Hey! Here's chapter 6, hope ya like it!
disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or it's characters.
*****TO GO PLEASE******
Chapter 6: "Girl Talk"
Author: Adrial
Rating: PG
E-mail: adrial_06@yahoo.com
*****TO GO PLEASE******
Rough hands grabbed my body, pulling me into darkness. My mouth hung open in a silent scream as I tried to run in the opposite direction. They wrenched me backward again and I lay limp with exhaustion. A voice plead with me to try to escape but before I could see the owner's face I was swept beneath a current of inky blackness.
Panting and drenched in clammy perspiration, I leapt from my laying position and twisted my head around the room violently, searching for a shadow--a form of some kind.
My eyes filled with fearful tears and I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I had to get out of the room.
Scurrying to pull back the thin covers, I unsteadily stumbled towards the door and cracked it open. Darting my eyes around, I searched for a familiar face and found it in my mother. She stood at a counter, tired eyes gazing at a stack of papers. I uttered her name softly, and she turned to me, startled.
"Ami-chan! What are you doing up? What's the matter, dear?" She reached to pull me into her arms and I could not protest their warmth for I felt so utterly frozen with fear.
She steered me back into my room, which surprisingly no longer felt quite as small to me with her there.
She rocked me back-and-forth on the bed, and I allowed myself to weep softly like a child for a few minutes.
Her soft words of comfort hushed my sobs, and I fell back onto the bed and under the covers once again.
"Mom...it was a dream. I felt them--all over me. They were pulling me and I couldn't stop them."
Tears spilled from my distraught eyes unchecked and my mother's soft hands wiped them away.
"Oh, Ami-chan, it's all over now. They can't get you anymore."
My eyes fell shut and I asked her to stay with me until I fell asleep once again. She pulled a chair to my bedside and held my hand as a dreamless slumber claimed my body.
I awoke hours later to daylight streaming through the window. The blinking clock next to my bed read 9:17AM and I let out a painful yawn, wincing as my cheek protested at the wide movement.
My mother was setting out some clothing on a desk and she turned to me.
"Hi, sweetie. How are you feeling?"
I smiled weakly and sat up.
"Better. Can we go home now, Mom?" I realized how uncomfortable I felt in the paper-thin hospital dress and stale aired room.
"Hai, I brought you some clothes to change into. They're over on the desk and when you've finished I believe there are four extremely anxious young women about to beat down the door to see you."
A giggled softly and accepted the bundle she handed me. After she closed the door, I pulled on the jeans and shirt and reached for my jacket and shoes.
I expected a stampede and was not disappointed as I cracked open the door and walked a few paces toward the waiting area.
"AMI-CHAN!" Multiplied four times by my friends, my name boomed throughout the hall and I couldn't help but laugh.
They surrounded me in a huge hug and words of comfort flowed from their mouths at a 100 mph.
I got the general idea from their hurried voices and assured them that I was all right, just tired.
Makoto's eyes landed on my swollen cheek and she pounded her fist in her hand.
"Ami-chan, if they would have let me get at those jerks I would have fried their asses a long time ago."
I contemplated whether or not to agree with her, but decided that I didn't need one of my best friends behind bars for assault.
"Thanks, Mako-chan, but I'm pretty sure they've been roughed up quite a bit already," They eyed me curiously and I realized that they probably didn't know who saved me.
"Who exactly is responsible for that, Ami-chan?" Usagi began to smile, probably already guessing the answer.
I blushed slightly, "Z-Zach."
A chorus of "Oooh's!" sounded and Minako nudged me.
"So, coffee boy to the rescue, huh?"
I chose to ignore that.
"Look, I'll fill you guys in later, but before we leave, I have to ask you a question," Ceasing their giggling and nudging, they looked at me.
"Yeah, Ami-chan?"
"Well, during my...attack...I sent you guys a telepathic message telling you that I needed help. Where were you?"
I waited for their answer and watched looks of surprise flash over their faces followed closely by understanding.
"Why don't we wait until we're *alone* to talk about it, Ames?" Rei gazed around at the busy people milling around us and I understood that it had something to do with Senshi business. I nodded and let them lead me to the door. My mother wrapped up her paper work and joined us.
I said 'bye to them once we got outside and promised to meet them at 8:00 at the temple to talk that night.
My mother and I spent the day going over the painful experience of the previous night and I felt considerably better after talking about it with her. We finally connected on a level that had nothing to do with my being a senshi. Our conversation ended with an explanation of the "cute boy" who saved me, and how I knew him.
A few awkward pauses and heavy blushing later, and we finally decided to order out instead of cooking.
My mother insisted on driving me to the temple, and I wasn't exactly going to say no after what happened.
I bid her goodbye and walked up the steps, anxious to find out what had happened while I was pinned to a wall.
I walked through the door and removed my shoes and jacket, welcoming the sudden warmth.
"Rei-chan? You here?" I called out to the empty room.
"Yeah, Ames, we're in my room!" I followed her voice and walked to her bedroom where all four of them looked to be in deep discussion about something.
"Hey, minna." I smiled at them.
"Hey, Ami-chan! Come and sit down," Usagi patted a cushion and I plopped down on it, relaxing in the familiar presence of my closest friends.
"So, you guys, what's up? What happened yesterday."
Rei lead the explanation.
"We were in downtown Tokyo fighting a gang of youma. And it wasn't your everyday run-of-the-mill youma, either. It was like...SUPER youma," They winced in remembrance of the battle.
