(Author's Note: I own nothing, Sailor Moon is owned by Nako Takeuchi. Also if you haven't read my last story Attack on Senshies, I'd highly recommend doing that before starting this one.)
Chapter One
A Dance For The Ages
It was early afternoon the next morning when everyone slowly started to open their eyes. "Good morning Naru." Sailor Moon quietly said with a smile as she opened her eyes and looked into Naru's.
"Good morning Usagi, did you sleep well last night?" Naru asked with a small smile as she stared back at Sailor Moon.
"I slept okay for the most part, I had another nightmare though around two this morning." Sailor Moon quietly answered with a small frown.
"That would explain why the sheets are soaked, I'm sorry I didn't notice Usagi. Do you wanna talk about it?" Naru asked with a sad expression as she took Sailor Moon's hand in her own.
"It was about Sasha, even though I was injured and laying on the floor when it happened, I still feel awful that none of us could help her. I remember the way she yelled as she threw Kaede out of the way of the shooter, and all the blood that spewed from her chest. There was so much of it by the time she died, it looked liked a can of red paint had just been dumped on the floor beneath her. Seeing her die was bad enough, but the pain she must've been in before she died, I can't even imagine it. Still though, she stayed strong for Kaede, she didn't let on about how much she must've been suffering; the only one she cared about was Kaede. I feel so bad about that day Naru, I wish we could've done more for all of them. Maybe if I'd planned better and expected things to be as bad as they were then maybe we could've saved her." Sailor Moon quietly cried as she stared into Naru's eyes.
"Don't think like that Usagi, you all did everything you could over there. I know it's not easy to except Usagi, but there are some things that even the great Sailor Moon can't do. You lived, and you brought everyone home with you, that's more than most could've done Usagi." Naru quietly said as she pulled Sailor Moon close and held her.
"Did I bring them home Naru, did any of us really come home after everything we saw and did in that world? I feel like part of me died over there, and everyone else feels the same way. I should've let Ami kill Reaper the second she had the chance, with or without hate in her heart. Maybe if I'd just told her to execute the bastard then we could've avoided all the pain we feel now. Did I screw up Naru, did I make a bad call that day?" Sailor Moon quietly sobbed as she looked up at Naru.
"No Usagi, you wanted to save Ami from herself. If you'd've let her kill Reaper out of hate or vengeance, then she wouldn't be the same person anymore. Her heart would've been darkened and her soul corrupted, it was better that she didn't kill him out of hate or anger, but that she do it just because it was her job as a Senshi." Naru quietly explained as she ran her fingers through Sailor Moon's hair.
"But look how corrupted we are now Naru, instead of killing a monster we ended up in a world where we had to kill people. Which is worse Naru, killing a monster out of hate, or killing humans for survival and freedom? Which one is more corrupting to our souls Naru?" Sailor Moon cried as she clung to Naru and buried her face in her chest.
"You're not corrupted Usagi, you're still the same person you were when you left. You feel guilt and sorrow about what you had to do, that's proof enough that you haven't been corrupted. You're just wounded Usagi, but you'll heal over time." Naru quietly explained as she gently kissed Sailor Moon's forehead.
"I can't wait to just get away from everything for a while. No more monsters or Marlyians, just a nice calm vacation with the people I love. I need it so bad Naru." Sailor Moon quietly cried as she cuddled closer to Naru.
"You'll get it Usagi, by this time tomorrow we'll be on a plane headed for Texas, and I'm sure we're gonna have a good time." Naru quietly said as she rocked Sailor Moon a bit.
"I hope so Naru, I can't take anymore chaos in my life right now. Some days you're the only thing that keeps me from jumping off the roof Naru." Sailor Moon cried as she clung to Naru, Naru was about to say something when a shuffling sound grabbed her attention.
"You're all still sleeping?" Chibiusa asked with a yawn as she shuffled her socked feet across the floor towards everyone.
"They're starting to wake up." Naru informed as she looked at Chibiusa.
"That's good, they have to finish setting up the last details for the dance." Chibiusa reminded as she went to poke Jupiter.
"Don't poke her Chibiusa, you're gonna..." Naru started warning, but it was too late. Chibiusa poked Jupiter and accidentally gave her a static shock.
"Ow! What the hell?!" Jupiter shouted as she quickly sat up and grabbed her guns.
"Sorry Mako, I didn't mean to shock you." Chibiusa quietly apologized with a small frown.
"It's fine Chibiusa, I'm just glad you're not trying to kill me." Jupiter replied with a smile as she set her guns down.
"What's going on, did I over sleep?" Mercury mumbled as she slowly sat up and looked around. She was still half asleep and had some drool down one side of her mouth.
"No, but I can tell that you slept like a rock for once." Jupiter chuckled as she pulled her sleeve into her hand and wiped Mercury's mouth with it.
"Thanks Mako." Mercury mumbled as she rested her head on Jupiter's shoulder.
"We should start to get moving, we've got some work to do before the dance tonight." Jupiter informed with a smile as she stood up, then held her hands out to Mercury.
"Thanks." Mercury quietly thanked with a yawn as she took Jupiter's hands and pulled herself to her feet.
"We should wake the others." Naru suggested as she looked at Mars and Venus, then at Europa and Sarah.
"I'll get sis and Sarah, you wanna give Rei and Mina a nudge please?" Jupiter informed and asked as she walked over by Europa and Sarah, then lightly poked Europa's cheek.
"Sure Mako." Naru answered as she rolled to the side and nudged Venus a few times. "Mina, Miiiiinaaa. Time to get up sleepy head." Naru quietly said as she gently shook Venus.
"What?" Venus asked in a groggy tone as she opened one eye and looked at Naru.
"Morning Mina, we've gotta get up and finish setting up the dance." Naru said with a smile as she stared at Venus.
"Okay." Venus quietly replied as she rolled over and looked at Mars. "Hey, it's time to get up Rei, we have work to do for the dance yet." Venus said with a smile as she nudged Mars a few times.
"But sleepy." Mars mumbled as she wrapped her arms around Venus.
"No more sleeping Rei, we don't wanna be late for the dance and leave everyone without all that good food we worked so hard to make." Venus replied with a smile as she gently sat Mars up.
"Alright, let's get going." Mars replied with a yawn as she stretched her arms above her head. "Are those two slugs coming?" Mars asked with a grin as she stared at Europa and Sarah.
"I'm trying, but they're both stubborn." Jupiter grumbled as she shook Europa. "Hey, get up sis, we've got things to do and not a lot of time to do them." Jupiter informed as she shook Europa some more.
"I'm getting up, jeez! You don't have to shake me you know." Europa grumbled as she sat up and stared at Jupiter.
"Someone's cranky today." Jupiter said with an evil grin as she poked Europa a few times.
