*****TO GO, PLEASE*****
Chapter 9: The Bitch of the Ball
Rating: PG
Author: Adrial
E-mail: adrial_06@yahoo.com
*****TO GO, PLEASE*****
Hey, again! Here's chapter 9 and I hope you like it! It was kinda fun for me, actually. I tried to balance humor with conflict and sap as equally as I could.
oh yea, I have a song in this chapter called "My First Night With You" and it's by Mya. hint hint: downloading it and listening to it as you read the singing part would make it SOO much easier to get.
and i'm kinda figuring that I'll update once a week, every sunday or monday. You guys are pushing for more faster than I can write them, and I really want to make them the best they can be without making you guys wait a million years for a chapter to come out. I got a little chapter crazy before. :D
and now...on the with the story!
DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, don't want it, just write about it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"OWOWOWOWOW!!! MAKE IT STOP BURNING! NOOOW!" Minako hopped around Rei's bedroom fanning her eyebrows frantically.
"God, how could you DO this to me, Rei-chan?!" Rei sheepishly smiled, "Heh, heh, sorry Mina-chan. I didn't think it'd hurt *that* badly."
"Oh, the PAIN," Minako plopped in front of Rei's vanity and looked painfully at her newly waxed eyebrows.
I stifled a giggle and turned back to Usagi's finger nails. She'd chipped her manicure while attempting to steal a video game controller from Shingo and hadn't stopped crying until I'd offered to help.
"That looks great, Ames, thanks SO much!" She admired her french manicure and wiggled her fingers in front of her eyes.
"No problem," I smiled, "Makoto-chan, you need a touch-up, too?" Makoto looked up from her magazine and eyed her traditional manicure.
"Nah, I think they're fine," She paused to laugh at Minako who was in tears in front of the mirror.
"You should have let me pluck the stray hairs, Minako-chan. There were only a few," Makoto stood and walked over to the watery-eyed blonde.
Minako sniffed and sent Rei a death glare. Rei gave her an apologetic smile and dumped the steaming tub of orange goo into her garbage bin.
"Oh, man, is this red patchy-ness ever going to GO a-WAY?" Minako looked about to shed a fresh shower of tears.
"I'll fix it, Minako," Makoto sat beside her and brought out some cooling cream, rubbing them on her brows.
"Ahh--much better," Minako sighed.
"Just let them sit for a while, and it'll go away soon," Makoto said in a 'doctor-y' tone.
"What time is it, Ami-chan?" Rei called from the bathroom where she had gone to shave.
"Um..," I eyed the digital clock on her dresser, "3:39."
I turned back to my nail polishes and placed them into their bag.
"Have you guys seen my other silver glove? I can't find it," Usagi was rummaging frantically through her garmet bag.
"It's on your HEAD, Odango!" Rei yelled from behind the bathroom door.
Usagi felt on top of her silvery-blonde mane and let out an annoyed sigh when she felt it between her fingers.
"How long has it BEEN there, Pyro?!" She yelled at the door.
"About 10 minutes. I figured I'd let you find it yourself, but see how well THAT turned out," Rei laughed mockingly.
Usagi huffed and placed the missing glove with its partner on Rei's bed.
"Why did you get a manicure if you're going to be wearing gloves anyway, Usagi-chan?" Makoto asked.
"Well what if I want to take them off or something spills on them?" Usagi seemed pleased with her logic and sat on the bed.
"Yes, they're back to normal!" Minako exlaimed from the other side of the room, eyeing her brows happily.
"Whoop-ee," Usagi mumbled, still peeved at Rei.
I let my eyes drift to the window and watched the snow fall softly. Winter was always one of my favorite seasons. It calmed me somehow.
Rei emerged from the bathroom and grabbed a brush, running it through her raven locks gently.
"So, Rei-chan, what song are you going to sing tonight?" Minako asked, obviously having forgiven her for the trauma she caused to her eye-brows, and admired her perfect arches.
"It's a song I wrote a while ago, actually. I wanna surprise you guys, though," She smiled wistfully, setting down her brush and eyed her dress critically.
Rei was hiding it well, but I knew that she was aching with excitement for her singing debut.
"Do you think my hair is too dull for this? Maybe I should put it up?..." Her voice trailed into panic. I recognized the signs of an anxiety attack and quickly reacted.
"No way, Rei-chan. Your hair is amazing. I'm guessing the other girls will be dressing up like freak-shows just to impress the judges. You'll look most human and down-to-earth out of all of them," My words seemed to calm her down and she smiled.
"Alrighty, then, who's up for hot-chocolate? All these perfume and nail polish fumes are making me dizzy," Makoto rolled her eyes to the back of her head to emphasize her point and Usagi cringed.
"Ew, stop it, Makoto-chan! That's so gross," She rose and hid her eyes behind her hands to block out Makoto's face as she walked to the door.
"Hey--you used to think it was cool before!" Makoto looked at her.
"Oh--well,um...I guess things change, huh?" Usagi smiled oddly and picked at something on her shirt before turning around and exiting.
Makoto looked at her strangely and followed.
