Fireworks
Part 6
By: Silverstar
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey! Well, here it is, the next chapter! I think there's only going to be one more after this, but you never know. I could start writing and never stop...^^ Sorry this one took so long, but with school starting up and all it's hard to write a lot. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon. Please review!
Disclaimer: I don't own the anime Sailor Moon, the manga Sailor Moon, or any of the characters in either. Please don't sue! ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~
Shaking with fear, I put my new shirt on and looked at myself in the mirror.
"This is it Mamoru," I said to myself. "You're meeting Usagi at Rei's temple...this is your first real date with her." Starring back at me from the mirror was a tall, black haired, blue eyed, nervous looking young man. This was the man Usagi fell in love with...Me. Not my car...not my home...not my money...Me. Plain old ordinary Mamoru. Smiling at myself, I put on my jacket and headed for the door. I had to pick Motoki up before the big party at Rei's house. With one last look around, I closed the door and departed for the car.
"Now only if I can keep this dating-Usagi-thing a secret from Motoki...nawww. He'll know just from looking into my eyes. Damnit, that Motoki knows me better than myself!" Laughing at this thought, I turned the ignition on and drove towards his apartment.
~~~~~~~~~~
"No, this isn't right...No, this one isn't either...No, No, No, No...No!" I mumbled as I threw each outfit to the floor. I had to be perfect for Mamoru. I glanced over at Luna and saw that she was giving me a strange look.
"What?!" I demanded as Luna walked over next to me.
"Oh, nothing..." Luna said, but I gave her a tell-now-or die glance, and she continued. "Usagi, this party is being thrown for you. No one will care what you wear. They care about you, not the clothes on your back." I gave her a you-should-know-why-I'm-freaking-out look before rummaging through my closet some more. "Ohhhh..." Luna said softly, popping her head into the closet. "So all the fuss is over this mystery guy, is it? Well, I'm sure Mamoru doesn't care what you wear either. He just cares that you're okay." I stopped dead in my tracks, and as I hurried to get out of my closet I bumped my head on the ceiling.
"Owwwww..." I whined, getting all the way out of the closet. "Luna, how do you know about Mamoru? Hmnn?" Than, my face grew red with anger. "Did Ami-chan tell you Luna! Because if she did..."
"No one told me Usagi. I know only because I know you so well. Also, I hear you call his name out in your sleep." I blushed, and sat down next to her. "So, Ami knows?" I nodded my head, and picked Luna up, petting her as she purred.
"Hai...And Mamoru is going to be at the party this afternoon. And I'm so happy...but I'm worried also. What about Rei-chan Luna? I know in my heart that the others will support me...And Rei too...But it will hurt her so...She cares for Mamoru and I don't want to break her heart." I buried my face in Luna's fur and started to cry. After a few moments, Luna spoke.
"Usagi...When you're with Mamoru, how do you feel?" I lifted my head and starred off into space for a moment. Then smiling, I spoke.
"I feel like an angel in heaven...Like I'm melting and I can't stop... And I feel as if he can see my inner most feelings with one short glance. I feel cold when I stray from his firm embrace, but his smile makes me warm all over. I need him, want him, and love him." Smiling, I looked down at Luna and saw understanding, love, and encouragement written on her face.
"Tell that to Rei-chan, and she'll understand. When she sees the feelings you have for Mamoru and the feelings Mamoru has for you, she'll let him go. With time, she'll stop hurting, and feel only love and happiness towards your relationship." I looked at Luna with worry. "Trust me Usagi. Rei loves you more than she'll ever love Mamoru, if that's even what she feels for him. Your friendship will survive over her feelings for him." I dried my eyes and set Luna on the floor.
"Arigato Luna. Now, will you help me pick out an outfit for the party?" She nodded her head, and we were again entangled in the mass of clothing in my closet.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here I was, standing in Rei's temple with a cold drink in my hand...yet Usagi was no where in sight. I looked around the room for the thousandth time, and then walked outside where more guests were talking. It was four o'clock, and the party didn't end until midnight. Without Usagi by my side, it was going to be a long night....*THWACK!
"Wah!" I yelped in surprise, turning to find Motoki with his hand on my back.
"Hey man," he smirked, pleased with himself for scaring me.
"Hey," I replied, continuing my search for Usa.
