AN: Okay, you can call this chapter an extremely late Christmas present. And, I'd like to thank Kaiya! You are awesome! Thanks for the help with the chat and that guy. Anyway, sorry I didn't keep my promise about this chapter being up on Sunday, but here it is! Enjoy!

LOL…Oh yeah, I forgot the couples. The winners are: read the chapter to find out!! LOL… Just kidding. This story is going to be an Ami/Heero and Usagi/Trowa story.

Italics = thoughts

"words" = dialogue

CHAPTER 3: Craziness and Caplet's Café

The store Pierre brought the girls to contained all the necessities needed for a formal party. There were dresses for every season and for every type of occasion. Most of them were imports from other countries, which led to higher prices, and bulging eyes from the girls.

"Oh my, these are so expensive. I don't think I can spend that much--"

"Don't worry, Ami. K-baby has so much money; he doesn't even know what to do with it. He raises my salary every week. And anyway, his EXACT words were 'Here, take my credit card. Have them spend as much as they like on whatever they want.' So, I did. Well, we haven't actually spent anything yet since you two are too money conscious."

"We're sorry, Pierre, but we aren't used to this kind of stuff. It's like a huge shopping spree. How much money should we--"

"Didn't you hear him, Ami? Pierre said that Kuromeru said that we could spend as much as we want. Now, I've gotten over the shock of seeing these prices, so why don't you? It's not our money anyway, so we don't have a problem," Usagi said, starting to look around the store for a dress.

"But, I don't like being indebted to people, and with dresses that cost this much--"

"Okay, here. Think about it as a gift from our new boss. Let's say, an early Christmas present."

"But--"

"Oh my God, Ami. I found the perfect one for you!" Pierre exclaimed, holding up a low cut, short silver dress. It was strapless and would show all of the wearer's shoulder.

"Um, Pierre, thanks, but, I don't really like that," Ami said, then seeing her friend's face, "but of course, I have no objection to your sense of style. I mean, you are a photographer. I just like choosing my own clothes."

"Pierre, you can help me out. There's just so many of them that I want! Which one looks better on me, this one or this one," Usagi said; after seeing the grieved look on his face after Ami had spoken to him, she used her wits to come up with something that would cheer him up.

"Ami, you shouldn't be so harsh on him. Can't you tell that he gets his feelings hurt easily?" Usagi asked quietly while Pierre was looking for the nth dress Usagi could try on.

"I know, but, if we're going to be friends, he's going to find out our likes and dislikes one way or another. It's just like that," Ami said calmly. "And by the way, how do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"How can you conclude something about a person's character, even when you've known him for less than a day?"

Usagi laughed at Ami's question and answered.

"I thought you would know me by now, Ami. I'm just that kind of person, I guess."

"Usagi! Come here!" Pierre ordered from the other side of the section they were in.

"All right! Be right there!" Usagi shouted across the room, then turning to Ami, "I'm not going to let you see my dress until we arrive there so it can be a surprise. You better pick a really good one, because that's what I'm going to be doing."

"You don't have to worry about that Usagi. I saw this one dress, but I won't go into the details."

"And you shouldn't. I love this day! Always full of surprises, don't you think? And I don't want them to stop!"

"Well, then, if you want a surprise, I should buy my dress right now and get ready."

"Usagi! I found it! The perfect dress, in my opinion, of course," Pierre said, coming up to the girls.

"Pierre, I have my dress picked out. Is it all right if I buy it right now?"

"Certainly! Is it okay to ask if I could see it?" Pierre said, a little unsure of Ami's taste in clothing.

"Actually, I want to surprise everyone--don't worry, I'm sure you'll think it's acceptable," Ami said as if reading his mind.

"But--"

"Oh, come on Pierre. Just let Ami buy the dress and just in case you don't like it, you could buy one of your choice and bring it along with you to the place and order her to change," Usagi laughed at her own idea.

"That's actually quite an smart plan there Usagi. Okay, Ami, if I totally despise your outfit for tonight, you will change into the one I showed you earlier, deal? That's the only way you can wear your choice dress tonight."

"Oh...okay. It's a deal."

"Here's the card, and bring it back to me when you've finished. Go to the limo and tell the driver to hold your dress, he'll know what to do with it. Come back here, and after Usagi and I finish picking out her dress, you two are going to help me find the ideal ensemble for this evening!" Pierre exclaimed happily.

Ami and Usagi looked at each other and smiled at the new idea.