"I had trouble sleeping for a bit last night, I had another nightmare about Sasha and the only reason I didn't start screaming like I usually do is because all of my tossing around woke Sarah up, and she rolled over and woke me up. I hardly even remember it, all I remember is hearing the gun shot and watching Sasha fall. That's probably about when Sarah woke me up." Europa quietly cried as she stared at everyone. "I miss her sis, I miss my little bumpkin so much. It should've been me who got shot that day, not Sasha." Europa quietly cried.
"That ain't true darling, ya shouldn't've been the one ta get shot, ain't nobody should've been the one ta get shot. But it happened and there's no way ta change it, but I know that don't help much hearing that. All that ya need ta remember is that Sasha loved ya Kaede, and just cause she ain't here don't mean that she's gone. She'll always be with ya Kaede, all of the memories ya have of her will always be with ya, and she'll always live in yer heart Kaede. So long as yer heart beats she'll never truly be gone darling." Sarah quietly said as she gently hugged Europa.
"Sarah." Europa cried as she clung to Sarah.
"I'm here darling, I'm here." Sarah quietly said as she continued to hold Europa.
"Thank you Sarah, I'm so thankful for you. You've made this horrible time a little easier for all of us, but especially for me. Thank you Sarah." Europa quietly cried as she snuggled with Sarah.
"Y're welcome darling. Now dry tham tears and get yer butt moving sugar, we's got a dance ta finish." Sarah informed with a smile as she pulled herself and Europa to their feet.
"Okay!" Europa yelled with a smile as she looked around the room at everyone.
"I'll start breakfast while you all get dressed and washed up." Jupiter informed as she started walking towards the kitchen.
"Don't even think about it Ms. Kino, you all have enough to worry about." Ikuko said with a smile as she came down the stairs with Luna, Artemis, and Diana.
"It's not a big deal Tsukino-San, it won't take that long." Jupiter replied with a smile as she stared at Ikuko.
"I don't care, you have enough to worry about. Now go get showered and changed while I get breakfast going." Ikuko instructed as she walked into the kitchen.
"Thank you Ikuko-San!" Jupiter yelled as she ran over to the stairs and led everyone up them.
"I call the shower first!" Venus yelled as she ran towards the bathroom.
"Oh no you don't, you take forever Mina!" Mars yelled as she grabbed Venus's wrist and pulled her backwards.
"Yeah, and besides it's my house. So I should get to go first." Sailor Moon said with a smirk as she started walking towards the bathroom.
"But a good host let's their guests go first." Naru said with a chuckle as she bumped Sailor Moon aside.
"Well I'm not a good host." Sailor Moon replied as she grabbed Naru and pulled her back from the bathroom. Within seconds everyone was fighting over who would get to shower first, until they all stopped at the sound of running water. "Who's in there?" Sailor Moon asked as she looked around the hall at everyone.
"No way, Ami slipped past all of us!" Jupiter yelled as she stared at the bathroom door.
"What is it everyone says about the quiet ones?" Venus asked with a dumbfounded expression.
"Ya gotta watch out fer 'em." Sarah answered with a giggle as she looked at the bathroom door.
"I know how we can save time and water." Mars said with a devious grin as she stared at Venus.
"Oh do you now?" Venus asked with an equally devious grin.
"Yeah, maybe we should...share the shower." Mars suggested with a smirk.
"You're a terrible maiden Rei, but you're a great girlfriend." Venus replied as she gave Mars a kiss.
"No fair, my girlfriend's all ready showering alone. This sucks." Jupiter grumbled as she knocked on the door. "Ami, I'm coming in!" Jupiter yelled as she opened the door and walked into the bathroom.
"This is gonna be fun." Europa said with a smirk as she stared at the door.
"I agree, how long before Ami starts screaming I wonder." Venus replied with a grin as she also stared at the door. Everyone waited for the inevitable sound of panic and fluster to come screeching from Mercury, but to their surprise it never did. Twenty minutes later Mercury and Jupiter both walked out of the bathroom with wet hair and towels wrapped around their bodies.
"Well that was unexpected, I thought for sure you'd kick me out." Jupiter said with a chuckle as she walked out of the bathroom towards Sailor Moon's room.
"I thought about it, but then I figured that we don't have a lot of time, so we might as well just share and save time and water." Mercury replied as her and Jupiter walked into Sailor Moon's room together. Everyone just stared at them with shocked expressions until Sailor Moon's bedroom door closed.
"Oh my god, what's happened to our shy little genius?!" Mars shouted as she looked at everyone else around her.
"That's an easy one, she done fell in love." Sarah answered with a smile as she nudged Europa into the bathroom. "Ya get showered darling, I'll let ya do it alone though if ya don't mind." Sarah said with a smile as she closed the bathroom door. Europa hopped in the shower and washed up quickly, then after her it was Sarah, Mars, Venus, Naru, and finally Sailor Moon.
"We did pretty good on time, I think it took less than two hours for all eight of us to shower." Naru said with a smile as she finished getting dressed.
"Yeah that's not bad for all of us, especially considering that Mina normally takes almost an hour on her own at home." Mars informed with a smirk as she nudged Venus.
"I can't help if I have a long beauty routine, you have no idea how hard it can be to look this beautiful Rei." Venus said with smile as she tossed her hair around a bit.
"It's not hard, you just have to wake up Mina. You're always beautiful to me, even when you wake up with your hair in a tangled mess." Mars chuckled as she ran her fingers through Venus's hair.
"Awe, you're too good to me Rei." Venus replied as she hugged Mars.
"I can never be too good to my Mina." Mars said with a smile as she gave Venus a kiss on her cheek.
"Let's head down stairs for some breakfast everyone." Sailor Moon informed as she grabbed her ODM rig and hooked it up.
"Are you all really gonna wear those to the dance?" Naru asked with a small frown as she stared at everyone.
"We wear them everywhere Naru." Jupiter replied as she secured her last strap and holstered her gun.
"This dance is an opportunity for all of you to try and move forward though, a time for change. Maybe you should try and let go of your gear, at least for the night." Naru suggested as she stared at everyone. Everyone stared back at Naru with anxious looks.
"What if we get attacked Naru, what if they come here? We won't be able to fight them without our mobility gear, we'd be doomed." Mars quietly asked with tears in her eyes. Naru was surprised by everyone's reactions, she had no idea just how vulnerable everyone felt. With a reluctant sigh Naru nodded her understanding and walked up to Sailor Moon.
"You're all safe here Usagi, this is your home. No one's gonna attack you here like they did there, but I understand that you're all still scared. So if it makes you all feel better, then go ahead and bring your gear. I just want all of you to feel safe tonight." Naru quietly said as she gently hugged Sailor Moon.
"We'll leave it." Sailor Moon quietly said as she looked into Naru's eyes.
"What?" Naru quietly asked in a shocked tone as she stared back at Sailor Moon.