I gasped, "What happened, minna? Are you all OK?" I bit back the anger at having not been able to be there to help.
"Well, we did OK, but Usagi has one hell of bruise on her thigh, and Minako barely missed being turned into a pile of Venusian ashes."
Usagi gently rubbed her thigh and winced slightly.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there, guys," I looked down at my hands.
"Oh, no, Ami-chan! Don't be! We handled them. You shouldn't be thinking about that anyway. We should be worried about *you*," Usagi gathered me in a hug and looked at me as her eyes slightly filled with moisture.
"We should have been there for you, Ami-chan. I don't know why we couldn't get your message. Maybe the youma interfered with our thoughts or something," Makoto took my hand and offered a look of regret.
"Thanks, Minna-chan."
We talked for about an hour, similar to my mother's and my talk earlier, and I felt even better after that, although I blushed a LOT more during their talk.
"Well, at least we know that Zach has it *bad* for our little Ami-chan," Minako smiled deviously.
As if on cue, I blushed deeply and denied the comment.
"He does not, he just did what any other decent person would have done."
"Uh huh, sure," Minako waved her hand as if to dismiss the thought.
Desperate to change the subject, I turned to Rei.
"So...uh, Rei, how's the concert thing going? Five more days," I watched as she smiled energetically as if harboring a secret.
"Well...actually there's been a little change in plans. My manager turned it into a ball/talent competition and decided to move it up three weeks," She clapped her hands together in excitment,"and there are going to be three more acts performing. Whoever wins gets a record deal with JaZz Records!"
Usagi bounced like a little child in her enthusiasm.
"Oh, great! I know you'll win, Rei-chan! It'll be like prom all over again! I *have* to invite Mamo-chan."
We all involuntarily groaned at her mention of our senior prom. Not only had Minako been beaten for prom queen by Bethany Brooks, the reigning silicon queen of Juuban High, but we had all been dateless, minus Usagi, due to a rather nasty onslaught of youma attacks that began three months prior, leaving little time to search and locate a suitable male to accompany us.
Minako left the room saying she needed a 'moment to herself', and Makoto's face screwed up in disgust at remembrance of her dateless night.
"Usagi-baka!" Rei screeched.
Usagi pouted, "What? What'd I say wrong?"
"Come ON, Mina-chan! How long does it take for you to try on a dress?" Rei stomped her foot and crossed her arms against her chest.
"I wouldn't talk, Rei-chan! Wasn't it YOU who had to twirl in front of the mirror for 10 minutes before you decided if that red dress made your butt look too big?" Minako emerged from the dressing room and giggled triumphantly at Rei's indignant 'huff'.
"Come on you guys, we still have a million other places to go!" I grabbed their arms and tugged them out of the store, Makoto and Usagi in tow.
"Ami-chan, what has gotten into you all of a sudden? You used to say that shopping was a waste of time and brain cells," Makoto stared at me curiously.
"Hey look, she's blushing," Usagi pointed at my extremely UN-flushed cheeks, "Picturing Zach naked, eh?" She 'tsked' disapprovingly, "Now, now, Ami-chan. It's not healthy to--"
"USAGI!" I slapped her hand away, "I am *not* blushing, for one, and I am not picturing ANYONE naked right now either!"'
*cricket*
Rei laughed nervously and lightly shoved me past a gawking sales clerk and several customers with raised eyebrows.
"Come on, Ami-chan, that's a good girl. You really must remember to take your medicine before you leave the house," She said through smiling teeth.
Usagi snickered behind us and hung up the dress she had been eyeing, quickly following us out of the store.
Minako and Makoto appeared having just returned from a neighboring shop and Minako sighed in defeat.
We'd been shopping since 12:00, and it was almost 3:00 by the time one of us even made a purchase. Makoto chose a flowing strapless gown made of a rosy pink color after Usagi badgered her to give up her traditional green. Makoto did admit that she loved the color, though, and bought it.
Well, that was an hour and about two thousand dresses ago, and Minako, Rei, Usagi, and I still hadn't found *the* dress.
I took a few moments to collect myself before entering another store. Makoto and Minako eyed the passerbys staring at me curiously, but shrugged it off and followed behind us.
The next shop we entered was small and smelled lightly of woman's cologne and cinnamon. While Usagi fished through a rack, I looked at the window displays.
After a period of about ten minutes, Rei exclaimed from across the store, "Minna-chan! I found it! It's so perfect!"
We rushed to her side and admired the gown she selected. Rei was being extra picky since she'd be showing off for the record company and had to look 100% phenomenal.
"Oh, Rei, it's so gorgeous!" Usagi let the sleek fabric slip through her fingers.
The gown, scarlet-pink hued, flowed over her skin like water. Either side's hem overlapped eachother, letting the pink shiffon lining diagonally cross from just below her hips to the bottom where it flowed fully. Her tan leg peeked out from beneath the deep dip created by the layering fabric.
Minako gasped and made Rei twirl around until she was dizzy in order for her to get the 'full effect.'
I let my eyes wander, and haulted as a sales clerk caught my eye. Her silver hair twisted in a loose bun at the nape of her nape framed her glowing face, and her clear gray-blue eyes smiled brightly at me. I couldn't help but return her gesture and raise an eyebrow as she held up a finger signaling for me to wait a moment. Her smiling face disappeared behind a wall of garments, and I laughed as a few flew into the air behind her.
She emerged, hair slightly messed, a few moments latter, and gestured for me to join her.
