HeeEeeeYY! Adrial's back! :D I am so happy that everyone is enjoying "To go, please."! Don't forget to write a critique!
Disclaimer: I don't own sailor moon or its characters, OR starbucks! ;D
a frapachino does sound good though.....yummmmmm..
Enjoy!
**********TO GO PLEASE************
CHAPTER 3: "All's Fair in Truth or Dare"
RATING:PG
BY: ADRIAL
E-MAIL: adrial_06@yahoo.com
**********TO GO PLEASE************
Beady red eyes stared maliciously in my direction. Sweat glistened on my brow, and my heart beat raced with determination. I would not be beaten.
He swiftly jumped to the left and I countered with a move of my own, lunging towards his form with my entire body weight.
My attack proved fruitless, however, and I sputtered beneath the mouthful of carpet lint I acquired in my fall, swearing under my breath.
The creature stared at me smugly and twitched mockingly at my odd position.
"Don't-make-a-move." I threatened as the beginnings of plan took form in my head.
I faked a move to the right of the couch and as expected he reared to the left where I met him head on. At his look of pure shock I smiled as my hand grasped for him. I was not disappointed this time.
Triumphantly, I laughed at his scowling face and skipped around merrily at my victory.
"Um...Ami-san? Th-thanks for catching Fluffy, but could I have him back? He looks kinda sick."
My face flushed and I commanded my legs to stay still.
"Oh...uh, of course, Malina. Here ya go." I handed over her bunny, and she gave me an odd glance before turning to retreat to her home down the hall.
Wiping my brow, I fell on to the over-stuffed couch and exhaled loudly. 'All this stress is making me crazy.'
I eyed my unfinished chemistry homework and reluctantly reached for it.
"Balance the following equation: 3Ca + 4H + 2Pb - 4He."
I grunted in annoyance at the problem and quickly scribbled down the answer. "They really need to challenge students more these days."
Twenty problems later, I grabbed my keys and jacket and headed out to the park.
The crisp December air filled my lungs as I passed by a section of Juuban Park watching a group of children as they played tag.
My eyes landed on a couple sitting on a bench and I ignored the twist in my heart, quickly reminding myself of my vow to move on with life with a renewed spirit.
The setting sun laid a comforting blanket of warmth on my back as I meandered through the clusters of pedestrians.
'I guess they aren't here yet.' There was a senshi meeting at 4:30, and I was about 5 minutes early. I sat on a swing and subconsciously rocked back-and-forth.
"Hey, Ami-chan!" Rei's voice sliced through my thoughts, "Over here!"
I lifted my body from the swing and wandered over to the fountain where she sat waving.
"Hey, Rei, what's up?"
"Nothin' much, you're coming to the talent show on Friday, right?"
I smiled reassuringly, "Wouldn't miss it for anything."
I knew that she'd been working on her singing for months now and the upcoming showcase of her work would be her chance to get a record deal. She majored in music at Juuban University but also studied to take over the shrine after her grandfather passed. Her grin nearly blinded me, and I laughed at her exuberance.
"Great! I am SO ner-"
"Rei, Ami! Hey!" Rei sent a heated glare towards our bubbly companion for interrupting.
"Hey, Odango, I was *talking*!" Rei seethed.
Usagi flinched but retaliated quickly.
"So-RRY, pyro, but I'm sure that whatever you were talking about was probably pointless anyway. Ami should be *thanking* me for saving her from utter BOREDOM."
"Gahh!" Rei shouted exasperatedly and made a leap at Usagi who jumped behind Makoto for protection.
"When I get my hands on you, Usagi, you are going to feel the wrath of Mars like NEVER BEFORE!"
Usagi replied by sticking her tongue out and clung to Makoto's shirt.
"Okay, ENOUGH!"
Makoto shoved Usagi's hands away and stepped between the two.
"I believe we are here for a *meeting*? If you two don't stop now I'll make a permanent thunderstorm over your heads for the next millenia."
I giggled quietly knowing she couldn't do that.
"OK, Makoto, please, no th-thunder," Usagi quivered.
"Good, now that that's settled, down to business." Makoto rubbed her freezing palms together and plopped down next to me. Minako slipped through Rei and Usagi's staring contest and waved jubilantly at me.
The rest all took seats along the fountain's edge and waited for someone to begin.
I spoke first, "It seems like the nega-verse has disappeared from the universe all together. My computer's scanner can find no trace of them anywhere," I said this warily as my inability to pin-point the enemy's location frustrated me immensely, "I have a feeling that they are purposely doing this to get our guard down. They are waiting to find our weakness and when they do, they'll strike full force. We must be ready for all possibilities."
They all nodded. "I checked the fire yesterday and I sense that it's hiding something from me. I don't know what, but it is definitely holding something back." Rei looked deep in thought. I mused that her inability to contribute took its toll on her nerves as well.
"All we can do is wait and stay on our guard." Luna said.