"You need to relax Mamoru," Motoki told me, breaking me from my surveillance of the room. "She'll be here in time. Until then, have some fun. That's what parties are for." I looked at my best friend and let out a sigh.
"Gomen Motoki," I apologized. "I'm just nervous I guess...Tonight's the night everyone will find out about us." Motoki smiled at me and slapped me on the back.
"C'mon Mamoru, let's circulate throughout the room. Oh look, Ami-chan's standing over there all by herself. Let's go say hi." I looked over and saw Ami standing in the doorway, coming out onto the porch. She was wearing a light blue sundress with a border of white flowers around the bottom. And yes...she did look a little lonely.
"Okay Motoki, let's go," I replied. Slowly, we walked over to where Ami was standing.
"Hi Ami," Motoki greeted, breaking Ami out of her thinking trance.
"Oh, hello Motoki, hi Mamoru, how are you guys doing?"
"We're doing okay," I replied. "What about you? You're standing here all alone."
"Oh," she said, surprised. "Hmnn...Well, if you're asking where Usagi is, she should be here soon." I gawked at her while Motoki started laughing. And when he starts, he can't stop. After a few minutes and a few knocks on Motoki's head, I spoke.
"Y-You know?" I asked in a shocked voice. Ami looked at me sweetly and shook her head as she started to laugh.
"Oh Mamoru, you two are so transparent. I knew ages ago. Probably before you even knew it." I smiled at the comment and she continued. "Usagi confessed to me a while ago, before the accident. Who do you think has been trying to set you two up? Motoki and me." I starred at my friend and he responded by laughing some more. Shaking my head in surrender, I held up my hands.
"Okay, I admit it," I said. "You two are way ahead of me." We all started laughing and after a few moments I composed myself. "Actually," Ami-chan, I was wondering where all your friends were."
"Oh...Well, Rei is somewhere around here making sure everything is perfect for her guests," Ami smiled, imagining what Rei was cleaning at that exact moment. "Minako and Makoto are coming together, but they had to do the finishing touches on Usagi's cake. And...Usagi should be coming with her family. Knowing her mother, they're probably still at home taking pictures of everyone." We all laughed at the thought of how annoyed Usagi probably was, dying to get to the party. *CLUNK* Looking up, we saw Minako and Makoto standing at the door to the temple, trying to bring the huge cake into the room without ruining it. After glancing at each other, we all rushed over to help the two girls.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Moooooooommmm," I whined in exasperation. We were lining up for the 10th picture, and we were going to be late for the party.
"Oh, just one more Usagi. C'mon Shingo, put your arm around her..." *CLICK* "Okay everyone, let's get in the car." I looked at my mother with annoyance and sighed, glad that we were finally going to get going. I followed Mother, Father, and Shingo out to the car, sliding into a seat and lifting Luna onto my lap.
"You're bringing the CAT?!" Shingo asked, looking at me like I was crazy.
"Hey, Luna deserves to go too," I argued. "All my friends will be there, and she's my friend too." Shingo looked at me and snickered, poking Luna in the stomach. He received a scratch on the hand for that one...^^
Looking out the car window, I saw buildings and cars pass. We were on our way to the temple, to my party, and, most importantly, to the one I loved...Mamoru.
"Luna," I whispered nervously. She looked up at me, silent concern in her eyes. "How do you think my parents will react?" I whispered into her ear. I felt tears of worry build under my eyelids, but they went away quickly after Luna's words.
"Don't worry Usagi," Luna whispered. "They love you, and always will. I'm sure they'll accept your feelings. They want you to be happy, and if that means you being with Mamoru, then they'll support your decision." I smiled down at Luna, and then continued staring out the car window. I hope Luna's right...I pray she is right.
~~~~~~~~~~
"HEY! EVERYONE!!" Minako shouted. "USAGI'S OUTSIDE!!!!" There was a murmur of excitement throughout the temple as everyone rushed inside the front room. I looked up from my place in the kitchen when I heard Minako's announcement. Usagi was here. Motoki came up behind me and slapped me on the back.