I set down my armful of gowns and wandered over to her. She nudged her glasses up on her nose, and I instantly felt comfortable in her presence.
"I couldn't help but noticing, dear..." She looked at her arms once more and then back at me, "But..."
She reached below her and produced a package. When I curiously eyed it, not really knowing what to do, she placed it in my arms.
"Open it," She smiled widely, "I have a feeling it might be just what you're looking for."
As I hesitantly unfolded the brown paper, she beamed at me.
The gown flowed from the package in waves of silver-white and blue. She removed the rest of the paper and held it out in order for me to take in its full beauty.
"Oh..." I fell in love with it at first sight. The strapless gown, silvering blue in color, flowed out at the waist like a waterfall. Diagonally, a solid light blue section ended A symmetrically, while the translucent powder-blue material flowed out beneath it to the ankle. She handed it to me and produced a pair of matching evening gloves.
I covered my mouth with one hand and stared for a moment.
"Please say you will take it," She placed the gloves on top of the gown in my arms.
"I-I...couldn't possibly afford this," The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water, destroying any hopes I had to own the remarkable gown she so kindly offered me. True, my mother made enough in one day to pay for twelve of the same gown, but I decided when I first began working that I would purchase items that weren't essential independently, that included ball gowns.
"I am sure we could work something out," She urged, "I have been waiting to find the perfect young woman for this gown for so long...and you, dear, are a perfect match."
I swallowed, and weighed my options. Ultimately, the gown won out.
"H-How much?" I asked, fearing her answer.
"One dollar," She promptly replied, already walking over to the cash register to re-package it.
"Excuse me, ma'am? I don't believe I hear-"
"That will be one dollar, dear," She repeated, extending her palm.
I shook my head slightly, rummaging through my purse of a loose bill and handed it to her.
She smiled brightly as I took the gown from her, "I hope it brings you as much happiness as it did me."
I opened my mouth the thank her profusely, but she held up a hand for silence.
"I know, dear, I know."
A smile crept up on my face slowly, and I grasped her hand warmly before leaving.
'So strange...' I thought as I left the store with my friends.
Usagi and Minako purchased their dresses there as well. Usagi's was a deep silver halter gown that played off her silver-blonde hair and soft blue eyes fabulously. Minako chose a golden strap-y dress that clung to her curvacious body like a second skin yet managed to look sophisticated and elegant.
The gawked as I retold my story, and drooled over my gown as I opened the box to show them.
One more stop for shoes and we would be done. As we chatted on our way to the nearest shoe store, I alternated arms to carry my box, and my mind wandered back to the old woman in the store and the gown in my arms.
Before I knew what was happening, I bumped hard against Usagi who'd stopped to admire a litter of puppies through a pet shop window and fell forward. I could see Usagi trying to grab for me like it was in slow motion and waited for the tiled floor to connect with my still sore cheek.
Honestly, like that would happen to me! I just had to fall into someone's arms. Do I even need to say who it was?
"Nice to see you again, Ami-chan," I didn't have to turn my head to see the snickering going on behind my back.
'I can't believe I did that...man, does he work out? Oh...muscles--wait, where am I again? Oh yeah, in his ARMS...'
"Heh heh, sorry about that," I sent a glare to Usagi who was acting as if she purposely made me fall.
He bent over to pick up my bag and behind him Rei was mouthing 'Ask him out!' and waving her arms frantically.
My head shook 'No.' so fast that I gave myself a head-ache, and mouthed 'ARE YOU CRAZY?!'
She nodded.
I shook my head again.
"No, what?" I didn't even see that he had risen again and was holding out my package to me.
"Oh, um...No--um.."
"Ami-chan, you little klutz! What did I tell you about bumping in to cute guys to get dates?"
"Minako!" I would have jumped at her had he not spoken again.
"Nice to see you again, Minako. Hey, Rei," He smiled affably, and I almost fell over.
"Hey, Zach," Rei stopped for a moment and looked to be thinking about something.
"*Hey* Zach, I was meaning to ask you something."
I knew what she was up to and I stepped behind him shaking my head again. She ignored me, of course.
"What's up?" He turned to her.
"Well, I told you about that talent thing I'm going to be in right? Well it's going to be in about three weeks, and I'm sure that Ami *ouch!*," I nudged her harshly and feigned innocence, "Right, well it'd be great if you could come and sorta cheer me on."
Zach's eyes flew to me for a fleeting moment before returning to hers, "Sure, Rei, I'd love to come."
"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friends, Zach?" Makoto was eyeing them like a hungry lioness ready to pounce. I hadn't even noticed his three companions.
"Oh, yeah, these are some of my friends--Matt, Jason, and Kyle. Guys, this is Ami, Rei, Usagi, Minako, and...I never did get your--"
"Makoto." Makoto supplied eagerly.
"Right, Makoto."
"You guys can come, too, if you'd like. It's a black-tie kind of thing, though," Rei was staring at Jason who was eyeing her openly.
"What do you think you're looking at?" She spat. Jason looked startled and lightly blushed.
His friends chuckled behind him, and he glared in their direction.
"Well, I guess we'll see you Friday. Bye, guys--nice meeting you," Usagi smiled widely and turned to Minako and Makoto.
I was relieved to be getting out of the awkward situation.
"Bye, Ami-chan," Zach smiled again.
'Stop staring, stupid!'
'I can't help it, big mouth!'
'Well, get a tissue, you're drooling on the floor!'
'ugh.'
