AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I just want to thank the people who have reviewed this and encouraged me to
go on. Anyway, please keep the comments coming, and don't be afraid to tell
me if I've done something wrong. I'm not that great a writer, and I do need
some help. Thanx! :)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Are you SERIOUS, Usagi- chan?!" Minako screeched at the top of her lungs. Ami, Makoto and Rei all covered their ears, afraid that their ear drums would bust.
"You're getting MARRIED?!" Minako continued, oblivious to the pain she was causing everyone beside Usagi herself, who was currently so high up on cloud nine, an earthquake wouldn't have rattled her.
"Yup! I can't wait!" She squealed, her voice reverberating throughout the temple.
Suddenly Ami asked a very sensible question that had been on everyone's mind.
"So your father has consented to the marriage, Usagi- chan? I would have thought that with all the fuss he had always made when you went out with Mamoru- san, he would have opposed to this completely."
Usagi stopped in her tracks. Of course! Why hadn't she though about her parents' reactions, especially her father's? If he hated Mamoru now, imagine how much this news would intensify his ominous feelings towards her fiancé.
"Usagi- chan, DON'T tell us you haven't even TOLD them." Rei asked quietly.
"Well- uh- you see- with all this commotion, I haven't had time- hahaha.." Usagi mumbled, laughing weakly. Four pairs of eyes stared at her disbelievingly.
Suddenly Minako jumped up, a plan already forming in her overenthusiastic and over adventurous mind.
"You can elope, you know. That would be sooooooo romantic." She sighed, imaging Usagi clad in a wonderful, silky white gown, sitting on Mamoru's knees as they rode on a magnificent stallion right into the sunset.
The four girls sweat dropped.
"Um, Minako- chan, I think it's time you laid off the TV." Makoto said soothingly, patting Minako's arm.
"Whaaaaaaat. I think my idea is perfect." She whined, tossing her golden tresses haughtily.
"Think about it, Minako- chan. They would have no home, no where to go, and if they eloped, they could never again return to Tokyo. I imagine Usagi's father would haunt Mamoru- san's place day and night. And also, we wouldn't see Usagi very often." Ami stated logically, trying to convince silly Minako of the consequences if Usagi and Mamoru ran away.
Suddenly Usagi interrupted their heated discussion loudly.
"You know, maybe you could actually involve me? I mean, this is MY WEDDING we're talking about here." She complained, pouting.
"Oh, stop being such a baby. We're trying to help you." Rei waved a hand dismissively, and turned back to Minako.
"So, any other bright ideas, Einstein?" She asked sarcastically.
Minako went deep into thought, actually pondering Rei's question. Rei rolled her eyes, and turned to Ami and Makoto.
"Can you two think of something?" She asked passionately, determined to think of a solution. She would see Usagi and Mamoru married within a year, if it was the last thing she did.
"Rei, stress less. Usagi has plenty of time to settle down." Makoto said calmly, trying to relax Rei.
At that statement, Rei stood up angrily.
"Yeah right! Did you forget that in a while we will encounter a little problem, say, an ECOLOGICAL DISASTER? I, for one, would like to see our Prince and Princess settled down and ready to become King and Queen when it happens!" She yelled, her face red and her voice breathless.
The rest of the group stared at her wordlessly, not knowing what to say.
Suddenly Usagi lunged at Rei, hugging her tightly.
"Oh, Rei- chan, you DO care about me!" She bubbled, her good mood returned.
"Of course I do, Usagi- chan! I always have. Now get the hell off of me, I can't breathe." Rei shoved the little blonde gently.
"Girls, I know this is extremely fascinating, but I really believe we should get back to our work. Usagi- chan, I noticed that you received a B+ for your last mathematics exam, and I am very proud of you. Now, challenge yourself even further, and aim for an A. You included, Minako- chan. I can see that you are both improving. When we do at least an hour of studying, we'll get back to the topic at hand. Now, let's go." Ami proclaimed firmly, trying to get the room back into its previous order. She would have dearly loved to talk about the wedding, but seeing that everyone's emotions were currently running high, she decided the group needed a diversion. Also, with such a promising reward in the end, Usagi and Minako would no- doubt study their hardest.