"All right Mamoru. She's here at last," he said to me as he ran with the rest into the front room. Getting up slowly, I looked back down at the cake. It was huge, and I smiled at the fact that Usagi would probably eat more than half. Gaining courage with this thought, I walked through the kitchen doors, down the hall, and into the front room. There was a crowd of people in front of me, but I was tall enough to see over their heads. I held my breath as the door swung open...But it was only Usagi's parents and her brother. They quickly stepped to the side and waited for their daughter to enter. Two seconds later, she was through the door. I smiled at her shocked and happy smile as the crowd started to cheer for her. She was beautiful, as always. She was wearing a white dress with red roses around the edge. It had a V-neck line and was sleeveless. Her hair was done up in her signature odangos, and she had a rose wrapped around one of her buns. I smiled at the thought that it was one of the roses I had given her...She had actually kept them alive this long.
~~~~~~~~~~
We pulled up to the temple and my heart started to beat excitedly. We were here at last! I quickly unbuckled my seat belt and followed my family to the door, Luna beside me. But, as they entered through the front, I stopped for a moment. Panic swept through me at the thought of telling all those people about Mamoru...But I loved him, and that gave me strength. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, and through the front door.
I was almost knocked down with surprise when I walked in and saw all my family and friends surrounding me, cheering as I entered. Surprised and embarrassed, I smiled at all of them, soaking in the sight around me. In the front were my four best friends in the whole world. Rei, Ami, Minako, and Makoto were standing there, front and center, cheering the loudest. Behind them stood Motoki, Molly, and Melvin. On my right were Mom, Dad, and Shingo. Surrounding them were friends from school, family, and some people that I hardly knew. I glanced down at Luna to find that Artemis had joined her, and they were meowing their cheers at me. Laughing at the cats, I finally realized something. Where was Mamoru? I hadn't seen him. As the cheering slowed down, I continued looking fro my prince. There, at the back of the crowd, I saw his head pop up. My eyes widened as I realized that he was standing on a chair. Smiling at them all, I comically curtsied and laughed along with them. Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami surrounded me in a hug, and I hugged them back, never taking my eyes off Mamo-chan. I guess the crowd saw the direction of my gaze, because before I knew it a path had cleared. My friends let go of me and turned to find Mamoru on his chair at the end of the path. I saw as he blushed self-consciously, and jumped off to the ground. I locked eyes with him, and he walked forward to join my friends in a group hug. Motoki, Melvin, and Molly soon followed suit.
"Welcome back Usagi!" Motoki shouted, and the party began. The crowd slowly moved towards me, and I received welcome backs from many of my friends, family, and acquaintances. My close friends, and sadly Mamoru, were pushed away to make room for the crowd. Soon, I was so busy saying hello to everyone, and thanking them, that I lost track of Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami, and Mamoru all together. A half-hour later the crowd had thinned as more people started to go outside or go into the dinning room. I looked around to catch sight of any of my close friends, but they were no where in sight. Sighing to myself, I headed towards the kitchen.
"Usagi!" I heard a voice shout as I entered. Of course, it was Makoto. I ran over to her and she gave me a hug. "So, you finally got away from your admirers?" she asked, laughing as I sighed with the memory.
"Yeah, I'm a free woman," I joked, laughing with her. "So, whatcha making in here?"
"Well," Makoto answered. "Most of it is already out in the dining room. Do you know that Rei had the nerve to hire a caterer!? I mean, really! With me here, it wasn't necessary at all!" I smiled at her annoyance over being served. "So, I'm mostly supervising in here. We're working on deserts. You're going to love them Usagi, you really are."
"Yum, I can't wait!" I squealed, mouth watering. Then, without warning, Makoto looked around and ushered me into a quiet and empty corner. "Hey, what's up Makoto? Why all the discreetness?"
"I want to ask you something Usagi," she said.
"Nani? Is something wrong?" I asked.
"Oh, No. I just wanted to know...Did you notice how Mamoru came up to join in our group hug...and he was standing on a chair to get you to see him. I thought he hated you. What was with that?" I looked at Makoto's confused face and started to blush. Just the mention of his name made me feel all warm and tingly. "Usagi?" she asked, seeing my blush. "Am I missing somethi-*gasp*" I looked at her and saw that sparkle in her eye. She had figured it out. "Usagi!" she squealed, drawing looks from all the caterers. "So that mystery guy...and the roses....Mamoru!" she squealed again, giving me a hug.
"Makoto...you're drawing attention," I whispered as she let me go.
"Oh, sorry," she whispered. "But come on girl! You're going to have to fill me in on the details!" I smiled and opened my mouth to start when Rei-chan came in.
