Grr Argh. OK. Third Chapters up. This is the one where I show you
what makes this fic different from other Mako/Ami fics(Not that there are
nearly enough of them. And the ones there are aren't finished. Or UPDATED.
*wink wink, nudge nudge, you know who you are*). So this is Makoto's POV
again. I tried to make it flow like my shorter stuff but it doesn't always
work that way. Did my best.
===========================================================
I had completely forgotten that Ami had gone to Haruka's house! I
realllllly had to resist the urge to hit myself for forgetting. Anything
that has to do with Ami is usually retained far better than other forms of
knowledge. As I watched her turn the corner, I wondered what she was doing
here in the first place.
Setsuna came out and watched Ami backpedal her way down the street before disappearing around the corner. She touched my arm and retreated back into the house. I followed a moment behind.
The swish of Setsuna's hair was the only sound I could hear until we neared the kitchen again. Then I heard a sound that reminded me of Usagi, who, princess or not, had yet to learn the finer points of manners. It sounded like Usagi when she was trying to get her fill before Rei and Minako could come along and inhale it all before her.
"Aa-HEM." A not-so-subtle signal to the occupants of the room. I poked my head around Setsuna and found Haruka and Michiru in the middle of a heavy make out session. As in, clothes were quickly becoming optional. I pulled my head back and leaned against the wall.
"A-h-HEM."
Smack, dribble, smack . . .
"...."
I glanced over at Setsuna, who looked, well, I guess pissed is the best way to describe it.
Slurp, nibble . . .
"AHEM DAMNIT!"
WHAM!
"Haruka?!? Are you okay!?!"
"Ow, ow, OW! Damnit Setsuna! What the hell is wrong with you?! You know you can't do stuff like that while-"
"-you're suctioning Michiru's face off?"
"...Something like that . . . "
I stepped around Setsuna and into the two women's line of sight.
"Oh yes. We have a guest."
Haruka tried to look suave as she got off the floor and back into the chair she was formerly occupying. And damnit to hell, much as I hate to admit it, she did. That takes skill. Gotta respect that. So I didn't laugh.
"Graceful. Sloppy on the dismount. That's gonna cost you points."
Much.
Michiru glared at me.
So I shut the hell up. Fast. And managed to look contrite about the whole thing as well. You don't piss of a water senshi.
Setsuna gestured me into the room before her and headed for the teapot on the gas stove as I seated myself across from Haruka.
"Want some?" Setsuna asked.
"Yes. Please."
She chuckled to herself. As she walked over to the table, I heard her mumbling as she went past.
"...said please. OTHER people, people who SHOULD be polite since I do everything in this house but of course THEY only have time to acknowledge each other's presence, not . . . "
She muttered a bit more before setting the cup in front of me. Haruka and Michiru ignored Setsuna, or were simply unaware. Probably the latter. For obvious reasons.
"You know I only have feelings for you," Haruka cooed. "Nobody else even compares . . . "
Michiru was regarding the rest of the world with indifference. Totally absorbed in Haruka's voice.
"So Haruka, Makoto came over to borrow the car and now we're both going to go bar-hopping. See you guys later."
Talk about far left from Setsuna.
Haruka waved her away and Michiru remained dead to the rest of the world.
That was definitely weird. Setsuna didn't even hesitate. She grabbed my hand, dragged me into the hallway, snatched up the keys and ran to the garage.
"Hurry up would you?!? This is a once in a blue moon event!!"
I hopped in without hesitation, buckling myself before she made me a smear on the windshield. There was a reason Setsuna was acting as if she'd never drove before. It was probably 'cause she hadn't. Not lately anyway.
Yeah.
So I buckled up.
Setsuna peeled out of the driveway like she was being chased, which I'm sure she believed she would be once Haruka came into her right mind.
Once we were a reasonable distance away, Setsuna slowed considerably. I was afraid she was serious about the bar-hopping for a while, but I realized that she was joking. Thankfully. 'Cause me and clubs? We don't mix. Well, me and the people in clubs. Someone always ends up bleeding. And you can sure as hell bet it ain't me.
