I Will Always Love You
By: Zarabeth McGregor
Chapter 1: I will Always Love You
I don't own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. Gundam Wing belongs to Sunrise agencies and Sailor Moon belongs to…whom ever. The song 'I will always love you' is copyright to Whitney Houston. The only thing I own basically is the plot.
I decided to take a shot at this, since my muse was bugging hell out of me last night. This is a three part songfic series that I hope you will find sad and tragic, cause that's my goal. Hopefully, I'll get a few tears out of you. Rating is for language and content.
~*~
She looked stunning in that dress. It must've been new, because he'd never seen it before. It was made of some soft red fabric that swayed slightly above her knees. It was a modestly haltered dress with an empress seam and moderate cleavage showed. Her pale skin glowed against the scarlet fabric, and her long dark hair was loose and flowing.
She also seemed slightly fidgety tonight. She jumped at the smallest noises. Distant too. Questions had to be repeated before she answered them. She stared off into space, seeing something that no one else could. She wasn't her usual bright and chatty self. But then again, she was famous for her moods.
On this warm, cloudless night in Tokyo, Wufei put an arm around Rei's waist as they walked to the Sakura Karaoke Bar. Wufei usually hated karaoke, mainly because the people going up couldn't sing worth jack. But Serena had been insistent.
"Oh come on!" she had said earlier, "We aren't doing anything at home. And I'm sick and tired of seeing you sitting around watching the TV!" Serena pointed at Heero, who fixed her with his patented glare. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, get off it!"
So, here they were, entering this godforsaken place. Serena was trying to convince the Perfect Soldier that this wasn't a bad idea, while he just glared at her out of the corner of his eye. Duo and Mina were cracking up at this, Lita was unsuccessfully trying to start a conversation with Trowa and Quatre and Ami were discussing the recent Wall Street stock drops.
"What's on your mind?" Wufei whispered to Rei, who jumped a mile. She blinked.
"Nani?" she asked absently. Wufei frowned.
"You've been like this for the whole night. Are you well?" Rei looked up and gave a small smile.
"I love you," she whispered and squeezed his hand. He raised a brow. That wasn't the answer he was expecting, but it made him happy all the same. He dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I love you so much…"
"Me too," Wufei was elated. He had plans for her tonight. After being with her for close to two years now, he was sure that this was the right thing. He smiled as he thought of the black box in his jacket pocket and hugged her tighter.
~*~
It had been an hour since they arrived and the singing was well underway. Some poor fool was on the stage trying to sing 'Rainy Dayz', a song for two people, mind you. Everyone at their table was doubling up with silent laughter; even Heero and Trowa were shaking their heads, semblances of a smile on their faces.
Except Rei…she was staring off again. Her breathing was heavy. Like she was prepping for something.
"Are you going on stage?" Wufei asked. Rei turned to him and he frowned. Her eyes were large and shiny. She gave a sad smile as the patrons started applauding the girl off the stage. Before he could ask he what was wrong, she was maneuvering her way to the stage. She whispered to the MC whom smiled at her.
"Alright, everyone!" The MC shouted over the crowd's chattering. Silence descended almost immediately. "We have another talented singer for you," a few patrons giggled. "We have a Ms Rei Hino going up now, singing for you a favorite of mine, 'I will always love you'." Rei was already holding the mike. She had a look of determination on her face and Wufei saw she was trembling slightly.
"What's wrong with Rei?" Mina asked quietly. Wufei shrugged.
"I don't know. She's been like this for the whole night."
"Well, she can't be nervous about singing in front of people. She's done it loads of times." They ended their conversation when they saw Rei was about to start. She took a deep breath.
*If I should stay
I would only be in your way*
She started in a light, wispy voice, though it shook slightly. The bar was completely silent.
*So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you every step of the way*
Her voice was stronger now, hanging on the last few words of the song, as Whitney Houston did. There were a few claps and cheers, but Rei seemed oblivious to them. Instead, she seemed focused on one thing, one person. Wufei.
*I will always love you
I will always love you*
Rei's eyes were focused on him, seeming to pierce through his soul. Wufei's eyes were riveted to her as well. Her eyes were darker than usual and heavy with emotion. For the first time, it occurred to Wufei there was something wrong. Very wrong.
*Bitter sweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me*
She sang with a passion and zeal that held the crowd in a trance. Not even her fellow Scouts have ever heard Rei sing with such feeling. She was like a siren, trapping everyone with her voice, including herself. It seemed as if she didn't have anything else on her mind, except the song. It seemed to come from the very bottom of her soul.
*So goodbye, please don't cry
We both know I'm not what you need*
Her voice trembled heavily with these lines. Tears streamed down her face steadily now, and she fought back a sob.
*I will always love you
I will always love you*
Wufei was unable to move, unable to think. The only thing he heard was her hypnotizing voice. He was unaware of the deafening silence. Not once did she look on the lyrics' screen. This seemed to come from her heart. And all the while her eyes were on him.
*I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you dreamed of*
And his eyes were on her. Something was trying to work its way into his now closed off mind. Something important. But he ignored it. Because he knew. He knew.
*And I wish you joy and happiness
But above all this I wish you love*
The tears were still streaming down her face, and they were further emphasized by the lights on the stage. But her voice was stronger, laced with a sense of purpose. Wufei was stupefied. 'No…no…this can't be happening. Why?'
*I will always love you
I will always love you*
She ended the song with a whisper.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, her eyes on Wufei. Then, she climbed down the steps leading to the stage and out of the karaoke bar amidst the cheers and applause.
