Hi! Here's chapter 2! I'm going to be away the whole month of July, so I thought I'd get this one out now!
RATED: R for sexuality and language
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sailor Moon but the storyline is mine.
Trust Between Covers
Chapter 2
***FLASHBACK***
Ami watched as her boss quickly crammed all her unfinished paper work into her briefcase. She had just put Ryan through on line one and he must want her home. Ami sighed, Usagi did anything for Ryan so easily.
Usagi walked into the crowded dining hall. She didn't even know why she was here, her husband was always throwing some stupid charity function. She wished that he paid as much attention to her as he did his work.. but she would not think about that now, she had to be Mary Sunshine, as always in front of her co-workers and potential clients. Just as she had placed a rather convincing fixed smile upon her face, her expression changed to stunned with a hint of curiousity. There he was, one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. She watched as his long slender fingers controlled the violin and how his long ebony bangs fell over his closed eyes. She felt a warmness growing within her as she watched those hands, wondering if they were as skilled in other departments. She fought back a small moan and forced those dishonorable thoughts out of her mind, but the more she watched, the more mesmerized she became at the music he produced. She was broken from her trance at a comment her husband made, something about how he had done this for her. She had to hold in a cynical laugh. It would be a cold day in hell before he would do something that wasn't eighty percent selfish.
"I think I'll talk to him," she said carelessly making her way towards him.
She watched with a smile as he set the violin to the ground, as though it was made of glass.
"You play beautifully."
Her breath caught in her throat as he turned his gaze towards her. He had the most wonderful eyes, even though they were as cold as ice, they were a shocking blue, and the moment he rested them upon her they held a touch of sadness.
"Thank you," he breathed, no longer returning her gaze.
"You know it's wonderful to talk to someone who actually knows something about music, I do believe my husband has about as much culture as a cow," she replied with a laugh.
He returned her comment with a smile that made her heart skip a beat.
Usagi froze, though, as she felt her husband staring intently at her. She breathed a sigh of relief as some co-workers came over to talk to her and she bid farewell to the entertainer.
"I hope to see more of you," he said as he bent down to pick up his violin.
"Excuse me," Usagi managed to choke out as visions of him slipping off her clothes with his slender hands flashed through her mind.
"You know, I would like to see you again, you are fascinating to talk to about music," he added with a quirked eyebrow.
"Well yes, of course," she said hastily before being swept away into the faceless crowd of the cold business world.
Usagi just managed to glance back and notice the violin man being confronted by her husband which gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach. Ryan could be so jealous...
Usagi walked, briefcase in hand, the half mile from her office to Il Cafe Centro that beautiful Friday afternoon. She sat outside, at her favorite table, the only one with a pink umbrella. She exchanged pleasantries with the busboy that was cleaning the table beside her, being a regular customer, all of the workers knew her.
"May I take your order?"
"A cappucino, french vanilla, extra cream," Usagi said quickly looking up.
"What are you doing here?!" she asked in alarm as she looked up at the tall, handsome man.
"Well playing the violin isn't exactly lucrative, and the people here do not seem to enjoy music as much as those in Italy, so I need to pay the bills somehow."
"It's such a small world, this is my favorite cafe, I come here practically everyday!" Usagi rambled.
"Really?" Endymion tried to feign interest as the paper in his pocket, which listed Usagi's favorite places, Il Cafe Centro being at the top, burned with guilt inside his pocket.
He left her table quickly, much to Usagi's dismay, but came back with two drinks.
"I have my break now, so I hope you won't mind if I spend it here with you?" he asked.
"That's fine," Usagi said with a smile as he sat down. He looked so cute in his waiter uniform, the sleeves to his white dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows and the first two buttons were undone. Also, she thought, he looked amazing in black as she surveyed his bottom half.
"So you enjoy music?" he asked.
"Oh I love it, I try to go to every orchestra I can get tickets to," she replied happily.
"But I must bore you, you traveled all around the world, living such an amazing life, and here I am, just your average business woman who's lived in Tokyo all her life," she continued.
"No, not at all," he replied seriously and Usagi inhaled sharply as she noticed all the truth that his eyes held before her.
"Well," she continued, "I've known my husband all of my life, we lived on the same block as kids, and then we went to business school together, but since he is three years older than me he started a firm first and then I got a job there. So now I own the firm, well actually Ryan's above me, but that's all."
Endymion stared, trying to hide his amazement. It seemed that this woman had not lived a day in her life.
"But enough about me, what about you?" she asked in genuine interest.
"There's really nothing much to tell, been playing the violin all of my life and I get around a lot, you know looking for work. I enjoy it," he explained. Endymion stole a glance at Usagi's gold wristwatch. "Well my break is over in five minutes, but I was wondering since you enjoy music, and you're so interesting to talk to, I mean most of the musicians I talk to, they just read the notes, not the music itself..."
Usagi smiled at his rambling, he had so much passion it seemed that he did not know what to do with it.
"Yes?" Usagi asked.
"Well I have two tickets to an opera tonight, you know I like to go to ones around the area and check out the competition, so I was wondering if you would like to go, you know, with me?" he finished weakly.
"I don't even know your name," Usagi replied carefully.
"Endymion Shields," he answered quickly extending his hand.
"That's an odd name," she laughed, "what were your parents doing when they thought of that one!"
"I don't know, I've never had a chance to ask them," he replied so coldly that Usagi felt like she had plunged into a bucket of icy water.
"Oh I am so sorry, you know I don't really have much tact, god, am I rude..." Usagi rambled on.
"It's okay," but his voice did not have some of the same warmth it had once possessed towards her.
"I'm married," Usagi said bluntly.
"I know, ever since I met you that's all you've talked about. Besides, how do you know that I'm even attracted to you, you're being a tad self-absorbed. I just enjoy your companionship, you know, since I don't really know anyone here. Besides I thought I might be doing you a favor, since you revealed your like of music," he replied.
Usagi stared at him dumbfounded and had no other option but to accept.
"I'll pick you up at seven," he said before turning and walking back into the restaurant.
No one has ever made her change her stubborness, except for... but he had known her forever, while this man, whom she just met had controlled her in an instant. She wouldn't deny that it bothered her but it also intrigued greatly.
Usagi hurried around her office, trying to finish her paperwork.
"Leaving early Usagi, that's unlike you," Ami, Usagi's secreatary and close friend observed.
"If you must know, I'm going out tonight, it's Friday night. For all of my career I stayed home and did work, I think I deserve some fun," retorted Usagi who sounded as if she was trying to convince herself instead of Ami.
Her friend just nodded in agreement.
"Well I just hope Ryan doesn't get too jealous, you know those people across the street from you never mind their own business," Ami said nonchalantly as she tured her attention back to her computer screen. "How do you even know it's a man?" Usagi asked ruffled.
"Well your only girlfriends are me and Rei, and I would become frightfully upset if you excluded me from some redezvous," she replied with a smile.
"Well I'll see you and Rei tomorrow for our regular coffee date," Usagi said grabbing her keys.
"But you still have time before you have to leave," Ami said, clearly upset that their conversation was ending so soon.
"I got to make a quick stop before I go home."
"How could I be such an idiot," Usagi screamed at herself angrily.
"First I'm a moron for getting myself in this situation in the first place, I'm married, oh what if the neighbors see, they would want nothing more than to have some shit on me," she thought as she slammed on her breaks in front of Il Cafe Centro.
Usagi glanced around the front quickly and then hurried inside, past the screaming hostess, into the kitchens.
"Please still be here, please still be here," she silently pleaded as she rushed into the kitchens.