"We all know what weakness they're going to be searchig for, don't we?" Minako's voice could not hide the fear lurking within it.
We were too afraid to say it, but we knew. The one thing that would falter our ability to attack would be if they threatened someone we loved or cared for deeply.
"You guys, we can't let them do that. As of now our identities are hidden, but they've found them before. I am not willing to put any of my loved ones in danger." Usagi's tone surprised us with it's seriousness and we acknowledged it with words of compliance.
"For now, stay alert. Look out for any signs of negative forces, but also, girls, consider this a little break from battle. You have all worked non-stop for nearly five years and deserve some type of vacation." Luna gazed at us.
There was a long, tense pause as we all reflected on the foriegn word she'd used...vacation? Was there such thing for a senshi?
Usagi broke the silence. "Is it me, or are anyone else's hands about to fall off?" She shivered to make her point more clear and we nodded in agreement.
Minako cocked an eyebrow at Rei and Usagi grinned. Rei's mouth parted as if to speak, but Usagi quickly interupted her next words.
"PLEAASE, Rei-chan? I'm...s-so cold," Usagi threw her hands to Rei's exposed neck and Rei flinched at her coldness. "And your temple is so very big and WARM."
"Nuh-uh, Usagi. Last time, you spilled an avalanche of steaming MOCHA on my head and carpet, remember?" She crossed her arms.
"Oh, come on, Rei. It'll be fun. Where's your holiday spirit?" Makoto urged.
"I don't know. I might have misplaced it when a herd of middle-aged soccermoms trampled me over last week to get to the latest shipment of PlayStation 2 games!" She explaimed.
"Come on, Pryo," Usagi bent near her ear, "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle allll..."
Rei lunged for her arm, but Usagi bounded away giggling madly.
"THE WAY!!!" She screeched from a few yards away.
Makoto, Minako, and I watched them as they jogged all over the park, sending pidgeons flying every which way. We shrugged and followed behind them. Hopefully the cops were still harboring their own holiday spirits and didn't arrest them for disturbing the peace.
Red-faced and panting, Usagi and Rei returned having given up on chasing eachother due to the freezing temperature. They still nudged eachother with their elbows every once in a while as we ventured down Tokyo's windy sidewalks. Rei finally caved in and said we could stay at the temple for the night, as long as Usagi didn't touch anything liquid and hot.
Usagi pouted as we passed by Starbucks and sniffed. Rei stuck her nose up and shook her head 'no.'
Minako, however, did not send a cascade of mocha flying and steered into the cafe, dragging me along for the ride.
"Minako--Um, do you really need to bring me alo-OUCH!" I yelped as she twisted my arm in an awkward position.
Makoto and Rei followed, Usagi pouting behind them. She despondently watched as we approached the counter. I felt for her, and vowed to wait until Rei wasn't watching and slip her a hot chocolate.
"Ahh..warmth," Makoto sighed and sauntered up to the counter.
I could hear Usagi whispering harshly to me from behind and assumed she was begging for me to do what I already had planned so I merely waved and winked at her.
Wrong again.
My frozen face instantly melted as a wave of heated crimson washed over it. It was HIM. Standing in front of ME. Waiting for my ORDER.
Makoto had finished rattling off her order, making sure that he put extra whipped cream in her hot chocolote and a little cinnamon. She was always paranoid when others prepared food or drinks for her. She kept a watchful eye on the waiter who prepared her bevarage, pretending to be reading an advertisment for buy-four-get-one-free mochas on the wall.
I sighed of relief when Minako stepped in front of me to place her order. I had a few moments to gather myself.
Trying to tame my blush, I turned around to look at Usagi. She was smiling widely and winking. Rei eyed her critically, but she also seemed delighted at the situation at hand. I could see her eyes looking him over, and she seemed to recognize him. Lifting her hand, she gave me a thumbs up and smiled.
I turned around again to avoid their gestures and he was staring back at me.
His eyes bore into my own, and I wavered beneath their gaze, feeling violated by their intrusion.
Collecting myself enough to speak, I brought my eyes to the menu as a distraction from their previous travels.
Minako nudged me and I looked at her. "Weren't you going to *order*?" She whispered. I glared at her and opened my mouth.
"Um...two hot chocolates...please." I felt relieved that that part went smoothly and watched Minako hand him our combined wad of cash.
'Now, all I have to do is make it out the door without dropping the tray and-'
"Haven't I seen you in here before? With that girl over there, right?" I was startled by his voice and jumped, dropping the set of keys I was nervously fiddling with. They clinked to the floor and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
Bending over, I gathered myself and my keys, replying as I rose again.
"Um...yea, we were in here a couple of days ago--the girl was our friend, Usagi." He nodded and I grasped the cups he handed me.
As our hands brushed he spoke again and I was sure he could hear the pounding of my heart.
"And do *you* have a name?" His tone was too confident for my liking and I felt intimidated by his self-assurance.