Eventually she made her way outside of town. We drove past the beaches, and a few miniature forests. Silence most of the way. Broken by interludes where Setsuna started singing random songs she remembered from somewhere or other. Obviously the woman doesn't get out much. Eventually she got tired of me giving her weird looks and turned on the radio.
Well, you learn new things everyday. Evidently Setsuna is a major punk. Or minor punk. Maybe she just likes rock. Or whatever the hell she was listening to. I was just trying to figure out how she knew the words. I never heard her listen to music before.
So of course Setsuna starts singing. =========================================================== I picked you up on a gray day - the New Jersey turnpike
I'll give you lots of yummy candy if ya like
Sophia, your hair is like silk
Sophia, your skin is like milk
That truck stop, baby, everybody loved you I held you close, you were mine - everyone knew
Sophia, "el perro" in Madrid
Sophia, the one I love es usted (in this van) =========================================================== "Setsuna."
She turned to me with the biggest smile on her face.
"What the HELL is this?!"
"This my dear girl, is art."
=========================================================== Me and Sophia driving all week giggling and wiggling our feet
Gotta make time so we cannot stop
Wearing just panties cause it's too hot
Rolling fast through every hick town =========================================================== "Noooo. This is weird."
"Do not diss Bif. She is wise beyond her years."
"..."
=========================================================== When you pant at me, Sophia, I know what you're thinking
It feels so hot, I'll bet you'd rather be drinking
Sophia, just hold on forty miles
Sophia, I live for all your smiles (in this van) ===========================================================
"...."
=========================================================== Me and Sophia driving all week giggling and wiggling our feet
Gotta make time so we cannot stop
Wearing just panties cause it's too hot
Rolling fast through every hick town
Tank of gas better last till sundown ===========================================================
"You are strange."
"I have been told that, yes. Oh! Wait I have this CD! Somewhere in this car! I forgot it when Haruka took us all out for ice cream." Now what does Setsuna do? Forgets she's driving and starts trying to find the DAMN CD!
"SETSUNA!"
"What?" SHE sounded miffed. "I got it all under control. Calm down."
"ARE YOU DRUNK!? Or just insane?!?"
She waved an idle hand my way while she inserted the disc.
I watched her like a hawk. And was beginning to question the wisdom of putting myself through all this torture without proof she could help me.
Finally she parked on an overlook. One of many, many, many spots used mostly for making out. I know. I've been to most of them for one reason or another. Usually in the line of duty. Usually.
It was still way too early for this spot to be in use, and it probably would be going ignored until other spots filled up. Most of the time people want a view of the sunrise/set or the Tokyo lights. You couldn't see much of either here.
"So what'd you want?"
She wasn't looking at me. She was focused on the power windows. She pushed the two top switches and the front windows went down. Flipping of her shoes, she slid back in the seat and crossed her arms over her stomach. She left the car on and put her feet out the window, enjoying the breeze. I soon followed suit. It was quiet for a time with the CD playing low in the background under the wind and other ambient sounds.
"Makoto?"
"Hmm?"
"Hotaru said you had something you wanted to talk about. Who'd you need to speak to?"
I shifted further down into the seat. "You actually."
"Good. Because it occurred to me that you can't really speak to Haruka and Michiru now that I've kidnaped you."
"I came willingly."
"Semantics."
"Right."
"...So?"
"I wanted to talk to you about these dreams I've been having. But they don't feel like dreams. They're . . . different. Like, more realistic. They don't have the random feel a dream has."
She nodded, gazing out the window at the trees surrounding us on three sides. "What are they about?"
Yikes. No use beating around the bush. "Me an' Ami. But where we are, it looks like Crystal Tokyo. Wait. No, it's the Moon Kingdom. 'Cause I remember seeing the Earth in the sky one time."
Slowly Setsuna turned to face me. She looked mildly surprised.
"You were expecting this I take it?"
"Not so much what you'd be seeing. I wasn't expecting anyone to remember anything for a few years yet."
"Wait. Backup. Remember?"
