And You I Love

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Location: Tokyo, Usagi' house
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"Rei!" Usagi cried, putting nail polish on her last finger. It leaked onto her skin, and she hated that. "You've been in the bathroom for an hour and a half! Don't you think we should leave now?"

A girl called from inside the bathroom, Just a few more seconds, and I swear I'll be out!

Makoto sighed, You said that twenty minutes ago, Rei! Come on, we have a party to go to!

Cute guys waiting! Usagi added as she screwed the cap back onto her nail polish.

Yes, we'll be very late, Rei, Ami agreed. She checked her appearance once more in Usagi's vanity mirror. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and sighed somewhat impatiently. Minako laughed at this.

Minako knocked hard on the door of the bathroom. Ha! Even Ami is losing her patience. Now get out-

Rei opened the door and twirled her hands with a flourish. she exclaimed.

The girls gasped. Rei's raven-black hair was curled and pulled atop her head with bobby pins. She let two long curls fall forward.

Minako sighed, Oh Rei, your hair looks marvelous. It's a change from your normal style. Rei smiled a great big smile. She was obviously very flattered.

I want your hair, Usagi said, her mouth fixed in an astonished expression, Oh, it feels so soft!

Ami cleared her throat. Rei, you look great, but we should go. The party started at 6:30, and it's already 7:10.

Rei, what hairspray do you use? Makoto said, fingering one of Rei's bouncy curls, "It holds the curl, but it's not stiff!"

I know you all want my hair, but hands off- it makes the hair greasy, she said, looking so serious that all the girls had to laugh.

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Location: Tokyo, Courite Mansion
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Together they walked to the Courite Mansion on 7th Street. There, Milan Courite was having her 19th birthday party, and the whole city was invited, save the homeless and the sick. Milan was the daughter of Mayor Courite, and the Courite family was extremely rich. Their mansion took up nearly half the street.

The five girls lost their breath when they saw how beautifully the hall was decorated. The chandeliers sparkled and caught light from the others. A live orchestra was playing a slow song. Couples were dancing, yet the walls were lined with men.

Usagi whispered excitedly, Is this place a total hottie-fest or WHAT?! Mina giggled and Makoto smiled. Ami rolled her eyes, cheerily of course, and Rei didn't bother answering- she went straight to the boys.

---Twenty Minutes Later---

Rei said wearily, If I hear another dumb sports comment I am going to freak out. If I hear another word about Dungeons and Dragons, I will-

Don't speak, Usagi replied flatly, I've had the same luck as you. They wanna talk about football, or math, science or soccer, and nothing in between. All the lookers are so dorky.

Minako joined them, looking both annoyed and tired. Girls, please tell me you had as little luck as I did. A sigh from Usagi and Rei answered her question. Looks like Ami got lucky. Minako pointed to Ami, who was a little ways off. She was talking to a handsome, blonde teenager. Ami blushed heavily, and looked away. She was obviously having a great time.

Wow, it looks like Ami's enjoying herself. I don't think I've ever seen her this way before. Something, she said, her eyes getting wide and her voice dripping with drama, could be wrong.

Rei snorted, Puh-leease. You've been watching the Sci-Fi channel way too long. But I am curious to see who she met, so come on. As they started to leave, a voice behind them called. It was Makoto.

Hey, wait up, she said, You have no idea how airheaded all these-

We know, Makoto, we know, Minako said solemnly. Rei and Usagi nodded their heads in weary agreement. Makoto shrugged, and followed the girls as they kept walking. When they approached Ami, Rei spoke first.

Ami, aren't you going to introduce us? she said, giving a coy glance to Quatre.

Ami hiccuped. Oh, of course Rei! This here is Quatre Rebarba Winner, and Quatre this is Reiminamakotoandusagi. So tell me that funny joke about the donkey again! She swayed slightly from side to side.

The four girls' jaw dropped in utter amazement. Usagi proclaimed, You're drunk!

Ami said, Oh, hush, Usa-chan, I feel fine. Oh, hello! Ami shooks hands with someone imaginary. Usagi! Shame on you for not mentioning you had a twin. So what's your name-

Minako giggled. Oh God, Rei sighed, taking Ami and leading her out the door. Ami, and we thought you were responsible!

Usagi turned to Quatre. I have to apologize for Ami. She has never been like this.

She's usually so responsible. I don't know what possessed her to drink so much, Minako added.