"I'm gonna stay in here and finish working on my hair. It's gonna take forever," Minako eyed the picture beside her of a model wearing her desired hair style.
"I'll stay and help," Rei offered. I guessed she still felt bad about the wax thing.
I left them to their curling irons and hair spray and followed Makoto out of the room.
As I walked a little ways I heard a yelp.
"REI! I have SKIN there!"
"Sorry, Mina-chan."
I laughed slightly and walked into the kitchen.
After we'd finished our breaks, Usagi and I decided to start our hair, while Makoto took Rei's place with Minako's hair-styling.
"Time?"
"What am I the Grandfather Clock or something?" I asked Minako.
"Whatever floats your boat, Ames," She answered.
I sighed and craned my neck to look at the clock, "It's 4:22."
"Ugh, and I haven't even started my hair yet!" Usagi yelped and grabbed a brush while releasing her hair from its loose ponytail. When she'd returned from a two week stay in the America over the summer with her family, her 'odangoes' were clearly absent and her golden hair trailed freely to a few inches above the middle of her back. She'd smiled sheepishly at us when we all gasped at her new appearance and said that it was just too warm in Arizona where her uncle lived to keep her hair as ubelievably long as it was.
"Chill out, Usagi-chan. We have plenty of time," Makoto said reassuringly, flipping through her magazine again. Her level of togetherness during rush-hour impressed even me as she flipped casually through a magazine, idly whistling.
"HURRY UP! THEY'LL BE HERE ANY MINUTE NOW!" Makoto whined in front of the mirror as Minako and Usagi worked over-time on her hair.
"You thouldn't ha' 'aited arou'd, 'akoto-cha'! P'oc'astination is ne'er th' a'swer," Minako mumbled over a clip poking out of her mouth.
"Bite me," Makoto replied.
I nervously fingered the hem of my dress and smoothed out a wrinkle. Tear-shaped diamond earrings glimmered from my ears. My mother insisted that I wear them for the occasion. A silver, rhinestone clip rested on either side of my head, and my hair flowed in soft waves to the nape of my neck.
Rei applied my make-up--after I made sure there was nothing sharp or hot involved--and did an excellent job, even though I felt like she'd used enough foundation for an army of anorexic super models. The shimmery blue eye-shadow she'd used accented my blue eyes and gown, and my cheeks were a slight hue of pink. I dabbed on another layer of silver/pink lip-gloss and wrung my gloved hands in my lap.
'5:53'
I urged the clock to move faster.
"Ah, done!" Usagi announced and Makoto admired her mound of chocolate colored hair piled on top of her head. Small pink clips poked out randomly and wisps of hair fell across her forehead and cheeks.
"It looks great, minna-chan, thanks."
"No, prob, Mako-chan," Minako admired her handy-work and slipped her gold, elbow-length gloves on.
Her hair was completely down, and curled into loose spirals, surrounding her face in a halo of gold.
Usagi spritzed another gallon of hairspray on her mound of intricately curled hair, and Minako waved away the fumes with a disgusted scowl.
Rei's hair was like Minako's--yet the spirals were a lot less spiral-y--and fell elegantly past her shoulders.
The sound of car doors slamming snapped me out of my thoughts, and we all gathered around Rei to wish her good luck before heading out to the steps to meet our dates.
I could hear Usagi whispering to herself, "Please don't let me trip, please don't let me fall, please don't let me slip..."
I touched her arm and assured her she'd be fine, and she smiled gratefully.
Inside I was a dying with anticipation. I ran over all impossibly horrifc scenerios that would occur once Rei opened her front door ranging from me regurgiating the bag of potato chips I'd ravenously eaten early out of anxiety to Zach cracking up with laughter at my ensemble.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, and watched Makoto fidget with her hair anxiously. When Rei opened the doors, a gust of crisp, December air whipped at my bangs playfully, tickling my eyelids. So far so...
Oh, God
I recognized the green eyes and refused to let my eyes travel elsewhere for fear of melting at his charming grin or sleek appearance. Rei's gasp registered in my left ear, and my hold on his eyes wavered. The ground looked so inviting to me at the time, that I just *had* to stare at it.
Oh, God
I felt my heart speed up and my knees quiver beneath me. Now *I* was praying I didn't trip or fall. When his hand lifted my chin up, I met his eyes with a timid smile. From the corner of my eye I saw Minako awkwardly taking Kyle's arm, and Usagi beaming at Darien's side.
When Zach *ahem* kissed the backs of my knuckles, I felt the need to squeal with contained giggles and hoped that I didn't turn into a pumpkin or something, shattering the moment.
As we descended the steps, he pulled me close to him.
"You look incredible, Angel," His breath tickled the exposed skin of my neck, and I shivered.
"You, too," I breathed. He looped his arm through mine. I noticed, with pleasure, that Jason and Rei were holding hands and acting peculiarly shy all of a sudden.
We all took seperate cars, and I blushed as Zach held my door open for me.
The ride was pleasant. He asked about Rei's singing and I told him about her years of practice to get to this point. There were, of course, inquiries about the day before and how I felt. I assured him I was perfectly fine, and told him to quit worrying. He insisted that was impossible, and the rest of the ride we sat in comfortable silence.
