Time for the next chapter, y'all! Oh yeah, this is just an acting title;
if anyone can think of something better, please, either e-mail me, or
review and let me know, aight?
Disclaimer: I own the plot, that's it, don't sue; y'all know da damn deal by now.
Story Summary: Well, Crystal Tokyo has been established, and the populace purified. The Shittenou have been brought back from the dead, courtesy of Serenity. They've been reunited with the Inner Senshi, and everyone's all lovey-dovey and junk. Everyone except for Setsuna and Hotaru. What's going to happen when trouble comes walking through the Time Gates?
Chapter Summary: This story jumps POVs quite a bit, so just bear with me. There's a little Senshi/General in this chapter, as we look in on the Inner Senshi. There's also a little romance between Setsuna and Demando. Setsuna's so confused. Demando is too. Poor things.
Chapter 2-The Plot Thickens
Previously...
Setsuna pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling. It was then that Demando did something totally unexpected. He placed an arm around Setsuna's shoulders, just as the dam broke and Setsuna began to cry. She buried her head in Demando's shoulder and sobbed. He led her to the couch, where they sat, Setsuna crying, Demando lending a shoulder.
***************************Setsuna's POV****************************
I had not all-out bawled since the fall of the Silver Millennium. It felt so good to let my troubles and worries flow out. I cried for the love I could have had; the time I wasted on Endymion; how hard it would be to get over him; and I cried for Demando as well. His love for Serenity was like my love for Endymion: doomed from the start. I must have cried for a long time; about half an hour. Demando stayed with me the whole time. He didn't say anything, just held my hand and lent me his shoulder to cry on. That helped me a lot. At last, I finished and wiped my face.
"Feel any better?" Demando asked softly.
"A little." I sniffed the last of my tears away and stood. My Time Staff formed in my hand and I turned to the door. "When Hotaru comes down, tell her that I left to inform the king and queen of our plans."
Demando nodded in compliance and I left. The Palace was relatively quiet. Serenity and Endymion were in the throne room, waiting to meet with visiting dignitaries and such. I ignored the herald and walked in. Serenity and Endymion were apparently having a private moment. They separated just as I walked in. I have not been Guardian of Time for more than three millennia without learning how to control my emotions. I allowed a tiny smile to slip past my face.
"Setsuna-san, how nice to see you." Serenity said. A smile grew on her face, and she stepped down from her throne to embrace me warmly. I could never stay mad at my queen for very long, and this time was no exception. I returned the hug just as affectionately.
"It's nice to see you too, your Majesties."
"For the last time, Sailor Pluto, Endy and Sere will do just fine in private." Endymion said. Even after the talk with Fate and Destiny, my heart still lurched when he smiled at me. He was more aloof than Serenity, but the smile he gave me was filled with disgustingly brotherly warmth.
"Very well. I cannot stay long, but I must make a request."
"What is it, Setsuna-san?" Serenity inquired. She sat back down on the throne and became queen once more.
"Hotaru must stay at the Time Gates with me."
"Why?"
"She must be trained, and the Time Gate is the only safe place to train her."
"How long will she be gone?" Endymion asked. A shaft of sunlight illuminated his eyes, and again, my heart lurched.
"I cannot say, for it depends upon how well she does."
Serenity tapped her fingers on her throne. "Is it imperative that she goes? We may need her here."
"She can always return whenever she is needed. She will be like me, able to come and go as she pleases, but she must stay at the Gates."
"We can't refuse her request." Endymion murmured to Serenity. She nodded, and returned her gaze to me.
"Very well. Does she know?"
"She's at the Gates now, practicing. I will go tell her now." I bowed to my monarchs and left. At the Gates, Hotaru was staring into the Pool of Memories, whilst Rubeus and Demando were conversing in a corner.
"Setsuna, tell me, have you loved Endymion all this time?" Hotaru inquired softly. She looked up, and I noticed that her lavender- gray eyes were filled with tears. I sighed.