Her heart gave a jump of relief as she saw him, trying to balance some plates upon his serving tray. "Endymion!" she cried out.
He looked around confused but his face broke out into a gorgeous smile as his eyes rested upon her.
"Couldn't wait, eh," he said with a laugh.
"Ha, ha," she bit sarcastically, dampening Endymion's smile.
"I just wanted you to pick me up at the office," she explained helping him with the full plates.
Her heart got suddenly heavy as she noticed that his hands were become calloused only after a few days of work. She looked at her own smooth hands, which had never been forced to do any kind of manual labor. And she became ashamed. She was ashamed of the fact that her hands, which were only good for writing checks or filling out paperwork, were immaculate and Endymion's, which could produce the most beautiful music she would ever hear, were damaged. But she did not have time to brood over this since Endymion spoke.
"Why the sudden change of plans? Do you plan to go the way you are now?" he asked surveying her outfit. "Why not, why should I have to please you?" she said angrily.
"A bit defensive today aren't we?" he said.
"Hmp. And no I'm not planning to go like this smartass," she retorted angrily.
"Good," he said as he heaved the tray upward, giving Usagi a good view of his well toned arm.
"You still haven't answered my question, why should I pick you up at your office?" Endymion prodded.
"Because I'm expecting an extremely important fax that will be coming to my office a little before seven," she explained as though Endymion could not possibly understand the business world.
"Fine," he said simply as he walked away with the tray.
"You know, if you were too embarassed to be seen with the lowly violinist in front of your snobby friends you should have just said so. I would have thought you were less shallow than I do now," he finished before walking back into the sunlight.
"No, that's not it all," she whispered softly as she watched his retreating back, shocked that he could decipher her lie so easily.
Endymion drove back from work in a fury.
"I'm such a moron!" he scolded himself.
How was he supposed to make Usagi want him if he made comments like the one back in the restaurant. Even though there was a growing hatred in him for Ryan, since what he was making him do was unethical and also it was screwing up his entire life. He was used to being alone, doing what he pleased, and now he was stuck pratically baby-sitting a complete stuck-up suit that kept providing him with an annoying hard-on. It was just her hair, her eyes, and when she smiled. He groaned in protest to his own thoughts and diverted his attention back to the road. He wasn't doing this for Usagi or Ryan, he was doing it for them, those who he owed a debt to, because maybe if they could forgive him, he could finally forgive himself. Then he could forget about *her*. She who enraptured his life and then left, leaving behind only a single red rose.
Usagi quickly pretended to be reading a fax intently when Endymion walked into her office.
"Be polite, be charming, be do-able," he reminded himself constantly as he gave her a sexy smile. For he knew businessmen and if he did not sleep with Ryan's wife than he was positive that they would never see a penny of that money. The irony still astounded him, he would be punished for not cheating with a suit's wife.
To Usagi's great relief he did not make a comment about the fax.
She slipped daintily into his black SUV, being careful of her long black skirt.
"I know it might not be your Bentley's or Mercedes, but I hope you don't mind," Endymion said starting the engine.
"It's perfectly fine, besides I've heard that men who need fast racy cars are making up in other departments," she said, throwing him a glance.
"I noticed that your husband drives a pretty spiffy convertible, is his number one fan lodging a complaint!" he replied with overdramatic shock.
"No comment," she said with a secretive smile.
Usagi watched Endymion amazed. He talked about sex so easily.
"Well that might be because he's so sexy," she reminded herself. But Ryan, he always discouraged that, but now she was speaking to Endymion freely about it, as if she was telling what she had eaten for lunch. But then a rather unpleasant thought hit her. She wondered if he engaged in sex as easily as he talked about. The thought gave her a rather uncomfortable feeling which felt suspiciously like jealousy.
"Oh, so he's not perfect. Well maybe he makes up for it other areas. I'm sure his unattached muscle is well trained," he said giving her a slight wink.
He noticed that Usagi became uncomfortable at this comment. In an effort to break the awkward silence he increased the volume of the radio.
"Wait, this music isn't classical," Usagi noted in amazement which was much to Endymion's relief for it changed the topic.
"Well, you know that's not all I'm about. I enjoy other genres, but I think rock is my favorite. Like classical music it seems to be an outlet for frustration," he explained.
"Ugh, that's what I need," Usagi said leaning back into her seat.
"You know what's really helpful to relieve stress?" he asked.
"No, please enlighten me," she replied annoyed.
"Try laughing once in awhile," he said seriously.
For the rest of the ride Endymion made her laugh, and for the first time since Usagi had met Endymion she was not thinking of Ryan.
Usagi managed to steal a few glances at Endymion during the show, when she was not carried away by the music. She loved how his eyes and facial muscles reacted to the music, as though it was a part of himself. Whenever she had managed to drag Ryan with her it was all he was able to do to stay awake.
"That one violin solo was horrendous!" Endymion said outraged.
"Endymion it wasn't that bad," she replied soothingly.
"Here listen," he said as he went backstage and picked up a violin.
"Endymion, I don't think we're supposed to be back here," Usagi said nervously.
But he just ignored her.
"Mind you, it's not my violin, so it might not sound as good," he replied.
"Just play," she said impatiently.
The moment he drew the bow across the strings it seemed as though he had both of them in a trance. Usagi watched as he closed his eyes, and the way the anger in his face just washed away as the music washed upon her. But when he had finished, it was too soon, and it left Usagi aching for more.
"How the hell did you learn to play like that?" Usagi asked amazed as they were speeding back down the highway.
"Like I told you, I was playing since I was very young."
Endymion glanced at the clock on his radio and pulled over.
"What are you doing?" she asked confused.
"Let's do something impulsive, it seems like you've really done everything by the book all of your life," he said.
"You're not making any sense," Usagi retorted annoyed.
"Exactly," he replied with a smile.
Usagi gave him a questioning look.
"I get the impression that on Friday night you probably do paperwork."
Usagi's blush was his answer.
"Well let's make a night of it. Let's go dancing!" he said excitement crossing his face.
"But I don't know how to ballroom dance!" Usagi said exasperated.
"No, I mean like at a club," he explained patiently. "We can't do that!" she replied appalled.
"Why not? It's only ten o'clock and we are relatively young," he said with a smile.
"Well we're not even in the right clothes!" she sighed.
Endymion dug into his pocket and pulled out two fifties. Here, your house is too farawy, but my place is real close to a club around here. I'll buy you an outfit, you know, like as a gift for fitting me in your busy schedule. filled with faxes," he added the last two words slyly.
"I can't," she said looking at the two hard-earned, wrinkled bills.
"I'm not a charity case I can manage," he said icily as he read her expression.
"Of course," she replied with no other choice but to take the money.
"Wait this isn't in excahange for anything," Usagi asked suddenly, a blush creeping into her cheeks.
"I might not have as much confidence in my looks, as you obviously do, since you think my only motive is to get into your pants, but as shocking as it might be I do not have to pay woman for sex," he said as cars rushed past them.
"How do you know that's what I was implying, now who's being conceited!" she said smugly.
"You know damn well that's what you were implying," he said sharply.
"Do you think that it's wise I go "clubbin'" with you. I mean I am married, it could be such a scandal!" Usagi said, trying desperately for any excuse in which she would not have to go somewhere where her self-control would be tested by this brutally handsome man.
"There you go again! Unlike some people I am not ruled my penis! I just enjoy dancing and I haven't been in a very long time. Excuse me if I do not want to go with a man, can I ever suggest anything to do as just friends without you assuming I have an alternative motive!" he shouted.
