ALWAYS AND FOREVER
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: idon'townsailormoonoranythingelseimightthrowinhere.
Author's Notes: Did the previous chapter stink? Was it bad? R&R , flames accepted. I know that I said that this is, to put it short, a general/senshi fic, but it mainly focuses on Rei and Jadeite, if you haven't figured that out yet. Well, I need at least 5 reviews to write the next chappie. Actually, I already have it written, I just need to put it up.
"_" Indicates speaking
These indicate thoughts, except when used in quotes
( ) Indicate author's notes
This indicates places and time of day
Rei's bedchamber
"I want to get to know you on a more personal basis." What did he mean by that? How personal did he want to get? Why'd I run away like that? And why won't his words leave my head and mind alone?
Lying awake far past midnight, his words continued to haunt my mind. No one had ever even dared get even that close to me before. It's strange. Rei, listen to yourself, will you? You're head-over-heels with this guy and you've only known him for one day! Get a hold of yourself! Still lying there, staring at the ceiling, a resolve took place in my mind. I need to get out of here.
Swinging my legs over the side of my bed, I avoided my awaiting slippers once my feet hit the floor. I silently opened the door, and stepped out into the blackened hallway. Fully aware that all the servants had retired for the night, a strange sense of privacy washed over me. I knew that I had the place to myself.
With only a single candle lighting the way for me, I managed to get to my favorite room in the entire palace: the parlor.
The Parlor
It was the smallest room, but to me it was the most comfortable, save my bedchamber. It reminded me so much of my home planet that I have been away from for a little over seven years. The Moon Kingdom, in all its glory, made my home palace seem very small and inferior. This parlor may have been the smallest room, but it was quite large. I guess it's how you look at it. It is about the same size back home, I think. I'm not sure if I am remembering Mars very well. Many things could have changed in the years since I left. Though, I hope not. It was not as glamorous as this place, and that gets harder to believe the longer I am here, but I hope they did not do anything drastic there.
Seating myself comfortably in a chair sitting directly across from a large window, I raised my head to gaze at the stars. I never noticed it before, or maybe I did, but from my spot was a perfect view of Earth. More than ever before, I longed to go down there and see all the wonders it holds. It's so beautiful. Like a big blue ball, sitting all alone.
"I see that you like this place too." Came a deep male voice, almost directly behind me. I sat bolt upright. I had not sensed another presence when I entered. But wouldn't he have said something then?
I turned to see who was there, but in the darkness of the room, all I saw were a pair of eyes. Eyes a deep blue, with little gold flecks that I had not noticed before. Only one person I know has eyes that color.
"Yes, I like this place. But I did not know that you hold it as highly as I do." I answered, hoping that he did not notice the slight quiver in my voice.
"What are you doing out here so late, Lady?" he asked the most obvious question.
"I should ask you that yourself. Because, as I see it, I got here first. Did I wake you, Sir?"
"No, Lady, you did not wake me. However, since I asked you first, you should answer first. Right?"
"I couldn't sleep. So I came down here to try to relax." I said, unable to take my eyes from his.
"Why do you need to relax?" he asked, stepping closer to where I now stood.
"Because something was on my mind." Was the only thing I could think of to say.
Another step closer, "What was on your mind to cause you to be unable to sleep?"
"Something." At that he laughed, still advancing on me.
"What?"
Another step closer. I stepped back one, trying to avoid him actually coming within touching distance. I did not answer him. What would he think if I told him that it was the man before me that wouldn't allow sleep to come embrace me? Would he laugh? Look confused? Should I tell him? No! Don't even talk about it any more.
"What? What has been on your mind?" He asked again.
Another step forward. One step backward.
"Nothing. It's not important." I lied, taking another step backward as he came closer.
"Really? Then, why are you down here instead, Lady?" he asked smoothly, still advancing on me. I cringed when my hip hit the corner of the desk behind me, showing me that I didn't have much farther to go.
Still he advanced. Two steps later, my back was pressed against the wall, and his tall frame was all I could see in front of me. Once I was cornered, his arms shot out, one on each side of me. Now I'm really stuck. He leaned his head in closer, until our noses were touching, and all I could do was look into those eyes! I did not even try to struggle against him. We stayed like that for a long moment, and I thought that he could hear the fast beating of my heart. But once that minute was up, I felt a pair of silky lips gently glide over my own. At that instant, even thoughts of trying to get away left me. I could think no more.