She nodded again. "From how you've described it, You've been regaining memories." I just stared. "Good girl." She finished, reaching over to pat my head. Which under most circumstances would have infuriated me.
Well. That just adds a new level of weirdness.
"No way."
"Huh?"
"There is no way that these things I've been imagining are memories."
"Are you arguing with me child? Tell me about them. Why can't they be memories?"
Uhh, 'cause the Ami in my dreams is attracted to me.
"They just can't be real."
"Tell me about one."
"Promise you won't tell anyone."
"I promise."
"Okay. I finally decided to ask you about them because I've had two of them in the last week and normally I don't dream at all. Let alone about the Moon Kingdom."
She shifted her arms behind her head and focused her attention on me. "So tell me about them. One of them at least."
"Well we, the inner scouts, are all at this ball . . . "
===================================================
"Come on Jupiter! You can't sulk ALL night!"
I glared at the blonde-haired princess of Venus.
"Or maybe you can."
My only reply was a loud grunt and a cold shoulder.
"Fine! Be that way! Act like it's my fault . . . " She stalked away, swishing to the Mars and Moon princesses' sides. They tend to stay together since none of them can dance and they all look like they're drunk when they do. I felt bad about how I treated Venus, but the girl just can't take a hint. I didn't feel like dealing with all of this.
"Damn meeting . . . " If it hadn't been for that stupid meeting on stupid Mercurial mining rights I'd have someone to talk to in this horrid affair. Lucky Mercury, who doesn't have to come to stupid, stupid dances if she doesn't want to. Everyone accepts that she detests social events, so that gives her leeway to come late and leave early. She really only comes to prove to the nobles that she's still alive.
But she told me she'd be here. It's been so long since the last party, and neither of us has much free time in between gatherings to meet.
"Would you care to dance?"
No.
"Of course." If my guardian saw me decline this dance, he'd keep sending suitors my way. So dance I shall, but I refuse to enjoy it.
And dance I did. For two hours.
Finally I got the chance to rest. The three other attending princesses were bidding the guests farewell. I had managed to shirk that duty. My feet were killing me. If the gentlemen want to dance with me, they should at least learn how. I had to.
"It wouldn't do for a princess to mince onto her partners feet in heels." It wouldn't do for her partner to mince on her feet while she's in heels either.
As I tried to rub feeling back into my toes, I tried to think of some redeeming factor that came out of this evening. I could think of nothing, past the fact that it is now five hours closer to the next time I can see Mercury.
The other girls had wandered of into the gardens, and our guardians had retreated to the throne room to talk shop I suppose. Leaving me alone, thank the Gods. I wasn't sure how much longer my patience would hold out. No chaperones (Actually they're guards, but my guardian prefers they be referred to as chaperones.), not in the heart of the Kingdom. There was simply no need. So I was left in blissful solitude.
After giving up on ever feeling my toes again, I decided to do a very un- princess-like thing that was sure to get me yelled at if anyone saw. I laid down. Just splayed myself out right in the middle of the cool marble floor.
"Oh thank the Goddess . . . " My back ached in protest after having to stoop so long to avoid damaging my suitors' egos, as if I gave a DAMN. I whimpered unintentionally.
"Aww . . . " I smiled at the voice. I already knew who it was. My head lolled to the side as I watched the one person who could make everything better come to my side.
Mercury dropped to her knees at my head.
"Are you alright?"
"Much better now." She blushed. I practically melted into a puddle right where I was. I didn't know how she got here. I really didn't care right then. She was there. That's all that mattered.
"Turn, please."
I couldn't resist teasing her.
"Just like that? What kind of a girl do you think I am?" She just rolled her eyes. Obviously she was getting used to me and my humor again.
When I finally managed to stop looking at her and do as she asked, she began firmly massaging my shoulders and back. This just made me believe more firmly that time spent with Mercury is heaven. "So where is everyone else?"
She knew damn well I'd never be able to answer her questions with her hands distracting me like they were.