"Yes, Firefly, I have."
"Why haven't you ever told anyone?"
"Because I knew that Endymion belonged with Serenity."
"You must have wanted to do something at some point."
"I am the Guardian of Time; I knew the future, as well as what could happen if I gave in to my urges."
"Oh."
My little firefly was truly grown up. I smiled at her softly. "Would you like to visit the beach? It seems that we could all use a miniature vacation."
Hotaru brightened immediately. "Oh, could we?"
"Of course. Just think of a swimsuit, and we can go."
"What about Demando and Rubeus?"
"They may come as well." I turned and motioned the two over. I explained the idea, and Rubeus readily agreed. Demando looked in the distance, eyes clouded. At last he nodded. I felt happiness bubble up inside, for no apparent reason.
"Setsuna, is this alright?" Hotaru asked softly. I turned, to see my little firefly in a very grown up bikini. It had high cut legs, and a triangle bikini top, and was jet black. I nodded.
"It's fine. Rubeus, Demando, do the same thing Hotaru did, and we can go." Demando and Rubeus chose simple trunks in blue and red respectively. I chose a dark red bikini similar to Hotaru's, and conjured up a portal. Our destination was a deserted, unknown beach on Mercury. Everyone stepped through the portal, and on to the blue-tinted sand. The azure blue water, so much like Endymion's eyes, was softly lapping at Hotaru's ankles as she ran down to the water. Rubeus followed. Demando and I were more aloof; we strolled down to the sand and sat down, watching the two younger people cavort and play in the water. A playful breeze caressed my body, blowing strands of my hair into my face. I sighed, and let my mind drift. I was already feeling a little better. I snuck a glance at Demando. He was watching me, his face expressionless. Without changing expression, he reached out and brushed my hair away from my face. Then he turned back to watching Hotaru and Rubeus play in the water. I lie back, and let the warmth of the sun kiss me.
*********************Demando's POV***********************
I couldn't help it; I really couldn't. Despite, or maybe, because of, her being immortal, she looked so fragile, helpless. It was a friendly gesture, nothing more. I turned back to watching Rubeus and Sailor Saturn, pretending not to notice the wide-eyed expression on Sailor Pluto's face. Something about her was attractive; maybe her unusual hair and eye colors. She was the opposite of Neo-Queen Serenity in every way; calm, focused, driven, and mostly emotionless. At last she looked away from me and stretched out on the sand. Rubeus picked up Hotaru and laughingly threatened to drop her in the water. He was lucky, he hadn't loved anyone and been destroyed by it.
*********************Fate's POV**************************
While Destiny was in the kitchen, I took the liberty of giving Demando a little push. Nothing big, I just lifted the weight of his doomed love from his shoulders. He still remembered Serenity, but he no longer loved her. I did the same for Setsuna. Hotaru and Rubeus needed no such push. I smiled, and went to find the Smirnoff Ice I kept hidden in a secret refrigerator in my room.
*****************Destiny's POV***********************
I really wanted Hotaru and Rubeus to hook up, so while Fate was searching for something, I took the liberty of, um, encouraging a kiss between Hotaru and Rubeus. How was I supposed to know it'd end up an all-out make-out session? I was just happy Demando and Setsuna were already occupied.
****************Hotaru's POV*************************
Well, for one, Rubeus was kinda cute. It's not like we'd ever met and fought before. I wasn't even possessed by Mistress Nine when he was around. We played around in the water while Setsuna-mama and Demando watched. Rubeus picked me up and threatened to drop me in the water. I shrieked and clung to his neck. I looked up, and our eyes met. Electricity raced down my spine, starting from wherever his hands were, under my knees, and around my back. I don't know why, but I couldn't look away. He set me down, but I couldn't stop staring at him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. His gaze went from my eyes down to my lips and back up again. I nodded slightly, hoping that he would take the hint. Thankfully, he did, and he pressed his lips to mine gently. My first kiss! It kinda got deeper from there. His tongue licked my lower lip, and I pulled away. He looked hurt for a moment.