"You're right Naru, we need to try to adapt to our own world now. We'll leave the gear here tonight, just promise that you'll stay close to us Naru. You're the glue that keeps our heads on straight most days." Sailor Moon quietly replied with a sad expression.
"Thank you Usagi, I'm so proud of all of you. I know it won't be easy, but I'm here for all of you if you need me. Plus in exchange for your bravery, I won't nag any of you if you wanna bring your gear to Texas when we go." Naru replied with a chuckle as she hugged Sailor Moon.
"Good, because it's coming with if we have to cram it all into Kaede's med bag and summon it when we get off the plane." Sailor Moon replied with a chuckle as she hugged Naru back.
"Well that settles it I guess, we'd better not get eaten." Jupiter grumbled as she started walking down the stairs.
"You won't Mako, I promise." Naru replied as she and everyone else followed Jupiter down the steps.
"Good morning girls, are you all ready for tonight?" Ikuko asked with a smile as everyone walked into the kitchen.
"Yes ma'am! I can't wait ta dance with my Kaede, I'ma get all snuggly wit her on the dance floor." Sarah answered with a giggle as she hugged Europa.
"I can't wait either." Europa replied as she hugged Sarah back.
"I'm glad you're all ready for tonight, but what about for tomorrow? Are you all packed and ready, because it's kind of an early flight." Ikuko asked as she plated some pancakes.
"Yes Ikuko-San, all of our stuff is upstairs in Usagi's closet. All we'll have to do when we get up is get dressed and grab our bags." Mercury answered with a smile as Ikuko set a plate in front of her.
"Perfect, I'm glad to hear that you're all ready. What about you Sarah, are you happy to be going home after all these months?" Ikuko asked as she looked over at Sarah.
"Yes ma'am, I can't wait ta see my Buttercup again...and my parents." Sarah answered with a giggle.
"I'm sure they'll all be happy to see you as well." Ikuko said with a smile as she sat down next to Sailor Moon. "Eat up girls, you've got a busy day ahead of you." Ikuko instructed as she took a bite of her breakfast.
"Okay!" Everyone replied with smiles as they started eating their breakfast.
"So are you excited for your dance Usagi?" Chibiusa asked as she took a bite of her pancakes. Sailor Moon nodded in reply as she stuffed a fork full of pancake in her mouth.
"Sorry. Yes, I'm super exited Chibiusa. I just hope everything goes well and there aren't any crazy surprises tonight." Sailor Moon replied as she took another bite of her pancakes.
"Oh come on sis, what could possibly..." Shingo started asking, until almost everyone yelled at him in unison.
"Never ask that question!" Everyone yelled as they glared at Shingo.
"Okay." Shingo replied in a confused tone as he stared at everyone.
"Sorry Shingo, it's just that we've learned that when you ask that question, the universe usually gives you an answer, and it's never a good one." Ami explained with a small frown.
"Aren't you all being just a little superstitious?" Naru asked with a small smile as she looked at everyone.
"No. The last time someone asked that question we were thrown into a war and we killed people. We never ask that question anymore Naru." Sailor Moon quietly explained with a small sigh.
"Sorry Usagi. But it's over now, you're home." Naru quietly replied as she put a hand over Sailor Moons.
"It's never over Naru, it just gets pushed to the back of our thoughts. Even though we left, our memories of what we did and the people we met are always there Naru. Every day I wonder how Mikasa and the others are doing, I wonder if their world has gotten better or if it's just getting worse for them. I may never know, but I'll never stop wondering about the friends we made and lost over there." Sailor Moon quietly said as she finished her breakfast. "Thank you mom." Sailor Moon quietly thanked as she stood up from the table.
"Are you okay Usagi?" Ikuko quietly asked with a small frown as she stared at Sailor Moon.
"Yeah, thanks mom." Sailor Moon quietly answered as she started to walk away.
"What about the rest of you, how are all of you doing today?" Ikuko asked as she looked around the table at everyone.
"We're okay Ikuko-San, we just need time to adjust I guess. We've been doing much better than we were when we first came back, but we're still struggling." Mars answered with a small sigh as she looked down at the table.
"Okay. If any of you need anything or you wanna talk, just ask. I'm here for all of you." Ikuko informed with a smile as she stood up and started clearing the table.
"Thank you Ikuko-San." Jupiter thanked with a small smile as she slowly stood up, followed by everyone else.
"I'll see you girls later, work hard and have a good time tonight." Ikuko said with a smile as she put some dishes in the sink.
"Thank you Ikuko-San." Mars thanked with a smile as she lead everyone out of the kitchen.
"Ready Usagi?" Naru asked as she walked over to Sailor Moon and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah, thanks Naru." Sailor Moon replied as she started walking upstairs.
"Where are you going Usagi?" Naru asked in a confused tone as she watched Sailor Moon walk up stairs.
"To get my dress on, that way when I let down my transformation tonight I'll already be dressed." Sailor Moon answered with a smile.
"Lucky, Sarah and I actually have to change out of our current clothes then put our dresses on." Naru grumbled as she followed Sailor Moon upstairs.
"You can pack them in my bag if you'd like, that way you can both just change in the restroom or locker room at school." Europa suggested with a smile.
"As long as they don't get all wrinkled darling." Sarah replied with a smile.
"They won't. It's a magical bag, so whatever I stuff in it comes out the same as when it went in." Europa replied with a smile as she summoned her bag.
"Prove it." Sarah said with an evil grin.
"What am I supposed to do, strip in the middle of the room or something?" Europa asked in a sarcastic tone.
"That sounds like fun, ya should do it darling, I wouldn't mind." Sarah replied with a chuckle as she sat in a chair and stared at Europa. Europa shrugged her shoulders then started taking her uniform off.
"NO! Come on sis, have some class! You can't just strip in the middle of Usagi's living room!" Jupiter scolded as she stared at Europa.
"Why not?" Europa asked with straight face as she continued undressing.
"Because it's rude." Mars answered with a grin.
"Oh let her strip, we're not classy like that." Sailor Moon chuckled as she came down the steps with Naru.
"Woo!" Europa cheered as she threw her clothes off and stuffed them in her bag.
"I've seen too much." Mercury quietly said as she flushed red with embarrassment.
"Good job Kaede, you broke Ami. Are you happy now?" Venus asked with a chuckle as she looked over at Mercury.
"What's all the commotion down...oh my god Kaede! Put some clothes on, Diana's not ready to see all that!" Luna yelled as her, Artemis, and Diana came down the steps.
"In a minute, I just have a theory to prove." Europa replied as she sent her bag away, then summoned it again. "Tada! It's like they were never in there!" Europa yelled as she pulled her uniform out of her bag and showed it off.
"Very nice, alright I'm sold. Let's stuff our dresses in Kaede's bag, then we can get them out before the dance starts." Naru said with a smile as she folded her dress and stuffed it in Europa's bag.