"Umm . . . somewhere . . . "
She laughed at my attempts at rational thought. I let her. After all, she was doing me a big favor. REALLY big. Huge. I'd have to pay her back somehow . . . (ahem . . . you didn't hear that . . . )
By now I actually had melted into the floor. Every fiber of my body had turned into a delightful watery substance. I doubt I could have moved even if I had wanted to. Yet she kept moving her skilled hands over my neck, pressing on pulse points, soothing still-aching muscles.
"Where somewhere?"
"Uh . . . here somewhere? On this . . . moon? Probably?"
She laughed outright before suddenly leaning down close to my ear.
"Dance with me."
There was no way I was going to deny her. With her help I was up and cradled in her embrace. She practically carried all of my weight. And still she managed to display a certain amount of grace in her movements. She just barely came up to my chin and I took advantage of the fact, resting my head on top of hers.
She led me into a slow, lazy waltz.
"How did you get here?"
I could feel her smiling into my dress.
"I snuck out."
"You what?!?"
She tugged on my dress.
"Shh. My governess doesn't even know I'm gone. If you want me to stay, you can't let anyone know I'm here." I definitely wanted her to stay. "A friend of mine and his wife snuck me here."
"Mercury! That's dangerous! What if something had happened? Where would we be then?!"
"Nothing happened."
"But it could have!" I was so scared of what I'd do if something had happened to her.
"But it didn't! Please Jupiter! I don't care if it's dangerous. I had to see you."
She pulled me tighter to her, making fists of her hands in the green cloth of my gown.
"Besides. I'm not a total idiot. I left a note. They'll be here to retrieve me by tomorrow afternoon."
I nuzzled her soft blue hair.
"I never said you were an idiot." A sudden thought made me smile. "Tomorrow afternoon, right? That's just a few hours away."
"Yes." Her tone told me exactly how she felt about that.
"Well then. I suppose you'll have to stay in my bedchamber until then."
The answer to that statement was lost as my Mercury burrowed further still into my embrace.
"Mmm, What was that little one?" No one was around to hear my informal tone, so I used one of my pet names for her.
She peeked up at me with one eye. I giggled at her.
"Can we go now, please?"
"Are you getting fresh with me?"
"Of course not." This was said as she was dragging me out of the ballroom.
"Will you hurry up? Your legs are twice as long as mine and I'm in front. Not that I'm complaining about your legs, nope . . . "
"Slow down! Do you want us to get caught . . . ?"
========================================================== There was complete silence after I finished talking. Setsuna was still staring in rapt attention.
"... Is that all? That can't be all."
"That's all I'm telling you."
"Spoilsport." She stretched out, and I could hear the joints in her arms and legs pop. "I am getting old far too quickly."
"You're not old."
"Such a sweet talker. I'm still driving home."
"So . . . are you serious? This actually happened?"
"Serious as a heart-attack. You and Ami made with the kissy-faces once-upon- a-time. Now what are you going to do with that information?"
"I dunno. What should I do about it?"
She lightly rubbed the joints between her knuckles.
"You should talk to her about it. Are you?"
"I suppose I should, shouldn't I?"
"...Something's bothering me though. If Ami was in your memories, she should have remembered them as well. But she didn't mention anything about this while she was talking with us."
"Oh my. Please tell me you're kidding."
"Nope, my guess is Ami's had the naughty memory you won't tell me about, too. She was probably embarrassed to talk about it. She never was much for the love talk. Or the sex talking. You should discuss this with her soon."
"Yeah. Right. I'm just going to make a date with Ami to discuss a memory that ends with us . . . uhhh . . . "
"Going at it like rabbits?"
"Not in so many words . . . "
"You're a smart girl. I'm sure you'll think of something."
"Yeah. Thanks a lot."
ARGHHHHHH!!! I HATE FANFICTION.NET!!!!! .......... OK, not really. But I've had this chapter done for so long that I started second-guessing myself. I reread all my favorite stories by other people and got depressed. Plus, it had the opposite effect I thought it would have on my writer's block. I want to change a few parts of this story to make it fit together better, but I keep worrying about continuity. I'll get the next Chap edited as soon as possible.