"Oh Ami- chan, you're so mean!" Minako and Usagi groaned in unison. They picked up their notebooks and pencils dejectedly, and set of to work on their extremely complicated mathematical problems.
************************************************************************
Minako walked up to the huge glass building, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
As soon as she entered, a blast of cold air hit her, providing a welcomed change from the boiling heat outside.
The lobby was sparsely furnished, a black couch and a small coffee table on the right, a large black and white marble desk on the left. The whole room was decorated tastefully in those two colours, making it appear elegant and very expensive.
Minako walked over to the desk hesitantly, afraid she would not be let through. After all, she was only a nobody with high aspirations.
Fortunately, she was pleasantly surprised.
"Hello, how may I help you?" A young woman, probably early twenties, asked hospitably. She was tall and slim, clad in a cream blazer and a matching knee length skirt. Her appearance screamed elegance and taste.
"Yes. Um, my name in Minako Aino, and I am here to see Mr. James Williams about a modelling position." She took out the cream business card, and handed it over to the receptionist. The other woman looked it over and nodded.
"OK, it all checks out. Hang on a minute; I'll just call Mr. Williams to inform him that you are on your way." She held up one long, slim finger, and dialled.
"Hello, Mr. Williams? A Minako Aino is here to see you. OK, yes, I'll send her on her way." She put the phone away gracefully, and looked at Minako.
"Just go up the stairs and turn right. Knock on the third door. Good luck." She instructed, and after a brief smile, went back to sorting through some paperwork.
Minako, sensing she was being dismissed, turned towards the stairs and slowly climbed up. She was extremely nervous, but no way in hell would she pass up this opportunity. It was so close to her first dream, and no doubt it would help her on her way to being an actress.
She was finally there. Minako knocked on the door timidly, instantly berating herself. What kind of impression would she give if she was so quiet? Models were cool and confident, always in control.
She knocked once more, this time more loudly.
"Yes?" A deep voice enquired, sending shivers down Minako's spine. Man, he was hot.
"I- I'm here, Mr. Williams." She stuttered, then mentally kicked herself. Confidence, confidence, confidence, she chanted.
"Oh, do come in, Miss. Aino."
She opened the door, and walked into the spacious office. It was also decorated in black and white, but Mr. Williams had taken the liberty of adding a few personal touches here and there. A photograph of his golden retriever, a small knick- knack here and there. Elegant, yet cosy.
He stood up behind hid desk, offering her a hand.
She took it carefully.
"How lovely to see you again, Miss. Aino. And my, don't you look stunning." He whistled softly, slowly scanning her body.
Earlier in the week, Minako had taken Usagi up on her offer of shopping, and the two girls went wild.
Minako had bought many clothes, shoes and accessories to go with all her outfits.
Today, she had chosen to wear this new dress she had purchased. It was cut simply, yet stylishly, reaching her mid- thigh. A black belt with a silver buckle completed the dress's charm. Needless to say, she looked VERY classy.
Minako suddenly realised that they had been standing there for quite a while. James had somehow ended up next to her, and was now staring deeply into her eyes.
"Since we will be working VERY close together, wouldn't it be wiser to use our first names, Minako?" He asked mischievously, encircling her waist.
Minako, too shocked to resist, let him kiss her.
Suddenly, realising what was happening, she wriggled out of his embrace.
"Um, is this an actual meeting, or did you just want me here for your own amusement?" She asked angrily, glaring at him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Minako. I swear, I want you to be a model. It's just that you're so desirable.." He finished lamely.
Suddenly he got a hold of himself.
"Let's get back to business, shall we?" He asked calmly, sitting back in his chair.
Minako, although still suspicious of his motives, decided to sit down and discuss the modelling business.
"Now, I would like to schedule a time to compose your portfolio. Would tomorrow at about, say, twelve o'clock noon be fine?" He enquired, looking at his calendar.
Minako hesitated, then came to a decision. If he was indeed using her, she would just report him to the police or something. Or Ami. She would figure out a suitable revenge plan. For now, this would have to do.