"Usagi? Why are you in here? There's a party outside for you!" she told me in Rei fashion. I looked at Makoto as she was about to tell Rei and silenced her with a glance. Her eyes grew wide as she thought of Rei, and her feelings for Mamoru. She then gave my hand a squeeze before Rei grabbed me and dragged me out of the kitchen. She let go and popped her heed back in. "And you, Makoto! I hired these guys for a reason. To keep you out of here so you could enjoy the party! You already had fun making the cake! I'm giving you ten minutes before I drag you out!" She turned around, smiling and flushed, and looked me over. Smiling, she gave me a hug. "I'm so glad you're back Usagi. We've really missed you."
"Thanks Rei, I've missed you too."
"All right, I have to go tend to Makoto" she said, back to her normal self. "Go enjoy the party, ok? It's for you." With that, she disappeared back into he kitchen and I was alone.
"Wow," I whispered to myself. "Makoto wasn't horrified, or angry...she was happy for me. Ami and Luna were right. I don't have to worry." With that, I headed into the dinning room. As I walked in I couldn't help but smile. Minako was hovering by the cake with Ami and Motoki behind her, trying to drag her away...with little success.
"Hey, c'mon guys!" Minako whined. "It looks so delicious...and I just want a piece."
"No Minako," Ami said sternly. "You know very well that Usagi's going to cut the cake later AFTER everyone gets dinner and the deserts are brought out. " I watched as Minako slumped in disappointment and gave up on her quest for sugary goodness.
"Oh Minako," I laughed as I walked over and put my arm around her. "Don't worry, I'll give you the first piece." My friends smiled at my presence and Minako squealed happily.
"Thanks Usagi, you don't know how hard it was to help Makoto bring the cake over from her place and not touch it."
"So, how are you enjoying the party?" Motoki asked.
"I guess I'm having fun so far," I replied. "But I haven't gotten anything to eat yet."
"Oh wow, you must be starved!" Minako exclaimed. "C'mon, let's take you to get something." With that, I was dragged by my friends to the buffet. On the table I found tons and tons of food waiting to be eaten...And it was I who would take on the challenge. Smiling at this thought, I loaded up my plate and followed my friends to some chairs and a table.
Part 6
By: Silverstar
~~~~~~~~~~
Hey! Well, here it is, the next chapter! I think there's only going to be one more after this, but you never know. I could start writing and never stop...^^ Sorry this one took so long, but with school starting up and all it's hard to write a lot. I'll try to get the next chapter out soon. Please review!
Disclaimer: I don't own the anime Sailor Moon, the manga Sailor Moon, or any of the characters in either. Please don't sue! ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~
Shaking with fear, I put my new shirt on and looked at myself in the mirror.
"This is it Mamoru," I said to myself. "You're meeting Usagi at Rei's temple...this is your first real date with her." Starring back at me from the mirror was a tall, black haired, blue eyed, nervous looking young man. This was the man Usagi fell in love with...Me. Not my car...not my home...not my money...Me. Plain old ordinary Mamoru. Smiling at myself, I put on my jacket and headed for the door. I had to pick Motoki up before the big party at Rei's house. With one last look around, I closed the door and departed for the car.
"Now only if I can keep this dating-Usagi-thing a secret from Motoki...nawww. He'll know just from looking into my eyes. Damnit, that Motoki knows me better than myself!" Laughing at this thought, I turned the ignition on and drove towards his apartment.
~~~~~~~~~~
"No, this isn't right...No, this one isn't either...No, No, No, No...No!" I mumbled as I threw each outfit to the floor. I had to be perfect for Mamoru. I glanced over at Luna and saw that she was giving me a strange look.
"What?!" I demanded as Luna walked over next to me.
"Oh, nothing..." Luna said, but I gave her a tell-now-or die glance, and she continued. "Usagi, this party is being thrown for you. No one will care what you wear. They care about you, not the clothes on your back." I gave her a you-should-know-why-I'm-freaking-out look before rummaging through my closet some more. "Ohhhh..." Luna said softly, popping her head into the closet. "So all the fuss is over this mystery guy, is it? Well, I'm sure Mamoru doesn't care what you wear either. He just cares that you're okay." I stopped dead in my tracks, and as I hurried to get out of my closet I bumped my head on the ceiling.
"Owwwww..." I whined, getting all the way out of the closet. "Luna, how do you know about Mamoru? Hmnn?" Than, my face grew red with anger. "Did Ami-chan tell you Luna! Because if she did..."