"Oh fuck me!" Usagi replied, letting her temper get the better of her.
When she looked over waiting for reply, she saw the lustful glint that was in his eyes.
"See this is exactly what I mean!" she pointed out.
"Just kidding," Endymion said breaking into a laugh.
"Believe me, I would never mess with a married woman I have some morals!"
"Oh just shut up and start the car back up! We've got to hurry if we want to go dancing, I would like to be home at a semi reasonable hour," Usagi waved her hand impatiently.
"It's amazing, she is capable of having some fun," he said as he reved up the engine and sped back into a lane.
Usagi watched as the cool night air whipped through his hair which was the same color as the cold night sky, and she felt happier than she had for a long time. And for the first time she didn't care or ask herself why.
Usagi followed Endymion into his apartment, a bag slung over her shoulder.
"Here you can go change in there," he said motioning towards the bedroom.
"It's perfectly proper, I assure you, I plan to wait right out here until you finish," he explained, noticing the questioning look she gave him.
Usagi went in and changed quickly, glancing around the room. It was spacious and neat, but after seeing the rest of the place it was highly impersonal.
She opened the door and slipped back in the living room in which he was sitting.
Endymion walked through the door she held opened for him and Usagi shuddered at the warmth she felt as Endymion's body brushed against hers.
Usagi walked around the apartment. It was a good size and Usagi noticed that Endymion had very good taste, even if it was a little cold. Usagi came to a closed door and she opened it just a little. She was just about to slam it shut because in her unfamiliarity of the apartment she had found herself back in the bedroom, but the sight before her held her transfixed. She watched his well sculptured upper body as he slipped a shirt over his head, then her eyes traveled downward. She blushed bright red as she noticed what she had done to Endymion, and even though she would not admit it at the time, part of her wanted to fix it. But as she noticed that he was almost done changing she closed the door quietly behind her. She was about to sit back down on the couch, but then she realized a little room which she had yet to explore. She walked quietly over and gasped at the small circular room. There were music notes painted over the beige walls and right in the center, on a lovely stand was the most beautiful violin she had ever seen. With trembling fingers she reached out and touched the smooth mahagony surface and lifted it off its stand. She was about to raise it to her chin when a sharp voice behind her made her jump.
"What the hell are you doing," Endymion said in disgust as he rushed over to Usagi and grabbed the violin out of her hands, placing it gently back on the stand.
"I'm sorry," Usagi stuttered, noticing the predicament she was in. Here she was, in a man's apartment that she barely knew, about to go to some nightclub and with a 15 carot wedding ring on to boot.
"I.. I have to go," Usagi said shakily.
Endymion, noticing that he was failing at his task, rushed over to her.
"I'm so sorry, Usagi, please forgive me," he said desperately rushing after her.
Then, much to his dismay, she started to cry. Endymion bit his lower lip. For some odd reason he felt greatly pained at this. On instict he wrapped his strong arms around her and brought her to his couch.
Usagi struggled slighty but gave in listening to his soothing voice and burying her head into his shirt which smelled wonderfully like cinnamon and roses.
"It's just that's the only thing my mother left and that's all I have to remember her by. It's almost like my only true friend, it's been with me through everything, unlike some other people," he finished softly and with a finality that warned Usagi not to ask any questions.
"I'll take you home now if you want," he said half-heartedly.
Usagi looked at his sad profile for a moment.
"No, you're going to have more friends than just a damn violin," she said emphatically getting up from the couch.
Endymion followed her out the door with a smile.
"I'm exhausted!" Usagi explained breathlesssly as she sat down at the bar, Endymion taking the seat next to her.
"You know I haven't done this since my first year of college! Who would've guessed a violinist would have so much rhythm," she continued throwing him a smile.
"Hey, I've been a lot of places, I'm bound to have picked something up," he said returning her smile.
"I'll take a lemon bacardi, what do you want?" she asked Endymion as the bartender came over to take their order.
"I'm fine," he replied quickly.
"Why don't you want anything to drink?" Usagi asked suspiciously after the bartender had left.
"I am the one that has to take you home," he said leaning his arms against the counter.
"I think you can have one drink," she prodded.
"No!" he said so sharply that it stunned her in silence.
"Besides, I don't like the taste of it, it's too bitter," he said softly.
After Usagi received her drink she reached into her purse, pulling out a cigarette.
"My, you do have a lot of vices," he commented, motioning to her drink and cigarette.
"Or maybe you're a little to clean," she replied cooly, taking a puff.
"You wouldn't understand," he said softly looking away.
Usagi was about to ask exactly what he meant by this but his next comment took her off guard.
"And who's gonna wanna kiss you after you've been puffing on that thing," he said with a smile.
"Are you saying that you want to kiss me?" she asked slyly.
"There you go with that I'm-so-sexy-everybody-wants-me shit. Besides I wouldn't want to anyway, your breath must be awful after your drink and smoke," he replied matter-of-factly.
"Well let's find out," she said quietly.
"What about you're whole tirade about being marr-," but he was cut off as Usagi leaned over and kissed him.
Usagi moaned as Endymion slipped his tongue into her mouth. She had never been kissed so erotically, he used his tongue with such passion.
"What's wrong?" he asked concerned seeing her stunned face.
"Well that was such a different experience for me, Ryan kisses very much by the book," she explained carefully.
"We better leave, you feel guilty," Endymion said getting up.
"How the hell do you know if I feel guilty or not?" she demanded outraged.
"I don't know, maybe because you mentioned your husband right after it," he replied, his voice rising.
Usagi followed him back to the black SUV and he took her back to her house in silence.
"Really you don't have to walk me to my door," she said getting out. But before she could exit he grabbed her wrist.
"I hope we can still be friends. That kiss, that didn't mean anything, alcohol can make you do some stupid shit that you'll regret," he said still holding on to her wrist.
"Friends? Yeah, I think I'd like that,' she replied softly.
"See you around?" he asked hopefully.
"Yeah," she said giving him a breathtaking smile before she walked the winding sidewalk towards her large house.
But something was plaguing her. If she wanted to be just friends with Endymion why did she suddenly feel so lonely. But she didn't have time to think of this for her wedding ring caught the light of her front porch, glittering forebodingly.
Usagi slipped under her silk bed sheets and turned off the light. But she could not think. Her mind kept wandering, no matter how hard she had tried to prevent it, to Endymion's eyes, his smile. Then, her hand slipped between her legs and she did not think she could have controlled it if she tried. Her mind focused on his breathtaking smile while they were driving in his car, to the steadiness of his heartbeat when she had leaned against him on the couch, and his wonderful scent. Finally she thought of his muscular body and the large bulge in his boxers until... Usagi let out a strangled moan as she arched upward and then fell back upon the bed, her heart racing and her breath coming in short, low gasps. She lay there, amazed at what she had just done. She had fantazied about another man, in her husband's bed. Besides, she couldn't remember the last time she had pleasured herself. She thought back and recollected the first time her and Ryan had made love. Still feeling unsatisfied she had taken the situation into her hands, but her body had grown accomstumed to feeling no release, almost as much as her emotions. Usagi got out of bed and went into the bathroom. She reached for the cordless telephone as she slid into the warmth bath.
"Ryan?" Usagi said into the receiver.
"Usagi?" said the surprised voice at the other end as he lifted the red-haired woman's head away from in between his thighs.
"I just wanted to see about your flight," Usagi said calmly, trying to push herself back into the real world, away from the tempting thoughts of Endymion.
"It was fine, what did you do tonight?" he asked.
"I stayed home and did paperwork as always," she lied.
"There's my good girl. Well I'll call you later this week. Bye."