"Bye, Zach, see you Friday," I tucked my box beneath my arm and followed Rei and Usagi who were trying to tear Minako and Makoto away from Kyle and Matt. The movie we planned on seeing started in ten minutes and Usagi insisted on raiding the over priced concession stands beforehand.
"Man, that Matt guy was SO hot!"
"Shut up, Makoto! The movie's gonna start!"
"Be quiet, Rei. You know you thought Jason was cute."
"Did not! He was gawking at me!"
"Wasn't Kyle's smile so adorable when he laughed at Zach and Ami?"
"Stop hogging all the pop-corn, Rei-chan!"
"What do *mean* Zach and Ami?"
"You know what I mean."
"Get off me, Odango!"
"Enlighten me."
"You two were gaping like love-sick puppies."
"I was not gaping!"
"Were too."
"Was not!"
Minako threw a handful of pop corn at my head and I returned the favor.
"Do you guys mind? Some people are trying to actually *watch* the movie.
A brown-haired head turned to face us, and we silmultaneously gasped. I recognized him as Zach's friend, Matt. I hadn't even realized that they had walked in behind us!
Kyle turned around as well, smiling at Minako.
"So you think I'm adorable?"
I took a moment to laugh at Minako's surprised face and blush.
"Hey, Makoto thinks I'm hot."
Makoto sunk back in her seat and hid behind her bag of pop-corn.
"Eavesdroppers," Usagi muttered.
"Well it's not that hard when you're practically yelling," Jason had joined the conversation now.
"Hey, Rei, do you think I'm cute, too?" He made a baby face and laughed when she huffed and turned her head to the screen.
"Jerk," I heard her mumble.
"You know you like it," was his response.
I took the opportunity to excuse myself to go to the bathroom before anyone brought up the 'Zach and Ami love-sick puppy' thing.
I ran cool water and splashed my face. I looked at my cheek and saw that the color was returning to normal. It was still slightly murky blue-black, though.
Dabbing on some concealer and a new layer of lip gloss, I quickly brushed my hair and exited.
I was only half-surprised that Zach was waiting for me.
"Hey," It was the only thing I had to say at the moment.
"Hey," His lips formed a light laugh and I noticed that his lower lip was healing nicely.
"Your lip looks a lot better."
'Well, that was lame.'
"Yeah, so does your cheek...um, how are you feeling?" His gaze was concerned.
"Um..I feel a lot better, actually. Thanks," I was feeling a bit flustered at the feelings that seemed to surface when he was around.
"Look, Ami, there's this...this ice-skating thing that the guys and I are going to tomorrow night--My dad's sponsoring this annual charity for foster kids thing, and well...I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come with me? I mean..er, us?" His wavering smile indicated his nervousness and I felt relieved that he was nervous, too.
'He's asking you out, dummy! Say something already!'
'Shut up, I'm getting there!'
"Sure, that sounds like fun." 'Phew...I can't believe he asked me out! Well...sort of, anyway.'
He gave a small sigh of relief and smiled widely. In the dim lighting his eyes glimmered misty blue-green.
"Great, you can invite the other girls, too. I'm sure the guys wouldn't mind," He winked, "And you can meet us at Juuban lake at 6:00. Is that okay?"
The butterflies in my stomach were fluttering in over-drive, and I knew that if I didn't stop looking at him soon I'd either jump him or faint. Thankfully, they tamed themselves long enough for me to nod my consent. No way would I trust myself to actually speak any more than necessary under these circumstances.
We shared a smile, and he gestured towards the theater door.
As we walked, I resisted the urge to reach for his extremely inviting hand and kept my gaze on the carpet.
After we were seated in our respective rows, I waited for my friends to begin their barrage of questions, but when they didn't I cocked an eyebrow in their direction.
"C'mon, Rei, you know you think I'm cute, admit it already!"
"Look, you pompous ass hole, if you don't leave me alone I will *make* you."
"I'm going to take that as a yes."
"Ugh!"
"So, Minako, which smile was the adorable one?" Kevin was alternating different smiles.
"This one? No, this one?"
Minako giggled.
"What?"
"You have pop-corn in your hair."
His lips curved into a small grin, and he removed the food from his light blonde locks.
"That one."
"Huh?"
"That's the smile that's adorable."
I watched his grin widen and he turned back around.
"You know Makoto, I'm flattered that you think I'm hot, really, I am, but I believe you beat me by a long-shot in that category."
"Tell me, Matt, are you always this cheesy?"
"Only if you like cheesy guys."
"I'm starting to."
Makoto blushed lightly and Matt grinned.
Usagi's eyes were planted on the screen, obviously having given up on them and becoming thoroughly engrossed in the film.
I'd forgotten what we were watching a long time ago. My heart fluttered in my chest when Zach turned around and smiled at me.
He nodded in the direction of our friends and we shared a laugh.
I was too busy anticipating tomorrow night to think about anything else at the moment--except for maybe his smile...and his eyes...and his PERFECT hair, and how his arms felt around me...
*sigh*
~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
dun dun DUUUUUUUUUUUN. hehe, I had fun writing that last part there. :D That chapter is a lot longer than my others and I am kinda proud of it. I hope you guys liked it!
next chapter's gonna be about the ice-skating thingie and possibly the ball/talent show thing. Oh, I'm gonna start putting some fight scenes in there, too. I have much in store for Miss Mizuno at this point.
ja ne!
--Adrial
e-mail me! ;D adrial_06@yahoo.com
disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or it's characters.