"No one told me Usagi. I know only because I know you so well. Also, I hear you call his name out in your sleep." I blushed, and sat down next to her. "So, Ami knows?" I nodded my head, and picked Luna up, petting her as she purred.
"Hai...And Mamoru is going to be at the party this afternoon. And I'm so happy...but I'm worried also. What about Rei-chan Luna? I know in my heart that the others will support me...And Rei too...But it will hurt her so...She cares for Mamoru and I don't want to break her heart." I buried my face in Luna's fur and started to cry. After a few moments, Luna spoke.
"Usagi...When you're with Mamoru, how do you feel?" I lifted my head and starred off into space for a moment. Then smiling, I spoke.
"I feel like an angel in heaven...Like I'm melting and I can't stop... And I feel as if he can see my inner most feelings with one short glance. I feel cold when I stray from his firm embrace, but his smile makes me warm all over. I need him, want him, and love him." Smiling, I looked down at Luna and saw understanding, love, and encouragement written on her face.
"Tell that to Rei-chan, and she'll understand. When she sees the feelings you have for Mamoru and the feelings Mamoru has for you, she'll let him go. With time, she'll stop hurting, and feel only love and happiness towards your relationship." I looked at Luna with worry. "Trust me Usagi. Rei loves you more than she'll ever love Mamoru, if that's even what she feels for him. Your friendship will survive over her feelings for him." I dried my eyes and set Luna on the floor.
"Arigato Luna. Now, will you help me pick out an outfit for the party?" She nodded her head, and we were again entangled in the mass of clothing in my closet.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here I was, standing in Rei's temple with a cold drink in my hand...yet Usagi was no where in sight. I looked around the room for the thousandth time, and then walked outside where more guests were talking. It was four o'clock, and the party didn't end until midnight. Without Usagi by my side, it was going to be a long night....*THWACK!
"Wah!" I yelped in surprise, turning to find Motoki with his hand on my back.
"Hey man," he smirked, pleased with himself for scaring me.
"Hey," I replied, continuing my search for Usa.
"You need to relax Mamoru," Motoki told me, breaking me from my surveillance of the room. "She'll be here in time. Until then, have some fun. That's what parties are for." I looked at my best friend and let out a sigh.
"Gomen Motoki," I apologized. "I'm just nervous I guess...Tonight's the night everyone will find out about us." Motoki smiled at me and slapped me on the back.
"C'mon Mamoru, let's circulate throughout the room. Oh look, Ami-chan's standing over there all by herself. Let's go say hi." I looked over and saw Ami standing in the doorway, coming out onto the porch. She was wearing a light blue sundress with a border of white flowers around the bottom. And yes...she did look a little lonely.
"Okay Motoki, let's go," I replied. Slowly, we walked over to where Ami was standing.
"Hi Ami," Motoki greeted, breaking Ami out of her thinking trance.
"Oh, hello Motoki, hi Mamoru, how are you guys doing?"
"We're doing okay," I replied. "What about you? You're standing here all alone."
"Oh," she said, surprised. "Hmnn...Well, if you're asking where Usagi is, she should be here soon." I gawked at her while Motoki started laughing. And when he starts, he can't stop. After a few minutes and a few knocks on Motoki's head, I spoke.
"Y-You know?" I asked in a shocked voice. Ami looked at me sweetly and shook her head as she started to laugh.
"Oh Mamoru, you two are so transparent. I knew ages ago. Probably before you even knew it." I smiled at the comment and she continued. "Usagi confessed to me a while ago, before the accident. Who do you think has been trying to set you two up? Motoki and me." I starred at my friend and he responded by laughing some more. Shaking my head in surrender, I held up my hands.
"Okay, I admit it," I said. "You two are way ahead of me." We all started laughing and after a few moments I composed myself. "Actually," Ami-chan, I was wondering where all your friends were."
"Oh...Well, Rei is somewhere around here making sure everything is perfect for her guests," Ami smiled, imagining what Rei was cleaning at that exact moment. "Minako and Makoto are coming together, but they had to do the finishing touches on Usagi's cake. And...Usagi should be coming with her family. Knowing her mother, they're probably still at home taking pictures of everyone." We all laughed at the thought of how annoyed Usagi probably was, dying to get to the party. *CLUNK* Looking up, we saw Minako and Makoto standing at the door to the temple, trying to bring the huge cake into the room without ruining it. After glancing at each other, we all rushed over to help the two girls.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Moooooooommmm," I whined in exasperation. We were lining up for the 10th picture, and we were going to be late for the party.