"I'm sorry. I don't know how to..." I looked down and blushed. I looked up at Rubeus through my eyelashes, a trick I had learned from when Michiru-mama tried to butter up Haruka-papa. He looked relieved, but I don't know why.
"I could teach you, if you wanted to learn." He offered huskily. I guess he felt the shudder that went down my spine, because the next thing I know, he was kissing me again. This time he nibbled on my lower lip, pulling it open slightly. The next thing I knew, his tongue was in my mouth! It was kinda nice, but it took a while to get used to. After I had gotten used to it, and sorta returned the favor, he pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine and stared at me. His hands were lightly massaging my waist, and his eyes were locked onto mine.
"What?" I murmured.
"You're perfect."
"What do you mean?"
"Just what I said. You're perfect in every way, Kali."
"Who's that?"
"You. Kali was a dark goddess."
"I remind you of a dark goddess?"
"Yes, in a good way."
I looked into his eyes, and couldn't think of a single thing to say. Talk about your first serious crush!
*******************Minako's POV**************************** (Set back a little after Serenity raised the Generals.)
"Venus." Kunzite said coolly. That's the one thing that drove me absolutely up the door about Kunzite. He would never show any emotion. Considering the circumstances, he should have been begging me to forgive him. But no, not the mighty emotionless Kunzite. He had to pretend it wasn't killing him to see me walking around, looking somewhat happy. But I wasn't falling for it, not no way, not no how. I admit it, slapping him across the face was a little unplanned, but he was really annoying me!
"You god-damn arrogant bastard! If you want my forgiveness, try earning it!" I slapped him across the face and stormed off. I ran all the way to my chambers, and proceeded to throw things across the room angrily. That, that, that...I couldn't even think of a name to call him. I lie down on my bed, and let the tears flow.
"Crying doesn't become you, Lady." I heard the rumbling bass I knew so well.
"Go away."
"First you tell me off for not apologizing, then when I do come to apologize, you tell me to go away."
"Speak your piece, and then I'll decide what to do."
"Fine." Familiar gentle fingers gripped my chin, forcing my gaze up. Kunzite's joking tone was gone, replaced by one that was entirely serious. "I'm sorry, Cynthia. I love you, and I beg for your forgiveness." Kunzite dropped to one knee, head bowed. "If you can't find it in your heart to forgive me, then please, just kill me, because I don't want to live without your love ever again."
"Do you mean that, General Kunzite?"
"I do."
"Then kiss me, stupid!"
*****************Makoto's POV**************************
I was in the kitchen, angrily tenderizing some meat, while Ami watched nearby. "What in the world was she thinking, bringing the Generals back?" I growled, whacking the poor beef with the meat tenderizer.
"She had our best interests at heart." Ami said gently, taking the tenderizer out of my hand. "I think the meat is as tenderized as it's going to get, Mako-chan."
I sighed, and gripped the countertop. "I'm afraid, Ami-chan, very afraid."
Ami rested her small hand on my shoulder. "We all are; even Mina- chan and Rei-chan."
"Rei's already forgiven Jadeite."
"Has she?"
"Well, I heard her screaming his name last night, so I'm assuming she forgave him."
Ami blushed. "Oh."
"Yup."
Ami wrapped her arm around my waist. "Why don't we go for a walk? The servants will handle the rest of dinner."
I nodded, and washed my hands. I took off my apron, and Ami-chan and I left for the gardens. I guess Ami could sense how preoccupied I was, because she stuck a flower in my hair and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Cheer up, Mako-chan. It could be worse."
"I don't see how."
"Trust me, I've analyzed our position, and there are approximately one hundred and one ways the situation could be worse."
I gave my best friend an affectionate grin. That was Ami-chan for you, always ready to scrutinize any and all problems. She smiled back at me, and opened her mouth to say something, but I could hear voices and I motioned for her to be silent. I took her hand and we crept toward a hedge that separated my garden from Rei's.