When he pulled away, he just smiled that crooked smile of his. "Good night, Lady. I hope your thoughts will not keep you from sleeping again." And he walked away.
"My thoughts won't be the thing keeping me up. My churning feelings from that kiss you just gave me will." I grumbled once he was out of the room. Picking up my single candle, I marched myself straight back to my chamber. "So much for coming down here to relax."
The Next Morning
I did get to sleep last night, somehow. But when I was asleep, I was dead to the world. It may have been only four hours, but when I woke up, I woke up refreshed. Even though the events that took place last night haunted me in my dreams and while I was awake, I showed no ill feelings toward Jadeite for shattering my world with all my defenses. At least I hope I didn't. I may have been a little more timid than the day before, but why shouldn't I be? Ugh! Why can't I get that kiss out of my head? It wasn't that great! Was it? No! No, it wasn't! Don't even consider it! You hardly know the guy. Don't be swept away so fast. What happened to all the boundaries I put up around my heart? Is it possible that one man can defeat me with just one kiss? No one's ever tried before. But, no matter what, I won't tell the others about this…
"Rei! Are you as excited as I am about the ball tonight?" Minako asked, falling into step with my on my walk through the halls.
"Minako-chan, I don't think anyone could be as excited as you are, about anything. You've got more energy than the rest of us combined, save Serenity." I said, shaking my head at my bubbly friend bouncing beside me.
"Oh, come on, Rei! Surely you must find it at least a little exciting. You will never see such handsome men ever again in your life. You do find it at least a little exciting, do you not?" she asked, afraid that she had said the wrong thing.
"Of course I find it exciting. But that was not the question you asked me. You asked if I was as excited as YOU were, and that answer is no. And I agree, we will never see such handsome men again if we do not take advantage of this trip."
"Does that mean that you might actually FLIRT with that good-looking blond general that wouldn't keep his eyes off you?" Minako asked with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"Now, I didn't say that." I said; watching Minako's face very carefully as all the hope of such a suggestion vanished.
"You're no fun." She muttered as she turned and walked towards the princess. "Serenity! Wait up!"
I took a deep sigh, expressing such a relief to get away from a subject that I still hadn't found comforting. Walking my own way, I shook my head at the burst of giggles from behind me. No doubt that Minako's asking Serenity the same questions.
"Good morning, Lady."
I turned to see who was talking to me and silently groaned when I saw whom.
"Good morning, Jadeite." I said turning back and resuming my walk.
Jadeite fell into step beside me and continued talking. "So, I guess you got to sleep last night, considering that no one had to pry you out of bed. Though, I wouldn't mind being able to see that." He said, chuckling to himself as he tried picturing the very event.
"Yes, I did, as a matter of fact. And obviously you did too. Considering you're even up at this hour."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he inquired.
"Aren't you supposed to still be in bed? It's a little early for children to up."
"Hey! Remember this, Milady, I'm older than you are."
"You don't act like it sometimes."
"That's true. Sometimes I don't, but it's who I am. And may I ask why there's such venom in your voice this morning?"
I spun around and glared at him. Did he really not know? Did he not know how much he affected me with that kiss? "Do you remember what happened last night? That's what caused the venom this morning."
"You mean that kiss? It affected you that much?" he asked, looking completely stunned.
"Yes, it did. As you might've figured, I have never been kissed before. So, yeah, it affected me that much. Are you happy? I'm sure you are. Well, I give you this one victory, but don't expect it to get any easier."
I turned back and started walking away, when he grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him again. "Don't go. Look, I didn't mean for that to have happened. I acted on impulse, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you were hurt so bad, that your defended world was shattered just like that, and that you still haven't gotten over it. But I have to say; it did surprise me that you hadn't ever been kissed before I came along. Did anyone even try?"
"Yes, a few have tried, but never succeeded."
"And why not?"
"Because I wouldn't let them. But I let you." I said, as realization hit me. I had wanted him to kiss me. I wanted him to. And, yes, I did know what he was trying to do last night and didn't think and act fast enough to get away. "Please let go."