***

"But Mr. Kuromeru, your building is barely big enough to fit all your guests for tonight. It's a huge fire hazard with all these people there and--"

"Is that it? Is that the reason why you called me up and wasted both of our time? To tell me that it's a problem to invite my personal friends to my café? To tell me that my building isn't big enough?! A fire hazard? My buildings were built by the best contractors and architects money can buy, and you're telling me that it isn't big enough? Well, Mitsuki, I always thought that you had brains. They're called fire extinguishers. They're the little metal things in the ceiling that spray water when there's fire, get it?"

"...."

"Now, Mitsuki, it's not my damn problem, so don't come crying to me about some foolish thing like this again. I hired you because I know you've got brains and organization skills. Now, the only thing I want you to do is use them. You have the finest staff in the city, so this party shouldn't be hard to prepare. Don't think that I'll let you off easily if something isn't done when I get there just because you were spending your fucking time talking to me! Everything better be ready by the time I get there. By the way, I'll be there two hours from now, that's five, to check the progress. So quit slacking off and GET TO WORK!"

"Y-Ye--"

Kuromeru hung up, frustrated at the progress of his plans.

"Sir, it's true. It isn't wise to hold a gathering with such a great amount of people. It's like inviting your killer into your house. There're just too many people. You should--"

"Heero, don't you DARE tell me what I should and shouldn't do. I don't care what you think. I don't pay you to give me advice with my own affairs. Your job is to protect me and nothing else. I don't give a damn if you think it isn't a good idea."

"I didn't say that I 'thought' sir, I know it's a idiotic--"

"How dare you?! You insolent little--"

Calm down. They're the only ones that can protect you, remember that. If you want this to work out, stay on their good side.

"Heero, just remember, I'm paying you to do this job. It shouldn't be that hard for the two of you. You guys are the best bodyguards in the world, aren't you? Or am I just wasting my money on a pair of idiots who don't know when to keep their mouths shut?" Kuromeru smirked evilly.

"....."

That shut his trap.

"Good to know that you have no other 'thoughts' on anything," Kuromeru said, walking out the door. "Oh, yes. Both of you should wear something decent for tonight. Not those old rags you consider clothing."

***

Caplet's Café was warm and filled with chatty, chic people i.e. models.

Kuromeru stepped into what he thought was the greatest café in the city. Beside him were his two bodyguards, who had, of course, caused many heads to turn towards them.

"Kuro! It's great to see you again!" A pretty young redhead exclaimed, coming up to the trio.

"Rita," Kuromeru said with contempt, "It's…nice to see you too."

"Won't you introduce your new friends to me?" Rita asked almost innocently.

"Heh, but my dear Rita, my new models, or as you said friends, aren't here yet," Kuromeru said.

"But… I didn't mean…"

I know you didn't mean them you little whore.

"Kuromeru!!"

Ah… The queen of all whores has arrived.

"Tara," Kuromeru nodded at the most outrageously dressed, most out-of-place looking woman at the restaurant.

"Kuromeru! It's been so long! I see you've gotten new bodyguards."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Well, I guess, knowing that you are an utterly dense and pathetic woman who desires nothing except the male sex around her, you never heard of the death of Kenichi Futaki, the rich millionaire."

What Tara heard:

"You are a wonderful woman who desires sex with males, especially rich millionaires."

"So true, Kuromeru. How do you know these things? Am I that obvious?" Tara smiled, eyeing the fresh meat—Heero and Trowa. "You never told me why you got these two."

Yes, I did.

"Hmm… You two are certainly eye candy to every woman here," Tara said slyly.

"Kuromeru! You ass!"

God, will I EVER get to sit down?!

"It's been a while, Hajime."

"So where are your models?" Hajime said, slapping the man's back.

"They'll be here, don't worry."

"So, Kuro, what are their names?" Tara asked.

"Ami and Usagi."

"Ami and—wait… I meant those two!" Tara said, pointing at Heero and Trowa.

"So, Kuromeru, where did you find these girls again?" Hajime asked, causing the old man to get a headache.

Why are all these people talking to me?

"We're HERE!!" a loud voice shouted from behind Kuromeru.

Pierre.

"Come on in you two!" Pierre said happily. "Now, don't be shy!"

"Shy?" Hajime laughed. "If they're shy, then why the hell did you choose—"

Two gorgeous young women came through the door, triggering an astounded silence.