"Yea, it's...I mean, um..."
I felt a sharp jab in my ribs.
"Ami, my name is Ami." 'Thank you, Minako.'
"And I'm Minako. Please excuse her, she's been studying way too hard lately."
"MINAKO!" I harshly whispered and pinched her arm.
"Ow! What did *I* do?" Her whisper's tone rivaled my own.
I ignored her question and tried to redeem myself. "What's your name?" 'Thank God that came out smoothly.'
"Zach." He looked amused at our antics and I blushed.
"That sounds American..are you from there?" 'That's right, Merc, just let him do most of the talking and try not to sound completely moronic.'
"Yeah, but I grew up mostly in Japan. My mother's Japanese, and my father's American."
I wasn't quite sure if my ears registered what he was saying, but my *eyes* were registering PLENTY. I begged them to stop admiring his chiseled features, sea-green eyes, and incredibly soft-looking hair, but they just would NOT cooperate!
"That's cool, *isn't* it, Ami? Well, sorry to run, but our friends will be waiting. Say bye, Ames!" Once I snapped out of my trance I fought the urge to dump the contents of my cup on her head and managed a simple 'Bye' before calmly walking away with her.
"Maybe I'll see ya around later, Ami?" I turned my head as I walked and smiled gently, "Maybe."
He returned my smile, and as I (still smiling) twisted my torso back around...'BAM'. I was greeted head on with a face-full of cold, hard...glass. *Ouch*
'OH-MY-GOD!' My thoughts reeled.
Embarrassment coursed through my viens and the heat from my insides traveled to my face in a rush of crimson.
Minako caught me before I could fall. "Ami! Are you OK? Oh, that *musta* hurt!"
"F-fine." I didn't even bother to turn around to see his reaction and ripped open the door. Cold air rushed to my face but failed to tame the intense blush that stained its entire surface.
My legs carried me swiftly to a lamp post just out of view of the cafe, and I collapsed against its hard surface.
I buried my face in my hands. "Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I can't believe this. Oh, my God."
"Ami-chan? Are you alright?" Minako gently touched my arm and I tore it away.
"I can NOT believe I just DID that!"
"Man, Ames, you sure know how to impress a guy..." Usagi said.
"Oh, God, help me." I returned my face to my hands.
"What'd she do?" Makoto inquired, obviously having been too preoccupied with over-seeing order's progress to notice my plunder.
Minako recapped the events, and Makoto placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Ami-chan. I'm sure he didn't see."
"Yeah, Ames. It'll be OK. I run into things all the time and Mamo-chan doesn't care!" Usagi's attempt to console me was futile and I answered, "Just...let's not talk about it, okay, minna?" I shoved Usagi's forgotten hot chocolate into her hands and ignored Rei's yelp of disapproval.
'I am such an idiot.' I thought as I avoided colliding with the lamp post as I turned around as well.
The walk to the temple was mostly consistent of Minako and Usagi's animated conversation of movies to watch as we stopped at each of our houses to pick up the essential items we would need.
My mind screamed at me at how stupid I made myself look in front of Zach and I relived the scene a thousand times before we reached our destination. 'At least I know his name now--Zach'
*pause for long 'sigh'*
Honestly, my being so *infatuated* with another guy kind of joggled my brain. I wasn't sure if I would be ready to begin another relationship. But, of course, there was that vow to myself again. 'I have to go on.'
Thankfully, the night's events distracted me from my thoughts. Unfortunately, I wouldn't call them *good* distractions.
Really, what *is* a sleep-over without a nice healthy game of Truth or Dare?
It's the sleep-over I wished I went to instead of that one!
Laughing hysterically after our brief pop-corn war, we all settled down and changed into our pajamas. We took turns in the bathroom and relaxed on our futons. Myself and Makoto shared one, Minako and Usagi shared another and Rei--who said that as the host, she 'deserved her *own* futon'--sat like the Martian princess she was upon her bed.
"Alright, ladies, you know what time it is." Rei eyed us menacingly.
"Snack time?"
"USAGI!"
Usagi doged a launched pillow and smirked.
"I know what time it is," Minako smiled, "TRUTH OR DARE!"
"That's right, Minako. Now, Makoto, tell her what she's won!" Rei explaimed.
"Well, Minako, I am proud to announce that you win first pick of your *victim*."
"Heh heh heh...who will it be?" Minako gave each of us a cool stare and finally snapped her head in Rei's direction.
"Miss Hino, choose your poison. Truth or Dare?"
"Go ahead, V, dare me," Rei straightened proudly.
"Ahh...someone's awfully brave tonight." Minako sat up on her knees and thought deeply for a moment.
"Okay...I've always been kinda curious as to whether Yuuchiro preferred boxers or briefs..."
"NO! Minako!" Rei looked terrified and we all giggled in anticipation of the rest of the dare.