I wrapped my icey-blue, satin shawl around my shoulders as a wave of cold air blew through the parking lot. Zach wrapped a warm arm around my waist, and I gasped slightly when I felt his lips on mine.
"I had to do it, you look too beautiful not to be kissed," He smiled.
A blush crept upon my face, and I leaned against his body as we walked to meet the others at the entrance.
Rei flashed her pass with the air of royalty and the rest of us handed the security our tickets.
Inside, the hall was decorated like a wintery palace of some sort. Hues of silver and white splashed across the high walls and ceiling. Banners of silver adorned each window and the banquet tables were lined in silver and white linens. It almost made me feel like I was the middle off a silent snow-fall without the biting chill.
Minako gazed at the hall in silent awe from Kyle's arm, and Usagi's smile stretched past her eyes as she excitedly glanced every-which-way across the room.
"It's so beautiful!" She exlaimed.
"Let's go find our table, minna-chan," Makoto suggested. After we were seated close to the front of the stage--curtesy of Rei's manager--waiters filed in to take our orders. A wide, open dance floor spread out across the middle of the room where a few couples were already dancing to prerecorded music played by a DJ.
After our meal, Rei was called off by her manager to perpare her voice. She let Jason lightly kiss her cheek for good luck and gave us a confident grin before scurrying off.
"Mamo-chan, did I just eat a SNAIL?" Usagi looked appauled at her plate of escargot and on the verge of freaking out.
Mamoru cleared his throat to stifle his laugh, "Of course not, Usako, THOSE are the snails," He gestured to a plate of truffles and sighed of relief when Usagi relaxed.
Kyle nudged him and whispered, "Nice save, Chiba."
Usagi popped another snail into her mouth and chewed happily. I had to cover my face with my napkin to keep from laughing. Zach winked at me and I could barely contain my giggles from bubbling out.
Matt whispered something to Makoto and she blushed heavily and swatted his arm.
I felt Zach grab my hand from under the table and I laced my fingers through his.
A plump man with silver hair walked across the stage to the middle where a microphone stood.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentelman, to JazZ Record's 15th annual Talent Ball!" His voice boomed thickly through the hall, "Feel free to dance as they peform, but avoid the judge's table up front, if you please."
"Now, may I introduce our first contestant, Kiaho Kasana, singing her own creation, "On a Day Like This."
We all applauded politely, and I sent an anxious stare to Minako and Makoto who returned it. Rei would be up last.
Zach stood and gestured to the dance floor which Makoto and Matt were weaving their way onto already. I nodded and accepted his hand.
Minako, Kyle, Usagi, and Mamoru followed suit. As Zach's arm snaked around my waist I felt my spine tingle and placed my hand in his palm.
A small girl walked to the microphone and looked incredibly nervous.
Her voice was soft and gentle, but held back a little too much in my opinion. As Zach and I swayed to the music, I let my thoughts drift from the singer to the person in my arms.
As she finished, we applauded again and waited for the next girl to be introduced.
Misaka Kaia was a phenomenal singer, but stood stiff as a board the entire song. I watched a look of disappointment flash over her face as she left the stage.
"She's next," I absentmindedly squeezed Zach's arm. I was nervous for Rei...Hell, I was nervous for her grandfather who was keeping a close vigil from backstage.
"She'll be fine, Angel," He whispered into my ear. I forgot my anxiousness for a moment.
The silver-haired man walked back to the stage, "And for our final contestant, Hino Rei will be performing "My First Night With You", a piece composed entirely by herself."
Rei's graceful form filled the stage as she entered. I felt her excitement buzzing through the air, and her shoulders relaxed. As she approached the microphone we clapped noisely for her, Jason whistling and calling to her as if he were cheering his favorite team in the World Series. She smiled widely and took a deep breath. Usagi waved to her excitedly.
An eerie, calm tune wafted through the hall as if forcing everyone to pay attention to the words that would follow. I watched as everyone fell silent in the arms of there partner, and Rei inhaled deeply.
Yesterday was not just another day
not like before
Yesterday, I saw your smiling face
Love walked through my door
Zach pulled me closer in his embrace and I let the sweet lyrics of the song flow over in my mind. Memories of the night we spent in the snow at the lake clouded my vision.
One precious moment
changed my life
one tender kiss
made everything right
"Ami-chan," His lips were dangerously close to mine, and I could feel the foggy cloud of his breath against my mouth, "Can I kiss you?"
one touch from you
and this world was mine
it was in your arms where I found forever
The kiss was soft and gentle, yet it expressed so many things neither of us could put a voice to.
He rested his forehead on mine, "You know...I've been wanting to do that for a long time now...
cried my first tears of joy last night
heaven shined a light
all my dreams came true
my first night with you
I felt the sun
shine so bright on me
chased the rain from my heart
"I won't leave you like them..."
Through the storm
through the darkest night
I found my brightest star
"I won't ignore the way I feel about you, and if you need time, I'll understand," He brushed a falling tear from my cheek, "When you're ready...I'll be here for you."