"Oh, just one more Usagi. C'mon Shingo, put your arm around her..." *CLICK* "Okay everyone, let's get in the car." I looked at my mother with annoyance and sighed, glad that we were finally going to get going. I followed Mother, Father, and Shingo out to the car, sliding into a seat and lifting Luna onto my lap.
"You're bringing the CAT?!" Shingo asked, looking at me like I was crazy.
"Hey, Luna deserves to go too," I argued. "All my friends will be there, and she's my friend too." Shingo looked at me and snickered, poking Luna in the stomach. He received a scratch on the hand for that one...^^
Looking out the car window, I saw buildings and cars pass. We were on our way to the temple, to my party, and, most importantly, to the one I loved...Mamoru.
"Luna," I whispered nervously. She looked up at me, silent concern in her eyes. "How do you think my parents will react?" I whispered into her ear. I felt tears of worry build under my eyelids, but they went away quickly after Luna's words.
"Don't worry Usagi," Luna whispered. "They love you, and always will. I'm sure they'll accept your feelings. They want you to be happy, and if that means you being with Mamoru, then they'll support your decision." I smiled down at Luna, and then continued staring out the car window. I hope Luna's right...I pray she is right.
~~~~~~~~~~
"HEY! EVERYONE!!" Minako shouted. "USAGI'S OUTSIDE!!!!" There was a murmur of excitement throughout the temple as everyone rushed inside the front room. I looked up from my place in the kitchen when I heard Minako's announcement. Usagi was here. Motoki came up behind me and slapped me on the back.
"All right Mamoru. She's here at last," he said to me as he ran with the rest into the front room. Getting up slowly, I looked back down at the cake. It was huge, and I smiled at the fact that Usagi would probably eat more than half. Gaining courage with this thought, I walked through the kitchen doors, down the hall, and into the front room. There was a crowd of people in front of me, but I was tall enough to see over their heads. I held my breath as the door swung open...But it was only Usagi's parents and her brother. They quickly stepped to the side and waited for their daughter to enter. Two seconds later, she was through the door. I smiled at her shocked and happy smile as the crowd started to cheer for her. She was beautiful, as always. She was wearing a white dress with red roses around the edge. It had a V-neck line and was sleeveless. Her hair was done up in her signature odangos, and she had a rose wrapped around one of her buns. I smiled at the thought that it was one of the roses I had given her...She had actually kept them alive this long.
~~~~~~~~~~
We pulled up to the temple and my heart started to beat excitedly. We were here at last! I quickly unbuckled my seat belt and followed my family to the door, Luna beside me. But, as they entered through the front, I stopped for a moment. Panic swept through me at the thought of telling all those people about Mamoru...But I loved him, and that gave me strength. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, and through the front door.
I was almost knocked down with surprise when I walked in and saw all my family and friends surrounding me, cheering as I entered. Surprised and embarrassed, I smiled at all of them, soaking in the sight around me. In the front were my four best friends in the whole world. Rei, Ami, Minako, and Makoto were standing there, front and center, cheering the loudest. Behind them stood Motoki, Molly, and Melvin. On my right were Mom, Dad, and Shingo. Surrounding them were friends from school, family, and some people that I hardly knew. I glanced down at Luna to find that Artemis had joined her, and they were meowing their cheers at me. Laughing at the cats, I finally realized something. Where was Mamoru? I hadn't seen him. As the cheering slowed down, I continued looking fro my prince. There, at the back of the crowd, I saw his head pop up. My eyes widened as I realized that he was standing on a chair. Smiling at them all, I comically curtsied and laughed along with them. Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami surrounded me in a hug, and I hugged them back, never taking my eyes off Mamo-chan. I guess the crowd saw the direction of my gaze, because before I knew it a path had cleared. My friends let go of me and turned to find Mamoru on his chair at the end of the path. I saw as he blushed self-consciously, and jumped off to the ground. I locked eyes with him, and he walked forward to join my friends in a group hug. Motoki, Melvin, and Molly soon followed suit.