Quatre smiled sheepishly. I have to take the blame for that. I ordered a martini, and as we were talking, I offered some. She only drank a few sips- I didn't know that alcohol affected her so much.

Neither did she, Makoto shrugged, Ami's not the drinker type. Normally, she wouldn't have accepted an offer. She must really like you... Quatre smiled again. He did a lot.

I'm very sorry, I hope she doesn't have a hang over, Quatre apologized, She's a very intersting person.

said a male voice. A teenage boy with violet eyes and a long braid came up behind Quatre
and patted him on the back. Looks like you hit it off well. Are you going to introduce me?

Quatre smiled. This is Duo. Actually, I didn't get all of your names. Ami, uh, you know.

The girls laughed, and each of them recited their names.

I left Ami in the- hello! Rei appeared from behind the girls. She squeezed through them and offered her hand to Duo. He took it and gave it a gentle shake. I'm Rei, and you are?

Duo Maxwell, he answered.

Usagi and Minako stifled a laugh, but Makoto was worried about Ami. She quizzed, "Where did you leave Ami, Rei?"

Rei turned her head to face Makoto, but her eyes lingered on Duo as long as they could. Oh, she's in the bathroom. She's getting her wits back, but she's embarassed about behaving so forward in front of Quatre.

Tell her not to worry, I must admit I was being a bit forward myself, Quatre confessed shyly.

A voice rang throughout the hall. An announcement was being made.

Ladies and gentlemen, we would just like to announce the opening of the buffet in the grand dining room to your right. Miss Courite sends her thanks to all for attending her 19th birthday party!

Usagi squealed happily, Food! I'll be going to the buffet now, excuse me.

Oh, hey, Duo said, Mind if I join you?

Not at all! Usagi answered. Duo offered her arm and they walked together toward the buffet room. Makoto and Minako shook their heads. Rei was staring after them as they walked to the dining room.

Quatre laughed, Someone who likes food as much as Duo?"

"If he has the appetite of a starving elephant, then yes, Usagi likes food as much as he does," Makoto replied.

Rei, are you ok? Minako asked, noticing her trance as she placed a hand on Rei's shoulder.

Rei took a lock of her hair and twisted it through her fingers. His hair is absolutely gorgeous! I- I have to touch it, bye guys! She bounded off after Duo and Usagi. The two remaining girls went cherry red.

I- I- I apologize for that, Makoto finally blurted, Rei and Usagi are, in short, boy crazy.

Then I think, Quatre replied with smile, that they will get along just fine with Maxwell-

Where are the others? a small voice asked. Ami appeared next to Makoto, with a glass of thick red liquid. She blushed as she made eye contact with Quatre.

Minako asked, Ami, are you ok? What is that? I hope it's not-

Oh, God no, Ami answered, I went to the bartender with my...er...problem, and he told me this would cure anything I had. It worked. He wouldn't tell me what was in it, though. At least it cleared my head a little. She set the glass down on a nearby table. Quatre, I really have to apologize-

There's no need, Miss Ami, he said politely. Actually, would you mind if I had this dance? He bowed ever so slightly, offering his hand to Ami. She took it without hesitation. Quatre led her out to the dance floor.

Minako sighed, Some girls have all the luck! Makoto agreed, and she looked after the couple dreamily.

Hey, I'm pretty hungry. Wanna hit the buffet? Makoto asked. Minako accepted the invitation, and the two cut across the dance floor to the grand dining room.

The grand dining room' was almost as big as the hall where the party was being held. There was a large table in the center of the room that held dozens of types of foods. Minako tapped Makoto on the shoulder when she spotted Usagi, Rei and Duo sitting at a table. Rei was sitting awfully closed to Duo. Makoto shook her head, and Mina giggled as she steered her friend over to their table.

Mind if we sit? Minako asked.

Usagi answered, Nope, you have to have food! Grab yourself a plate and get yourself some of the jelly doughnuts! They're great!

Makoto rubbed her hands across her mouth, trying to imply something to Usagi. I can tell by the look on your face, Usagi blushed, rubbing her hands across her mouth, and finding it smeared with white powder from the doughnuts.

Usagi said, getting up, I'll be going for another plate. She leaned down to Rei's ear and hissed, You're horrible, but if you get brocolli stuck in your teeth don't expect any word from me!

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END
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I'm sorry that the revising is going so slowly. I'm redoing each chapter and putting it into .HTML format as quickly as I can.

Thanks for being patient.

Huggles! ;o)
-Pen'-