P.S. The song was by Bif Naked off of her second album "I Bificus". The song was "Sophia". I am aware that the song had nothing to contribute to the storyline. I just loved the idea of Setsuna singing the song. So sue me.
*If voting could really change things, it would be illegal. Money can't buy happiness. But it sure makes misery easier to live with. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was. *
Setsuna came out and watched Ami backpedal her way down the street before disappearing around the corner. She touched my arm and retreated back into the house. I followed a moment behind.
The swish of Setsuna's hair was the only sound I could hear until we neared the kitchen again. Then I heard a sound that reminded me of Usagi, who, princess or not, had yet to learn the finer points of manners. It sounded like Usagi when she was trying to get her fill before Rei and Minako could come along and inhale it all before her.
"Aa-HEM." A not-so-subtle signal to the occupants of the room. I poked my head around Setsuna and found Haruka and Michiru in the middle of a heavy make out session. As in, clothes were quickly becoming optional. I pulled my head back and leaned against the wall.
"A-h-HEM."
Smack, dribble, smack . . .
"...."
I glanced over at Setsuna, who looked, well, I guess pissed is the best way to describe it.
Slurp, nibble . . .
"AHEM DAMNIT!"
WHAM!
"Haruka?!? Are you okay!?!"
"Ow, ow, OW! Damnit Setsuna! What the hell is wrong with you?! You know you can't do stuff like that while-"
"-you're suctioning Michiru's face off?"
"...Something like that . . . "
I stepped around Setsuna and into the two women's line of sight.
"Oh yes. We have a guest."
Haruka tried to look suave as she got off the floor and back into the chair she was formerly occupying. And damnit to hell, much as I hate to admit it, she did. That takes skill. Gotta respect that. So I didn't laugh.
"Graceful. Sloppy on the dismount. That's gonna cost you points."
Much.
Michiru glared at me.
So I shut the hell up. Fast. And managed to look contrite about the whole thing as well. You don't piss of a water senshi.
Setsuna gestured me into the room before her and headed for the teapot on the gas stove as I seated myself across from Haruka.
"Want some?" Setsuna asked.
"Yes. Please."
She chuckled to herself. As she walked over to the table, I heard her mumbling as she went past.
"...said please. OTHER people, people who SHOULD be polite since I do everything in this house but of course THEY only have time to acknowledge each other's presence, not . . . "
She muttered a bit more before setting the cup in front of me. Haruka and Michiru ignored Setsuna, or were simply unaware. Probably the latter. For obvious reasons.
"You know I only have feelings for you," Haruka cooed. "Nobody else even compares . . . "
Michiru was regarding the rest of the world with indifference. Totally absorbed in Haruka's voice.
"So Haruka, Makoto came over to borrow the car and now we're both going to go bar-hopping. See you guys later."
Talk about far left from Setsuna.
Haruka waved her away and Michiru remained dead to the rest of the world.
That was definitely weird. Setsuna didn't even hesitate. She grabbed my hand, dragged me into the hallway, snatched up the keys and ran to the garage.
"Hurry up would you?!? This is a once in a blue moon event!!"
I hopped in without hesitation, buckling myself before she made me a smear on the windshield. There was a reason Setsuna was acting as if she'd never drove before. It was probably 'cause she hadn't. Not lately anyway.
Yeah.
So I buckled up.
Setsuna peeled out of the driveway like she was being chased, which I'm sure she believed she would be once Haruka came into her right mind.
Once we were a reasonable distance away, Setsuna slowed considerably. I was afraid she was serious about the bar-hopping for a while, but I realized that she was joking. Thankfully. 'Cause me and clubs? We don't mix. Well, me and the people in clubs. Someone always ends up bleeding. And you can sure as hell bet it ain't me.
Eventually she made her way outside of town. We drove past the beaches, and a few miniature forests. Silence most of the way. Broken by interludes where Setsuna started singing random songs she remembered from somewhere or other. Obviously the woman doesn't get out much. Eventually she got tired of me giving her weird looks and turned on the radio.