One magic moment made one magic night
I fell in love with one look in your eyes, baby
I never knew I could feel so alive
Darling, in your arms I could feel forever
I let myself gaze into his eyes, let them search for something, anything to indicate he was real. What I found was more than my senses could bear.
'Truth.'
'Heart.'
'Love.'
Love? Could he love me?
Cried my first tears of joy last night
Heaven shined a light
All my dreams came true
My first night with you...
shined a light...ooohh
One precious moment changed my life
one tender kiss made everything right
one touch from you and this world was mine
it was in your arms, baby, where I found forever...
and ever
cried my first tears of joy *last night I cried*
heaven shined a light *a light*
all my dreams came true *true*
oooh ooohh
cried...
tears...
joy...
heaven shined a light
all my dreams came true
my first night...
with you
________________
Rei's powerfully angelic voice faded away and as the hall erupted in wild aplause, Zach titled my chin up with his hand. He looked at me intensely for a moment, and I began to think something was wrong.
"Aishiteru."
As he whispered in my ear, he struck my mind...my heart...my soul.
His eyes softened slightly and before I could answer, he brought his lips against mine--they were soft, yet strong--gentle, yet harsh--loving, yet demanding. I relented and returned it without thinking about the people around us, the deafening roar of applause, or where we were. In his arms I did find forever.
As his lips peeled away from mine, I was breathing hard, "I--"
"Oh, did someone decide to have a party and not invite me?" A lanky woman with pale, white skin sauntered down the middle of the dance floor. Her inky, black hair fell straight across her rigid face. She looked mockingly out of solid red eyes.
I felt Zach tighten his hold on my waist and pull me to his chest.
"Really, that hurts me deeply," She stopped in the center of the floor near the judges table. With a crack, she split it in half with a flick of her wrist, sending the panel of judges flying.
Instantly, everyone was screaming and running in all directions. Zach and I were almost knocked over by the boisterous stampede.
"Oh, don't be such party-poopers! I've just arrived, and the party is only beginning," She let out a menacing snarl and threw a shower of red flames at the crowd of people.
Screams of anguish sliced through the air as men flailed around on fire. She smiled maliciously and Zach pulled me over to where the rest of our party was.
"What--the HELL is that thing?" Jason was holding Rei's hand.
Pure chaos was spreading through the room. I looked at the girls and telepathically conversed with them.
'Minna-chan, we have to get her outside before she kills anyone!'
'I know, let's get the guys and create a diversion. If forced to, we'll have to transform in front of them.'
'Right, Minako-chan, let's go.' Usagi tuned out.
Rei stood confidently and began to walk towards the "woman."
"Rei! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Jason grabbed her arm.
"I'm going to get that thing away from all those people! Let--GO," She wretched her arm free of his grip and the rest of us followed suit, leaving the guys--with the exception of Mamoru--stunned.
Makoto searched for any visible security cameras and zapped them with bursts of electricity from her bare hands. The room had long since cleared, and we had to take our chances with any lingering camera-men poking around from outside.
"What do we have here? Five young woman willing to fight me? Let me guess...you *must* be the infamous Sailor Senshi," She laughed at our stupified faces. No one had ever been able to tell that quickly.
"I'm not stupid, you know. Now eat this!" She hurled a ball of dark energy at us and we jumped out of the way just in time.
Knowing that our cover was already blown, we forgot the rules of secrecy and stealth and fiercly called upon the powers of our planets.
"VENUS ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MARS ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"JUPITER ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MERCURY ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MOON ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
The familiar wave of Mercury's power washed over my body in a shower of blue. I felt the energy pulsing through my veins and stretched into my fighting stance, ready to do battle.
I heard simultaneous gasps from behind us and didn't bother to turn and see the looks of astonishment on the guys' faces.
"Aw, how cute. The little Sailor Senshi have come out to play with the big girls," She sneered at us, "I actually feel sorry for you."
"We don't want your pity, bitch, now tell us who you are!" Jupiter demanded.
"Well since you asked SO very nicely..." She smiled, "I am Myora, and you--are finished." She gathered a ball of black swirling gas and hurled it in our direction again. With our reflexes quicker, we were able to dodge it nicely.
"Guys, get out of here!" Venus yelled.
"We're not going to leave you with that thing!" Kyle stood defiantly.
"Now isn't the time to be manly, Kyle! Get out before you get us all killed!" Mars dodged another ball of energy.
"MARS FLAME SNIPER!"
It bounced off of Myora's shield like it was nothing. She looked peeved and threw an attack at the guys which Minako deflected with her love-chain.
"Enough of these games, senshi! All I want," She pointed a long, snarled finger in my direction, "Is her."