*****TO GO PLEASE******
Chapter 6: "Girl Talk"
Author: Adrial
Rating: PG
E-mail: adrial_06@yahoo.com
*****TO GO PLEASE******
Rough hands grabbed my body, pulling me into darkness. My mouth hung open in a silent scream as I tried to run in the opposite direction. They wrenched me backward again and I lay limp with exhaustion. A voice plead with me to try to escape but before I could see the owner's face I was swept beneath a current of inky blackness.
Panting and drenched in clammy perspiration, I leapt from my laying position and twisted my head around the room violently, searching for a shadow--a form of some kind.
My eyes filled with fearful tears and I suddenly felt claustrophobic. I had to get out of the room.
Scurrying to pull back the thin covers, I unsteadily stumbled towards the door and cracked it open. Darting my eyes around, I searched for a familiar face and found it in my mother. She stood at a counter, tired eyes gazing at a stack of papers. I uttered her name softly, and she turned to me, startled.
"Ami-chan! What are you doing up? What's the matter, dear?" She reached to pull me into her arms and I could not protest their warmth for I felt so utterly frozen with fear.
She steered me back into my room, which surprisingly no longer felt quite as small to me with her there.
She rocked me back-and-forth on the bed, and I allowed myself to weep softly like a child for a few minutes.
Her soft words of comfort hushed my sobs, and I fell back onto the bed and under the covers once again.
"Mom...it was a dream. I felt them--all over me. They were pulling me and I couldn't stop them."
Tears spilled from my distraught eyes unchecked and my mother's soft hands wiped them away.
"Oh, Ami-chan, it's all over now. They can't get you anymore."
My eyes fell shut and I asked her to stay with me until I fell asleep once again. She pulled a chair to my bedside and held my hand as a dreamless slumber claimed my body.
I awoke hours later to daylight streaming through the window. The blinking clock next to my bed read 9:17AM and I let out a painful yawn, wincing as my cheek protested at the wide movement.
My mother was setting out some clothing on a desk and she turned to me.
"Hi, sweetie. How are you feeling?"
I smiled weakly and sat up.
"Better. Can we go home now, Mom?" I realized how uncomfortable I felt in the paper-thin hospital dress and stale aired room.
"Hai, I brought you some clothes to change into. They're over on the desk and when you've finished I believe there are four extremely anxious young women about to beat down the door to see you."
A giggled softly and accepted the bundle she handed me. After she closed the door, I pulled on the jeans and shirt and reached for my jacket and shoes.
I expected a stampede and was not disappointed as I cracked open the door and walked a few paces toward the waiting area.
"AMI-CHAN!" Multiplied four times by my friends, my name boomed throughout the hall and I couldn't help but laugh.
They surrounded me in a huge hug and words of comfort flowed from their mouths at a 100 mph.
I got the general idea from their hurried voices and assured them that I was all right, just tired.
Makoto's eyes landed on my swollen cheek and she pounded her fist in her hand.
"Ami-chan, if they would have let me get at those jerks I would have fried their asses a long time ago."
I contemplated whether or not to agree with her, but decided that I didn't need one of my best friends behind bars for assault.
"Thanks, Mako-chan, but I'm pretty sure they've been roughed up quite a bit already," They eyed me curiously and I realized that they probably didn't know who saved me.
"Who exactly is responsible for that, Ami-chan?" Usagi began to smile, probably already guessing the answer.
I blushed slightly, "Z-Zach."
A chorus of "Oooh's!" sounded and Minako nudged me.
"So, coffee boy to the rescue, huh?"
I chose to ignore that.
"Look, I'll fill you guys in later, but before we leave, I have to ask you a question," Ceasing their giggling and nudging, they looked at me.
"Yeah, Ami-chan?"
"Well, during my...attack...I sent you guys a telepathic message telling you that I needed help. Where were you?"
I waited for their answer and watched looks of surprise flash over their faces followed closely by understanding.
"Why don't we wait until we're *alone* to talk about it, Ames?" Rei gazed around at the busy people milling around us and I understood that it had something to do with Senshi business. I nodded and let them lead me to the door. My mother wrapped up her paper work and joined us.
I said 'bye to them once we got outside and promised to meet them at 8:00 at the temple to talk that night.
My mother and I spent the day going over the painful experience of the previous night and I felt considerably better after talking about it with her. We finally connected on a level that had nothing to do with my being a senshi. Our conversation ended with an explanation of the "cute boy" who saved me, and how I knew him.
A few awkward pauses and heavy blushing later, and we finally decided to order out instead of cooking.
My mother insisted on driving me to the temple, and I wasn't exactly going to say no after what happened.
I bid her goodbye and walked up the steps, anxious to find out what had happened while I was pinned to a wall.
I walked through the door and removed my shoes and jacket, welcoming the sudden warmth.
"Rei-chan? You here?" I called out to the empty room.
"Yeah, Ames, we're in my room!" I followed her voice and walked to her bedroom where all four of them looked to be in deep discussion about something.
"Hey, minna." I smiled at them.
"Hey, Ami-chan! Come and sit down," Usagi patted a cushion and I plopped down on it, relaxing in the familiar presence of my closest friends.
"So, you guys, what's up? What happened yesterday."
Rei lead the explanation.
"We were in downtown Tokyo fighting a gang of youma. And it wasn't your everyday run-of-the-mill youma, either. It was like...SUPER youma," They winced in remembrance of the battle.