"Here's mine darling." Sarah informed as she stuffed her dress in the bag.
"That's everything then, let's get going everyone." Naru said with a smile as she started walking towards the door.
"Bye girls, have fun!" Ikuko yelled from the kitchen.
"Bye mom!" Sailor Moon yelled back as she started walking towards the door, stopping right in front of it.
"You okay Usagi?" Naru asked with a confused look as she stared at Sailor Moon.
"Yeah I'm just...I'm scared Naru, I feel so vulnerable without my ODM gear. Do we really have to do this?" Sailor Moon quietly asked as she stared at Naru. Naru didn't know how to answer, it was true that everyone needed to start to adapt to their own world again, but Sailor Moon was on the verge of tears as Naru stared back at her.
"I know you're scared Usagi, I know that you're all scared to be without your gear, but it's okay. I'm here, and so is Sarah, we're gonna make sure you're all okay today. Just take a deep breath and take that first step out the door, the first step's always the hardest, but everyone after gets a little easier." Naru quietly encouraged as she held her hand out to Sailor Moon.
"Okay." Sailor Moon quietly cried as she gently took Naru's hand in her own.
"That's it Usagi, you're doing great, just keep walking." Naru said with a smile as she squeezed Sailor Moon's hand a little tighter. Sailor Moon nodded in reply, then slowly walked alongside Naru. "It's okay everyone, just follow Usagi and I. It'll be okay." Naru quietly said as she looked back at everyone else.
"Okay Naru, we'll try." Jupiter quietly replied as she slowly walked out of the house, followed by Mercury, Venus, and Mars.
"Come on darling, it'll be alright." Sarah quietly said as she held her hand out to Europa, who quickly took it and squeezed it.
"Please don't leave me Sarah, I can't loose you to." Europa quietly cried as she stared into Sarah's eyes.
"I ain't going anywhere Kaede, ya just focus on me and keep walking. We'll be fine sugar." Sarah replied with a smile as she held Europa's hand and walked next to her. Europa nodded her reply, then silently waked with everyone all the way to the school.
"Good afternoon girls!" Tanaka yelled as she waved to everyone.
"Good afternoon sensei." Everyone quietly replied with small bows.
"What's wrong, you all sound so down?" Tanka asked with a small frown as she stared at everyone.
"We're uncomfortable sensei, we're trying to move on from everything and we decided to leave our gear back at Usagi's place. But we feel so vulnerable without it, and I keep thinking the Marlyians are gonna attack, or that some titan's gonna show up or something." Mercury quietly explained with a few tears.
"I know it's hard girls, but the best way to deal with a problem is to attack it straight on. I know it's hard now, but it does get easier over time." Tanka quietly said with a smile as she looked at everyone.
"We're trying sensei, though I'd personally recommend striking the problems nape, that way it stays down." Mercury quietly said with a small smile.
"That's the spirit Ms. Mizuno. Now let's finish preparing the last of the food and get ready for this dance." Tanka said with a smile as she lead everyone into the school. "Now correct me if I'm wrong, but the only things left are the steak bites and coconuts right?" Tanka asked as she lead everyone towards the home economics room.
"Don't forget the chocolate fountain!" Mercury yelled with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Why not, you seem to have that memorized for me Ms. Mizuno." Tanka replied with a chuckle as she walked into the home economics room. "Well the kitchen's yours girls, the table's are all set up already and the rest of the final details have been taken care of. So take your time with the chocolate fountain and have fun. I'll be in the gym if you girls need me." Tanaka informed with a smile as she started walking away.
"Actually Tanaka-San, we should probably do the whole fountain down in the gym so we don't risk spilling it on the way down there from here." Jupiter suggested with a smile.
"How will you melt the chocolate without a burner though?" Tanaka asked as she stared back at Jupiter.
"With a human fire ball." Jupiter answered with a grin a she pointed at Mars.
"Oh, okay then. To the gym girls!" Tanka yelled with enthusiasm as she lead everyone towards the gym. "You can probably set it up right in the center of that long table in the back of the gym." Tanka informed as she pointed at a long tabled covered in an ocean blue tablecloth.
"Okay sensei. Should we put the rest of the food there as well?" Sailor Moon asked as stared at the table.
"That would be a good idea, just try to set it up kind of orderly. By that I mean don't put the things for the chocolate fountain halfway on the other end of the table. But I'm sure you girls will do a splendid job at setting it up." Tanaka replied with a smile.
"Don't worry sensei, Mako's an expert at these kinds of things." Mercury informed as she hugged Jupiter.
"I'm not really an expert or anything." Jupiter replied with a small blush as she stared down at her feet.
"Don't be so modest Ms. Kino, I've seen you cook and decorate. You're a master at both." Tanaka complimented as she gave Jupiter a pat on her shoulder, which caused her to flinch slightly. "Not as bad as usual, you're getting better Ms. Kino. Just keep moving forward and you'll be back to liking a pat on the shoulder again in no time." Tanaka said with a smile as she started to walk away. "Have fun girls, but don't take too long, you only have about two hours to get everything set up." Tanka informed as she left the gym.
"You heard her everyone, let's get to work!" Sailor Moon instructed in a firm but friendly tone.
"Right!" Everyone yelled back as they all ran to the kitchen. "Ya can help me with the steak bites darling." Sarah instructed as she pulled the bowl of marinated meat chunks out of the fridge.
"On it, what kind of pan should I use?" Europa asked as she flung a cabinet open and started digging through it.
"A cast iron skillet, that way they'll crisp up a bit." Sarah answered as she uncovered the bowl and looked at the meat. "They look good, now they just gotta get cooked." Sarah said with a smile as she turned the flame on and poured a little cooking oil in the pan.
"Anything I can do while that heats up?" Europa asked as she stared at Sarah.
"Not here darling, maybe see if anyone else needs some help." Sarah answered as she watched the pan closely.
"Okay." Europa replied as she walked over by Jupiter and Mercury. "You two need any help?" Europa asked as she walked up to Mercury and Jupiter.
"Yes actually, could you help us carry the chocolate fountain, chocolate, or dipping stuff down to the gym please?" Jupiter asked as she grabbed a bag of marshmallows.
"Sure, I'll grab the fountain." Europa answered as she picked up the fountain.
"I'm gonna start dicing the fruits if that's okay Mako." Mercury informed as she walked over to the refrigerator.
"That's fine Ami, just don't pull a me and slice your finger." Jupiter said with a grin as her and Europa walked away. Mercury grabbed a cutting board and a large knife, then she pulled the various fruits out of the fridge and started dicing them up. After a few minutes Europa and Jupiter came back to help Mercury dice up the fruit. "Wow Ami, I can't believe that you're done already." Jupiter said in a surprised tone as she stared at Mercury.
"Yeah Ami, you sure know how to handle a knife." Europa added with a grin as she stared at Mercury's handy work.