"What are we supposed to do?" The sexy tenor was slightly familiar, I think it was Zoicite. I felt Ami stiffen beside me, and I squeezed her hand to reassure her.
"I don't know. Makoto won't talk to me, Endymion doesn't trust us. I think Serenity didn't do anyone a favor bringing us back." Now it was my turn to stiffen. I'd know that soft baritone anywhere.
"I would have preferred wandering hell to having Ami ignore me. Is there ANY way under the sun we can make them understand that it wasn't us doing all that?!" Zoicite punctuated his statement by hitting the hedge we were hiding behind. Ami looked at me.
{Mako-chan, I love him.}
{I know. I love Nephrite too, but I'm scared.}
{They are too. Should we say something?}
I debated this for a few minutes, and nodded. I grasped Ami's hand and led her in front of the hedge, where Nephrite and Zoicite were having their honest conversation. I tapped Nephrite on his shoulder.
"Nephrite?"
"Makoto?"
"Could we talk in private?"
"Sure." I turned and walked away, with Nephrite following. As soon as we were out of sight and earshot, I flung my arms around Nephrite's neck.
"I'm sorry for not forgiving you sooner." I mumbled, burying my head in Nephrite's chest. I breathed in, enjoying his scent.
"It's okay, as long as you forgive me." Nephrite tilted my face up. "Do you?"
"Yes. I love you." I said, staring him straight in his beautiful eyes.
"I love you too." As he leaned down to kiss me, I felt as if an hundred pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
**********Ami's POV************************
Mako-chan and Nephrite had gone off alone, and I was left staring up into Zoicite's eyes. They were just as pretty as I remembered, and they looked unbearably miserable. I couldn't look for long, and so I lowered my gaze to the ground. I knew what I wanted to say, but my mind wouldn't send the commands to my mouth. I was basically frozen. My mouth was opening and closing helplessly. Athena! This was really hard. Finally, I just gave up, and decided to do what he would have done had our positions been reversed. I kissed him. He pulled me tight up against him, his familiar arms going around my waist possessively. I wound my arms around his neck, and pulled myself closer. I tried to put my apology into something other than words. I believe he got the message, because when we separated, his eyes no longer looked sad.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" He asked.
I hugged him hard. With him being six three, and me being a tiny five three, it was rather amusing, like a toddler hugging an adult. I giggled.
"Something funny?"
"I'm just happy." I smiled up at him. He thought about this, and pulled me to him again.
*********************Rei's POV*************************
I woke up in my large, predominantly red chambers. I stretched, and my arm hit Jadeite's head. He grumbled sleepily and opened one eye.
"'Sit morning already?" He asked drowsily.
"No, it's afternoon. We should have been up hours ago." I said, snuggling closer to his warm body.
"Who's going to care?"
"Nobody, since they're all too mad to think."
"It's not like we got any sleep last night, hmm?"
I felt my face grow hot. Jadeite chuckled, and nuzzled my neck. I pushed him away and sat up. "Come on, Jed, we have to get up."
He pulled the covers over his face. "Don wanna." He mumbled childishly. I stood up and put on my robe before yanking the covers off my, no, OUR bed.
"I'm going to take a shower. If you aren't up when I get out, I'll give you hell on a hot plate." I warned. Jadeite sat up, and I smirked.
"It's not your threat that got me up; it's the idea of seeing you in the shower." Jadeite said, shooting down my triumph. He saw my disappointment, and stood up, grabbing his own robe. He took my hand and led me to the shower.
"Did I tell you that I loved you yet?" I asked, as he washed my hair.
"No, but I love you too."
"I know."
********************************************************
Well, that's done, and I know lots of you want to kill me over what happened between Setsuna and Demando, cuz I didn't tell you. All will be revealed next chapter, author's honor! Anywayz, you read, please review, no flames, love ya'll!