****************************************************************
HellLOooooOOOo! Didja like that? I had SO much fun with that chapter. Gotta luv all that sap stuff, right? And the song, "My First Time With You" is by Mya. I seriously recommend you download it from whatever source available and listen as you read that part. It makes it SOOO much better! See ya later! ja ne!
remember...a week before 10's out! :D
--Adrial
Chapter 9: The Bitch of the Ball
Rating: PG
Author: Adrial
E-mail: adrial_06@yahoo.com
*****TO GO, PLEASE*****
Hey, again! Here's chapter 9 and I hope you like it! It was kinda fun for me, actually. I tried to balance humor with conflict and sap as equally as I could.
oh yea, I have a song in this chapter called "My First Night With You" and it's by Mya. hint hint: downloading it and listening to it as you read the singing part would make it SOO much easier to get.
and i'm kinda figuring that I'll update once a week, every sunday or monday. You guys are pushing for more faster than I can write them, and I really want to make them the best they can be without making you guys wait a million years for a chapter to come out. I got a little chapter crazy before. :D
and now...on the with the story!
DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, don't want it, just write about it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"OWOWOWOWOW!!! MAKE IT STOP BURNING! NOOOW!" Minako hopped around Rei's bedroom fanning her eyebrows frantically.
"God, how could you DO this to me, Rei-chan?!" Rei sheepishly smiled, "Heh, heh, sorry Mina-chan. I didn't think it'd hurt *that* badly."
"Oh, the PAIN," Minako plopped in front of Rei's vanity and looked painfully at her newly waxed eyebrows.
I stifled a giggle and turned back to Usagi's finger nails. She'd chipped her manicure while attempting to steal a video game controller from Shingo and hadn't stopped crying until I'd offered to help.
"That looks great, Ames, thanks SO much!" She admired her french manicure and wiggled her fingers in front of her eyes.
"No problem," I smiled, "Makoto-chan, you need a touch-up, too?" Makoto looked up from her magazine and eyed her traditional manicure.
"Nah, I think they're fine," She paused to laugh at Minako who was in tears in front of the mirror.
"You should have let me pluck the stray hairs, Minako-chan. There were only a few," Makoto stood and walked over to the watery-eyed blonde.
Minako sniffed and sent Rei a death glare. Rei gave her an apologetic smile and dumped the steaming tub of orange goo into her garbage bin.
"Oh, man, is this red patchy-ness ever going to GO a-WAY?" Minako looked about to shed a fresh shower of tears.
"I'll fix it, Minako," Makoto sat beside her and brought out some cooling cream, rubbing them on her brows.
"Ahh--much better," Minako sighed.
"Just let them sit for a while, and it'll go away soon," Makoto said in a 'doctor-y' tone.
"What time is it, Ami-chan?" Rei called from the bathroom where she had gone to shave.
"Um..," I eyed the digital clock on her dresser, "3:39."
I turned back to my nail polishes and placed them into their bag.
"Have you guys seen my other silver glove? I can't find it," Usagi was rummaging frantically through her garmet bag.
"It's on your HEAD, Odango!" Rei yelled from behind the bathroom door.
Usagi felt on top of her silvery-blonde mane and let out an annoyed sigh when she felt it between her fingers.
"How long has it BEEN there, Pyro?!" She yelled at the door.
"About 10 minutes. I figured I'd let you find it yourself, but see how well THAT turned out," Rei laughed mockingly.
Usagi huffed and placed the missing glove with its partner on Rei's bed.
"Why did you get a manicure if you're going to be wearing gloves anyway, Usagi-chan?" Makoto asked.
"Well what if I want to take them off or something spills on them?" Usagi seemed pleased with her logic and sat on the bed.
"Yes, they're back to normal!" Minako exlaimed from the other side of the room, eyeing her brows happily.
"Whoop-ee," Usagi mumbled, still peeved at Rei.
I let my eyes drift to the window and watched the snow fall softly. Winter was always one of my favorite seasons. It calmed me somehow.
Rei emerged from the bathroom and grabbed a brush, running it through her raven locks gently.
"So, Rei-chan, what song are you going to sing tonight?" Minako asked, obviously having forgiven her for the trauma she caused to her eye-brows, and admired her perfect arches.
"It's a song I wrote a while ago, actually. I wanna surprise you guys, though," She smiled wistfully, setting down her brush and eyed her dress critically.
Rei was hiding it well, but I knew that she was aching with excitement for her singing debut.
"Do you think my hair is too dull for this? Maybe I should put it up?..." Her voice trailed into panic. I recognized the signs of an anxiety attack and quickly reacted.
"No way, Rei-chan. Your hair is amazing. I'm guessing the other girls will be dressing up like freak-shows just to impress the judges. You'll look most human and down-to-earth out of all of them," My words seemed to calm her down and she smiled.
"Alrighty, then, who's up for hot-chocolate? All these perfume and nail polish fumes are making me dizzy," Makoto rolled her eyes to the back of her head to emphasize her point and Usagi cringed.
"Ew, stop it, Makoto-chan! That's so gross," She rose and hid her eyes behind her hands to block out Makoto's face as she walked to the door.
"Hey--you used to think it was cool before!" Makoto looked at her.
"Oh--well,um...I guess things change, huh?" Usagi smiled oddly and picked at something on her shirt before turning around and exiting.
Makoto looked at her strangely and followed.