One of them had on a two-piece, sapphire blue outfit. The top was sleeveless and had two silver-black clasps holding up the blouse straps. The bottom was a skirt, which matched the chemise on top. Both pieces had a black fur lining at the bottom rim, which made the whole outfit have an elegant look of both summer and winter. The high-heeled sandals being worn were sapphire blue like the dress. The girl was only adorned with a single sterling silver bracelet with real sapphires embedded in it and small, matching sapphire earrings. Her face was passive with a glint of anxiety in her deep blue eyes and a barely noticeable frown.

I don't belong here.

The other girl was dressed in a long, form-fitting pink satin gown. She had on a pink scarf around her shoulders. Her hair was in a tight bun, held up by a magenta tie, with two wavy strands of hairs hanging freely at the sides of her face. She wore a charm bracelet with moons, stars, and hearts and her earrings were moon-shaped diamonds. Her eyes were dancing vividly, roaming around the assembly of haughtily dressed people, clearly showing her opposition towards their type, and also showing her own hypocrisy.

So these people are one of the types of people Kuromeru hangs around with. What a snotty looking bunch.

The man with them was wearing tight black pants and a frilly white blouse. His face was delighted in seeing the crowd's reaction to the new models and, when he had given everyone enough time to observe the girls, he broke the silence.

"So?? What do you think, Kuromeru?" Pierre asked curiously, grabbing the girls' wrists and taking them to their boss.

"Very nice, indeed, Pierre. You did a wonderful job! You two girls look simply spectacular!"

"Well, Mr. Kuromeru, I don't know how it's possible to be simple and spectacular at the same time, but thanks anyway," Usagi smiled sweetly.

"Haha… Funny little one, aren't you?" Hajime chuckled.

Little?

"Hajime, this is Usagi and Ami. As you can tell, these are my new models. Can you see why I chose them? Now, let's go to our table. Ladies first," Kuromeru said.

Wow, he actually sounded nice this time.

Usagi went first, but was tripped by the length of her own dress.

Shit, I knew I should've gotten a shorter dress!

She was about to fall face down, but a pair of hands grabbed her in time. Looking up, Usagi saw one bodyguard's face close up for the first time.

He's only a boy! Cute though. Nice eyes.

Usagi smiled at how completely ridiculous her thought was.

She's got a pretty smile…Let go.

"Thank you. Sorry, I'm just not used to these shoes," Usagi laughed.

"Well, you better get used to them, little girl, or you won't make it in this business," Tara said arrogantly.

Can people STOP calling me LITTLE?!?!

"Tara, go away," Kuromeru said wryly.

"Why?"

"You aren't sitting with us, are you?"

"No…"

"Then go, you're preventing us from our food. And… You're testing my patience."

"Sorry, sir," Tara apologized, scowling at Usagi.

"What the hell was that all about?" Usagi whispered harshly to Ami.

"Don't ask me. I'm just a simple bystander."

"Well, I can tell I'm not going to like that Tara person. Oh, and by the way, I love your dress!"

"Thank you, but you already told me that outside," Ami chuckled. "And, may I ask what was that?"

"What was what?"

"You know. The whole tripping episode. Blaming the shoes, huh?"

"Yes…"

"Oh, don't lie! I saw you step on your dress!"

"I like my dress, FYI. So nyaaa," Usagi said, sticking out her tongue.

"No, no, no. Models don't stick out their tongues," Pierre reprimanded.

"And, oh, Usagi, one more thing."

"What is it now?"

"Could you see both eyes when you stared at him, or was his hair still in the way?"

"Huh?"

"Was it a spark of interest I saw in your eyes when he caught you? Is that the reason why you tripped?"

"NO!!"

"I'm thinking it is, since it obviously wasn't your shoes and you said yourself it wasn't the dress that tripped you. So, I just concluded that you wanted to be in his arms—"

"Excuse me?!" Usagi exclaimed, beginning to blush.

"You heard me," Ami whispered, enjoying embarrassing Usagi for once. "You know you liked it, I see you blushing right now."

Before Usagi could say anything, Kuromeru clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Listen up people! I want you all to welcome the two newest models in the league Ami and Usagi."

All the people who weren't already standing stood up to clap for what they called 'virgins' to the business.

"Now, all right, all right. Let's eat!"

Finally!

"Okay, girls, I'll be eating next to you two, you know, to make sure you eat properly," Pierre informed them while taking his seat next to Usagi.

"WHAT?"