"Bye," Usagi responded softly but her only answer was dead air.
She lifted herself out of the bathtub and covered her nudity in a terry cloth robe. She walked out unto the deck and enjoyed the cool breeze upon her face. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, at least without her music, but she had left her classcal CDs in the office, unless...
Usagi reached for the phone again and quickly dialed another number. She knew it was wrong, she should have no contact with this man, especially not at two in the morning, but human nature can be funny sometimes.
It rang a few times then a hoarse voice answered.
"Hello, Endymion, I didn't wake you did I?" Usagi said hurriedly.
"Usagi? No, I'm not a heavy sleeper. What's wrong? How did you know my number?" he asked concerened.
"I'm fine. I looked it up in Ryan's rolex, I thought he might have it since you played at that party. It's just that I can't sleep and since I don't have my CD," she trailed off.
"Hold on," he said and Usagi waited, breathing softly.
Then she heard the saddest, yet most beautiful melody coming from the receiver. Usagi put the phone by her pillow. Her last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were of Endymion's hands as they skillfully pulled the bow across the strings.
Usagi woke up with a start. She looked over at her digital clock. It was already ten! She quickly started dressing, she was supposed to be at the Cafe in fifteen minutes to meet Ami and Rei. She stopped in the middle of doing her hair as she heard lovely, sunny music coming from the phone.
"Endymion? Were you playing all night?" she asked surprised.
"Nah, I just fell asleep by the phone and never turned it off. I thought you might like some music to get your day started," he replied cheerfully.
"Thanks, but I gotta go," she said picking up the phone.
"Maybe I'll see you around?" he asked hopefully.
"Maybe," she said softly, turning off the phone.
Usagi reached for her purse, but as a second thought pulled out the cigarettes, just in case she did see Endymion.
"You're late," Rei said disapprovingly.
"Falling back into old habits?" Ami asked with a smile.
"Sorry," Usagi said sheepishly as she lowered herself into a chair.
"So anything new, how was your night out?" Ami asked, with a glint in her eye.
"Usagi went out on a Friday?" Rei asked amazed.
"With a man to boot," Ami revealed scandously.
"Describe," they said at once and Usagi took a deep beath and started from the beginning. She did leave a few things out like the lie about the fax and her sticky fingers, there were somethings she just wanted to keep to herself.
"You kissed him!" Rei shouted.
"He played you the violin, on the phone last night and you went dancing!" Ami added squirming in her seat uncomfortably.
"Usagi you don't know who this man is he could be some homicidal, rapist, maniac," Rei whispered urgently.
"I'll have to agree with Rei on this one. You have no idea who this man is and neither do we. Besides this is not appropriate behavior for a married woman."
"Well you're about to meet him now," Usagi said through a smile as she noticed Endymion walking towards their table.
"May I take your order?" he asked pleasantly.
Ami looked up and started blushing like mad.
"Endym..Endymion Shields?" she managed to choke out. "Oh, you're the nice lady I met during one of my concerts, in France right?" You were the one on the honeymoon," he replied, a smile of recognition on his face.
"You remember! Yes it was me and my husband Greg, you signed that violin for me, I keep it on my mantle," Ami said, her face bright red.
"Oh but you shouldn't be working here, what about your hands?" Ami asked outraged.
"I assure you my hands are perfectly fine," he said with a smile as he jotted down their orders and walked away, but not without giving Usagi a little wink.
"I admit he is quite attractive, but you don't know if he's some kind of.." Rei said after he was out of earshot, but Ami held her hand up in protest. She refused to hear a word spoken against him but did give Usagi a bit of advice.
"Usagi, I met Endymion when I was on my honeymoon, and that was four years ago, so that was when I was twenty-five. Endymion couldn't have been more than eighteen. Usagi you're twenty-seven now and he's only twenty-two, that may not seem like a lot, but it is. Endymion still wants to see the world and he's probably only looking for a good time, I just don't want you to get hurt. Besides YOU'RE MARRIED!" Ami said as though that ring prevented Usagi from even looking at a man that wasn't her husband.
Usagi sat in silence for a few moments. She always figured that Endymion was the same age as her and suddenly she felt old, and that same problem that caused her so much pain kept creeping back to her mind, but she did not have much time to think about it as there was a loud crash right by her table.
Motoki, another waiter and a close friend of Usagi's had crashed into Endymion as he came through the door with their drinks.
"I'm so sorry man," Motoki said as he offered his hand to help his fellow worker.
"Don't worry about," he mumbled as he looked up and his hand fell.
But Motoki was the one to speak first.
"Endy, is that you?" he asked astounded.
"Wow, I haven't seen you since sophomore year of high school when...oh," he trailed off as he saw Endymion look away sharply.
"Well, that's all in the past we have a lot of catching up to do!" Motoki said excitedly heaving Endymion to his feet.
"Seriously, we have to go clubbin', it will be just like old times again, cruising around, picking up chicks, I think you need a brunette this time, didn't have the best of luck with the other ones" Motoki said punching Endymion's arm.
"I don't think so," Endymion said uncertainly.
"Oh come on. You're not still hung up on her are you. I heard she ditched you, without even saying goodbye, she just left that fucking rose, after all that," Motoki said in disgust.
"Or maybe I just don't want to go somewhere, with somebody I thought was my best friend, but ditched me for the first thing that had two legs and a vagina who gave him the time of day," Endymion said coldly.
"I'm sorry," Motoki replied softly.
Endymion stared at the blonde haired man in front of him and sighed.
"I've missed you, the past is the past, right?" Endymion said giving Motoki a hug.
"I'm sorry, I majorly fucked up," Motoki said, looking at the ground.
"Not as bad as me. I'll see you when I get off work okay," Endymion said as went back inside to get new drinks.
Usagi looked around at her friends as they contemplated what they had just heard. Usagi sat there, burning with questions for Motoki. If she was going to be friends with Endymion (just friends, she reminded herself sharply , twisting her wedding ring) she would have to know something about him.
"And I know exactly who can tell me," Usagi said with a smile as she looked slyly at the tall blonde man that was bending over, picking up broken pieces of glass.
"I gotta go guys, I need to pick up some papers," Usagi said gathering up her belongings.
"But Usagi, it's a Saturday!" Ami noted exasperated. "Well you know Usagi, all work and no play," Rei said giving her a glance.
"Except maybe foreplay," Rei hinted maliciously.
"You know very well Ryan..." Usagi started but Rei's sigh interuppted her.
"YOU know damn well I was talking about a certain dark haired violinist," Rei replied sharply.
"We're just friends," she said defensively.
"Let's keep it that way," Rei said raising the drink to her lips.
Usagi ran through the glass doors into the large office building. She knew it would be better judgement to take the stairs, since she had already gotten stuck in the elevator twice this week, even after they had informed her that the problem had be fixed. But she looked at the numerous flights in distaste and hit the button for the elevator.
Endymion glanced down at his cellphone, reading the name on the screen.
"There is a package in my office that I think you will find quite interesting," the voice on the other line said.
"So do want me to go pick it up," Endymion asked.
"That was what I was implying. How are things going?"
"Umm.. fine I think but it's a little to early to tell," Endymion replied.
"Bye," Endymion said but his only response was dead air.
Usagi's stomach lurched as she felt the elevator come to a halt.
"Oh please don't breakdown," Usagi prayed silently.
But to her great relief it was just to let on another passenger. Though her relief was extremely short lived as the person who stepped on was definately someone she did not want to be stuck in a faulty elevator with.
Whew! That's done! The more reviews I get, the faster I write!