"What can I say, my blade handling has improved thanks to our training with the titan ODM gear." Mercury replied with a smile as she scraped the last pieces of fruit off her cutting board and onto a plate.
"I wouldn't know since I haven't used a knife since we got home, at least nothing more than a basic steak knife." Europa said with a smile as she picked up the plate of fruit.
"You never did cook much to begin with though sis." Jupiter said with a grin as she started following Europa out of the room.
"The pan's all ready Kaede!" Sarah yelled just before Europa left the room.
"Okay, I'll be right there!" Europa yelled back as she handed the bowl to Jupiter. "Beauty calls." Europa said with a chuckle as she walked over by Sarah.
"That it does sis, that it does." Jupiter replied with a grin as her and Mercury left the room.
"So what do I do now?" Europa asked with a smile as she walked up to Sarah.
"We just dump 'em in the pan and let 'em cook a bit, but stir 'em every now and then so they don't burn er nothing." Sarah explained as she dumped the meat chunks in the pan.
"Sounds good, is there anything I can actually do to help?" Europa asked as she stared at the sizzling meat.
"Could ya watch it fer me while I go use the restroom please darling, I really gotta go?" Sarah asked as she lightly bounced in place.
"I can see that. Go ahead, I'll try not to let them burn." Europa replied as she scooted Sarah aside.
"Thanks Kaede, y're the best!" Sarah yelled as she ran towards the door.
"Hey Sarah, if you have a..." Naru started asking as Sarah ran by her, until Sarah cut her off.
"In a minute Naru, the damn's gonna blow!" Sarah shouted as she ran out of the room.
"I'm sure we can do it ourselves Naru, besides, it seems like Sarah has her hands full with whatever's going on there." Sailor Moon said with a chuckle.
"I guess, but how the heck do you open these things?" Naru asked with a straight face as she stared at a coconut.
"Good question, maybe with a knife?" Sailor Moon suggested as she stared at the coconut.
"I don't think hacking at it with a knife is gonna work that well Usagi." Naru replied with a smile as she shook the coconut a few times.
"Hey Rei!" Sailor Moon yelled as she looked over at Mars and Venus?"
"Yeah?" Mars asked as she looked over at Sailor Moon.
"Any idea how to open a coconut?" Sailor Moon asked as she held the coconut up to Mars.
"Sorry Usagi, I have no idea. What about you Mina?" Mars asked as she looked at Venus.
"Maybe I can use my love me chain to cut it in half." Venus suggested with a smile.
"Worth a shot I guess." Naru replied with a shrug as she tossed the coconut over to Venus.
"Here goes nothing. Venus love me chain!" Venus yelled as she wrapped her chain around the coconut. "Now let's just give it a little squeeze." Venus said with a smile as she started pulling on her chain.
"I'll pull on the other end like tug of war." Mars said with a smile as she grabbed the other end of the chain. "Ready? Pull!" Mars yelled as her and Venus both pulled on the chain.
"What are you two doing to that poor coconut?!" Mercury yelled as she ran over by Venus and Mars.
"Opening it." Venus answered as she pulled a little harder on her chain.
"Not like that you're not, give me that poor coconut." Mercury instructed as she put her hand under the coconut. Venus looked at Mars who just shrugged, then she let her chain disappear and the coconut drop into Mercury's hands. "Now watch and learn." Mercury said with a smile as she put the coconut on the counter and made a thick icicle. "First you make a hole in it that you can drain the milk out of." Mercury instructed as she made a hammer of ice, then pounded the icicle into the coconut. "Next you drain the milk." Mercury informed as she drained the milk from the coconut. "Then finally..." Mercury paused as she made a large sword of ice. "You hack it in half!" Mercury yelled as she sliced the coconut in half. "That's how you prepare a coconut." Mercury said with a chuckle as she poured some milk into each half of the coconut, then put a little umbrella in each. Everyone just silently stared at her with shocked expressions.
"Why don't you do the rest of them while we do whatever it was you were doing." Mars suggested as she slowly stepped back from the pile of coconuts.
"I was just helping Mako bring things down to the gym." Mercury informed with a smile as she grabbed another coconut.
"We'll do that while you um, work out some of that obvious pent up aggression." Venus said with a straight face as she stared at Mercury. Mercury stared at her for a moment before giving her a friendly smile.
"Okay! Thanks Mina!" Mercury yelled with a smile as she put another coconut on the counter.
"Any time Ami." Venus replied as she watched Mercury drain and hack another coconut in half.
"Woo! An almost perfect cut!" Mercury yelled as she grabbed another coconut.
"That was unexpected." Naru quietly said to Sailor Moon as she stared at Mercury.
"Not really, even though Mina was just kidding she's not wrong. We've all had pent up aggression since we got back, we've just been working on channeling it better. So if that helps Ami feel better than by all means let her, better a coconut than a person I suppose." Sailor Moon quietly said with a small sigh.
"What about you Usagi, what do you do with all your pent up feelings?" Naru asked with a small frown.
"I write in my journal and I talk to you, when I have really bad days I'll either cuddle with you if you're around, or I'll scream into my pillow. The pillow doesn't always suppress my screams the way I think it does though, last time I did that Chibiusa ran into my room thinking I was dying or something." Sailor Moon quietly said with a sad chuckle.
"Have you talked to Chibiusa or your brother about what happened at all?" Naru asked with a sad expression.
"A little, but I try not to get too detailed about everything, they're too young for that kind of talk. At least I think they are, I don't wanna bring them into my fight Naru, it's hard enough to bring you into it." Sailor Moon quietly said with a sad expression.
"I'd rather be part of your fight than have to watch you fight it on your own Usagi." Naru quietly said as she gave Sailor Moon a small hug.
"Thanks Naru, I couldn't ask for a better friend." Sailor Moon quietly replied as she hugged Naru back.
"That's better." Sarah said with a smile as she walked back into the room. "How are the bites coming Kaede?" Sarah asked with a smile as she walked over by Europa.
"See for yourself." Europa replied with a smile as she stepped aside for Sarah.
"They smell wonderful, and they look perfectly cooked darling. Well done Kaede." Sarah complimented as she poked one of the bites with a toothpick. "Say ah." Sarah said with a smile as she held a steak bite out to Europa.
"Ah." Europa said with a smile as she opened her mouth. Sarah gently dropped the steak bite into Europa's mouth and watched her chew on it. "How's it taste darling, did my marinade's flavor soak in okay?" Sarah asked with a nervous expression.
"Oh my god Sarah, it's divine! It's the best meat I've ever tasted!" Europa yelled as she went to grab another steak bite.
"Hey now darling, save some fer the dance." Sarah said with a chuckle as she lightly swatted Europa's hand.
"But it's soooo good, I wanna eat them all." Europa replied as she stared at the bowl of steak bites.