"Yes, that would be fine." She answered.
"Good. Now, let's discuss..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Are you SERIOUS, Usagi- chan?!" Minako screeched at the top of her lungs. Ami, Makoto and Rei all covered their ears, afraid that their ear drums would bust.
"You're getting MARRIED?!" Minako continued, oblivious to the pain she was causing everyone beside Usagi herself, who was currently so high up on cloud nine, an earthquake wouldn't have rattled her.
"Yup! I can't wait!" She squealed, her voice reverberating throughout the temple.
Suddenly Ami asked a very sensible question that had been on everyone's mind.
"So your father has consented to the marriage, Usagi- chan? I would have thought that with all the fuss he had always made when you went out with Mamoru- san, he would have opposed to this completely."
Usagi stopped in her tracks. Of course! Why hadn't she though about her parents' reactions, especially her father's? If he hated Mamoru now, imagine how much this news would intensify his ominous feelings towards her fiancé.
"Usagi- chan, DON'T tell us you haven't even TOLD them." Rei asked quietly.
"Well- uh- you see- with all this commotion, I haven't had time- hahaha.." Usagi mumbled, laughing weakly. Four pairs of eyes stared at her disbelievingly.
Suddenly Minako jumped up, a plan already forming in her overenthusiastic and over adventurous mind.
"You can elope, you know. That would be sooooooo romantic." She sighed, imaging Usagi clad in a wonderful, silky white gown, sitting on Mamoru's knees as they rode on a magnificent stallion right into the sunset.
The four girls sweat dropped.
"Um, Minako- chan, I think it's time you laid off the TV." Makoto said soothingly, patting Minako's arm.
"Whaaaaaaat. I think my idea is perfect." She whined, tossing her golden tresses haughtily.
"Think about it, Minako- chan. They would have no home, no where to go, and if they eloped, they could never again return to Tokyo. I imagine Usagi's father would haunt Mamoru- san's place day and night. And also, we wouldn't see Usagi very often." Ami stated logically, trying to convince silly Minako of the consequences if Usagi and Mamoru ran away.
Suddenly Usagi interrupted their heated discussion loudly.
"You know, maybe you could actually involve me? I mean, this is MY WEDDING we're talking about here." She complained, pouting.
"Oh, stop being such a baby. We're trying to help you." Rei waved a hand dismissively, and turned back to Minako.
"So, any other bright ideas, Einstein?" She asked sarcastically.
Minako went deep into thought, actually pondering Rei's question. Rei rolled her eyes, and turned to Ami and Makoto.
"Can you two think of something?" She asked passionately, determined to think of a solution. She would see Usagi and Mamoru married within a year, if it was the last thing she did.
"Rei, stress less. Usagi has plenty of time to settle down." Makoto said calmly, trying to relax Rei.
At that statement, Rei stood up angrily.
"Yeah right! Did you forget that in a while we will encounter a little problem, say, an ECOLOGICAL DISASTER? I, for one, would like to see our Prince and Princess settled down and ready to become King and Queen when it happens!" She yelled, her face red and her voice breathless.
The rest of the group stared at her wordlessly, not knowing what to say.
Suddenly Usagi lunged at Rei, hugging her tightly.
"Oh, Rei- chan, you DO care about me!" She bubbled, her good mood returned.
"Of course I do, Usagi- chan! I always have. Now get the hell off of me, I can't breathe." Rei shoved the little blonde gently.
"Girls, I know this is extremely fascinating, but I really believe we should get back to our work. Usagi- chan, I noticed that you received a B+ for your last mathematics exam, and I am very proud of you. Now, challenge yourself even further, and aim for an A. You included, Minako- chan. I can see that you are both improving. When we do at least an hour of studying, we'll get back to the topic at hand. Now, let's go." Ami proclaimed firmly, trying to get the room back into its previous order. She would have dearly loved to talk about the wedding, but seeing that everyone's emotions were currently running high, she decided the group needed a diversion. Also, with such a promising reward in the end, Usagi and Minako would no- doubt study their hardest.