~ PinkMoonBeam
RATED: R for sexuality and language
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sailor Moon but the storyline is mine.
Trust Between Covers
Chapter 2
***FLASHBACK***
Ami watched as her boss quickly crammed all her unfinished paper work into her briefcase. She had just put Ryan through on line one and he must want her home. Ami sighed, Usagi did anything for Ryan so easily.
Usagi walked into the crowded dining hall. She didn't even know why she was here, her husband was always throwing some stupid charity function. She wished that he paid as much attention to her as he did his work.. but she would not think about that now, she had to be Mary Sunshine, as always in front of her co-workers and potential clients. Just as she had placed a rather convincing fixed smile upon her face, her expression changed to stunned with a hint of curiousity. There he was, one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. She watched as his long slender fingers controlled the violin and how his long ebony bangs fell over his closed eyes. She felt a warmness growing within her as she watched those hands, wondering if they were as skilled in other departments. She fought back a small moan and forced those dishonorable thoughts out of her mind, but the more she watched, the more mesmerized she became at the music he produced. She was broken from her trance at a comment her husband made, something about how he had done this for her. She had to hold in a cynical laugh. It would be a cold day in hell before he would do something that wasn't eighty percent selfish.
"I think I'll talk to him," she said carelessly making her way towards him.
She watched with a smile as he set the violin to the ground, as though it was made of glass.
"You play beautifully."
Her breath caught in her throat as he turned his gaze towards her. He had the most wonderful eyes, even though they were as cold as ice, they were a shocking blue, and the moment he rested them upon her they held a touch of sadness.
"Thank you," he breathed, no longer returning her gaze.
"You know it's wonderful to talk to someone who actually knows something about music, I do believe my husband has about as much culture as a cow," she replied with a laugh.
He returned her comment with a smile that made her heart skip a beat.
Usagi froze, though, as she felt her husband staring intently at her. She breathed a sigh of relief as some co-workers came over to talk to her and she bid farewell to the entertainer.
"I hope to see more of you," he said as he bent down to pick up his violin.
"Excuse me," Usagi managed to choke out as visions of him slipping off her clothes with his slender hands flashed through her mind.
"You know, I would like to see you again, you are fascinating to talk to about music," he added with a quirked eyebrow.
"Well yes, of course," she said hastily before being swept away into the faceless crowd of the cold business world.
Usagi just managed to glance back and notice the violin man being confronted by her husband which gave her a sinking feeling in her stomach. Ryan could be so jealous...
Usagi walked, briefcase in hand, the half mile from her office to Il Cafe Centro that beautiful Friday afternoon. She sat outside, at her favorite table, the only one with a pink umbrella. She exchanged pleasantries with the busboy that was cleaning the table beside her, being a regular customer, all of the workers knew her.
"May I take your order?"
"A cappucino, french vanilla, extra cream," Usagi said quickly looking up.
"What are you doing here?!" she asked in alarm as she looked up at the tall, handsome man.
"Well playing the violin isn't exactly lucrative, and the people here do not seem to enjoy music as much as those in Italy, so I need to pay the bills somehow."
"It's such a small world, this is my favorite cafe, I come here practically everyday!" Usagi rambled.
"Really?" Endymion tried to feign interest as the paper in his pocket, which listed Usagi's favorite places, Il Cafe Centro being at the top, burned with guilt inside his pocket.
He left her table quickly, much to Usagi's dismay, but came back with two drinks.
"I have my break now, so I hope you won't mind if I spend it here with you?" he asked.
"That's fine," Usagi said with a smile as he sat down. He looked so cute in his waiter uniform, the sleeves to his white dress shirt were rolled up to his elbows and the first two buttons were undone. Also, she thought, he looked amazing in black as she surveyed his bottom half.
"So you enjoy music?" he asked.
"Oh I love it, I try to go to every orchestra I can get tickets to," she replied happily.
"But I must bore you, you traveled all around the world, living such an amazing life, and here I am, just your average business woman who's lived in Tokyo all her life," she continued.
"No, not at all," he replied seriously and Usagi inhaled sharply as she noticed all the truth that his eyes held before her.
"Well," she continued, "I've known my husband all of my life, we lived on the same block as kids, and then we went to business school together, but since he is three years older than me he started a firm first and then I got a job there. So now I own the firm, well actually Ryan's above me, but that's all."
Endymion stared, trying to hide his amazement. It seemed that this woman had not lived a day in her life.
"But enough about me, what about you?" she asked in genuine interest.
"There's really nothing much to tell, been playing the violin all of my life and I get around a lot, you know looking for work. I enjoy it," he explained. Endymion stole a glance at Usagi's gold wristwatch. "Well my break is over in five minutes, but I was wondering since you enjoy music, and you're so interesting to talk to, I mean most of the musicians I talk to, they just read the notes, not the music itself..."
Usagi smiled at his rambling, he had so much passion it seemed that he did not know what to do with it.
"Yes?" Usagi asked.
"Well I have two tickets to an opera tonight, you know I like to go to ones around the area and check out the competition, so I was wondering if you would like to go, you know, with me?" he finished weakly.
"I don't even know your name," Usagi replied carefully.
"Endymion Shields," he answered quickly extending his hand.
"That's an odd name," she laughed, "what were your parents doing when they thought of that one!"
"I don't know, I've never had a chance to ask them," he replied so coldly that Usagi felt like she had plunged into a bucket of icy water.
"Oh I am so sorry, you know I don't really have much tact, god, am I rude..." Usagi rambled on.
"It's okay," but his voice did not have some of the same warmth it had once possessed towards her.
"I'm married," Usagi said bluntly.
"I know, ever since I met you that's all you've talked about. Besides, how do you know that I'm even attracted to you, you're being a tad self-absorbed. I just enjoy your companionship, you know, since I don't really know anyone here. Besides I thought I might be doing you a favor, since you revealed your like of music," he replied.
Usagi stared at him dumbfounded and had no other option but to accept.
"I'll pick you up at seven," he said before turning and walking back into the restaurant.
No one has ever made her change her stubborness, except for... but he had known her forever, while this man, whom she just met had controlled her in an instant. She wouldn't deny that it bothered her but it also intrigued greatly.
Usagi hurried around her office, trying to finish her paperwork.
"Leaving early Usagi, that's unlike you," Ami, Usagi's secreatary and close friend observed.
"If you must know, I'm going out tonight, it's Friday night. For all of my career I stayed home and did work, I think I deserve some fun," retorted Usagi who sounded as if she was trying to convince herself instead of Ami.
Her friend just nodded in agreement.
"Well I just hope Ryan doesn't get too jealous, you know those people across the street from you never mind their own business," Ami said nonchalantly as she tured her attention back to her computer screen. "How do you even know it's a man?" Usagi asked ruffled.
"Well your only girlfriends are me and Rei, and I would become frightfully upset if you excluded me from some redezvous," she replied with a smile.
"Well I'll see you and Rei tomorrow for our regular coffee date," Usagi said grabbing her keys.
"But you still have time before you have to leave," Ami said, clearly upset that their conversation was ending so soon.
"I got to make a quick stop before I go home."
"How could I be such an idiot," Usagi screamed at herself angrily.
"First I'm a moron for getting myself in this situation in the first place, I'm married, oh what if the neighbors see, they would want nothing more than to have some shit on me," she thought as she slammed on her breaks in front of Il Cafe Centro.
Usagi glanced around the front quickly and then hurried inside, past the screaming hostess, into the kitchens.
"Please still be here, please still be here," she silently pleaded as she rushed into the kitchens.