"Didn't I already explain this to you, Usagi? I said—"

"I know, but aren't all these other models your victi—I mean, clients too? Shouldn't you be watching what they eat, instead of just us?"

"No, they have their own dietitians. K-baby requested moi to be your own personal—"

"Awwwww…"

"Usagi, I-I'm shocked! So you don't like me?" Pierre cried, taking out a handkerchief and dabbing the fresh tears from the sides of his eyes.

"No! I didn't mean that! I'm sorry Pierre. I do like you! Okay, I'll go along with your little diet thing—"

"Great! Okay, here's what your going to do. Let me choose everything you want. I'll tell the waiter your order. That means you too, Ami," Pierre said, delighted.

"But weren't you crying—"

"He was just acting, Usagi!" Ami giggled from across Usagi.

"Acting…"

Just like we are.

"And you girls better listen to everything he tells you to do," Kuromeru said, sitting at the head of the table, Ami and Usagi at either side of him. "I like what I see. You did a great job choosing out their attire for tonight, Pierre."

"Thank you, sir. I'm pleased with what I see too. I think I won't have that much trouble with these too when we're talking about fashion, since they have a pretty good judgment on clothes."

Kuromeru was chatting with some other of his associates, while Usagi and Ami were quietly talking to Pierre.

"So, how does Kuromeru's house look like?"

"Why, it's huge! Three story mansion, more than twenty rooms."

"Wow. And when did he get these bodyguards?"

"Just a two days ago. He never needed bodyguards before."

"Why does he have them now?"

"Well, you girls heard of Kenichi Futaki's death, right?"

"Um, I think so," Usagi replied.

"Well, he got them right after that, so I guessed that he wanted more protection, since Futaki Industries ranked second in the country. Usagi, eat your salad."

"Pierre, I remember you saying something about seeing them workout. How good are they?" Ami questioned, stabbing at her food.

"Heero and Trowa both have marvelous bodies! And they look even better when they sweat! Oh my, thinking of it makes me feel so lightheaded. You'll see for yourself tomorrow. I'm sure you girls won't be disappointed," Pierre sighed dreamily. "And they're so fast."

"Fast?"

"Yes, they spar with each other and every time, it ends up as a draw. And every time someone asks Heero or Trowa to spar with them, it's either Heero or Trowa who win. What's more, the people who challenge them aren't what you would call pushovers," Pierre explained.

So they're pretty tough.

"From what I've seen these past two days, they have not even left K-baby's side. They escort him to the bathroom and even then, one of them clears the restroom and then they go in, so nobody's even in there but the three of them."

"Hmm…"

"Ami, we have a problem," Usagi said softly.

"I know, what should we do?" Ami murmured.

"Isn't it obvious?" Usagi said, looking over her shoulder to where Kuromeru had gone to talk to more of his model 'friends.'

"What, you have an idea?" Ami said, leaning closer to her friend and saw the mischievous spark in her eyes. "What is it now?"

"We're just going to have to get to know them a little bit better, aren't we?"

Oh, no.

AN: And so it begins. This was the longest and what I think the most boring chapter to date. Headaches are evil. Don't eat a lot of chocolate when trying to write a chapter for a story. And if you didn't understand the part where I was describing their dresses, sorry. I'm not that into clothes, so it took me a while to write down what I thought was a pretty good explanation of what I had in my mind.

Let's see, oh yeah, Midnight Raven, sorry if my answer was a bit delayed, but of course you could use my poem. Thank you Kaiya (again) for helping me out, and I'd like to know what happened in the chat after I left.

To all the reviewers: THANK YOU ALL! I'm sorry if some of you didn't get the couple you wanted, but I'll just say something. One of my best friends, a person I've known since I was like 4, wanted a Usagi/Heero one, and she was upset to find out that it was an Ami/Heero story. Oh well.

And finally, to Spike Highwind. I am very sorry to say, but this will not be a Pierre/K-baby story. And anyway, Pierre's too pure—uh, let me rephrase that—he's too nice to get stuck with someone like Kuromeru. You have a very strange mind, and, as I've told you before, get help. But what am I to say something like that? I need help too. Just wait and see when I finish this story; I think people will be flaming me, but yet again: oh well.

{I personally know S. Highwind by the way, if any of you people are wondering why I'm being so evil/rude to a reviewer. Sorry for such a long author's note too.}

Stress – the confusion created when one's mind overrides the body's basic desire to choke the living crap out of some butthead who desperately deserves it.