"I'm not *done* yet," She sang, "I want you to go into his room, steal a pair of his underwear...PUT THEM OOOON and come back here. You HAVE to put them on in his room, though. We'll be waiting right here."
"That is SO unfair, Minako!" Rei pouted.
"Hey, a dare's a dare, and you HAVE to go through with it."
Rei rose and grunted under her breath, "I'm gonna fry you alive for this, Minako."
Although Minako said we'd wait for her, we couldn't sit still and had to go watch her during her dare, so we tip-toed outside to his window and peeked over the ledge. There was just enough moonlight to make out her form.
Rei hesitantly reached for his dresser drawer and jumped when Yuuchiro let out a loud snort. When he rolled over (facing us) and hugged his pillow closer she sighed and opened the drawer cautiously.
"Oh, Rei, I love it when you hit me like that." Yuuchiro sighed happily in his sleep, and we had quite a rough time suppressing our giggles as Rei looked appalled at his statement.
Triumphantly, she produced a pair of boxers and didn't bother to take the time to look at them closely, as she frantically slipped them over her own pajama pants.
We scurried back into the room before she could catch us and made it just in time.
She strutted in wearing a smug smile and donning a pair of adorable red boxers complete with tiny pictures of a laughing Big Bird spread all over them.
Our lungs practically burst as we laughed uncontrollably at the sight. Out of no where a camera flashed and Rei stood dumbfounded for a moment before pouncing on Usagi.
"USAGI! IF YOU DON'T HAND THAT OVER I'M GOING TO BURN YOU TO A CRISP!"
"NOT ON YOUR LIFE, PYRO!" Usagi tossed the camera to Makoto who safely stashed it in her subspace pocket.
"MAKOTO! YOU TRAITOR!"
"Hey, it's just to get you back for taking that picture of me hopping around in a that chicken suit in front of Ken's house!"
Rei sighed defeated and sent Usagi another death glare.
"Alright, now it's MY turn."
We held our breaths, sure that it would be Usagi.
"I should pick Minako for pulling that little stunt, but recent events must be taken into account...ODANGO? Truth or Dare?"
"U-um...truth!"
"Wimp..." Rei muttered beneath her breath.
"Hey, I am NOT a wimp! Go ahead, dare me!"
"Heh heh heh...gotcha! I knew your ego would get the better of you."
"Hey! No fair! You tricked me!"
"All's fair in Truth or Dare," We chorused. Usagi grunted and crossed her arms on her chest.
"Alright...let's have it, pyro."
Rei stood up and retrieved the telephone.
"You have to call Mamoru-san and tell him..." Rei reached over and whispered the rest in her ear and we watched as Usagi's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"REI! I can't do that! He'll FREAK!"
"You have to, Odango; here ya go." She handed her the phone.
"Fine."
Her fingers punched the numbers hurriedly and she held the receiver to her ear.
Rei punched speaker and Usagi glared at her.
"Hello?" Mamoru's muffled voice answered.
"Hey, Mamo-chan, did I wake you?"
"Usako?" We giggled quietly at her blush.
"Uh...yeah...um, Mamo-chan, I need to tell you s-something."
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
Usagi sent Rei a pleading look and she shook her head as a command to go through with it.
"Well, the thing is, Mamo-chan...I'm...I'm...I'm pregnant!"
I could hear crickets chirping beyond the window during the dead silence the filled the air. We all subconciously held our breaths waiting for the inevitible.
"WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS? WHO THE HELL IS THE FATHER?!"
We collapsed in insane laughter at his rage and Usagi looked about ready to kill Rei who was clutching her stomach.
After some calming words from Usagi, he settled down enough to listen. Rei's dare wasn't over yet.
"And, Mamo-chan...the father is...M-motoki."
*pause*
"WHAAAAAAAAATTTT?!"
Usagi fell back at the sudden outburst and quickly told him about the dare.
"Mamo-chan, I'm sorry! It was all Pyro's idea!"
After a few more minutes of reassurance and an oh-so-loving "Goodbye" from both of them, she hung up the phone and turned back to Rei.
"I should kill you for that."
"Try me," Rei countered.
Before they could start fighting Makoto reminded Usagi that it was her turn.
"Alright...Ami-chan, I believe I saw you holding a tape recorder during that conversation." I cowered backward and laughed nervously.
"Truth or Dare?"
"U-um...tr-"
"Nuh uh, Merc; you always pick that! You leave me no choice but to enforce the 'Excessive Truth Law' on you."
"But there is no such th-"
I stopped as they all glared in my direction.
"Ugh, FINE. DARE me already."
I watched in fearful apprehension as the corners of her mouth etched in to a sly grin.
"This is gonna be *good*." Minako eagerly rubbed her hands together in anticipation of Usagi's dare.
"OK, Ami-chan, all you have to do is..."
________________________________________________________________________
AHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I am SOOOO evil! Yeah, well that's my sorry attempt at a cliff-hanger. Stay tuned fore the next chapter! Ja ne!