Well, you learn new things everyday. Evidently Setsuna is a major punk. Or minor punk. Maybe she just likes rock. Or whatever the hell she was listening to. I was just trying to figure out how she knew the words. I never heard her listen to music before.
So of course Setsuna starts singing. =========================================================== I picked you up on a gray day - the New Jersey turnpike
I'll give you lots of yummy candy if ya like
Sophia, your hair is like silk
Sophia, your skin is like milk
That truck stop, baby, everybody loved you I held you close, you were mine - everyone knew
Sophia, "el perro" in Madrid
Sophia, the one I love es usted (in this van) =========================================================== "Setsuna."
She turned to me with the biggest smile on her face.
"What the HELL is this?!"
"This my dear girl, is art."
=========================================================== Me and Sophia driving all week giggling and wiggling our feet
Gotta make time so we cannot stop
Wearing just panties cause it's too hot
Rolling fast through every hick town =========================================================== "Noooo. This is weird."
"Do not diss Bif. She is wise beyond her years."
"..."
=========================================================== When you pant at me, Sophia, I know what you're thinking
It feels so hot, I'll bet you'd rather be drinking
Sophia, just hold on forty miles
Sophia, I live for all your smiles (in this van) ===========================================================
"...."
=========================================================== Me and Sophia driving all week giggling and wiggling our feet
Gotta make time so we cannot stop
Wearing just panties cause it's too hot
Rolling fast through every hick town
Tank of gas better last till sundown ===========================================================
"You are strange."
"I have been told that, yes. Oh! Wait I have this CD! Somewhere in this car! I forgot it when Haruka took us all out for ice cream." Now what does Setsuna do? Forgets she's driving and starts trying to find the DAMN CD!
"SETSUNA!"
"What?" SHE sounded miffed. "I got it all under control. Calm down."
"ARE YOU DRUNK!? Or just insane?!?"
She waved an idle hand my way while she inserted the disc.
I watched her like a hawk. And was beginning to question the wisdom of putting myself through all this torture without proof she could help me.
Finally she parked on an overlook. One of many, many, many spots used mostly for making out. I know. I've been to most of them for one reason or another. Usually in the line of duty. Usually.
It was still way too early for this spot to be in use, and it probably would be going ignored until other spots filled up. Most of the time people want a view of the sunrise/set or the Tokyo lights. You couldn't see much of either here.
"So what'd you want?"
She wasn't looking at me. She was focused on the power windows. She pushed the two top switches and the front windows went down. Flipping of her shoes, she slid back in the seat and crossed her arms over her stomach. She left the car on and put her feet out the window, enjoying the breeze. I soon followed suit. It was quiet for a time with the CD playing low in the background under the wind and other ambient sounds.
"Makoto?"
"Hmm?"
"Hotaru said you had something you wanted to talk about. Who'd you need to speak to?"
I shifted further down into the seat. "You actually."
"Good. Because it occurred to me that you can't really speak to Haruka and Michiru now that I've kidnaped you."
"I came willingly."
"Semantics."
"Right."
"...So?"
"I wanted to talk to you about these dreams I've been having. But they don't feel like dreams. They're . . . different. Like, more realistic. They don't have the random feel a dream has."
She nodded, gazing out the window at the trees surrounding us on three sides. "What are they about?"
Yikes. No use beating around the bush. "Me an' Ami. But where we are, it looks like Crystal Tokyo. Wait. No, it's the Moon Kingdom. 'Cause I remember seeing the Earth in the sky one time."
Slowly Setsuna turned to face me. She looked mildly surprised.
"You were expecting this I take it?"
"Not so much what you'd be seeing. I wasn't expecting anyone to remember anything for a few years yet."
"Wait. Backup. Remember?"
She nodded again. "From how you've described it, You've been regaining memories." I just stared. "Good girl." She finished, reaching over to pat my head. Which under most circumstances would have infuriated me.
Well. That just adds a new level of weirdness.
"No way."
"Huh?"
"There is no way that these things I've been imagining are memories."
"Are you arguing with me child? Tell me about them. Why can't they be memories?"