Isis A. Tomoe
Disclaimer: I own the plot, that's it, don't sue; y'all know da damn deal by now.
Story Summary: Well, Crystal Tokyo has been established, and the populace purified. The Shittenou have been brought back from the dead, courtesy of Serenity. They've been reunited with the Inner Senshi, and everyone's all lovey-dovey and junk. Everyone except for Setsuna and Hotaru. What's going to happen when trouble comes walking through the Time Gates?
Chapter Summary: This story jumps POVs quite a bit, so just bear with me. There's a little Senshi/General in this chapter, as we look in on the Inner Senshi. There's also a little romance between Setsuna and Demando. Setsuna's so confused. Demando is too. Poor things.
Chapter 2-The Plot Thickens
Previously...
Setsuna pressed her lips together to keep them from trembling. It was then that Demando did something totally unexpected. He placed an arm around Setsuna's shoulders, just as the dam broke and Setsuna began to cry. She buried her head in Demando's shoulder and sobbed. He led her to the couch, where they sat, Setsuna crying, Demando lending a shoulder.
***************************Setsuna's POV****************************
I had not all-out bawled since the fall of the Silver Millennium. It felt so good to let my troubles and worries flow out. I cried for the love I could have had; the time I wasted on Endymion; how hard it would be to get over him; and I cried for Demando as well. His love for Serenity was like my love for Endymion: doomed from the start. I must have cried for a long time; about half an hour. Demando stayed with me the whole time. He didn't say anything, just held my hand and lent me his shoulder to cry on. That helped me a lot. At last, I finished and wiped my face.
"Feel any better?" Demando asked softly.
"A little." I sniffed the last of my tears away and stood. My Time Staff formed in my hand and I turned to the door. "When Hotaru comes down, tell her that I left to inform the king and queen of our plans."
Demando nodded in compliance and I left. The Palace was relatively quiet. Serenity and Endymion were in the throne room, waiting to meet with visiting dignitaries and such. I ignored the herald and walked in. Serenity and Endymion were apparently having a private moment. They separated just as I walked in. I have not been Guardian of Time for more than three millennia without learning how to control my emotions. I allowed a tiny smile to slip past my face.
"Setsuna-san, how nice to see you." Serenity said. A smile grew on her face, and she stepped down from her throne to embrace me warmly. I could never stay mad at my queen for very long, and this time was no exception. I returned the hug just as affectionately.
"It's nice to see you too, your Majesties."
"For the last time, Sailor Pluto, Endy and Sere will do just fine in private." Endymion said. Even after the talk with Fate and Destiny, my heart still lurched when he smiled at me. He was more aloof than Serenity, but the smile he gave me was filled with disgustingly brotherly warmth.
"Very well. I cannot stay long, but I must make a request."
"What is it, Setsuna-san?" Serenity inquired. She sat back down on the throne and became queen once more.
"Hotaru must stay at the Time Gates with me."
"Why?"
"She must be trained, and the Time Gate is the only safe place to train her."
"How long will she be gone?" Endymion asked. A shaft of sunlight illuminated his eyes, and again, my heart lurched.
"I cannot say, for it depends upon how well she does."
Serenity tapped her fingers on her throne. "Is it imperative that she goes? We may need her here."
"She can always return whenever she is needed. She will be like me, able to come and go as she pleases, but she must stay at the Gates."
"We can't refuse her request." Endymion murmured to Serenity. She nodded, and returned her gaze to me.
"Very well. Does she know?"
"She's at the Gates now, practicing. I will go tell her now." I bowed to my monarchs and left. At the Gates, Hotaru was staring into the Pool of Memories, whilst Rubeus and Demando were conversing in a corner.
"Setsuna, tell me, have you loved Endymion all this time?" Hotaru inquired softly. She looked up, and I noticed that her lavender- gray eyes were filled with tears. I sighed.
"Yes, Firefly, I have."