Her heart gave a jump of relief as she saw him, trying to balance some plates upon his serving tray. "Endymion!" she cried out.
He looked around confused but his face broke out into a gorgeous smile as his eyes rested upon her.
"Couldn't wait, eh," he said with a laugh.
"Ha, ha," she bit sarcastically, dampening Endymion's smile.
"I just wanted you to pick me up at the office," she explained helping him with the full plates.
Her heart got suddenly heavy as she noticed that his hands were become calloused only after a few days of work. She looked at her own smooth hands, which had never been forced to do any kind of manual labor. And she became ashamed. She was ashamed of the fact that her hands, which were only good for writing checks or filling out paperwork, were immaculate and Endymion's, which could produce the most beautiful music she would ever hear, were damaged. But she did not have time to brood over this since Endymion spoke.
"Why the sudden change of plans? Do you plan to go the way you are now?" he asked surveying her outfit. "Why not, why should I have to please you?" she said angrily.
"A bit defensive today aren't we?" he said.
"Hmp. And no I'm not planning to go like this smartass," she retorted angrily.
"Good," he said as he heaved the tray upward, giving Usagi a good view of his well toned arm.
"You still haven't answered my question, why should I pick you up at your office?" Endymion prodded.
"Because I'm expecting an extremely important fax that will be coming to my office a little before seven," she explained as though Endymion could not possibly understand the business world.
"Fine," he said simply as he walked away with the tray.
"You know, if you were too embarassed to be seen with the lowly violinist in front of your snobby friends you should have just said so. I would have thought you were less shallow than I do now," he finished before walking back into the sunlight.
"No, that's not it all," she whispered softly as she watched his retreating back, shocked that he could decipher her lie so easily.
Endymion drove back from work in a fury.
"I'm such a moron!" he scolded himself.
How was he supposed to make Usagi want him if he made comments like the one back in the restaurant. Even though there was a growing hatred in him for Ryan, since what he was making him do was unethical and also it was screwing up his entire life. He was used to being alone, doing what he pleased, and now he was stuck pratically baby-sitting a complete stuck-up suit that kept providing him with an annoying hard-on. It was just her hair, her eyes, and when she smiled. He groaned in protest to his own thoughts and diverted his attention back to the road. He wasn't doing this for Usagi or Ryan, he was doing it for them, those who he owed a debt to, because maybe if they could forgive him, he could finally forgive himself. Then he could forget about *her*. She who enraptured his life and then left, leaving behind only a single red rose.
Usagi quickly pretended to be reading a fax intently when Endymion walked into her office.
"Be polite, be charming, be do-able," he reminded himself constantly as he gave her a sexy smile. For he knew businessmen and if he did not sleep with Ryan's wife than he was positive that they would never see a penny of that money. The irony still astounded him, he would be punished for not cheating with a suit's wife.
To Usagi's great relief he did not make a comment about the fax.
She slipped daintily into his black SUV, being careful of her long black skirt.
"I know it might not be your Bentley's or Mercedes, but I hope you don't mind," Endymion said starting the engine.
"It's perfectly fine, besides I've heard that men who need fast racy cars are making up in other departments," she said, throwing him a glance.
"I noticed that your husband drives a pretty spiffy convertible, is his number one fan lodging a complaint!" he replied with overdramatic shock.
"No comment," she said with a secretive smile.
Usagi watched Endymion amazed. He talked about sex so easily.
"Well that might be because he's so sexy," she reminded herself. But Ryan, he always discouraged that, but now she was speaking to Endymion freely about it, as if she was telling what she had eaten for lunch. But then a rather unpleasant thought hit her. She wondered if he engaged in sex as easily as he talked about. The thought gave her a rather uncomfortable feeling which felt suspiciously like jealousy.
"Oh, so he's not perfect. Well maybe he makes up for it other areas. I'm sure his unattached muscle is well trained," he said giving her a slight wink.
He noticed that Usagi became uncomfortable at this comment. In an effort to break the awkward silence he increased the volume of the radio.
"Wait, this music isn't classical," Usagi noted in amazement which was much to Endymion's relief for it changed the topic.
"Well, you know that's not all I'm about. I enjoy other genres, but I think rock is my favorite. Like classical music it seems to be an outlet for frustration," he explained.
"Ugh, that's what I need," Usagi said leaning back into her seat.
"You know what's really helpful to relieve stress?" he asked.
"No, please enlighten me," she replied annoyed.
"Try laughing once in awhile," he said seriously.
For the rest of the ride Endymion made her laugh, and for the first time since Usagi had met Endymion she was not thinking of Ryan.
Usagi managed to steal a few glances at Endymion during the show, when she was not carried away by the music. She loved how his eyes and facial muscles reacted to the music, as though it was a part of himself. Whenever she had managed to drag Ryan with her it was all he was able to do to stay awake.
"That one violin solo was horrendous!" Endymion said outraged.
"Endymion it wasn't that bad," she replied soothingly.
"Here listen," he said as he went backstage and picked up a violin.
"Endymion, I don't think we're supposed to be back here," Usagi said nervously.
But he just ignored her.
"Mind you, it's not my violin, so it might not sound as good," he replied.
"Just play," she said impatiently.
The moment he drew the bow across the strings it seemed as though he had both of them in a trance. Usagi watched as he closed his eyes, and the way the anger in his face just washed away as the music washed upon her. But when he had finished, it was too soon, and it left Usagi aching for more.
"How the hell did you learn to play like that?" Usagi asked amazed as they were speeding back down the highway.
"Like I told you, I was playing since I was very young."
Endymion glanced at the clock on his radio and pulled over.
"What are you doing?" she asked confused.
"Let's do something impulsive, it seems like you've really done everything by the book all of your life," he said.
"You're not making any sense," Usagi retorted annoyed.
"Exactly," he replied with a smile.
Usagi gave him a questioning look.
"I get the impression that on Friday night you probably do paperwork."
Usagi's blush was his answer.
"Well let's make a night of it. Let's go dancing!" he said excitement crossing his face.
"But I don't know how to ballroom dance!" Usagi said exasperated.
"No, I mean like at a club," he explained patiently. "We can't do that!" she replied appalled.
"Why not? It's only ten o'clock and we are relatively young," he said with a smile.
"Well we're not even in the right clothes!" she sighed.
Endymion dug into his pocket and pulled out two fifties. Here, your house is too farawy, but my place is real close to a club around here. I'll buy you an outfit, you know, like as a gift for fitting me in your busy schedule. filled with faxes," he added the last two words slyly.
"I can't," she said looking at the two hard-earned, wrinkled bills.
"I'm not a charity case I can manage," he said icily as he read her expression.
"Of course," she replied with no other choice but to take the money.
"Wait this isn't in excahange for anything," Usagi asked suddenly, a blush creeping into her cheeks.
"I might not have as much confidence in my looks, as you obviously do, since you think my only motive is to get into your pants, but as shocking as it might be I do not have to pay woman for sex," he said as cars rushed past them.
"How do you know that's what I was implying, now who's being conceited!" she said smugly.
"You know damn well that's what you were implying," he said sharply.
"Do you think that it's wise I go "clubbin'" with you. I mean I am married, it could be such a scandal!" Usagi said, trying desperately for any excuse in which she would not have to go somewhere where her self-control would be tested by this brutally handsome man.
"There you go again! Unlike some people I am not ruled my penis! I just enjoy dancing and I haven't been in a very long time. Excuse me if I do not want to go with a man, can I ever suggest anything to do as just friends without you assuming I have an alternative motive!" he shouted.
"Oh fuck me!" Usagi replied, letting her temper get the better of her.