Uhh, 'cause the Ami in my dreams is attracted to me.
"They just can't be real."
"Tell me about one."
"Promise you won't tell anyone."
"I promise."
"Okay. I finally decided to ask you about them because I've had two of them in the last week and normally I don't dream at all. Let alone about the Moon Kingdom."
She shifted her arms behind her head and focused her attention on me. "So tell me about them. One of them at least."
"Well we, the inner scouts, are all at this ball . . . "
===================================================
"Come on Jupiter! You can't sulk ALL night!"
I glared at the blonde-haired princess of Venus.
"Or maybe you can."
My only reply was a loud grunt and a cold shoulder.
"Fine! Be that way! Act like it's my fault . . . " She stalked away, swishing to the Mars and Moon princesses' sides. They tend to stay together since none of them can dance and they all look like they're drunk when they do. I felt bad about how I treated Venus, but the girl just can't take a hint. I didn't feel like dealing with all of this.
"Damn meeting . . . " If it hadn't been for that stupid meeting on stupid Mercurial mining rights I'd have someone to talk to in this horrid affair. Lucky Mercury, who doesn't have to come to stupid, stupid dances if she doesn't want to. Everyone accepts that she detests social events, so that gives her leeway to come late and leave early. She really only comes to prove to the nobles that she's still alive.
But she told me she'd be here. It's been so long since the last party, and neither of us has much free time in between gatherings to meet.
"Would you care to dance?"
No.
"Of course." If my guardian saw me decline this dance, he'd keep sending suitors my way. So dance I shall, but I refuse to enjoy it.
And dance I did. For two hours.
Finally I got the chance to rest. The three other attending princesses were bidding the guests farewell. I had managed to shirk that duty. My feet were killing me. If the gentlemen want to dance with me, they should at least learn how. I had to.
"It wouldn't do for a princess to mince onto her partners feet in heels." It wouldn't do for her partner to mince on her feet while she's in heels either.
As I tried to rub feeling back into my toes, I tried to think of some redeeming factor that came out of this evening. I could think of nothing, past the fact that it is now five hours closer to the next time I can see Mercury.
The other girls had wandered of into the gardens, and our guardians had retreated to the throne room to talk shop I suppose. Leaving me alone, thank the Gods. I wasn't sure how much longer my patience would hold out. No chaperones (Actually they're guards, but my guardian prefers they be referred to as chaperones.), not in the heart of the Kingdom. There was simply no need. So I was left in blissful solitude.
After giving up on ever feeling my toes again, I decided to do a very un- princess-like thing that was sure to get me yelled at if anyone saw. I laid down. Just splayed myself out right in the middle of the cool marble floor.
"Oh thank the Goddess . . . " My back ached in protest after having to stoop so long to avoid damaging my suitors' egos, as if I gave a DAMN. I whimpered unintentionally.
"Aww . . . " I smiled at the voice. I already knew who it was. My head lolled to the side as I watched the one person who could make everything better come to my side.
Mercury dropped to her knees at my head.
"Are you alright?"
"Much better now." She blushed. I practically melted into a puddle right where I was. I didn't know how she got here. I really didn't care right then. She was there. That's all that mattered.
"Turn, please."
I couldn't resist teasing her.
"Just like that? What kind of a girl do you think I am?" She just rolled her eyes. Obviously she was getting used to me and my humor again.
When I finally managed to stop looking at her and do as she asked, she began firmly massaging my shoulders and back. This just made me believe more firmly that time spent with Mercury is heaven. "So where is everyone else?"
She knew damn well I'd never be able to answer her questions with her hands distracting me like they were.
"Umm . . . somewhere . . . "
She laughed at my attempts at rational thought. I let her. After all, she was doing me a big favor. REALLY big. Huge. I'd have to pay her back somehow . . . (ahem . . . you didn't hear that . . . )
By now I actually had melted into the floor. Every fiber of my body had turned into a delightful watery substance. I doubt I could have moved even if I had wanted to. Yet she kept moving her skilled hands over my neck, pressing on pulse points, soothing still-aching muscles.