"Why haven't you ever told anyone?"
"Because I knew that Endymion belonged with Serenity."
"You must have wanted to do something at some point."
"I am the Guardian of Time; I knew the future, as well as what could happen if I gave in to my urges."
"Oh."
My little firefly was truly grown up. I smiled at her softly. "Would you like to visit the beach? It seems that we could all use a miniature vacation."
Hotaru brightened immediately. "Oh, could we?"
"Of course. Just think of a swimsuit, and we can go."
"What about Demando and Rubeus?"
"They may come as well." I turned and motioned the two over. I explained the idea, and Rubeus readily agreed. Demando looked in the distance, eyes clouded. At last he nodded. I felt happiness bubble up inside, for no apparent reason.
"Setsuna, is this alright?" Hotaru asked softly. I turned, to see my little firefly in a very grown up bikini. It had high cut legs, and a triangle bikini top, and was jet black. I nodded.
"It's fine. Rubeus, Demando, do the same thing Hotaru did, and we can go." Demando and Rubeus chose simple trunks in blue and red respectively. I chose a dark red bikini similar to Hotaru's, and conjured up a portal. Our destination was a deserted, unknown beach on Mercury. Everyone stepped through the portal, and on to the blue-tinted sand. The azure blue water, so much like Endymion's eyes, was softly lapping at Hotaru's ankles as she ran down to the water. Rubeus followed. Demando and I were more aloof; we strolled down to the sand and sat down, watching the two younger people cavort and play in the water. A playful breeze caressed my body, blowing strands of my hair into my face. I sighed, and let my mind drift. I was already feeling a little better. I snuck a glance at Demando. He was watching me, his face expressionless. Without changing expression, he reached out and brushed my hair away from my face. Then he turned back to watching Hotaru and Rubeus play in the water. I lie back, and let the warmth of the sun kiss me.
*********************Demando's POV***********************
I couldn't help it; I really couldn't. Despite, or maybe, because of, her being immortal, she looked so fragile, helpless. It was a friendly gesture, nothing more. I turned back to watching Rubeus and Sailor Saturn, pretending not to notice the wide-eyed expression on Sailor Pluto's face. Something about her was attractive; maybe her unusual hair and eye colors. She was the opposite of Neo-Queen Serenity in every way; calm, focused, driven, and mostly emotionless. At last she looked away from me and stretched out on the sand. Rubeus picked up Hotaru and laughingly threatened to drop her in the water. He was lucky, he hadn't loved anyone and been destroyed by it.
*********************Fate's POV**************************
While Destiny was in the kitchen, I took the liberty of giving Demando a little push. Nothing big, I just lifted the weight of his doomed love from his shoulders. He still remembered Serenity, but he no longer loved her. I did the same for Setsuna. Hotaru and Rubeus needed no such push. I smiled, and went to find the Smirnoff Ice I kept hidden in a secret refrigerator in my room.
*****************Destiny's POV***********************
I really wanted Hotaru and Rubeus to hook up, so while Fate was searching for something, I took the liberty of, um, encouraging a kiss between Hotaru and Rubeus. How was I supposed to know it'd end up an all-out make-out session? I was just happy Demando and Setsuna were already occupied.
****************Hotaru's POV*************************
Well, for one, Rubeus was kinda cute. It's not like we'd ever met and fought before. I wasn't even possessed by Mistress Nine when he was around. We played around in the water while Setsuna-mama and Demando watched. Rubeus picked me up and threatened to drop me in the water. I shrieked and clung to his neck. I looked up, and our eyes met. Electricity raced down my spine, starting from wherever his hands were, under my knees, and around my back. I don't know why, but I couldn't look away. He set me down, but I couldn't stop staring at him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. His gaze went from my eyes down to my lips and back up again. I nodded slightly, hoping that he would take the hint. Thankfully, he did, and he pressed his lips to mine gently. My first kiss! It kinda got deeper from there. His tongue licked my lower lip, and I pulled away. He looked hurt for a moment.