"I'm gonna stay in here and finish working on my hair. It's gonna take forever," Minako eyed the picture beside her of a model wearing her desired hair style.
"I'll stay and help," Rei offered. I guessed she still felt bad about the wax thing.
I left them to their curling irons and hair spray and followed Makoto out of the room.
As I walked a little ways I heard a yelp.
"REI! I have SKIN there!"
"Sorry, Mina-chan."
I laughed slightly and walked into the kitchen.
After we'd finished our breaks, Usagi and I decided to start our hair, while Makoto took Rei's place with Minako's hair-styling.
"Time?"
"What am I the Grandfather Clock or something?" I asked Minako.
"Whatever floats your boat, Ames," She answered.
I sighed and craned my neck to look at the clock, "It's 4:22."
"Ugh, and I haven't even started my hair yet!" Usagi yelped and grabbed a brush while releasing her hair from its loose ponytail. When she'd returned from a two week stay in the America over the summer with her family, her 'odangoes' were clearly absent and her golden hair trailed freely to a few inches above the middle of her back. She'd smiled sheepishly at us when we all gasped at her new appearance and said that it was just too warm in Arizona where her uncle lived to keep her hair as ubelievably long as it was.
"Chill out, Usagi-chan. We have plenty of time," Makoto said reassuringly, flipping through her magazine again. Her level of togetherness during rush-hour impressed even me as she flipped casually through a magazine, idly whistling.
"HURRY UP! THEY'LL BE HERE ANY MINUTE NOW!" Makoto whined in front of the mirror as Minako and Usagi worked over-time on her hair.
"You thouldn't ha' 'aited arou'd, 'akoto-cha'! P'oc'astination is ne'er th' a'swer," Minako mumbled over a clip poking out of her mouth.
"Bite me," Makoto replied.
I nervously fingered the hem of my dress and smoothed out a wrinkle. Tear-shaped diamond earrings glimmered from my ears. My mother insisted that I wear them for the occasion. A silver, rhinestone clip rested on either side of my head, and my hair flowed in soft waves to the nape of my neck.
Rei applied my make-up--after I made sure there was nothing sharp or hot involved--and did an excellent job, even though I felt like she'd used enough foundation for an army of anorexic super models. The shimmery blue eye-shadow she'd used accented my blue eyes and gown, and my cheeks were a slight hue of pink. I dabbed on another layer of silver/pink lip-gloss and wrung my gloved hands in my lap.
'5:53'
I urged the clock to move faster.
"Ah, done!" Usagi announced and Makoto admired her mound of chocolate colored hair piled on top of her head. Small pink clips poked out randomly and wisps of hair fell across her forehead and cheeks.
"It looks great, minna-chan, thanks."
"No, prob, Mako-chan," Minako admired her handy-work and slipped her gold, elbow-length gloves on.
Her hair was completely down, and curled into loose spirals, surrounding her face in a halo of gold.
Usagi spritzed another gallon of hairspray on her mound of intricately curled hair, and Minako waved away the fumes with a disgusted scowl.
Rei's hair was like Minako's--yet the spirals were a lot less spiral-y--and fell elegantly past her shoulders.
The sound of car doors slamming snapped me out of my thoughts, and we all gathered around Rei to wish her good luck before heading out to the steps to meet our dates.
I could hear Usagi whispering to herself, "Please don't let me trip, please don't let me fall, please don't let me slip..."
I touched her arm and assured her she'd be fine, and she smiled gratefully.
Inside I was a dying with anticipation. I ran over all impossibly horrifc scenerios that would occur once Rei opened her front door ranging from me regurgiating the bag of potato chips I'd ravenously eaten early out of anxiety to Zach cracking up with laughter at my ensemble.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, and watched Makoto fidget with her hair anxiously. When Rei opened the doors, a gust of crisp, December air whipped at my bangs playfully, tickling my eyelids. So far so...
Oh, God
I recognized the green eyes and refused to let my eyes travel elsewhere for fear of melting at his charming grin or sleek appearance. Rei's gasp registered in my left ear, and my hold on his eyes wavered. The ground looked so inviting to me at the time, that I just *had* to stare at it.
Oh, God
I felt my heart speed up and my knees quiver beneath me. Now *I* was praying I didn't trip or fall. When his hand lifted my chin up, I met his eyes with a timid smile. From the corner of my eye I saw Minako awkwardly taking Kyle's arm, and Usagi beaming at Darien's side.
When Zach *ahem* kissed the backs of my knuckles, I felt the need to squeal with contained giggles and hoped that I didn't turn into a pumpkin or something, shattering the moment.
As we descended the steps, he pulled me close to him.
"You look incredible, Angel," His breath tickled the exposed skin of my neck, and I shivered.
"You, too," I breathed. He looped his arm through mine. I noticed, with pleasure, that Jason and Rei were holding hands and acting peculiarly shy all of a sudden.
We all took seperate cars, and I blushed as Zach held my door open for me.
The ride was pleasant. He asked about Rei's singing and I told him about her years of practice to get to this point. There were, of course, inquiries about the day before and how I felt. I assured him I was perfectly fine, and told him to quit worrying. He insisted that was impossible, and the rest of the ride we sat in comfortable silence.