"Where somewhere?"
"Uh . . . here somewhere? On this . . . moon? Probably?"
She laughed outright before suddenly leaning down close to my ear.
"Dance with me."
There was no way I was going to deny her. With her help I was up and cradled in her embrace. She practically carried all of my weight. And still she managed to display a certain amount of grace in her movements. She just barely came up to my chin and I took advantage of the fact, resting my head on top of hers.
She led me into a slow, lazy waltz.
"How did you get here?"
I could feel her smiling into my dress.
"I snuck out."
"You what?!?"
She tugged on my dress.
"Shh. My governess doesn't even know I'm gone. If you want me to stay, you can't let anyone know I'm here." I definitely wanted her to stay. "A friend of mine and his wife snuck me here."
"Mercury! That's dangerous! What if something had happened? Where would we be then?!"
"Nothing happened."
"But it could have!" I was so scared of what I'd do if something had happened to her.
"But it didn't! Please Jupiter! I don't care if it's dangerous. I had to see you."
She pulled me tighter to her, making fists of her hands in the green cloth of my gown.
"Besides. I'm not a total idiot. I left a note. They'll be here to retrieve me by tomorrow afternoon."
I nuzzled her soft blue hair.
"I never said you were an idiot." A sudden thought made me smile. "Tomorrow afternoon, right? That's just a few hours away."
"Yes." Her tone told me exactly how she felt about that.
"Well then. I suppose you'll have to stay in my bedchamber until then."
The answer to that statement was lost as my Mercury burrowed further still into my embrace.
"Mmm, What was that little one?" No one was around to hear my informal tone, so I used one of my pet names for her.
She peeked up at me with one eye. I giggled at her.
"Can we go now, please?"
"Are you getting fresh with me?"
"Of course not." This was said as she was dragging me out of the ballroom.
"Will you hurry up? Your legs are twice as long as mine and I'm in front. Not that I'm complaining about your legs, nope . . . "
"Slow down! Do you want us to get caught . . . ?"
========================================================== There was complete silence after I finished talking. Setsuna was still staring in rapt attention.
"... Is that all? That can't be all."
"That's all I'm telling you."
"Spoilsport." She stretched out, and I could hear the joints in her arms and legs pop. "I am getting old far too quickly."
"You're not old."
"Such a sweet talker. I'm still driving home."
"So . . . are you serious? This actually happened?"
"Serious as a heart-attack. You and Ami made with the kissy-faces once-upon- a-time. Now what are you going to do with that information?"
"I dunno. What should I do about it?"
She lightly rubbed the joints between her knuckles.
"You should talk to her about it. Are you?"
"I suppose I should, shouldn't I?"
"...Something's bothering me though. If Ami was in your memories, she should have remembered them as well. But she didn't mention anything about this while she was talking with us."
"Oh my. Please tell me you're kidding."
"Nope, my guess is Ami's had the naughty memory you won't tell me about, too. She was probably embarrassed to talk about it. She never was much for the love talk. Or the sex talking. You should discuss this with her soon."
"Yeah. Right. I'm just going to make a date with Ami to discuss a memory that ends with us . . . uhhh . . . "
"Going at it like rabbits?"
"Not in so many words . . . "
"You're a smart girl. I'm sure you'll think of something."
"Yeah. Thanks a lot."
ARGHHHHHH!!! I HATE FANFICTION.NET!!!!! .......... OK, not really. But I've had this chapter done for so long that I started second-guessing myself. I reread all my favorite stories by other people and got depressed. Plus, it had the opposite effect I thought it would have on my writer's block. I want to change a few parts of this story to make it fit together better, but I keep worrying about continuity. I'll get the next Chap edited as soon as possible.
P.S. The song was by Bif Naked off of her second album "I Bificus". The song was "Sophia". I am aware that the song had nothing to contribute to the storyline. I just loved the idea of Setsuna singing the song. So sue me.
*If voting could really change things, it would be illegal. Money can't buy happiness. But it sure makes misery easier to live with. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was. *