"Ya can have one more, but that's it until the dance alright." Sarah said with smile as she poked another steak bite and gave it to Europa.
"Yes! Thanks Sarah!" Europa yelled as she took the steak bite and devoured it.
"Y're welcome sugar, now lets get these fellas out ta the gym. The dance starts in less than twenty minutes." Sarah said with a smile as she started carrying the bowl down to the gym.
"Twenty minutes only! I hope everything's ready!" Europa yelled as she ran after Sarah.
"The coconuts are done!" Mercury yelled as she put an umbrella and straw in the last coconut.
"Good job Ami, now let's get them down to the gym." Naru said with a smile as she walked towards the exit.
"Right." Mercury replied as she carefully carried the tray of coconuts towards the door. After a short walk everyone arrived in the gym.
"Perfect timing everyone, you can set the last of the food in those open spaces on the table." Mars instructed as she pointed at two bare spots on the table. Mercury and Sarah nodded in reply, then carefully set their dishes on the table. "Looks good everyone. Well done." Mars said with a smile as she and everyone else stepped back and stared at their hard work. Everything was laid out in an organized and neat fashion, starting with the salad bar on the left, then the entree dishes in the middle, finally ending with all the deserts on the right.
"It looks beautiful girls, you've all done a fantastic job." Tanka complimented as she walked into the gym.
"Thank you sensei!" Everyone yelled as they all bowed to Tanaka.
"Oh those steak things smell so good, may I?" Tanka asked with a smile as she stared at the bowl of steak bites.
"Of course sensei." Sarah answered with a smile.
"Thank you." Tanka thanked as she poked one of the steak chunks with a toothpick and ate it. "Oh that's good! Wonderful job girls, I can't wait to try more. Now you'd all best get dressed, people should be arriving soon. I'm gonna go and see if the DJ needs help setting anything up." Tanka said with a smile as she walked towards the back of the gym, then walked out a door.
"We should probably go get changed Naru, it ain't like we can just make our dresses appear on our bodies like tham lucky gals can." Sarah suggested with smile as she looked at Naru.
"Good idea, we'll be back." Naru informed as she and Sarah walked into the locker room. After almost fifteen minutes Naru and Sarah both walked out of the locker room in their dresses.
"You both look beautiful." Sailor Moon complimented as her and everyone else stared at Sarah and Naru.
"Thank you Usagi, but you look just as beautiful, if not more so." Naru replied with a small blush.
"Thank you, but you still look far prettier Naru." Sailor Moon replied with a blush of her own.
"Get a room!" Mars yelled out of no where.
"All in due time Rei. For now we should probably get dressed as well." Sailor Moon said with a smile as she let her transformation down. "Ugh, I feel so weak and vulnerable right now. I hate this." Usagi quietly said as she looked down at herself.
"You're not weak at all Usagi, Sailor Moon is nothing more than an extension of yourself. Usagi is just as strong as Sailor Moon." Naru said with a smile as she gently took Usagi's hand in her own.
"Thank you Naru, but it's not that easy." Usagi quietly said as she squeezed Naru's hand.
"I know, but it will be one day. Just keep moving forward Usagi, before you know it all of your troubles will be behind you." Naru said with a smile as she hugged Usagi.
"Thank you Naru, you make me feel so safe." Usagi quietly said as she hugged Naru back.
"I guess it's our turn now." Venus said with a nervous breath as she let down her transformation, followed by everyone else.
"This is torture." Rei quietly said as she looked around the gym.
"I hate this, what if they come? We're totally defenseless." Mako asked as she surveyed the area.
"We just have to keep telling ourselves that it's all in our heads. They won't come here, they can't come here." Ami quietly said as she looked at Kaede.
"Can you say that for sure Ami? We got to their world, so why couldn't they find a way to ours?" Minako quietly asked as she watched the doors in front of her.
"It doesn't matter. Even if the bastards do find a way to our universe, they won't live to tell about it. I'll be sure of that." Kaede said through gritted teeth as she stared at the ceiling.
"Our hearts and souls to the cause." Ami quietly said as she looked down at her hands.
"You all look lovely." Tanka said with a smile as she slowly approached the group, causing everyone to jump at the sound of her voice. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle any of you." Tanka apologized as she slowly put her hands up.
"It's okay sensei, it's just been while since we felt this vulnerable. I hardly even remember what it feels like to be Usagi Tsukino anymore, I've been Sailor Moon for so long that I've gotten use to feeling that powerful all the time. That may not be a good thing though, it's probably good that we take our civilian forms unless in battle, otherwise we start to take our guardian powers for granted. That's when people get hurt, when we get too comfortable." Usagi quietly said with a small smile.
"It amazes me how much you've grown Ms. Tsukino, not to mention the rest of you. I'm very proud of you all, and if any of you start to struggle tonight just wave at me and I'll come running. But I think you girls are gonna be just fine." Tanka quietly said with a smile as she held her arms out to everyone.
"Thank you sensei." Usagi quietly thanked as she hugged Tanka, followed by everyone else.
"You're welcome girls. Now go rest for a bit, people should start arriving soon." Tanka said with a smile as she let go of Usagi.
"Yes sensei." Usagi replied with a smile as her and everyone else sat down at a table. Another twenty minutes passed and people finally started showing up.
"Wow, this place looks amazing!" One of the students yelled as she walked into the gym with her date.
"Oh my god, look at that ice sculpture! Who the heck carved this thing?! It's a whole island of ice, and it even has a sunbathing turtle on it!" Another student yelled as he ran over by Mercury's ice sculpture.
"Oh and look at this food, it looks like something you see at a wedding! It looks so professional, I can't wait to eat some of this!" A third student yelled as she stared at the buffet. All of the other students quickly piled around the buffet and stared in awe at the many options in front of them. A loud sound suddenly rang across the gym as someone tapped the microphone by the DJ set.
"Hello? Can everyone hear me?" Tanka asked as she spoke into the microphone, receiving several nods from her students. "Great. Welcome to the summer dance everyone, it's good to see so many happy faces here tonight. First off I wanna thank our amazing guardians as well as Ms. Osaka and Ms. Blouse for helping put all of this together for everyone. Give them a round of applause everyone." Tanaka said with a smile as she gestured to Usagi and everyone else. Everyone clapped and cheered at they all stared at Usagi and her friends. "Thank you for all your hard work girls, now without further ado, let's drop a beat!" Tanka yelled as she pressed a button on the DJ set, which started a loud bass filled beat that almost rocked the gym.
"WOOO!" All the students yelled as they began to dance.
"I had no idea Tanka-San knew how to DJ!" Ami yelled as she jumped up and started to dance.
"I know, she's the coolest principal ever!" Mako yelled back as she danced with Ami.
"I love it, it's the kind of beat that rattles your bones!" Minako yelled as she danced wit Rei.
