small coffee table.
The silence didn't last long because Duo started to sing, "Quatre and Bunny sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then come..."
Duo didn't get to finish his song because Usagi threw one of her sandals at his head.
"What? You didn't like my song?"
Everyone rolled their eyes at Duo.
"D-duo has a point," stuttered Quatre. "The press is saying that we're... secret lovers."
Usagi's eyes seemed to pop out of her head.
"WHAT?!"
"Oh my," gasped out Relena.
Duo was on the ground laughing.
"We barely made it out of the ballroom after you left. I thought Quatre was going to pass out from some of the questions they asked him, but Wufei scared them away with his katana. I think the funniest one was... (Usagi and Relena leaned in closer to hear Duo as Quatre's face turned even redder.) It was when a reporter asked Quatre if Usagi was pregnant with his child."
Usagi promptly fainted into the chair as Relena wondered how this ended up being a three-ring circus.
*
Light shone into the room as the morning's ray found the sleeping princess in her canopy bed. Shielding her eyes with her hand, she blinked a couple of times to get the bright dots to disappear.
"Ugh. I have such a headache."
Sitting up, she noticed that Quatre was standing by her side. Taking the offered aspirin and water, she gulped it down and relaxed against her pillow.
"Q-e, was I dreaming? (Quatre looked her in the eyes and shook his head.) How are we going to fix this?"
"You've been asleep for one day, so you haven't read the headlines yet."
Handing her a couple of news articles, Usagi sifted through them and frowned. The first headline was 'The Prince of Space to marry the new Princess of Sanc.' Another stated, 'Peacecraft princess in love with head of Winner Corporation'. Usagi was at a loss of words.
Quatre softly smiled down at the silent Usagi.
"Relena said that we must hold another press conference to clear this misunderstanding. (Usagi looked at him and nodded her head.) The conference is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, so we are taking the day to get things in order."
Tossing the covers off, Usagi grabbed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt from her dresser. After changing in the bathroom, Quatre escorted her to the conference room. There they would meet Relena and the Sanc Kingdom advisors, Rei Hino, Michiru Kaiou, and Setsuna Meiou.
*
From morning to nightfall, preparations were made for the events of the next day -- most importantly, Quatre's and Usagi's speeches. After dinner, Usagi headed to her room to memorize her speech. Barely satisfied with her practice runs, Usagi took a well-deserved bubble bath as she reflected on the situation.
"I've only been in charge for less than 3 days and this happens. How does Lina handle it?" Usagi slowly descended down into the bath and blew bubbles in the water. "Hmm. I think I remember her saying something about Heero. Heero..." She let the name roll off her tongue as she sat up and grabbed the washcloth.
"If only you would come to me. I need your strength... but you love my sister, don't you? That's the reason why you won't come back to me... Every time I'm near you, I only reminded you of her... I'm not as strong as Lina. Did you see that? Is that why? But don't you see that I need you? I think about you everyday."
Sighing, Usagi rinsed herself off and wrapped her plush pink towel around her small figure. Steadying herself in front of the bathroom sink, she stopped the tears that threatened to fall. Usagi froze as she felt a breeze. She was sure that she had closed the door when she had gotten into the bathroom. That was when she noticed that the bathroom door was lightly swinging on its hinges. Slightly panicked, Usagi prepared herself to make a run for it. '1,2,3.' and she ran for the door.
A figure captured her from behind. Not allowing her a chance to scream, a callused hand covered her mouth as the other secured her against his body. Slowly the figure bent his head down to her ear. His hot breath tickled her neck causing her to shiver. Usagi was confused and scared, yet excited. It didn't help that her skin felt as if it was on fire from his touch. "What do you want?" she breathed out.
Softly the figure whispered to her. "You."
Usagi relaxed against his body. Turning in his grip, Usagi faced him as his lips descended upon hers. Putting all her passion into the kiss, Usagi felt her heart beat rapidly against her ribcage. Slowly they parted to catch their breath. Looking in ultramarine eyes, she felt her insides melt as they made their way into her bedroom. Stopping next to her bed, Usagi ran her fingers over his face and uttered one word...
*****
Thanks for reviewing. (The little muse on my shoulder is doing cheers with a set of pom-poms.)
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I'm glad that you all like the fic. =)
*For anyone that's a little confused, I'll try to post a final section with every event in order. I hope that helps.