He did, and all I could do was walk as fast as I could away from him. He tricked me! That's what that was. A trick. A trick of words to get me to realize that it was I, as well that wanted the kiss. This makes me feel heaps better. But, no matter what, I won't let him pull that stunt again tonight. I won't. I won't let him…
That Evening
I took one last look at my reflection, in my vanity mirror. I look pale and so plain. At least he'll keep his hands off. I saw a woman wearing a long red gown with a modest scoop neck, a fairly tight bodice, and a long flowing skirt. My hair was up in the traditional Japanese bun that my planet had adopted for royal women to wear at very big social events. My neck was decorated with a simple but elegant choker with a small ruby dangling from it. Well, here goes. I thought as a soft knock sounded on my door.
Opening it slowly, I knew that I no longer could back down from the escort that awaited me on the other side of the door. My eyes met his, and for a moment, the whole Moon stopped.
He broke the silence first, "You look beautiful." He said, his eyes going over my slender form.
"Thank you. You look nice too." I gave him a smile that soon got us on our way.
The Ballroom
The party was as one could expect. Lots of dancing, music, and people talking their hearts out. To me it seemed old. But there were some here that obviously hadn't been in this type of situation or company before. Most of the girls didn't even look old enough to be at these kinds of parties.
And, just my luck. As soon as a waltz came on, Jadeite just had to ask to dance.
"Do you remember that I don't dance very well?" I asked, protesting against the pleading look in his eyes.
"Yes I remember. But I can teach you. I'm not a professional at this, but I'm okay. Come on! If you can learn to do dirty dancing, you can learn how to waltz."
"I'd rather die." I mumbled as he pulled me onto the dance floor.
A few instructions later, "You're pretty good at this though. Why don't you dance more? Practice makes perfect."
"Its beat is too slow. I like upbeat music."
"An upbeat princess. That's interesting. So, dirty dancing is pretty upbeat, eh? Sounds like my kind of dancing."
"You don't like this either?"
"Now, I didn't say that. I just like upbeat more. Is dirty dancing hard?"
"No. It's a workout though. I think it's harder for women to learn how to do, rather than men." I replied, after a moment of thinking.
"And, why is that?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Because women have to stay on their toes and not putting their heels down. Even in high heels. And, they also have to be a bit more flexible to do all bends and type of jumps. But you could learn if you really wanted to."
He smirked, "Would you teach me? You obviously know a lot about what both partners have to do. Would you?"
I shrugged in response. "It's not something you learn overnight. But sure, I can teach you. I'm teaching the other girls as well, and there is no doubt in my mind that they won't pull your friends in for a lesson or two. What's so funny?"
"Just trying to picture MY friends learning to dance. They are so strict and boring, so yeah, if you can get them to dance well, I'll pay you."
I started laughing, and he soon joined me. "I like your laugh; it's so musical. But I'm serious. I WILL pay you."
"Thanks for the compliment. But you don't need to pay me. I don't know if they'll even come. But if they do, I'll need you to be able to at least teach them the basics while I tackle teaching the girls. Do we have a deal?"
"Deal. When do we start?" he asked, looking pretty excited.
"How about…tomorrow. If you're up to it?" he nodded.
"Are you going to start teaching the girls tomorrow as well?"
"I've already started. But tomorrow's the day that I scheduled their day off. So it'll be just the two of us. No distractions."
_______________________________________________________
As the night started wrapping up, I found myself on the balcony with Jadeite. We were both facing the party, our backs to the wall. And before I knew what was happening, his mouth claimed mine in a feather soft kiss. I tried pushing against his chest, but found it nearly impossible as my efforts went on unnoticed. In response, he deepened the kiss, and I soon gave in to him.
My own hands betrayed me and made their way around his neck as he pulled me closer to him. I soon felt his hands reach up and undo me hair, letting it cascade down my back and end mid-thigh. My eyes shot open. I can't believe I let this happen again! And again I struggled, until he finally pulled his mouth away from mine. And all he could do was smile. That insufferable man! How dare he use me like that! He is a very proud man indeed. It was an insufferable presumption to think I'll let him get away with this!