"Oh Ami- chan, you're so mean!" Minako and Usagi groaned in unison. They picked up their notebooks and pencils dejectedly, and set of to work on their extremely complicated mathematical problems.
************************************************************************
Minako walked up to the huge glass building, butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
As soon as she entered, a blast of cold air hit her, providing a welcomed change from the boiling heat outside.
The lobby was sparsely furnished, a black couch and a small coffee table on the right, a large black and white marble desk on the left. The whole room was decorated tastefully in those two colours, making it appear elegant and very expensive.
Minako walked over to the desk hesitantly, afraid she would not be let through. After all, she was only a nobody with high aspirations.
Fortunately, she was pleasantly surprised.
"Hello, how may I help you?" A young woman, probably early twenties, asked hospitably. She was tall and slim, clad in a cream blazer and a matching knee length skirt. Her appearance screamed elegance and taste.
"Yes. Um, my name in Minako Aino, and I am here to see Mr. James Williams about a modelling position." She took out the cream business card, and handed it over to the receptionist. The other woman looked it over and nodded.
"OK, it all checks out. Hang on a minute; I'll just call Mr. Williams to inform him that you are on your way." She held up one long, slim finger, and dialled.
"Hello, Mr. Williams? A Minako Aino is here to see you. OK, yes, I'll send her on her way." She put the phone away gracefully, and looked at Minako.
"Just go up the stairs and turn right. Knock on the third door. Good luck." She instructed, and after a brief smile, went back to sorting through some paperwork.
Minako, sensing she was being dismissed, turned towards the stairs and slowly climbed up. She was extremely nervous, but no way in hell would she pass up this opportunity. It was so close to her first dream, and no doubt it would help her on her way to being an actress.
She was finally there. Minako knocked on the door timidly, instantly berating herself. What kind of impression would she give if she was so quiet? Models were cool and confident, always in control.
She knocked once more, this time more loudly.
"Yes?" A deep voice enquired, sending shivers down Minako's spine. Man, he was hot.
"I- I'm here, Mr. Williams." She stuttered, then mentally kicked herself. Confidence, confidence, confidence, she chanted.
"Oh, do come in, Miss. Aino."
She opened the door, and walked into the spacious office. It was also decorated in black and white, but Mr. Williams had taken the liberty of adding a few personal touches here and there. A photograph of his golden retriever, a small knick- knack here and there. Elegant, yet cosy.
He stood up behind hid desk, offering her a hand.
She took it carefully.
"How lovely to see you again, Miss. Aino. And my, don't you look stunning." He whistled softly, slowly scanning her body.
Earlier in the week, Minako had taken Usagi up on her offer of shopping, and the two girls went wild.
Minako had bought many clothes, shoes and accessories to go with all her outfits.
Today, she had chosen to wear this new dress she had purchased. It was cut simply, yet stylishly, reaching her mid- thigh. A black belt with a silver buckle completed the dress's charm. Needless to say, she looked VERY classy.
Minako suddenly realised that they had been standing there for quite a while. James had somehow ended up next to her, and was now staring deeply into her eyes.
"Since we will be working VERY close together, wouldn't it be wiser to use our first names, Minako?" He asked mischievously, encircling her waist.
Minako, too shocked to resist, let him kiss her.
Suddenly, realising what was happening, she wriggled out of his embrace.
"Um, is this an actual meeting, or did you just want me here for your own amusement?" She asked angrily, glaring at him.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Minako. I swear, I want you to be a model. It's just that you're so desirable.." He finished lamely.
Suddenly he got a hold of himself.
"Let's get back to business, shall we?" He asked calmly, sitting back in his chair.
Minako, although still suspicious of his motives, decided to sit down and discuss the modelling business.
"Now, I would like to schedule a time to compose your portfolio. Would tomorrow at about, say, twelve o'clock noon be fine?" He enquired, looking at his calendar.
Minako hesitated, then came to a decision. If he was indeed using her, she would just report him to the police or something. Or Ami. She would figure out a suitable revenge plan. For now, this would have to do.
"Yes, that would be fine." She answered.
"Good. Now, let's discuss..."