Disclaimers: I don't own Sailor Moon, or the quotes.
BOTTOM: Let me play the lion too: I will roar, that I will
do any man's heart good to hear me; I will roar,
that I will make the duke say 'Let him roar again,
let him roar again!
QUINCE: And you should do it too terribly, you would fright
the duchess and the ladies, that they would shriek;
and that were enough to hang us all!
-Bottom and Quince, A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Minako hummed to herself, swinging her shopping bag containing two skirts and one t-shirt with a picture of a turtle on it. The mall was crowded, and that's the way Mina liked it. Full of noise, sales and clothes. Speaking of noise, she was about to consult the mall map to discover where the chocolate shop was, when she heard a delighted squeal.
The magic word. A crowd of people swarmed to the entrance of what looked like a candy shop. Mina grinned, and made her way through the tightly packed crowd.
Lita waved with enthusiasm, then pointed at a chocolate she had in her hand.
She explained joyfully, popping the truffle into her mouth. Mina managed to break free from the crowd of hungry shoppers, and Lita pulled her into the shop.
Wherf's Ufa-fan? Lita asked, and before Mina could reply Ami cut in.
That's attractive, Lita! She said impishly. Lita gulped, then took a breath.
I can't help it! Have you tried the orange-truffle delights' yet?
Ami shook her head, nodding to Rei.
We're still on the strawberry surprises'. I've saved some for Usagi-chan. Which reminds me, where is she Mina? I thought you two were off dress shopping?
Mina couldn't contain the brilliant smile that she beamed at her two friends.
We did. And may I say, Venus strikes again!
What did you do this time, Mina? Lita asked gravely. Mina bristled with pride, tossing her head.
I'll ignore that. Besides, don't you want to know where Usagi-chan is right now?
Where's Baka-Buns? I thought you were-
Mina burst, dancing with anticipation.
We were in the store, when I noticed something...or someone...! Mina paused for dramatic effect.
The group chorused. Mina grinned.
Well, I also noticed that this someone' was not interested in the latest fashions- but in Usa!
The three girls blinked at the Venusian. Mina sighed.
So...of course I sized him up. Gorgeous, and with a spot of mystery! He didn't even notice he was in a woman's dress shop! Usagi-chan was oblivious, so I told her to try on a dress- and when I escaped, she was still in the change room! Mina nearly giggled with glee. Ami looked concerned.
Are you sure that was a good idea? You don't know anything about this man.
Yeah, he could've been in there lookin' for a dress for his girlfriend. Or maybe he's a perv-
It wasn't like that! Mina interrupted.
I would've never left Usagi-chan in danger. I just had the feeling I should-
Lita grinned.
Exactly. Besides, I was on my way back to the shop now to see if the match has made contact! Turning on her heel, Mina disappeared back into the throng of chocoholics. Ami, Rei and Lita followed.
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Oh give meee a home!
The empty court gave a horrific echo. It was like a tomb, and as Saffire sat in the King's throne he imagined a thousand mummies- like the ones he had seen in the movies- all bowing before him. Saffire had been busy since his brother's absence: he had enjoyed a game of hide and seek and related every Earth melody he knew to this attentive audience.
Where the buff-a-lo's roam...! The mummies like his singing. He could tell.
Raising the empty wine bottle high Saffire declared himself to be Emperor, and also indicated that he had a particular fondness for sausages. Not just any sausages- no, the good old fashioned beef sausages. No syrup.
I bid you, fly my mummies! Fly! he cackled, then swung the bottle to his lips. After a few minutes of retched waiting Saffire looked into the bottle, frowning.
What's this? No more...? Glaring out at his subjects, Saffire decided he would very much like more wine. The heady taste had already turned bitter on his tongue. Pulling himself up as regally as he could with a chess board on his head, Saffire waved a hand.
Hellooo! Subjects! He called cheerfully. The mummies, now mingled with a few buff-a-lo's hushed and gave their full attention to their Emperor.
I've made an i-m-p-o-r-t-a-n-t decision. He paused for effect.
We shall get more wine!
The court erupted into cheers, and Saffire held up a hand to quiet them.
And after that, we shall all have sausages!
The subjects blinked.
Then more wine!
Cheers.
Wait! But first, we must find the he who keep-ith the wine!
Blink.
My brother!
Cheers once more, and Saffire rose from his brother's throne.
Mummies away! He declared, snapping his fingers. Nothing happened. Saffire stared blankly at his hand.
He exclaimed, reaching for the chess board that had been flung from his head. Placing it back on his head carefully, Saffire clapped once and turned himself around. Then, he snapped his fingers.
....that's what it's all about!
Instantly, he disapeared in a column of blue light.
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Things were not going according to plan. The vile around Demando's neck remained full, and the more he was in Usagi's company the further it crept from his mind. At the moment, her body was close, and her lips even closer. So, he did what any evil villain in his position would do; he kissed her nose. Usagi's eyes grew as wide as saucers. His lips drew back slowly. That was not what he had anticipated. Why did reason abandon him when faced with her? Then, their eyes met, and he knew. When his lips lowered within an inch of her own, Usagi gathered all her strength, and pushed. He didn't budge. He drew back of his own will, a look of amusement dancing across his face. Usagi felt an instant chill in the absence of his warmth, but refused to move.
What do you think you're doing? She asked hotly, backing away from his inviting smile. His fingertips trailed down her arms, to drop by his sides.
Kissing you. He explained in a matter-of-fact way. His eyes flickered over her parted lips, and he took a step closer.
Just. Stay. There! Usagi exclaimed, holding up a hand warningly.
Or what...?
Usagi felt her temper rise. What planet was this guy from!? Taking another step back, she felt something hard hit her back. It was the tree.
She said threateningly, adrenaline rushing through her body as he drew nearer still.
The words brushed past her ear, as he bent close. Soft hair tickled her temple, and she caught the soft scent of jasmine on his skin. Suddenly, his fingers tilted face up to his.
Do not be frightened. I won't bite, I promise... He could feel her warm breath on his lips- and was so enthralled that he did not notice the look of fury in his nymph's bright eyes. So it came as quite a surprise when a certain part of his anatomy was hastily introduced to Usagi's right knee.
You needed a bit more colour. Usagi stated with triumph as she watched his face turn a vivid shade of green. He crumpled against the tree, trying to gather that air that had been knocked out of him. When he did not reply, Usagi became concerned. Reaching out a hand, she placed it on his shoulder, lightly.
It was your own fault...are you okay?
No sooner did her hand touch him, than her waist was caught between two strong hands.
His mouth crashed down on hers. Like a spark, his lips ignited a fire so hot it tore through her body and turned her insides to ashes. It was over all too soon when he tore his mouth from hers. She could feel his chest rise and fall with her own, and dragging her eyes from his she stared wonderingly at his mouth; his lips parted and moist. They wanted to be kissed again. Demando waited patiently as if expecting her to finish what she had been about to say. Usagi simply opened her mouth, then shut it again.
Demando did the first thing that came to mind; he laughed.
You are... He panted, leaning his back against the tree trunk
Usagi couldn't tell if his laugh was sane, or quite the opposite- but it was infectious none the less.
A/N: I'd like to thank those who reviewed this story! As always, feel free to send me suggestions, rants, raves and other interesting tidbits ^_^