END OF CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: idon'townsailormoonoranythingelseimightthrowinhere.
Author's Notes: Did the previous chapter stink? Was it bad? R&R , flames accepted. I know that I said that this is, to put it short, a general/senshi fic, but it mainly focuses on Rei and Jadeite, if you haven't figured that out yet. Well, I need at least 5 reviews to write the next chappie. Actually, I already have it written, I just need to put it up.
"_" Indicates speaking
These indicate thoughts, except when used in quotes
( ) Indicate author's notes
This indicates places and time of day
Rei's bedchamber
"I want to get to know you on a more personal basis." What did he mean by that? How personal did he want to get? Why'd I run away like that? And why won't his words leave my head and mind alone?
Lying awake far past midnight, his words continued to haunt my mind. No one had ever even dared get even that close to me before. It's strange. Rei, listen to yourself, will you? You're head-over-heels with this guy and you've only known him for one day! Get a hold of yourself! Still lying there, staring at the ceiling, a resolve took place in my mind. I need to get out of here.
Swinging my legs over the side of my bed, I avoided my awaiting slippers once my feet hit the floor. I silently opened the door, and stepped out into the blackened hallway. Fully aware that all the servants had retired for the night, a strange sense of privacy washed over me. I knew that I had the place to myself.
With only a single candle lighting the way for me, I managed to get to my favorite room in the entire palace: the parlor.
The Parlor
It was the smallest room, but to me it was the most comfortable, save my bedchamber. It reminded me so much of my home planet that I have been away from for a little over seven years. The Moon Kingdom, in all its glory, made my home palace seem very small and inferior. This parlor may have been the smallest room, but it was quite large. I guess it's how you look at it. It is about the same size back home, I think. I'm not sure if I am remembering Mars very well. Many things could have changed in the years since I left. Though, I hope not. It was not as glamorous as this place, and that gets harder to believe the longer I am here, but I hope they did not do anything drastic there.
Seating myself comfortably in a chair sitting directly across from a large window, I raised my head to gaze at the stars. I never noticed it before, or maybe I did, but from my spot was a perfect view of Earth. More than ever before, I longed to go down there and see all the wonders it holds. It's so beautiful. Like a big blue ball, sitting all alone.
"I see that you like this place too." Came a deep male voice, almost directly behind me. I sat bolt upright. I had not sensed another presence when I entered. But wouldn't he have said something then?
I turned to see who was there, but in the darkness of the room, all I saw were a pair of eyes. Eyes a deep blue, with little gold flecks that I had not noticed before. Only one person I know has eyes that color.
"Yes, I like this place. But I did not know that you hold it as highly as I do." I answered, hoping that he did not notice the slight quiver in my voice.
"What are you doing out here so late, Lady?" he asked the most obvious question.
"I should ask you that yourself. Because, as I see it, I got here first. Did I wake you, Sir?"
"No, Lady, you did not wake me. However, since I asked you first, you should answer first. Right?"
"I couldn't sleep. So I came down here to try to relax." I said, unable to take my eyes from his.
"Why do you need to relax?" he asked, stepping closer to where I now stood.
"Because something was on my mind." Was the only thing I could think of to say.
Another step closer, "What was on your mind to cause you to be unable to sleep?"
"Something." At that he laughed, still advancing on me.
"What?"
Another step closer. I stepped back one, trying to avoid him actually coming within touching distance. I did not answer him. What would he think if I told him that it was the man before me that wouldn't allow sleep to come embrace me? Would he laugh? Look confused? Should I tell him? No! Don't even talk about it any more.
"What? What has been on your mind?" He asked again.
Another step forward. One step backward.
"Nothing. It's not important." I lied, taking another step backward as he came closer.
"Really? Then, why are you down here instead, Lady?" he asked smoothly, still advancing on me. I cringed when my hip hit the corner of the desk behind me, showing me that I didn't have much farther to go.
Still he advanced. Two steps later, my back was pressed against the wall, and his tall frame was all I could see in front of me. Once I was cornered, his arms shot out, one on each side of me. Now I'm really stuck. He leaned his head in closer, until our noses were touching, and all I could do was look into those eyes! I did not even try to struggle against him. We stayed like that for a long moment, and I thought that he could hear the fast beating of my heart. But once that minute was up, I felt a pair of silky lips gently glide over my own. At that instant, even thoughts of trying to get away left me. I could think no more.