When she looked over waiting for reply, she saw the lustful glint that was in his eyes.
"See this is exactly what I mean!" she pointed out.
"Just kidding," Endymion said breaking into a laugh.
"Believe me, I would never mess with a married woman I have some morals!"
"Oh just shut up and start the car back up! We've got to hurry if we want to go dancing, I would like to be home at a semi reasonable hour," Usagi waved her hand impatiently.
"It's amazing, she is capable of having some fun," he said as he reved up the engine and sped back into a lane.
Usagi watched as the cool night air whipped through his hair which was the same color as the cold night sky, and she felt happier than she had for a long time. And for the first time she didn't care or ask herself why.
Usagi followed Endymion into his apartment, a bag slung over her shoulder.
"Here you can go change in there," he said motioning towards the bedroom.
"It's perfectly proper, I assure you, I plan to wait right out here until you finish," he explained, noticing the questioning look she gave him.
Usagi went in and changed quickly, glancing around the room. It was spacious and neat, but after seeing the rest of the place it was highly impersonal.
She opened the door and slipped back in the living room in which he was sitting.
Endymion walked through the door she held opened for him and Usagi shuddered at the warmth she felt as Endymion's body brushed against hers.
Usagi walked around the apartment. It was a good size and Usagi noticed that Endymion had very good taste, even if it was a little cold. Usagi came to a closed door and she opened it just a little. She was just about to slam it shut because in her unfamiliarity of the apartment she had found herself back in the bedroom, but the sight before her held her transfixed. She watched his well sculptured upper body as he slipped a shirt over his head, then her eyes traveled downward. She blushed bright red as she noticed what she had done to Endymion, and even though she would not admit it at the time, part of her wanted to fix it. But as she noticed that he was almost done changing she closed the door quietly behind her. She was about to sit back down on the couch, but then she realized a little room which she had yet to explore. She walked quietly over and gasped at the small circular room. There were music notes painted over the beige walls and right in the center, on a lovely stand was the most beautiful violin she had ever seen. With trembling fingers she reached out and touched the smooth mahagony surface and lifted it off its stand. She was about to raise it to her chin when a sharp voice behind her made her jump.
"What the hell are you doing," Endymion said in disgust as he rushed over to Usagi and grabbed the violin out of her hands, placing it gently back on the stand.
"I'm sorry," Usagi stuttered, noticing the predicament she was in. Here she was, in a man's apartment that she barely knew, about to go to some nightclub and with a 15 carot wedding ring on to boot.
"I.. I have to go," Usagi said shakily.
Endymion, noticing that he was failing at his task, rushed over to her.
"I'm so sorry, Usagi, please forgive me," he said desperately rushing after her.
Then, much to his dismay, she started to cry. Endymion bit his lower lip. For some odd reason he felt greatly pained at this. On instict he wrapped his strong arms around her and brought her to his couch.
Usagi struggled slighty but gave in listening to his soothing voice and burying her head into his shirt which smelled wonderfully like cinnamon and roses.
"It's just that's the only thing my mother left and that's all I have to remember her by. It's almost like my only true friend, it's been with me through everything, unlike some other people," he finished softly and with a finality that warned Usagi not to ask any questions.
"I'll take you home now if you want," he said half-heartedly.
Usagi looked at his sad profile for a moment.
"No, you're going to have more friends than just a damn violin," she said emphatically getting up from the couch.
Endymion followed her out the door with a smile.
"I'm exhausted!" Usagi explained breathlesssly as she sat down at the bar, Endymion taking the seat next to her.
"You know I haven't done this since my first year of college! Who would've guessed a violinist would have so much rhythm," she continued throwing him a smile.
"Hey, I've been a lot of places, I'm bound to have picked something up," he said returning her smile.
"I'll take a lemon bacardi, what do you want?" she asked Endymion as the bartender came over to take their order.
"I'm fine," he replied quickly.
"Why don't you want anything to drink?" Usagi asked suspiciously after the bartender had left.
"I am the one that has to take you home," he said leaning his arms against the counter.
"I think you can have one drink," she prodded.
"No!" he said so sharply that it stunned her in silence.
"Besides, I don't like the taste of it, it's too bitter," he said softly.
After Usagi received her drink she reached into her purse, pulling out a cigarette.
"My, you do have a lot of vices," he commented, motioning to her drink and cigarette.
"Or maybe you're a little to clean," she replied cooly, taking a puff.
"You wouldn't understand," he said softly looking away.
Usagi was about to ask exactly what he meant by this but his next comment took her off guard.
"And who's gonna wanna kiss you after you've been puffing on that thing," he said with a smile.
"Are you saying that you want to kiss me?" she asked slyly.
"There you go with that I'm-so-sexy-everybody-wants-me shit. Besides I wouldn't want to anyway, your breath must be awful after your drink and smoke," he replied matter-of-factly.
"Well let's find out," she said quietly.
"What about you're whole tirade about being marr-," but he was cut off as Usagi leaned over and kissed him.
Usagi moaned as Endymion slipped his tongue into her mouth. She had never been kissed so erotically, he used his tongue with such passion.
"What's wrong?" he asked concerned seeing her stunned face.
"Well that was such a different experience for me, Ryan kisses very much by the book," she explained carefully.
"We better leave, you feel guilty," Endymion said getting up.
"How the hell do you know if I feel guilty or not?" she demanded outraged.
"I don't know, maybe because you mentioned your husband right after it," he replied, his voice rising.
Usagi followed him back to the black SUV and he took her back to her house in silence.
"Really you don't have to walk me to my door," she said getting out. But before she could exit he grabbed her wrist.
"I hope we can still be friends. That kiss, that didn't mean anything, alcohol can make you do some stupid shit that you'll regret," he said still holding on to her wrist.
"Friends? Yeah, I think I'd like that,' she replied softly.
"See you around?" he asked hopefully.
"Yeah," she said giving him a breathtaking smile before she walked the winding sidewalk towards her large house.
But something was plaguing her. If she wanted to be just friends with Endymion why did she suddenly feel so lonely. But she didn't have time to think of this for her wedding ring caught the light of her front porch, glittering forebodingly.
Usagi slipped under her silk bed sheets and turned off the light. But she could not think. Her mind kept wandering, no matter how hard she had tried to prevent it, to Endymion's eyes, his smile. Then, her hand slipped between her legs and she did not think she could have controlled it if she tried. Her mind focused on his breathtaking smile while they were driving in his car, to the steadiness of his heartbeat when she had leaned against him on the couch, and his wonderful scent. Finally she thought of his muscular body and the large bulge in his boxers until... Usagi let out a strangled moan as she arched upward and then fell back upon the bed, her heart racing and her breath coming in short, low gasps. She lay there, amazed at what she had just done. She had fantazied about another man, in her husband's bed. Besides, she couldn't remember the last time she had pleasured herself. She thought back and recollected the first time her and Ryan had made love. Still feeling unsatisfied she had taken the situation into her hands, but her body had grown accomstumed to feeling no release, almost as much as her emotions. Usagi got out of bed and went into the bathroom. She reached for the cordless telephone as she slid into the warmth bath.
"Ryan?" Usagi said into the receiver.
"Usagi?" said the surprised voice at the other end as he lifted the red-haired woman's head away from in between his thighs.
"I just wanted to see about your flight," Usagi said calmly, trying to push herself back into the real world, away from the tempting thoughts of Endymion.
"It was fine, what did you do tonight?" he asked.
"I stayed home and did paperwork as always," she lied.
"There's my good girl. Well I'll call you later this week. Bye."