I gasped, "What happened, minna? Are you all OK?" I bit back the anger at having not been able to be there to help.
"Well, we did OK, but Usagi has one hell of bruise on her thigh, and Minako barely missed being turned into a pile of Venusian ashes."
Usagi gently rubbed her thigh and winced slightly.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there, guys," I looked down at my hands.
"Oh, no, Ami-chan! Don't be! We handled them. You shouldn't be thinking about that anyway. We should be worried about *you*," Usagi gathered me in a hug and looked at me as her eyes slightly filled with moisture.
"We should have been there for you, Ami-chan. I don't know why we couldn't get your message. Maybe the youma interfered with our thoughts or something," Makoto took my hand and offered a look of regret.
"Thanks, Minna-chan."
We talked for about an hour, similar to my mother's and my talk earlier, and I felt even better after that, although I blushed a LOT more during their talk.
"Well, at least we know that Zach has it *bad* for our little Ami-chan," Minako smiled deviously.
As if on cue, I blushed deeply and denied the comment.
"He does not, he just did what any other decent person would have done."
"Uh huh, sure," Minako waved her hand as if to dismiss the thought.
Desperate to change the subject, I turned to Rei.
"So...uh, Rei, how's the concert thing going? Five more days," I watched as she smiled energetically as if harboring a secret.
"Well...actually there's been a little change in plans. My manager turned it into a ball/talent competition and decided to move it up three weeks," She clapped her hands together in excitment,"and there are going to be three more acts performing. Whoever wins gets a record deal with JaZz Records!"
Usagi bounced like a little child in her enthusiasm.
"Oh, great! I know you'll win, Rei-chan! It'll be like prom all over again! I *have* to invite Mamo-chan."
We all involuntarily groaned at her mention of our senior prom. Not only had Minako been beaten for prom queen by Bethany Brooks, the reigning silicon queen of Juuban High, but we had all been dateless, minus Usagi, due to a rather nasty onslaught of youma attacks that began three months prior, leaving little time to search and locate a suitable male to accompany us.
Minako left the room saying she needed a 'moment to herself', and Makoto's face screwed up in disgust at remembrance of her dateless night.
"Usagi-baka!" Rei screeched.
Usagi pouted, "What? What'd I say wrong?"
"Come ON, Mina-chan! How long does it take for you to try on a dress?" Rei stomped her foot and crossed her arms against her chest.
"I wouldn't talk, Rei-chan! Wasn't it YOU who had to twirl in front of the mirror for 10 minutes before you decided if that red dress made your butt look too big?" Minako emerged from the dressing room and giggled triumphantly at Rei's indignant 'huff'.
"Come on you guys, we still have a million other places to go!" I grabbed their arms and tugged them out of the store, Makoto and Usagi in tow.
"Ami-chan, what has gotten into you all of a sudden? You used to say that shopping was a waste of time and brain cells," Makoto stared at me curiously.
"Hey look, she's blushing," Usagi pointed at my extremely UN-flushed cheeks, "Picturing Zach naked, eh?" She 'tsked' disapprovingly, "Now, now, Ami-chan. It's not healthy to--"
"USAGI!" I slapped her hand away, "I am *not* blushing, for one, and I am not picturing ANYONE naked right now either!"'
*cricket*
Rei laughed nervously and lightly shoved me past a gawking sales clerk and several customers with raised eyebrows.
"Come on, Ami-chan, that's a good girl. You really must remember to take your medicine before you leave the house," She said through smiling teeth.
Usagi snickered behind us and hung up the dress she had been eyeing, quickly following us out of the store.
Minako and Makoto appeared having just returned from a neighboring shop and Minako sighed in defeat.
We'd been shopping since 12:00, and it was almost 3:00 by the time one of us even made a purchase. Makoto chose a flowing strapless gown made of a rosy pink color after Usagi badgered her to give up her traditional green. Makoto did admit that she loved the color, though, and bought it.
Well, that was an hour and about two thousand dresses ago, and Minako, Rei, Usagi, and I still hadn't found *the* dress.
I took a few moments to collect myself before entering another store. Makoto and Minako eyed the passerbys staring at me curiously, but shrugged it off and followed behind us.
The next shop we entered was small and smelled lightly of woman's cologne and cinnamon. While Usagi fished through a rack, I looked at the window displays.
After a period of about ten minutes, Rei exclaimed from across the store, "Minna-chan! I found it! It's so perfect!"
We rushed to her side and admired the gown she selected. Rei was being extra picky since she'd be showing off for the record company and had to look 100% phenomenal.
"Oh, Rei, it's so gorgeous!" Usagi let the sleek fabric slip through her fingers.
The gown, scarlet-pink hued, flowed over her skin like water. Either side's hem overlapped eachother, letting the pink shiffon lining diagonally cross from just below her hips to the bottom where it flowed fully. Her tan leg peeked out from beneath the deep dip created by the layering fabric.
Minako gasped and made Rei twirl around until she was dizzy in order for her to get the 'full effect.'
I let my eyes wander, and haulted as a sales clerk caught my eye. Her silver hair twisted in a loose bun at the nape of her nape framed her glowing face, and her clear gray-blue eyes smiled brightly at me. I couldn't help but return her gesture and raise an eyebrow as she held up a finger signaling for me to wait a moment. Her smiling face disappeared behind a wall of garments, and I laughed as a few flew into the air behind her.
She emerged, hair slightly messed, a few moments latter, and gestured for me to join her.