LuVz,
AdRiAL
adrial_06@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I don't own sailor moon or its characters, OR starbucks! ;D
a frapachino does sound good though.....yummmmmm..
Enjoy!
**********TO GO PLEASE************
CHAPTER 3: "All's Fair in Truth or Dare"
RATING:PG
BY: ADRIAL
E-MAIL: adrial_06@yahoo.com
**********TO GO PLEASE************
Beady red eyes stared maliciously in my direction. Sweat glistened on my brow, and my heart beat raced with determination. I would not be beaten.
He swiftly jumped to the left and I countered with a move of my own, lunging towards his form with my entire body weight.
My attack proved fruitless, however, and I sputtered beneath the mouthful of carpet lint I acquired in my fall, swearing under my breath.
The creature stared at me smugly and twitched mockingly at my odd position.
"Don't-make-a-move." I threatened as the beginnings of plan took form in my head.
I faked a move to the right of the couch and as expected he reared to the left where I met him head on. At his look of pure shock I smiled as my hand grasped for him. I was not disappointed this time.
Triumphantly, I laughed at his scowling face and skipped around merrily at my victory.
"Um...Ami-san? Th-thanks for catching Fluffy, but could I have him back? He looks kinda sick."
My face flushed and I commanded my legs to stay still.
"Oh...uh, of course, Malina. Here ya go." I handed over her bunny, and she gave me an odd glance before turning to retreat to her home down the hall.
Wiping my brow, I fell on to the over-stuffed couch and exhaled loudly. 'All this stress is making me crazy.'
I eyed my unfinished chemistry homework and reluctantly reached for it.
"Balance the following equation: 3Ca + 4H + 2Pb - 4He."
I grunted in annoyance at the problem and quickly scribbled down the answer. "They really need to challenge students more these days."
Twenty problems later, I grabbed my keys and jacket and headed out to the park.
The crisp December air filled my lungs as I passed by a section of Juuban Park watching a group of children as they played tag.
My eyes landed on a couple sitting on a bench and I ignored the twist in my heart, quickly reminding myself of my vow to move on with life with a renewed spirit.
The setting sun laid a comforting blanket of warmth on my back as I meandered through the clusters of pedestrians.
'I guess they aren't here yet.' There was a senshi meeting at 4:30, and I was about 5 minutes early. I sat on a swing and subconsciously rocked back-and-forth.
"Hey, Ami-chan!" Rei's voice sliced through my thoughts, "Over here!"
I lifted my body from the swing and wandered over to the fountain where she sat waving.
"Hey, Rei, what's up?"
"Nothin' much, you're coming to the talent show on Friday, right?"
I smiled reassuringly, "Wouldn't miss it for anything."
I knew that she'd been working on her singing for months now and the upcoming showcase of her work would be her chance to get a record deal. She majored in music at Juuban University but also studied to take over the shrine after her grandfather passed. Her grin nearly blinded me, and I laughed at her exuberance.
"Great! I am SO ner-"
"Rei, Ami! Hey!" Rei sent a heated glare towards our bubbly companion for interrupting.
"Hey, Odango, I was *talking*!" Rei seethed.
Usagi flinched but retaliated quickly.
"So-RRY, pyro, but I'm sure that whatever you were talking about was probably pointless anyway. Ami should be *thanking* me for saving her from utter BOREDOM."
"Gahh!" Rei shouted exasperatedly and made a leap at Usagi who jumped behind Makoto for protection.
"When I get my hands on you, Usagi, you are going to feel the wrath of Mars like NEVER BEFORE!"
Usagi replied by sticking her tongue out and clung to Makoto's shirt.
"Okay, ENOUGH!"
Makoto shoved Usagi's hands away and stepped between the two.
"I believe we are here for a *meeting*? If you two don't stop now I'll make a permanent thunderstorm over your heads for the next millenia."
I giggled quietly knowing she couldn't do that.
"OK, Makoto, please, no th-thunder," Usagi quivered.
"Good, now that that's settled, down to business." Makoto rubbed her freezing palms together and plopped down next to me. Minako slipped through Rei and Usagi's staring contest and waved jubilantly at me.
The rest all took seats along the fountain's edge and waited for someone to begin.
I spoke first, "It seems like the nega-verse has disappeared from the universe all together. My computer's scanner can find no trace of them anywhere," I said this warily as my inability to pin-point the enemy's location frustrated me immensely, "I have a feeling that they are purposely doing this to get our guard down. They are waiting to find our weakness and when they do, they'll strike full force. We must be ready for all possibilities."
They all nodded. "I checked the fire yesterday and I sense that it's hiding something from me. I don't know what, but it is definitely holding something back." Rei looked deep in thought. I mused that her inability to contribute took its toll on her nerves as well.
"All we can do is wait and stay on our guard." Luna said.
"We all know what weakness they're going to be searchig for, don't we?" Minako's voice could not hide the fear lurking within it.