"Bye," Usagi responded softly but her only answer was dead air.
She lifted herself out of the bathtub and covered her nudity in a terry cloth robe. She walked out unto the deck and enjoyed the cool breeze upon her face. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, at least without her music, but she had left her classcal CDs in the office, unless...
Usagi reached for the phone again and quickly dialed another number. She knew it was wrong, she should have no contact with this man, especially not at two in the morning, but human nature can be funny sometimes.
It rang a few times then a hoarse voice answered.
"Hello, Endymion, I didn't wake you did I?" Usagi said hurriedly.
"Usagi? No, I'm not a heavy sleeper. What's wrong? How did you know my number?" he asked concerened.
"I'm fine. I looked it up in Ryan's rolex, I thought he might have it since you played at that party. It's just that I can't sleep and since I don't have my CD," she trailed off.
"Hold on," he said and Usagi waited, breathing softly.
Then she heard the saddest, yet most beautiful melody coming from the receiver. Usagi put the phone by her pillow. Her last thoughts before drifting off to sleep were of Endymion's hands as they skillfully pulled the bow across the strings.
Usagi woke up with a start. She looked over at her digital clock. It was already ten! She quickly started dressing, she was supposed to be at the Cafe in fifteen minutes to meet Ami and Rei. She stopped in the middle of doing her hair as she heard lovely, sunny music coming from the phone.
"Endymion? Were you playing all night?" she asked surprised.
"Nah, I just fell asleep by the phone and never turned it off. I thought you might like some music to get your day started," he replied cheerfully.
"Thanks, but I gotta go," she said picking up the phone.
"Maybe I'll see you around?" he asked hopefully.
"Maybe," she said softly, turning off the phone.
Usagi reached for her purse, but as a second thought pulled out the cigarettes, just in case she did see Endymion.
"You're late," Rei said disapprovingly.
"Falling back into old habits?" Ami asked with a smile.
"Sorry," Usagi said sheepishly as she lowered herself into a chair.
"So anything new, how was your night out?" Ami asked, with a glint in her eye.
"Usagi went out on a Friday?" Rei asked amazed.
"With a man to boot," Ami revealed scandously.
"Describe," they said at once and Usagi took a deep beath and started from the beginning. She did leave a few things out like the lie about the fax and her sticky fingers, there were somethings she just wanted to keep to herself.
"You kissed him!" Rei shouted.
"He played you the violin, on the phone last night and you went dancing!" Ami added squirming in her seat uncomfortably.
"Usagi you don't know who this man is he could be some homicidal, rapist, maniac," Rei whispered urgently.
"I'll have to agree with Rei on this one. You have no idea who this man is and neither do we. Besides this is not appropriate behavior for a married woman."
"Well you're about to meet him now," Usagi said through a smile as she noticed Endymion walking towards their table.
"May I take your order?" he asked pleasantly.
Ami looked up and started blushing like mad.
"Endym..Endymion Shields?" she managed to choke out. "Oh, you're the nice lady I met during one of my concerts, in France right?" You were the one on the honeymoon," he replied, a smile of recognition on his face.
"You remember! Yes it was me and my husband Greg, you signed that violin for me, I keep it on my mantle," Ami said, her face bright red.
"Oh but you shouldn't be working here, what about your hands?" Ami asked outraged.
"I assure you my hands are perfectly fine," he said with a smile as he jotted down their orders and walked away, but not without giving Usagi a little wink.
"I admit he is quite attractive, but you don't know if he's some kind of.." Rei said after he was out of earshot, but Ami held her hand up in protest. She refused to hear a word spoken against him but did give Usagi a bit of advice.
"Usagi, I met Endymion when I was on my honeymoon, and that was four years ago, so that was when I was twenty-five. Endymion couldn't have been more than eighteen. Usagi you're twenty-seven now and he's only twenty-two, that may not seem like a lot, but it is. Endymion still wants to see the world and he's probably only looking for a good time, I just don't want you to get hurt. Besides YOU'RE MARRIED!" Ami said as though that ring prevented Usagi from even looking at a man that wasn't her husband.
Usagi sat in silence for a few moments. She always figured that Endymion was the same age as her and suddenly she felt old, and that same problem that caused her so much pain kept creeping back to her mind, but she did not have much time to think about it as there was a loud crash right by her table.
Motoki, another waiter and a close friend of Usagi's had crashed into Endymion as he came through the door with their drinks.
"I'm so sorry man," Motoki said as he offered his hand to help his fellow worker.
"Don't worry about," he mumbled as he looked up and his hand fell.
But Motoki was the one to speak first.
"Endy, is that you?" he asked astounded.
"Wow, I haven't seen you since sophomore year of high school when...oh," he trailed off as he saw Endymion look away sharply.
"Well, that's all in the past we have a lot of catching up to do!" Motoki said excitedly heaving Endymion to his feet.
"Seriously, we have to go clubbin', it will be just like old times again, cruising around, picking up chicks, I think you need a brunette this time, didn't have the best of luck with the other ones" Motoki said punching Endymion's arm.
"I don't think so," Endymion said uncertainly.
"Oh come on. You're not still hung up on her are you. I heard she ditched you, without even saying goodbye, she just left that fucking rose, after all that," Motoki said in disgust.
"Or maybe I just don't want to go somewhere, with somebody I thought was my best friend, but ditched me for the first thing that had two legs and a vagina who gave him the time of day," Endymion said coldly.
"I'm sorry," Motoki replied softly.
Endymion stared at the blonde haired man in front of him and sighed.
"I've missed you, the past is the past, right?" Endymion said giving Motoki a hug.
"I'm sorry, I majorly fucked up," Motoki said, looking at the ground.
"Not as bad as me. I'll see you when I get off work okay," Endymion said as went back inside to get new drinks.
Usagi looked around at her friends as they contemplated what they had just heard. Usagi sat there, burning with questions for Motoki. If she was going to be friends with Endymion (just friends, she reminded herself sharply , twisting her wedding ring) she would have to know something about him.
"And I know exactly who can tell me," Usagi said with a smile as she looked slyly at the tall blonde man that was bending over, picking up broken pieces of glass.
"I gotta go guys, I need to pick up some papers," Usagi said gathering up her belongings.
"But Usagi, it's a Saturday!" Ami noted exasperated. "Well you know Usagi, all work and no play," Rei said giving her a glance.
"Except maybe foreplay," Rei hinted maliciously.
"You know very well Ryan..." Usagi started but Rei's sigh interuppted her.
"YOU know damn well I was talking about a certain dark haired violinist," Rei replied sharply.
"We're just friends," she said defensively.
"Let's keep it that way," Rei said raising the drink to her lips.
Usagi ran through the glass doors into the large office building. She knew it would be better judgement to take the stairs, since she had already gotten stuck in the elevator twice this week, even after they had informed her that the problem had be fixed. But she looked at the numerous flights in distaste and hit the button for the elevator.
Endymion glanced down at his cellphone, reading the name on the screen.
"There is a package in my office that I think you will find quite interesting," the voice on the other line said.
"So do want me to go pick it up," Endymion asked.
"That was what I was implying. How are things going?"
"Umm.. fine I think but it's a little to early to tell," Endymion replied.
"Bye," Endymion said but his only response was dead air.
Usagi's stomach lurched as she felt the elevator come to a halt.
"Oh please don't breakdown," Usagi prayed silently.
But to her great relief it was just to let on another passenger. Though her relief was extremely short lived as the person who stepped on was definately someone she did not want to be stuck in a faulty elevator with.
Whew! That's done! The more reviews I get, the faster I write!
~ PinkMoonBeam