When he pulled away, he just smiled that crooked smile of his. "Good night, Lady. I hope your thoughts will not keep you from sleeping again." And he walked away.
"My thoughts won't be the thing keeping me up. My churning feelings from that kiss you just gave me will." I grumbled once he was out of the room. Picking up my single candle, I marched myself straight back to my chamber. "So much for coming down here to relax."
The Next Morning
I did get to sleep last night, somehow. But when I was asleep, I was dead to the world. It may have been only four hours, but when I woke up, I woke up refreshed. Even though the events that took place last night haunted me in my dreams and while I was awake, I showed no ill feelings toward Jadeite for shattering my world with all my defenses. At least I hope I didn't. I may have been a little more timid than the day before, but why shouldn't I be? Ugh! Why can't I get that kiss out of my head? It wasn't that great! Was it? No! No, it wasn't! Don't even consider it! You hardly know the guy. Don't be swept away so fast. What happened to all the boundaries I put up around my heart? Is it possible that one man can defeat me with just one kiss? No one's ever tried before. But, no matter what, I won't tell the others about this…
"Rei! Are you as excited as I am about the ball tonight?" Minako asked, falling into step with my on my walk through the halls.
"Minako-chan, I don't think anyone could be as excited as you are, about anything. You've got more energy than the rest of us combined, save Serenity." I said, shaking my head at my bubbly friend bouncing beside me.
"Oh, come on, Rei! Surely you must find it at least a little exciting. You will never see such handsome men ever again in your life. You do find it at least a little exciting, do you not?" she asked, afraid that she had said the wrong thing.
"Of course I find it exciting. But that was not the question you asked me. You asked if I was as excited as YOU were, and that answer is no. And I agree, we will never see such handsome men again if we do not take advantage of this trip."
"Does that mean that you might actually FLIRT with that good-looking blond general that wouldn't keep his eyes off you?" Minako asked with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"Now, I didn't say that." I said; watching Minako's face very carefully as all the hope of such a suggestion vanished.
"You're no fun." She muttered as she turned and walked towards the princess. "Serenity! Wait up!"
I took a deep sigh, expressing such a relief to get away from a subject that I still hadn't found comforting. Walking my own way, I shook my head at the burst of giggles from behind me. No doubt that Minako's asking Serenity the same questions.
"Good morning, Lady."
I turned to see who was talking to me and silently groaned when I saw whom.
"Good morning, Jadeite." I said turning back and resuming my walk.
Jadeite fell into step beside me and continued talking. "So, I guess you got to sleep last night, considering that no one had to pry you out of bed. Though, I wouldn't mind being able to see that." He said, chuckling to himself as he tried picturing the very event.
"Yes, I did, as a matter of fact. And obviously you did too. Considering you're even up at this hour."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he inquired.
"Aren't you supposed to still be in bed? It's a little early for children to up."
"Hey! Remember this, Milady, I'm older than you are."
"You don't act like it sometimes."
"That's true. Sometimes I don't, but it's who I am. And may I ask why there's such venom in your voice this morning?"
I spun around and glared at him. Did he really not know? Did he not know how much he affected me with that kiss? "Do you remember what happened last night? That's what caused the venom this morning."
"You mean that kiss? It affected you that much?" he asked, looking completely stunned.
"Yes, it did. As you might've figured, I have never been kissed before. So, yeah, it affected me that much. Are you happy? I'm sure you are. Well, I give you this one victory, but don't expect it to get any easier."
I turned back and started walking away, when he grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him again. "Don't go. Look, I didn't mean for that to have happened. I acted on impulse, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you were hurt so bad, that your defended world was shattered just like that, and that you still haven't gotten over it. But I have to say; it did surprise me that you hadn't ever been kissed before I came along. Did anyone even try?"
"Yes, a few have tried, but never succeeded."
"And why not?"
"Because I wouldn't let them. But I let you." I said, as realization hit me. I had wanted him to kiss me. I wanted him to. And, yes, I did know what he was trying to do last night and didn't think and act fast enough to get away. "Please let go."