We were too afraid to say it, but we knew. The one thing that would falter our ability to attack would be if they threatened someone we loved or cared for deeply.
"You guys, we can't let them do that. As of now our identities are hidden, but they've found them before. I am not willing to put any of my loved ones in danger." Usagi's tone surprised us with it's seriousness and we acknowledged it with words of compliance.
"For now, stay alert. Look out for any signs of negative forces, but also, girls, consider this a little break from battle. You have all worked non-stop for nearly five years and deserve some type of vacation." Luna gazed at us.
There was a long, tense pause as we all reflected on the foriegn word she'd used...vacation? Was there such thing for a senshi?
Usagi broke the silence. "Is it me, or are anyone else's hands about to fall off?" She shivered to make her point more clear and we nodded in agreement.
Minako cocked an eyebrow at Rei and Usagi grinned. Rei's mouth parted as if to speak, but Usagi quickly interupted her next words.
"PLEAASE, Rei-chan? I'm...s-so cold," Usagi threw her hands to Rei's exposed neck and Rei flinched at her coldness. "And your temple is so very big and WARM."
"Nuh-uh, Usagi. Last time, you spilled an avalanche of steaming MOCHA on my head and carpet, remember?" She crossed her arms.
"Oh, come on, Rei. It'll be fun. Where's your holiday spirit?" Makoto urged.
"I don't know. I might have misplaced it when a herd of middle-aged soccermoms trampled me over last week to get to the latest shipment of PlayStation 2 games!" She explaimed.
"Come on, Pryo," Usagi bent near her ear, "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle allll..."
Rei lunged for her arm, but Usagi bounded away giggling madly.
"THE WAY!!!" She screeched from a few yards away.
Makoto, Minako, and I watched them as they jogged all over the park, sending pidgeons flying every which way. We shrugged and followed behind them. Hopefully the cops were still harboring their own holiday spirits and didn't arrest them for disturbing the peace.
Red-faced and panting, Usagi and Rei returned having given up on chasing eachother due to the freezing temperature. They still nudged eachother with their elbows every once in a while as we ventured down Tokyo's windy sidewalks. Rei finally caved in and said we could stay at the temple for the night, as long as Usagi didn't touch anything liquid and hot.
Usagi pouted as we passed by Starbucks and sniffed. Rei stuck her nose up and shook her head 'no.'
Minako, however, did not send a cascade of mocha flying and steered into the cafe, dragging me along for the ride.
"Minako--Um, do you really need to bring me alo-OUCH!" I yelped as she twisted my arm in an awkward position.
Makoto and Rei followed, Usagi pouting behind them. She despondently watched as we approached the counter. I felt for her, and vowed to wait until Rei wasn't watching and slip her a hot chocolate.
"Ahh..warmth," Makoto sighed and sauntered up to the counter.
I could hear Usagi whispering harshly to me from behind and assumed she was begging for me to do what I already had planned so I merely waved and winked at her.
Wrong again.
My frozen face instantly melted as a wave of heated crimson washed over it. It was HIM. Standing in front of ME. Waiting for my ORDER.
Makoto had finished rattling off her order, making sure that he put extra whipped cream in her hot chocolote and a little cinnamon. She was always paranoid when others prepared food or drinks for her. She kept a watchful eye on the waiter who prepared her bevarage, pretending to be reading an advertisment for buy-four-get-one-free mochas on the wall.
I sighed of relief when Minako stepped in front of me to place her order. I had a few moments to gather myself.
Trying to tame my blush, I turned around to look at Usagi. She was smiling widely and winking. Rei eyed her critically, but she also seemed delighted at the situation at hand. I could see her eyes looking him over, and she seemed to recognize him. Lifting her hand, she gave me a thumbs up and smiled.
I turned around again to avoid their gestures and he was staring back at me.
His eyes bore into my own, and I wavered beneath their gaze, feeling violated by their intrusion.
Collecting myself enough to speak, I brought my eyes to the menu as a distraction from their previous travels.
Minako nudged me and I looked at her. "Weren't you going to *order*?" She whispered. I glared at her and opened my mouth.
"Um...two hot chocolates...please." I felt relieved that that part went smoothly and watched Minako hand him our combined wad of cash.
'Now, all I have to do is make it out the door without dropping the tray and-'
"Haven't I seen you in here before? With that girl over there, right?" I was startled by his voice and jumped, dropping the set of keys I was nervously fiddling with. They clinked to the floor and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
Bending over, I gathered myself and my keys, replying as I rose again.
"Um...yea, we were in here a couple of days ago--the girl was our friend, Usagi." He nodded and I grasped the cups he handed me.
As our hands brushed he spoke again and I was sure he could hear the pounding of my heart.
"And do *you* have a name?" His tone was too confident for my liking and I felt intimidated by his self-assurance.
"Yea, it's...I mean, um..."
I felt a sharp jab in my ribs.