"I'm sorry. I don't know how to..." I looked down and blushed. I looked up at Rubeus through my eyelashes, a trick I had learned from when Michiru-mama tried to butter up Haruka-papa. He looked relieved, but I don't know why.
"I could teach you, if you wanted to learn." He offered huskily. I guess he felt the shudder that went down my spine, because the next thing I know, he was kissing me again. This time he nibbled on my lower lip, pulling it open slightly. The next thing I knew, his tongue was in my mouth! It was kinda nice, but it took a while to get used to. After I had gotten used to it, and sorta returned the favor, he pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine and stared at me. His hands were lightly massaging my waist, and his eyes were locked onto mine.
"What?" I murmured.
"You're perfect."
"What do you mean?"
"Just what I said. You're perfect in every way, Kali."
"Who's that?"
"You. Kali was a dark goddess."
"I remind you of a dark goddess?"
"Yes, in a good way."
I looked into his eyes, and couldn't think of a single thing to say. Talk about your first serious crush!
*******************Minako's POV**************************** (Set back a little after Serenity raised the Generals.)
"Venus." Kunzite said coolly. That's the one thing that drove me absolutely up the door about Kunzite. He would never show any emotion. Considering the circumstances, he should have been begging me to forgive him. But no, not the mighty emotionless Kunzite. He had to pretend it wasn't killing him to see me walking around, looking somewhat happy. But I wasn't falling for it, not no way, not no how. I admit it, slapping him across the face was a little unplanned, but he was really annoying me!
"You god-damn arrogant bastard! If you want my forgiveness, try earning it!" I slapped him across the face and stormed off. I ran all the way to my chambers, and proceeded to throw things across the room angrily. That, that, that...I couldn't even think of a name to call him. I lie down on my bed, and let the tears flow.
"Crying doesn't become you, Lady." I heard the rumbling bass I knew so well.
"Go away."
"First you tell me off for not apologizing, then when I do come to apologize, you tell me to go away."
"Speak your piece, and then I'll decide what to do."
"Fine." Familiar gentle fingers gripped my chin, forcing my gaze up. Kunzite's joking tone was gone, replaced by one that was entirely serious. "I'm sorry, Cynthia. I love you, and I beg for your forgiveness." Kunzite dropped to one knee, head bowed. "If you can't find it in your heart to forgive me, then please, just kill me, because I don't want to live without your love ever again."
"Do you mean that, General Kunzite?"
"I do."
"Then kiss me, stupid!"
*****************Makoto's POV**************************
I was in the kitchen, angrily tenderizing some meat, while Ami watched nearby. "What in the world was she thinking, bringing the Generals back?" I growled, whacking the poor beef with the meat tenderizer.
"She had our best interests at heart." Ami said gently, taking the tenderizer out of my hand. "I think the meat is as tenderized as it's going to get, Mako-chan."
I sighed, and gripped the countertop. "I'm afraid, Ami-chan, very afraid."
Ami rested her small hand on my shoulder. "We all are; even Mina- chan and Rei-chan."
"Rei's already forgiven Jadeite."
"Has she?"
"Well, I heard her screaming his name last night, so I'm assuming she forgave him."
Ami blushed. "Oh."
"Yup."
Ami wrapped her arm around my waist. "Why don't we go for a walk? The servants will handle the rest of dinner."
I nodded, and washed my hands. I took off my apron, and Ami-chan and I left for the gardens. I guess Ami could sense how preoccupied I was, because she stuck a flower in my hair and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Cheer up, Mako-chan. It could be worse."
"I don't see how."
"Trust me, I've analyzed our position, and there are approximately one hundred and one ways the situation could be worse."
I gave my best friend an affectionate grin. That was Ami-chan for you, always ready to scrutinize any and all problems. She smiled back at me, and opened her mouth to say something, but I could hear voices and I motioned for her to be silent. I took her hand and we crept toward a hedge that separated my garden from Rei's.