I set down my armful of gowns and wandered over to her. She nudged her glasses up on her nose, and I instantly felt comfortable in her presence.
"I couldn't help but noticing, dear..." She looked at her arms once more and then back at me, "But..."
She reached below her and produced a package. When I curiously eyed it, not really knowing what to do, she placed it in my arms.
"Open it," She smiled widely, "I have a feeling it might be just what you're looking for."
As I hesitantly unfolded the brown paper, she beamed at me.
The gown flowed from the package in waves of silver-white and blue. She removed the rest of the paper and held it out in order for me to take in its full beauty.
"Oh..." I fell in love with it at first sight. The strapless gown, silvering blue in color, flowed out at the waist like a waterfall. Diagonally, a solid light blue section ended A symmetrically, while the translucent powder-blue material flowed out beneath it to the ankle. She handed it to me and produced a pair of matching evening gloves.
I covered my mouth with one hand and stared for a moment.
"Please say you will take it," She placed the gloves on top of the gown in my arms.
"I-I...couldn't possibly afford this," The realization hit me like a bucket of ice water, destroying any hopes I had to own the remarkable gown she so kindly offered me. True, my mother made enough in one day to pay for twelve of the same gown, but I decided when I first began working that I would purchase items that weren't essential independently, that included ball gowns.
"I am sure we could work something out," She urged, "I have been waiting to find the perfect young woman for this gown for so long...and you, dear, are a perfect match."
I swallowed, and weighed my options. Ultimately, the gown won out.
"H-How much?" I asked, fearing her answer.
"One dollar," She promptly replied, already walking over to the cash register to re-package it.
"Excuse me, ma'am? I don't believe I hear-"
"That will be one dollar, dear," She repeated, extending her palm.
I shook my head slightly, rummaging through my purse of a loose bill and handed it to her.
She smiled brightly as I took the gown from her, "I hope it brings you as much happiness as it did me."
I opened my mouth the thank her profusely, but she held up a hand for silence.
"I know, dear, I know."
A smile crept up on my face slowly, and I grasped her hand warmly before leaving.
'So strange...' I thought as I left the store with my friends.
Usagi and Minako purchased their dresses there as well. Usagi's was a deep silver halter gown that played off her silver-blonde hair and soft blue eyes fabulously. Minako chose a golden strap-y dress that clung to her curvacious body like a second skin yet managed to look sophisticated and elegant.
The gawked as I retold my story, and drooled over my gown as I opened the box to show them.
One more stop for shoes and we would be done. As we chatted on our way to the nearest shoe store, I alternated arms to carry my box, and my mind wandered back to the old woman in the store and the gown in my arms.
Before I knew what was happening, I bumped hard against Usagi who'd stopped to admire a litter of puppies through a pet shop window and fell forward. I could see Usagi trying to grab for me like it was in slow motion and waited for the tiled floor to connect with my still sore cheek.
Honestly, like that would happen to me! I just had to fall into someone's arms. Do I even need to say who it was?
"Nice to see you again, Ami-chan," I didn't have to turn my head to see the snickering going on behind my back.
'I can't believe I did that...man, does he work out? Oh...muscles--wait, where am I again? Oh yeah, in his ARMS...'
"Heh heh, sorry about that," I sent a glare to Usagi who was acting as if she purposely made me fall.
He bent over to pick up my bag and behind him Rei was mouthing 'Ask him out!' and waving her arms frantically.
My head shook 'No.' so fast that I gave myself a head-ache, and mouthed 'ARE YOU CRAZY?!'
She nodded.
I shook my head again.
"No, what?" I didn't even see that he had risen again and was holding out my package to me.
"Oh, um...No--um.."
"Ami-chan, you little klutz! What did I tell you about bumping in to cute guys to get dates?"
"Minako!" I would have jumped at her had he not spoken again.
"Nice to see you again, Minako. Hey, Rei," He smiled affably, and I almost fell over.
"Hey, Zach," Rei stopped for a moment and looked to be thinking about something.
"*Hey* Zach, I was meaning to ask you something."
I knew what she was up to and I stepped behind him shaking my head again. She ignored me, of course.
"What's up?" He turned to her.
"Well, I told you about that talent thing I'm going to be in right? Well it's going to be in about three weeks, and I'm sure that Ami *ouch!*," I nudged her harshly and feigned innocence, "Right, well it'd be great if you could come and sorta cheer me on."
Zach's eyes flew to me for a fleeting moment before returning to hers, "Sure, Rei, I'd love to come."
"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friends, Zach?" Makoto was eyeing them like a hungry lioness ready to pounce. I hadn't even noticed his three companions.
"Oh, yeah, these are some of my friends--Matt, Jason, and Kyle. Guys, this is Ami, Rei, Usagi, Minako, and...I never did get your--"
"Makoto." Makoto supplied eagerly.
"Right, Makoto."
"You guys can come, too, if you'd like. It's a black-tie kind of thing, though," Rei was staring at Jason who was eyeing her openly.
"What do you think you're looking at?" She spat. Jason looked startled and lightly blushed.
His friends chuckled behind him, and he glared in their direction.
"Well, I guess we'll see you Friday. Bye, guys--nice meeting you," Usagi smiled widely and turned to Minako and Makoto.
I was relieved to be getting out of the awkward situation.
"Bye, Ami-chan," Zach smiled again.
'Stop staring, stupid!'
'I can't help it, big mouth!'
'Well, get a tissue, you're drooling on the floor!'
'ugh.'