"Ami, my name is Ami." 'Thank you, Minako.'
"And I'm Minako. Please excuse her, she's been studying way too hard lately."
"MINAKO!" I harshly whispered and pinched her arm.
"Ow! What did *I* do?" Her whisper's tone rivaled my own.
I ignored her question and tried to redeem myself. "What's your name?" 'Thank God that came out smoothly.'
"Zach." He looked amused at our antics and I blushed.
"That sounds American..are you from there?" 'That's right, Merc, just let him do most of the talking and try not to sound completely moronic.'
"Yeah, but I grew up mostly in Japan. My mother's Japanese, and my father's American."
I wasn't quite sure if my ears registered what he was saying, but my *eyes* were registering PLENTY. I begged them to stop admiring his chiseled features, sea-green eyes, and incredibly soft-looking hair, but they just would NOT cooperate!
"That's cool, *isn't* it, Ami? Well, sorry to run, but our friends will be waiting. Say bye, Ames!" Once I snapped out of my trance I fought the urge to dump the contents of my cup on her head and managed a simple 'Bye' before calmly walking away with her.
"Maybe I'll see ya around later, Ami?" I turned my head as I walked and smiled gently, "Maybe."
He returned my smile, and as I (still smiling) twisted my torso back around...'BAM'. I was greeted head on with a face-full of cold, hard...glass. *Ouch*
'OH-MY-GOD!' My thoughts reeled.
Embarrassment coursed through my viens and the heat from my insides traveled to my face in a rush of crimson.
Minako caught me before I could fall. "Ami! Are you OK? Oh, that *musta* hurt!"
"F-fine." I didn't even bother to turn around to see his reaction and ripped open the door. Cold air rushed to my face but failed to tame the intense blush that stained its entire surface.
My legs carried me swiftly to a lamp post just out of view of the cafe, and I collapsed against its hard surface.
I buried my face in my hands. "Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I can't believe this. Oh, my God."
"Ami-chan? Are you alright?" Minako gently touched my arm and I tore it away.
"I can NOT believe I just DID that!"
"Man, Ames, you sure know how to impress a guy..." Usagi said.
"Oh, God, help me." I returned my face to my hands.
"What'd she do?" Makoto inquired, obviously having been too preoccupied with over-seeing order's progress to notice my plunder.
Minako recapped the events, and Makoto placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Ami-chan. I'm sure he didn't see."
"Yeah, Ames. It'll be OK. I run into things all the time and Mamo-chan doesn't care!" Usagi's attempt to console me was futile and I answered, "Just...let's not talk about it, okay, minna?" I shoved Usagi's forgotten hot chocolate into her hands and ignored Rei's yelp of disapproval.
'I am such an idiot.' I thought as I avoided colliding with the lamp post as I turned around as well.
The walk to the temple was mostly consistent of Minako and Usagi's animated conversation of movies to watch as we stopped at each of our houses to pick up the essential items we would need.
My mind screamed at me at how stupid I made myself look in front of Zach and I relived the scene a thousand times before we reached our destination. 'At least I know his name now--Zach'
*pause for long 'sigh'*
Honestly, my being so *infatuated* with another guy kind of joggled my brain. I wasn't sure if I would be ready to begin another relationship. But, of course, there was that vow to myself again. 'I have to go on.'
Thankfully, the night's events distracted me from my thoughts. Unfortunately, I wouldn't call them *good* distractions.
Really, what *is* a sleep-over without a nice healthy game of Truth or Dare?
It's the sleep-over I wished I went to instead of that one!
Laughing hysterically after our brief pop-corn war, we all settled down and changed into our pajamas. We took turns in the bathroom and relaxed on our futons. Myself and Makoto shared one, Minako and Usagi shared another and Rei--who said that as the host, she 'deserved her *own* futon'--sat like the Martian princess she was upon her bed.
"Alright, ladies, you know what time it is." Rei eyed us menacingly.
"Snack time?"
"USAGI!"
Usagi doged a launched pillow and smirked.
"I know what time it is," Minako smiled, "TRUTH OR DARE!"
"That's right, Minako. Now, Makoto, tell her what she's won!" Rei explaimed.
"Well, Minako, I am proud to announce that you win first pick of your *victim*."
"Heh heh heh...who will it be?" Minako gave each of us a cool stare and finally snapped her head in Rei's direction.
"Miss Hino, choose your poison. Truth or Dare?"
"Go ahead, V, dare me," Rei straightened proudly.
"Ahh...someone's awfully brave tonight." Minako sat up on her knees and thought deeply for a moment.
"Okay...I've always been kinda curious as to whether Yuuchiro preferred boxers or briefs..."
"NO! Minako!" Rei looked terrified and we all giggled in anticipation of the rest of the dare.
"I'm not *done* yet," She sang, "I want you to go into his room, steal a pair of his underwear...PUT THEM OOOON and come back here. You HAVE to put them on in his room, though. We'll be waiting right here."