He did, and all I could do was walk as fast as I could away from him. He tricked me! That's what that was. A trick. A trick of words to get me to realize that it was I, as well that wanted the kiss. This makes me feel heaps better. But, no matter what, I won't let him pull that stunt again tonight. I won't. I won't let him…
That Evening
I took one last look at my reflection, in my vanity mirror. I look pale and so plain. At least he'll keep his hands off. I saw a woman wearing a long red gown with a modest scoop neck, a fairly tight bodice, and a long flowing skirt. My hair was up in the traditional Japanese bun that my planet had adopted for royal women to wear at very big social events. My neck was decorated with a simple but elegant choker with a small ruby dangling from it. Well, here goes. I thought as a soft knock sounded on my door.
Opening it slowly, I knew that I no longer could back down from the escort that awaited me on the other side of the door. My eyes met his, and for a moment, the whole Moon stopped.
He broke the silence first, "You look beautiful." He said, his eyes going over my slender form.
"Thank you. You look nice too." I gave him a smile that soon got us on our way.
The Ballroom
The party was as one could expect. Lots of dancing, music, and people talking their hearts out. To me it seemed old. But there were some here that obviously hadn't been in this type of situation or company before. Most of the girls didn't even look old enough to be at these kinds of parties.
And, just my luck. As soon as a waltz came on, Jadeite just had to ask to dance.
"Do you remember that I don't dance very well?" I asked, protesting against the pleading look in his eyes.
"Yes I remember. But I can teach you. I'm not a professional at this, but I'm okay. Come on! If you can learn to do dirty dancing, you can learn how to waltz."
"I'd rather die." I mumbled as he pulled me onto the dance floor.
A few instructions later, "You're pretty good at this though. Why don't you dance more? Practice makes perfect."
"Its beat is too slow. I like upbeat music."
"An upbeat princess. That's interesting. So, dirty dancing is pretty upbeat, eh? Sounds like my kind of dancing."
"You don't like this either?"
"Now, I didn't say that. I just like upbeat more. Is dirty dancing hard?"
"No. It's a workout though. I think it's harder for women to learn how to do, rather than men." I replied, after a moment of thinking.
"And, why is that?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Because women have to stay on their toes and not putting their heels down. Even in high heels. And, they also have to be a bit more flexible to do all bends and type of jumps. But you could learn if you really wanted to."
He smirked, "Would you teach me? You obviously know a lot about what both partners have to do. Would you?"
I shrugged in response. "It's not something you learn overnight. But sure, I can teach you. I'm teaching the other girls as well, and there is no doubt in my mind that they won't pull your friends in for a lesson or two. What's so funny?"
"Just trying to picture MY friends learning to dance. They are so strict and boring, so yeah, if you can get them to dance well, I'll pay you."
I started laughing, and he soon joined me. "I like your laugh; it's so musical. But I'm serious. I WILL pay you."
"Thanks for the compliment. But you don't need to pay me. I don't know if they'll even come. But if they do, I'll need you to be able to at least teach them the basics while I tackle teaching the girls. Do we have a deal?"
"Deal. When do we start?" he asked, looking pretty excited.
"How about…tomorrow. If you're up to it?" he nodded.
"Are you going to start teaching the girls tomorrow as well?"
"I've already started. But tomorrow's the day that I scheduled their day off. So it'll be just the two of us. No distractions."
_______________________________________________________
As the night started wrapping up, I found myself on the balcony with Jadeite. We were both facing the party, our backs to the wall. And before I knew what was happening, his mouth claimed mine in a feather soft kiss. I tried pushing against his chest, but found it nearly impossible as my efforts went on unnoticed. In response, he deepened the kiss, and I soon gave in to him.
My own hands betrayed me and made their way around his neck as he pulled me closer to him. I soon felt his hands reach up and undo me hair, letting it cascade down my back and end mid-thigh. My eyes shot open. I can't believe I let this happen again! And again I struggled, until he finally pulled his mouth away from mine. And all he could do was smile. That insufferable man! How dare he use me like that! He is a very proud man indeed. It was an insufferable presumption to think I'll let him get away with this!
END OF CHAPTER 3