"What are we supposed to do?" The sexy tenor was slightly familiar, I think it was Zoicite. I felt Ami stiffen beside me, and I squeezed her hand to reassure her.
"I don't know. Makoto won't talk to me, Endymion doesn't trust us. I think Serenity didn't do anyone a favor bringing us back." Now it was my turn to stiffen. I'd know that soft baritone anywhere.
"I would have preferred wandering hell to having Ami ignore me. Is there ANY way under the sun we can make them understand that it wasn't us doing all that?!" Zoicite punctuated his statement by hitting the hedge we were hiding behind. Ami looked at me.
{Mako-chan, I love him.}
{I know. I love Nephrite too, but I'm scared.}
{They are too. Should we say something?}
I debated this for a few minutes, and nodded. I grasped Ami's hand and led her in front of the hedge, where Nephrite and Zoicite were having their honest conversation. I tapped Nephrite on his shoulder.
"Nephrite?"
"Makoto?"
"Could we talk in private?"
"Sure." I turned and walked away, with Nephrite following. As soon as we were out of sight and earshot, I flung my arms around Nephrite's neck.
"I'm sorry for not forgiving you sooner." I mumbled, burying my head in Nephrite's chest. I breathed in, enjoying his scent.
"It's okay, as long as you forgive me." Nephrite tilted my face up. "Do you?"
"Yes. I love you." I said, staring him straight in his beautiful eyes.
"I love you too." As he leaned down to kiss me, I felt as if an hundred pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
**********Ami's POV************************
Mako-chan and Nephrite had gone off alone, and I was left staring up into Zoicite's eyes. They were just as pretty as I remembered, and they looked unbearably miserable. I couldn't look for long, and so I lowered my gaze to the ground. I knew what I wanted to say, but my mind wouldn't send the commands to my mouth. I was basically frozen. My mouth was opening and closing helplessly. Athena! This was really hard. Finally, I just gave up, and decided to do what he would have done had our positions been reversed. I kissed him. He pulled me tight up against him, his familiar arms going around my waist possessively. I wound my arms around his neck, and pulled myself closer. I tried to put my apology into something other than words. I believe he got the message, because when we separated, his eyes no longer looked sad.
"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" He asked.
I hugged him hard. With him being six three, and me being a tiny five three, it was rather amusing, like a toddler hugging an adult. I giggled.
"Something funny?"
"I'm just happy." I smiled up at him. He thought about this, and pulled me to him again.
*********************Rei's POV*************************
I woke up in my large, predominantly red chambers. I stretched, and my arm hit Jadeite's head. He grumbled sleepily and opened one eye.
"'Sit morning already?" He asked drowsily.
"No, it's afternoon. We should have been up hours ago." I said, snuggling closer to his warm body.
"Who's going to care?"
"Nobody, since they're all too mad to think."
"It's not like we got any sleep last night, hmm?"
I felt my face grow hot. Jadeite chuckled, and nuzzled my neck. I pushed him away and sat up. "Come on, Jed, we have to get up."
He pulled the covers over his face. "Don wanna." He mumbled childishly. I stood up and put on my robe before yanking the covers off my, no, OUR bed.
"I'm going to take a shower. If you aren't up when I get out, I'll give you hell on a hot plate." I warned. Jadeite sat up, and I smirked.
"It's not your threat that got me up; it's the idea of seeing you in the shower." Jadeite said, shooting down my triumph. He saw my disappointment, and stood up, grabbing his own robe. He took my hand and led me to the shower.
"Did I tell you that I loved you yet?" I asked, as he washed my hair.
"No, but I love you too."
"I know."
********************************************************
Well, that's done, and I know lots of you want to kill me over what happened between Setsuna and Demando, cuz I didn't tell you. All will be revealed next chapter, author's honor! Anywayz, you read, please review, no flames, love ya'll!
Isis A. Tomoe