"That is SO unfair, Minako!" Rei pouted.
"Hey, a dare's a dare, and you HAVE to go through with it."
Rei rose and grunted under her breath, "I'm gonna fry you alive for this, Minako."
Although Minako said we'd wait for her, we couldn't sit still and had to go watch her during her dare, so we tip-toed outside to his window and peeked over the ledge. There was just enough moonlight to make out her form.
Rei hesitantly reached for his dresser drawer and jumped when Yuuchiro let out a loud snort. When he rolled over (facing us) and hugged his pillow closer she sighed and opened the drawer cautiously.
"Oh, Rei, I love it when you hit me like that." Yuuchiro sighed happily in his sleep, and we had quite a rough time suppressing our giggles as Rei looked appalled at his statement.
Triumphantly, she produced a pair of boxers and didn't bother to take the time to look at them closely, as she frantically slipped them over her own pajama pants.
We scurried back into the room before she could catch us and made it just in time.
She strutted in wearing a smug smile and donning a pair of adorable red boxers complete with tiny pictures of a laughing Big Bird spread all over them.
Our lungs practically burst as we laughed uncontrollably at the sight. Out of no where a camera flashed and Rei stood dumbfounded for a moment before pouncing on Usagi.
"USAGI! IF YOU DON'T HAND THAT OVER I'M GOING TO BURN YOU TO A CRISP!"
"NOT ON YOUR LIFE, PYRO!" Usagi tossed the camera to Makoto who safely stashed it in her subspace pocket.
"MAKOTO! YOU TRAITOR!"
"Hey, it's just to get you back for taking that picture of me hopping around in a that chicken suit in front of Ken's house!"
Rei sighed defeated and sent Usagi another death glare.
"Alright, now it's MY turn."
We held our breaths, sure that it would be Usagi.
"I should pick Minako for pulling that little stunt, but recent events must be taken into account...ODANGO? Truth or Dare?"
"U-um...truth!"
"Wimp..." Rei muttered beneath her breath.
"Hey, I am NOT a wimp! Go ahead, dare me!"
"Heh heh heh...gotcha! I knew your ego would get the better of you."
"Hey! No fair! You tricked me!"
"All's fair in Truth or Dare," We chorused. Usagi grunted and crossed her arms on her chest.
"Alright...let's have it, pyro."
Rei stood up and retrieved the telephone.
"You have to call Mamoru-san and tell him..." Rei reached over and whispered the rest in her ear and we watched as Usagi's eyes widened to the size of saucers.
"REI! I can't do that! He'll FREAK!"
"You have to, Odango; here ya go." She handed her the phone.
"Fine."
Her fingers punched the numbers hurriedly and she held the receiver to her ear.
Rei punched speaker and Usagi glared at her.
"Hello?" Mamoru's muffled voice answered.
"Hey, Mamo-chan, did I wake you?"
"Usako?" We giggled quietly at her blush.
"Uh...yeah...um, Mamo-chan, I need to tell you s-something."
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
Usagi sent Rei a pleading look and she shook her head as a command to go through with it.
"Well, the thing is, Mamo-chan...I'm...I'm...I'm pregnant!"
I could hear crickets chirping beyond the window during the dead silence the filled the air. We all subconciously held our breaths waiting for the inevitible.
"WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS? WHO THE HELL IS THE FATHER?!"
We collapsed in insane laughter at his rage and Usagi looked about ready to kill Rei who was clutching her stomach.
After some calming words from Usagi, he settled down enough to listen. Rei's dare wasn't over yet.
"And, Mamo-chan...the father is...M-motoki."
*pause*
"WHAAAAAAAAATTTT?!"
Usagi fell back at the sudden outburst and quickly told him about the dare.
"Mamo-chan, I'm sorry! It was all Pyro's idea!"
After a few more minutes of reassurance and an oh-so-loving "Goodbye" from both of them, she hung up the phone and turned back to Rei.
"I should kill you for that."
"Try me," Rei countered.
Before they could start fighting Makoto reminded Usagi that it was her turn.
"Alright...Ami-chan, I believe I saw you holding a tape recorder during that conversation." I cowered backward and laughed nervously.
"Truth or Dare?"
"U-um...tr-"
"Nuh uh, Merc; you always pick that! You leave me no choice but to enforce the 'Excessive Truth Law' on you."
"But there is no such th-"
I stopped as they all glared in my direction.
"Ugh, FINE. DARE me already."
I watched in fearful apprehension as the corners of her mouth etched in to a sly grin.
"This is gonna be *good*." Minako eagerly rubbed her hands together in anticipation of Usagi's dare.
"OK, Ami-chan, all you have to do is..."
________________________________________________________________________
AHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I am SOOOO evil! Yeah, well that's my sorry attempt at a cliff-hanger. Stay tuned fore the next chapter! Ja ne!
LuVz,
AdRiAL
adrial_06@yahoo.com