I wrapped my icey-blue, satin shawl around my shoulders as a wave of cold air blew through the parking lot. Zach wrapped a warm arm around my waist, and I gasped slightly when I felt his lips on mine.
"I had to do it, you look too beautiful not to be kissed," He smiled.
A blush crept upon my face, and I leaned against his body as we walked to meet the others at the entrance.
Rei flashed her pass with the air of royalty and the rest of us handed the security our tickets.
Inside, the hall was decorated like a wintery palace of some sort. Hues of silver and white splashed across the high walls and ceiling. Banners of silver adorned each window and the banquet tables were lined in silver and white linens. It almost made me feel like I was the middle off a silent snow-fall without the biting chill.
Minako gazed at the hall in silent awe from Kyle's arm, and Usagi's smile stretched past her eyes as she excitedly glanced every-which-way across the room.
"It's so beautiful!" She exlaimed.
"Let's go find our table, minna-chan," Makoto suggested. After we were seated close to the front of the stage--curtesy of Rei's manager--waiters filed in to take our orders. A wide, open dance floor spread out across the middle of the room where a few couples were already dancing to prerecorded music played by a DJ.
After our meal, Rei was called off by her manager to perpare her voice. She let Jason lightly kiss her cheek for good luck and gave us a confident grin before scurrying off.
"Mamo-chan, did I just eat a SNAIL?" Usagi looked appauled at her plate of escargot and on the verge of freaking out.
Mamoru cleared his throat to stifle his laugh, "Of course not, Usako, THOSE are the snails," He gestured to a plate of truffles and sighed of relief when Usagi relaxed.
Kyle nudged him and whispered, "Nice save, Chiba."
Usagi popped another snail into her mouth and chewed happily. I had to cover my face with my napkin to keep from laughing. Zach winked at me and I could barely contain my giggles from bubbling out.
Matt whispered something to Makoto and she blushed heavily and swatted his arm.
I felt Zach grab my hand from under the table and I laced my fingers through his.
A plump man with silver hair walked across the stage to the middle where a microphone stood.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentelman, to JazZ Record's 15th annual Talent Ball!" His voice boomed thickly through the hall, "Feel free to dance as they peform, but avoid the judge's table up front, if you please."
"Now, may I introduce our first contestant, Kiaho Kasana, singing her own creation, "On a Day Like This."
We all applauded politely, and I sent an anxious stare to Minako and Makoto who returned it. Rei would be up last.
Zach stood and gestured to the dance floor which Makoto and Matt were weaving their way onto already. I nodded and accepted his hand.
Minako, Kyle, Usagi, and Mamoru followed suit. As Zach's arm snaked around my waist I felt my spine tingle and placed my hand in his palm.
A small girl walked to the microphone and looked incredibly nervous.
Her voice was soft and gentle, but held back a little too much in my opinion. As Zach and I swayed to the music, I let my thoughts drift from the singer to the person in my arms.
As she finished, we applauded again and waited for the next girl to be introduced.
Misaka Kaia was a phenomenal singer, but stood stiff as a board the entire song. I watched a look of disappointment flash over her face as she left the stage.
"She's next," I absentmindedly squeezed Zach's arm. I was nervous for Rei...Hell, I was nervous for her grandfather who was keeping a close vigil from backstage.
"She'll be fine, Angel," He whispered into my ear. I forgot my anxiousness for a moment.
The silver-haired man walked back to the stage, "And for our final contestant, Hino Rei will be performing "My First Night With You", a piece composed entirely by herself."
Rei's graceful form filled the stage as she entered. I felt her excitement buzzing through the air, and her shoulders relaxed. As she approached the microphone we clapped noisely for her, Jason whistling and calling to her as if he were cheering his favorite team in the World Series. She smiled widely and took a deep breath. Usagi waved to her excitedly.
An eerie, calm tune wafted through the hall as if forcing everyone to pay attention to the words that would follow. I watched as everyone fell silent in the arms of there partner, and Rei inhaled deeply.
Yesterday was not just another day
not like before
Yesterday, I saw your smiling face
Love walked through my door
Zach pulled me closer in his embrace and I let the sweet lyrics of the song flow over in my mind. Memories of the night we spent in the snow at the lake clouded my vision.
One precious moment
changed my life
one tender kiss
made everything right
"Ami-chan," His lips were dangerously close to mine, and I could feel the foggy cloud of his breath against my mouth, "Can I kiss you?"
one touch from you
and this world was mine
it was in your arms where I found forever
The kiss was soft and gentle, yet it expressed so many things neither of us could put a voice to.
He rested his forehead on mine, "You know...I've been wanting to do that for a long time now...
cried my first tears of joy last night
heaven shined a light
all my dreams came true
my first night with you
I felt the sun
shine so bright on me
chased the rain from my heart
"I won't leave you like them..."
Through the storm
through the darkest night
I found my brightest star
"I won't ignore the way I feel about you, and if you need time, I'll understand," He brushed a falling tear from my cheek, "When you're ready...I'll be here for you."