"It's so wild I love it! WOOOO! Shake it Mina!" Rei yelled as she danced alongside Minako.
"Come on darling, shake them sexy hips of yers!" Sarah yelled as she bumped up against Kaede.
"I'll try, but I'm not the best dancer unless it's a slow dance." Kaede replied as she started to sway a little more with the beat.
"That's it, now wiggle around a bit more!" Sarah yelled as she jumped around and danced like a wild woman.
"Like this?!" Kaede yelled as she started copying Sarah.
"Now y're getting it Kaede! Come on darling, swing tham hips girl! WOOO!" Sarah yelled as she continued dancing.
"I'm feeling it now Sarah! I am feeling the beat!" Kaede yelled as she kept jumping around and dancing like she was in a rave.
"Don't be shy Usagi, let's get this going!" Naru shouted as she grabbed Usagi's hand and started dancing with her.
"This is so much fun! I can't remember the last time I felt so free and happy Naru!" Usagi shouted as she lightly bumped her hip against Naru's.
"I'm glad you're feeling better Usagi, the way you're smiling is the most sincere I've seen you smile in a long time! It's so good to see the old you again, I hope she sticks around!" Naru yelled as she grabbed Usagi's hands and started jumping around with her.
"I hope she does to Naru, it feels good to be me again!" Usagi yelled back with a big toothy smile as she pulled Naru closer to herself.
"Hey look at Ami!" Naru yelled with a smile as she pointed over at Ami and Mako.
"Look who's coming out of her shell!" Usagi yelled with a grin as she watched Ami dance like some kind of machine.
"Wow Ami, you've got some moves for such a shy nerd." Minako said with smile as her and Rei walked over by Ami.
"I'm just getting started! Come on everyone, group party!" Ami yelled as she grabbed Rei with one hand and Minako with the other.
"Let's go Usagi!" Naru yelled with a huge smile as she grabbed Usagi's hand and ran her over by Ami and the others.
"Dance circle!" Usagi shouted as she held Naru's hand with one of hers, and held Kaede's with her other.
"It's like ring around the rosie in a rave! Let's never leave!" Kaede shouted as she held Sarah's hand and spun around in a circle with everyone.
"Alright party people, let's slow that beat a bit and pair up with that special someone. If you don't have a special someone then find someone else who doesn't either. We're turning it doooooowwwn." Tanka instructed over the microphone as she turned the volume down and change the song track.
"Oh it's so slow and peaceful. May I have this dance Usagi?" Naru asked with a smile as she held her hand out to Usagi.
"I thought you'd never ask." Usagi replied with a smile as she gave her hand to Naru. Naru smiled back and pulled Usagi close, then she put an arm around her waist and lightly swayed with her. "This feels so nice Naru, I feel so warm and safe with you. I hope we can be like this forever." Usagi quietly said with a smile as she laid her head on Naru's shoulder.
"I'll always be here for you Usagi, that's one thing you can always be sure of." Naru quietly replied as she slowly danced with Usagi.
"This is so nice Mako, I can't remember the last time we were this close and at this much peace. It's like a dream." Ami quietly said as she rested her head on Mako's chest.
"One that I hope I never wake up from." Mako quietly replied as she kissed the top of Ami's head.
"Oh Rei, how I've longed for you to hold me like this. I haven't been this happy since the day you told me how you felt." Minako quietly said as she swayed with Rei.
"I haven't felt like this since you said it back. I love you Mina, my goddess of love and beauty." Rei whispered as she pulled Minako even closer.
"Look." Minako whispered as she casually looked over Rei's shoulder.
"What?" Rei asked in reply as she slowly turned with Mina so she could see what she'd seen. "It's finally gonna happen, that's it Kaede, don't be scared." Rei quietly said as she watched Kaede and Sarah dance together.
"I've been thinking Sarah, and I, um..." Kaede quietly stuttered as she nervously looked at her feet.
"Yeah darling?" Sarah asked with a smile as she lightly spun around with Kaede.
"Well I've been wanting to um, do something for a while now and...oh this is harder than I thought it would be." Kaede mumbled as she continued to stare at her feet.
"Ya know Kaede, sometimes the best words are actions, so if ya wanna do something then do it. The worst that can happen is I say not ta do it again. But you and I both know that ain't gonna happen sugar, now let yer body do the talking Kaede, and mine'll listen." Sarah said with a smile as she tilted Kaede's head up so she could look into her eyes.
"Okay, then hear me well Sarah!" Kaede replied as she gently grabbed Sarah's head and pulled her close, then she passionately kissed her on the lips, being sure to make it long and deep. "I love you Sarah Blouse, and I'm so thankful to have you in my life." Kaede whispered as she pulled her head back from Sarahs.
"Kaede I...I don't know what ta say darling. I've waited ta hear those words since the day we met, I don't know what it was about yas, but it felt like I knew ya er something. I couldn't help but wanna be with ya, hold ya, kiss ya, love ya ta the end of time and beyond. I can't explain my desire fer ya, but that don't matter no more, because I got my wish. I got my Kaede." Sarah quietly cried as she leaned in and kissed Kaede back. "I love ya to Kaede Kino, my little guardian." Sarah quietly said as she held Kaede close and swayed with her.
"I love you to Sarah Blouse, and I promise to never let anything happen to you." Kaede quietly said as she snuggled against Sarah.
"I'll protect ya the same Kaede, I ain't ever gonna loose ya." Sarah quietly said as she held Kaede tighter.
"Alright love birds, time to back it up and turn it up! Let's pump up the beats!" Tanka shouted as she stopped the slow music and put some techno music on.
"I can't dance anymore, I need a break." Ami said with a small breath as she smiled at Mako.
"Me to, lets go grab a snack and a seat." Mako replied with a smile as she walked with Ami over to the buffet. "Wow, Sarah's steak bites were popular." Mako said with a surprised expression as she stared at the one remaining steak bite on the tray.
"It's yours if you want it Mako, I'm gonna have some of that chocolate fountain." Ami said with a big smile as she grabbed a strawberry and dunked it in the chocolate. "Oh my god Mako, this is sooooo gooood!" Ami yelled as she devoured her chocolate dipped strawberry.
"I can tell, you've got some chocolate on your cheek by the way." Mako said with a chuckle as she stared at Ami, who tried to reach it with her tongue.
"Did I get it?" Ami asked as she tried to lick the chocolate off her cheek.
"No. Hold on Ami." Mako said with a giggle as she gave Ami a kiss on her cheek, licking the chocolate off as she did. "There, now it's gone." Mako said with a grin as she licked her lips.
"That felt funny." Ami quietly said with a small blush.
"Uh oh, what's got you so red Ami?" Naru asked with a smile as she and everyone else walked over by Ami and Mako.
"Mako cleaned some chocolate off my cheek." Ami quietly replied with a smile.