"Bye, Zach, see you Friday," I tucked my box beneath my arm and followed Rei and Usagi who were trying to tear Minako and Makoto away from Kyle and Matt. The movie we planned on seeing started in ten minutes and Usagi insisted on raiding the over priced concession stands beforehand.
"Man, that Matt guy was SO hot!"
"Shut up, Makoto! The movie's gonna start!"
"Be quiet, Rei. You know you thought Jason was cute."
"Did not! He was gawking at me!"
"Wasn't Kyle's smile so adorable when he laughed at Zach and Ami?"
"Stop hogging all the pop-corn, Rei-chan!"
"What do *mean* Zach and Ami?"
"You know what I mean."
"Get off me, Odango!"
"Enlighten me."
"You two were gaping like love-sick puppies."
"I was not gaping!"
"Were too."
"Was not!"
Minako threw a handful of pop corn at my head and I returned the favor.
"Do you guys mind? Some people are trying to actually *watch* the movie.
A brown-haired head turned to face us, and we silmultaneously gasped. I recognized him as Zach's friend, Matt. I hadn't even realized that they had walked in behind us!
Kyle turned around as well, smiling at Minako.
"So you think I'm adorable?"
I took a moment to laugh at Minako's surprised face and blush.
"Hey, Makoto thinks I'm hot."
Makoto sunk back in her seat and hid behind her bag of pop-corn.
"Eavesdroppers," Usagi muttered.
"Well it's not that hard when you're practically yelling," Jason had joined the conversation now.
"Hey, Rei, do you think I'm cute, too?" He made a baby face and laughed when she huffed and turned her head to the screen.
"Jerk," I heard her mumble.
"You know you like it," was his response.
I took the opportunity to excuse myself to go to the bathroom before anyone brought up the 'Zach and Ami love-sick puppy' thing.
I ran cool water and splashed my face. I looked at my cheek and saw that the color was returning to normal. It was still slightly murky blue-black, though.
Dabbing on some concealer and a new layer of lip gloss, I quickly brushed my hair and exited.
I was only half-surprised that Zach was waiting for me.
"Hey," It was the only thing I had to say at the moment.
"Hey," His lips formed a light laugh and I noticed that his lower lip was healing nicely.
"Your lip looks a lot better."
'Well, that was lame.'
"Yeah, so does your cheek...um, how are you feeling?" His gaze was concerned.
"Um..I feel a lot better, actually. Thanks," I was feeling a bit flustered at the feelings that seemed to surface when he was around.
"Look, Ami, there's this...this ice-skating thing that the guys and I are going to tomorrow night--My dad's sponsoring this annual charity for foster kids thing, and well...I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come with me? I mean..er, us?" His wavering smile indicated his nervousness and I felt relieved that he was nervous, too.
'He's asking you out, dummy! Say something already!'
'Shut up, I'm getting there!'
"Sure, that sounds like fun." 'Phew...I can't believe he asked me out! Well...sort of, anyway.'
He gave a small sigh of relief and smiled widely. In the dim lighting his eyes glimmered misty blue-green.
"Great, you can invite the other girls, too. I'm sure the guys wouldn't mind," He winked, "And you can meet us at Juuban lake at 6:00. Is that okay?"
The butterflies in my stomach were fluttering in over-drive, and I knew that if I didn't stop looking at him soon I'd either jump him or faint. Thankfully, they tamed themselves long enough for me to nod my consent. No way would I trust myself to actually speak any more than necessary under these circumstances.
We shared a smile, and he gestured towards the theater door.
As we walked, I resisted the urge to reach for his extremely inviting hand and kept my gaze on the carpet.
After we were seated in our respective rows, I waited for my friends to begin their barrage of questions, but when they didn't I cocked an eyebrow in their direction.
"C'mon, Rei, you know you think I'm cute, admit it already!"
"Look, you pompous ass hole, if you don't leave me alone I will *make* you."
"I'm going to take that as a yes."
"Ugh!"
"So, Minako, which smile was the adorable one?" Kevin was alternating different smiles.
"This one? No, this one?"
Minako giggled.
"What?"
"You have pop-corn in your hair."
His lips curved into a small grin, and he removed the food from his light blonde locks.
"That one."
"Huh?"
"That's the smile that's adorable."
I watched his grin widen and he turned back around.
"You know Makoto, I'm flattered that you think I'm hot, really, I am, but I believe you beat me by a long-shot in that category."
"Tell me, Matt, are you always this cheesy?"
"Only if you like cheesy guys."
"I'm starting to."
Makoto blushed lightly and Matt grinned.
Usagi's eyes were planted on the screen, obviously having given up on them and becoming thoroughly engrossed in the film.
I'd forgotten what we were watching a long time ago. My heart fluttered in my chest when Zach turned around and smiled at me.
He nodded in the direction of our friends and we shared a laugh.
I was too busy anticipating tomorrow night to think about anything else at the moment--except for maybe his smile...and his eyes...and his PERFECT hair, and how his arms felt around me...
*sigh*
~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
dun dun DUUUUUUUUUUUN. hehe, I had fun writing that last part there. :D That chapter is a lot longer than my others and I am kinda proud of it. I hope you guys liked it!
next chapter's gonna be about the ice-skating thingie and possibly the ball/talent show thing. Oh, I'm gonna start putting some fight scenes in there, too. I have much in store for Miss Mizuno at this point.
ja ne!
--Adrial
e-mail me! ;D adrial_06@yahoo.com