One magic moment made one magic night
I fell in love with one look in your eyes, baby
I never knew I could feel so alive
Darling, in your arms I could feel forever
I let myself gaze into his eyes, let them search for something, anything to indicate he was real. What I found was more than my senses could bear.
'Truth.'
'Heart.'
'Love.'
Love? Could he love me?
Cried my first tears of joy last night
Heaven shined a light
All my dreams came true
My first night with you...
shined a light...ooohh
One precious moment changed my life
one tender kiss made everything right
one touch from you and this world was mine
it was in your arms, baby, where I found forever...
and ever
cried my first tears of joy *last night I cried*
heaven shined a light *a light*
all my dreams came true *true*
oooh ooohh
cried...
tears...
joy...
heaven shined a light
all my dreams came true
my first night...
with you
________________
Rei's powerfully angelic voice faded away and as the hall erupted in wild aplause, Zach titled my chin up with his hand. He looked at me intensely for a moment, and I began to think something was wrong.
"Aishiteru."
As he whispered in my ear, he struck my mind...my heart...my soul.
His eyes softened slightly and before I could answer, he brought his lips against mine--they were soft, yet strong--gentle, yet harsh--loving, yet demanding. I relented and returned it without thinking about the people around us, the deafening roar of applause, or where we were. In his arms I did find forever.
As his lips peeled away from mine, I was breathing hard, "I--"
"Oh, did someone decide to have a party and not invite me?" A lanky woman with pale, white skin sauntered down the middle of the dance floor. Her inky, black hair fell straight across her rigid face. She looked mockingly out of solid red eyes.
I felt Zach tighten his hold on my waist and pull me to his chest.
"Really, that hurts me deeply," She stopped in the center of the floor near the judges table. With a crack, she split it in half with a flick of her wrist, sending the panel of judges flying.
Instantly, everyone was screaming and running in all directions. Zach and I were almost knocked over by the boisterous stampede.
"Oh, don't be such party-poopers! I've just arrived, and the party is only beginning," She let out a menacing snarl and threw a shower of red flames at the crowd of people.
Screams of anguish sliced through the air as men flailed around on fire. She smiled maliciously and Zach pulled me over to where the rest of our party was.
"What--the HELL is that thing?" Jason was holding Rei's hand.
Pure chaos was spreading through the room. I looked at the girls and telepathically conversed with them.
'Minna-chan, we have to get her outside before she kills anyone!'
'I know, let's get the guys and create a diversion. If forced to, we'll have to transform in front of them.'
'Right, Minako-chan, let's go.' Usagi tuned out.
Rei stood confidently and began to walk towards the "woman."
"Rei! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Jason grabbed her arm.
"I'm going to get that thing away from all those people! Let--GO," She wretched her arm free of his grip and the rest of us followed suit, leaving the guys--with the exception of Mamoru--stunned.
Makoto searched for any visible security cameras and zapped them with bursts of electricity from her bare hands. The room had long since cleared, and we had to take our chances with any lingering camera-men poking around from outside.
"What do we have here? Five young woman willing to fight me? Let me guess...you *must* be the infamous Sailor Senshi," She laughed at our stupified faces. No one had ever been able to tell that quickly.
"I'm not stupid, you know. Now eat this!" She hurled a ball of dark energy at us and we jumped out of the way just in time.
Knowing that our cover was already blown, we forgot the rules of secrecy and stealth and fiercly called upon the powers of our planets.
"VENUS ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MARS ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"JUPITER ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MERCURY ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
"MOON ETERNAL MAKE-UP!"
The familiar wave of Mercury's power washed over my body in a shower of blue. I felt the energy pulsing through my veins and stretched into my fighting stance, ready to do battle.
I heard simultaneous gasps from behind us and didn't bother to turn and see the looks of astonishment on the guys' faces.
"Aw, how cute. The little Sailor Senshi have come out to play with the big girls," She sneered at us, "I actually feel sorry for you."
"We don't want your pity, bitch, now tell us who you are!" Jupiter demanded.
"Well since you asked SO very nicely..." She smiled, "I am Myora, and you--are finished." She gathered a ball of black swirling gas and hurled it in our direction again. With our reflexes quicker, we were able to dodge it nicely.
"Guys, get out of here!" Venus yelled.
"We're not going to leave you with that thing!" Kyle stood defiantly.
"Now isn't the time to be manly, Kyle! Get out before you get us all killed!" Mars dodged another ball of energy.
"MARS FLAME SNIPER!"
It bounced off of Myora's shield like it was nothing. She looked peeved and threw an attack at the guys which Minako deflected with her love-chain.
"Enough of these games, senshi! All I want," She pointed a long, snarled finger in my direction, "Is her."
****************************************************************
HellLOooooOOOo! Didja like that? I had SO much fun with that chapter. Gotta luv all that sap stuff, right? And the song, "My First Time With You" is by Mya. I seriously recommend you download it from whatever source available and listen as you read that part. It makes it SOOO much better! See ya later! ja ne!
remember...a week before 10's out! :D
--Adrial