"That's not so..." Rei started saying, until Ami cut her off.
"With her tongue." Ami quietly said with a blush.
"Come again there Ami." Minako said with a confused look.
"Mako licked it off my cheek, and it felt kind of nice." Ami squeaked with a darker blush.
"Who are you and what have you done with Ami?" Rei asked with a grin as she stared at Ami.
"Don't be embarrassed Ami, there ain't nothing wrong with a gal cleaning her partner up, even with her tongue." Sarah said with a chuckle as she looked at Ami's cheek.
"If I get chocolate on me will you clean it Rei?" Minako asked with a grin as she looked over at Rei.
"Depends where it ends up." Rei answered with a smirk.
"On my cheek?" Minako asked with a smile.
"Sure." Rei answered as she looked at the buffet in front of her.
"On my arm?" Minako asked with the same grin.
"Yep." Rei answered as she started filling a plate with some food.
"On my chest?" Minako asked with a twisted smirk.
"Sure, wait what?" Rei asked once she'd processed the question better.
"Nope, too late, you already said you would!" Minako laughed as she put a small dab of chocolate on her chest. "What are you waiting for Rei, aren't you gonna clean me up?" Minako asked with a wicked grin.
"I guess so." Rei answered with a sigh.
"Yes! I'm so ha...hey!" Minako whined as Rei gently wiped the chocolate off with a damp napkin.
"You didn't say what I had to use to clean you up." Rei said with a smirk as she balled the napkin up and threw it away.
"You're no fun." Minako grumbled as she stared at Rei.
"Maybe I'll be more fun on vacation, you just have to be patient." Rei whispered with a smile as she patted Minako's shoulder and walked over to a table.
"The best things are worth the wait I suppose." Minako said as she filled her own plate, then walked over by Rei and sat down.
"Well let's dig in everyone." Usagi said with a smile as she and everyone else grabbed a plate and started filling them with goodies.
"I can't wait till tomorrow, I can't believe we're visiting another country. It's gonna be so cool." Naru said in an enthusiastic tone as she placed a chocolate dipped kiwi on her plate.
"I know, I'm so excited to meet Sarah's family." Kaede replied as she looked over at Sarah.
"They're excited ta meet ya to darling, I'm sure y'all will get along splendidly." Sarah said with a smile as she finished filling her plate and walked with Kaede over to the table.
"This has been such a good night, I'm so glad the school had this dance." Rei said with a smile as she took a bite of her food.
"I agree, we needed something like this after all the craziness." Minako replied as she took a sip of punch.
"Definitely, and now we get to relax on vacation and meet Sarah's family. I can't wait till tomorrow." Kaede said with a smile as she ate a chocolate dipped marshmallow.
"I can't either darling, I'ma introduce ya ta Buttercup and teach ya how ta ride horse back. Y're gonna love it Kaede!" Sarah yelled with excitement as she ate a steak bite.
"Oh don't worry about teaching us how to ride Sarah, the only one at the table who doesn't know how to ride a horse is Naru." Usagi informed as she munched on a cupcake.
"When'd you learn to ride a horse Usagi?" Naru asked in a surprised tone as she stared at Usagi.
"In the other world, it was the only mode of transportation they had other than walking. It was a skill that was absolutely necessary for crossing titan country. We learned fast." Usagi quietly said with a sigh.
"I didn't know that. But we'll talk about that later, don't wanna spoil the mood." Naru said with a smile as she ate some of her food.
"Thanks Naru." Usagi replied as she ate a steak bite. "These things are amazing Sarah, please give me the recipe before we leave your home!" Usagi yelled as she chomped down another steak bite.
"Sure thang Usagi, they ain't that hard ta make though. The hardest part is my family's marinade recipe, but I'm sure ma and pa wouldn't mind if all of yas have a copy fer y're cook books." Sarah replied as she finished her food.
"Oh that was good, my compliments to the chef." Mako said with a smile as she leaned back in her chair.
"You're welcome." Everyone replied with smiles, then they all burst out laughing.
"Hey I helped to you know." Mako said with a chuckle as she sat up straight.
"We know, you almost added some secrete red sauce." Ami giggled as she ran her finger over Jupiter's.
"Ha ha, like you've never cut yourself in the kitchen before." Mako replied with a grin as she poked Ami's chest.
"Not that bad I haven't." Ami replied with a smile as she hugged Mako. "As long as you're okay though, that's all that matters to me Mako." Ami quietly said as she held Mako tighter.
"You're so sweet Ami, almost as sweet as these cupcakes." Mako said with a giggle as she handed Ami a cupcake.
"Oh, thank you." Ami thanked as she quickly ate the cupcake. "I love sweet things, but they do not love me." Ami said with a smile as she looked down at her small muffin top.
"But I love you, I love every part of you." Mako quietly said as she gently squeezed Ami's side.
"Mako." Ami quietly said with a blush as she looked down at Mako's hand.
"Sorry, I can't help it if I wanna squeeze you though. You're so cute and soft now." Mako informed with a grin as she gently rubbed Ami's stomach.
"Well can you hold off at least until we get home, we are still at school you know." Ami quietly said with a blush.
"Fine, to be continued I suppose." Mako replied as she took her hands off of Ami.
"Alright everybody, last dance of the night! So find that special someone and hold 'em close. It's time again to turn it doooooowwwn." Tanka announced as she put another slow song on.
"Shall we everyone?" Usagi asked as she held her hand out to Naru.
"We shall." Naru replied as she took Usagi's offered hand and pulled herself to her feet.
"Come on Ami, let's dance the night away." Mako quietly said as she held her hand out to Ami, who took it with a smile.
"Up we go Mina." Rei quietly said as her and Minako stood up and walked to the middle of the dance floor together.
"Wanna dance darling?" Sarah asked as she stood up and held a hand out to Kaede.
"Always." Kaede quietly answered as she took Sarah's hand and walked with her to the dance floor. For the next twenty minutes the gym was quiet and everyone was slowly dancing, everyone but one woman.
"I don't even know why I came ta this dumb dance, ain't no one gonna want ta dance with a gal like me. Can't say I blame any of 'ems though after how rude I was ta all of 'em." Satsuki quietly said to herself as she leaned against a wall.
"Pardon me miss, but you seem to be partnerless. May I rectify that?" A man asked as he walked up to Satsuki.
"Really? Ya wanna dance with me?" Satsuki asked in a surprised tone as she stared at the man in front of her.
"I do, if you'll let me that is." The man replied as he held his hand out to Satsuki.
"Heck yeah I will! Thanks mister, this means a lot ta me." Satsuki replied as she took the man's hand.
"By the way, I don't believe I caught your name." The man informed as he danced with Satsuki.
"My name's Satsuki, what's yers?" Satsuki asked with a smile as she swayed to and fro with the man.
"Mamoru." The man replied as he danced with Satsuki.