"Welcome back Usagi!" Motoki shouted, and the party began. The crowd slowly moved towards me, and I received welcome backs from many of my friends, family, and acquaintances. My close friends, and sadly Mamoru, were pushed away to make room for the crowd. Soon, I was so busy saying hello to everyone, and thanking them, that I lost track of Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami, and Mamoru all together. A half-hour later the crowd had thinned as more people started to go outside or go into the dinning room. I looked around to catch sight of any of my close friends, but they were no where in sight. Sighing to myself, I headed towards the kitchen.
"Usagi!" I heard a voice shout as I entered. Of course, it was Makoto. I ran over to her and she gave me a hug. "So, you finally got away from your admirers?" she asked, laughing as I sighed with the memory.
"Yeah, I'm a free woman," I joked, laughing with her. "So, whatcha making in here?"
"Well," Makoto answered. "Most of it is already out in the dining room. Do you know that Rei had the nerve to hire a caterer!? I mean, really! With me here, it wasn't necessary at all!" I smiled at her annoyance over being served. "So, I'm mostly supervising in here. We're working on deserts. You're going to love them Usagi, you really are."
"Yum, I can't wait!" I squealed, mouth watering. Then, without warning, Makoto looked around and ushered me into a quiet and empty corner. "Hey, what's up Makoto? Why all the discreetness?"
"I want to ask you something Usagi," she said.
"Nani? Is something wrong?" I asked.
"Oh, No. I just wanted to know...Did you notice how Mamoru came up to join in our group hug...and he was standing on a chair to get you to see him. I thought he hated you. What was with that?" I looked at Makoto's confused face and started to blush. Just the mention of his name made me feel all warm and tingly. "Usagi?" she asked, seeing my blush. "Am I missing somethi-*gasp*" I looked at her and saw that sparkle in her eye. She had figured it out. "Usagi!" she squealed, drawing looks from all the caterers. "So that mystery guy...and the roses....Mamoru!" she squealed again, giving me a hug.
"Makoto...you're drawing attention," I whispered as she let me go.
"Oh, sorry," she whispered. "But come on girl! You're going to have to fill me in on the details!" I smiled and opened my mouth to start when Rei-chan came in.
"Usagi? Why are you in here? There's a party outside for you!" she told me in Rei fashion. I looked at Makoto as she was about to tell Rei and silenced her with a glance. Her eyes grew wide as she thought of Rei, and her feelings for Mamoru. She then gave my hand a squeeze before Rei grabbed me and dragged me out of the kitchen. She let go and popped her heed back in. "And you, Makoto! I hired these guys for a reason. To keep you out of here so you could enjoy the party! You already had fun making the cake! I'm giving you ten minutes before I drag you out!" She turned around, smiling and flushed, and looked me over. Smiling, she gave me a hug. "I'm so glad you're back Usagi. We've really missed you."
"Thanks Rei, I've missed you too."
"All right, I have to go tend to Makoto" she said, back to her normal self. "Go enjoy the party, ok? It's for you." With that, she disappeared back into he kitchen and I was alone.
"Wow," I whispered to myself. "Makoto wasn't horrified, or angry...she was happy for me. Ami and Luna were right. I don't have to worry." With that, I headed into the dinning room. As I walked in I couldn't help but smile. Minako was hovering by the cake with Ami and Motoki behind her, trying to drag her away...with little success.
"Hey, c'mon guys!" Minako whined. "It looks so delicious...and I just want a piece."
"No Minako," Ami said sternly. "You know very well that Usagi's going to cut the cake later AFTER everyone gets dinner and the deserts are brought out. " I watched as Minako slumped in disappointment and gave up on her quest for sugary goodness.
"Oh Minako," I laughed as I walked over and put my arm around her. "Don't worry, I'll give you the first piece." My friends smiled at my presence and Minako squealed happily.
"Thanks Usagi, you don't know how hard it was to help Makoto bring the cake over from her place and not touch it."
"So, how are you enjoying the party?" Motoki asked.
"I guess I'm having fun so far," I replied. "But I haven't gotten anything to eat yet."
"Oh wow, you must be starved!" Minako exclaimed. "C'mon, let's take you to get something." With that, I was dragged by my friends to the buffet. On the table I found tons and tons of food waiting to be eaten...And it was I who would take on the challenge. Smiling at this thought, I loaded up my plate and followed my friends to some chairs and a table.