Author's Note: First, thanks to those who reviewed! I hope you liked the omake chapter; I might delete it. Anyway, I'm going to speed up time once again [for future purposes]. And this is kind of a "waster chapter" to get Ran and Usagi...you know. Warning [okay not really], but this chapter has a lot of song [lyrics] in it. The first one is "still alone," the second is "M," and the third is "Dearest." ALL OF THESE SONGS ARE BY HAMASAKI AYUMI!! I found all of these songs to be perfect [for this chapter]. On with the story!
Rainbow
By: Sailor Moonac
Chapter Six: Minako Trouble
"Until the day I reach eternal sleep, I hope your smiling face will stay with me without fail..."
"Chibi?"
Ran looked over to Chibi-Chibi as she was eating a lollipop on the kitchen counter and smiled slightly. "Nothing, just talking to myself. Although I think I actually heard that somewhere rather than made it up myself." Chibi-Chibi's puzzled expression made Ran sweat drop slightly. "Uhh...you wouldn't understand me, would you?"
"Of course not." Usagi walked into the kitchen carrying a tray with some empty teacups. "Is the tea done yet?"
A now fifteen-year-old looking Ran looked over to the stove. "Nope, a few more minutes." Ran turned his attention to Usagi. "I'll bring it up when it's ready."
"Thanks!" Usagi then went back upstairs to the other Inner Soldiers in her room.
"Chibi chibi chibiiii!"
Ran looked over at Chibi-Chibi and smiled. 'Nearly another two months has passed by...and still no A. Usagi will be back from summer break soon.' Hearing the kettle whistle, Ran turned his full attention back to the kettle and started making tea. 'A, what happened to you? You disappear with that Sailor Anima-mate who dies not too long after that. Are you alive; I don't sense your presence anymore.'
"Chibi CHIBIII!!"
"Hmn..." Smiling, Ran placed the tea onto a tray to bring upstairs. 'Now Chibi-Chibi is another mystery. She just appeared out of nowhere and Ikuko- mama thinks she's Chibi-Usa! Oh my...'
"Thanks Ran!" The Inner Soldiers all sat around Usagi's table and smiled at Ran as he walked in.
"You're all welcome." Turning to leave, Ran paused at a picture that caught his attention. It was a picture of Mamoru and Usagi with Mamoru's hand on Usagi's shoulder. 'A few weeks ago was Mamoru's birthday; August the third. Usagi celebrated by herself and cried the entire night. Mamoru, where are you?' Lowering his gaze from the photo, Ran turned to face Usagi who was laughing at Minako recollection of her attempt to catch Yaten's attention. "Until the day I reach eternal sleep, I hope your smiling face will stay with me without fail..."
"Hmn?" All eyes were on Ran now. "I heard that from somewhere. Actually I could say that to my boyfriend."
"That is if you ever get a boyfriend Makoto!" Rei started to laugh as Makoto huffed on about how she wouldn't be able to get one as well.
Laughing, Ami turned to Ran. "That line does seem familiar, where did you hear it?"
"I don't remember, it's just something that stuck in my head—"
"CHIBI!!" Chibi-Chibi ran into the room laughing with Luna behind her. "Ran, you shouldn't leave Chibi-Chibi alone by herself you know."
"Sorry." Ran made a leave of Usagi's room and headed to his own room. Sighing he flopped down on his bed. "Should I be mad at Mamoru for not writing or even trying to contact Usagi all of these months? Or...glad?" asked Ran to no one in particular. Sitting up, Ran turned on the radio with his powers. "I'm being so selfish, to even say that. Especially since Usagi is so sad..."
/Where are you walking to,
what are you staring at now?
Are you still chasing that dream
you once told me about?
I loved your face that
seemed to tell the future.
For you to protect that dream,
I couldn't be with you.
When you stood there
and watched the scenery,
how much anxiety and confusion
did you battle with?
I've learned a lot from being alone.
As long as you didn't let go of my hand,
I felt like I could do anything.
When we walked along the same path
I believed without a single doubt.
But even so, why...?
But even so, why...?
But I...
I remember your promise.
I remember every day./
"Yeah, I can't be with Usagi...I'm a Clover. I'll just die." Ran flopped back down on his bed and turned off the radio. '"I won't let you die in vain, you'll live your life full of happiness..." ...I haven't heard about the Council's decision yet. About what to do with me...I feel kind of depressed. But I shouldn't for Usagi's sake. Because she's always looking out for me, I'll have to be strong for her, because of her promise. Also because I think I—'
"Chibi?" Chibi-Chibi pushed open Ran's door and came to sit on his bed.
"Hello Chibi-Chibi. I guess you could always keep me—ugh...let me guess, you dropped your lollipop and spilt tea on yourself. Am I right?"
"Chibi!"
Sighing, Ran ushered Chibi-Chibi to the bathroom. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Ring...ring...ring...ring...ring...Usagi looked at the phone and hung up. Usagi picked up the same photo Ran was looking at earlier that day. "Mamoru, why don't you admit to contacting me? Why do you send cards with no real meaning to it?" Setting the photo back down, Usagi opened the drawer to her desk and pulled out several envelopes with cards of stars and nebulas on it. "I don't understand what this means. I could ask Ami or Rei but they'll just get mad at me for not telling them. The only ones that know that Mamoru isn't contacting me are Luna and Ran..."
Usagi felt her heart skip a beat, but she ignored the feeling. Looking at the photo, she picked it up again and felt tears well up in her eyes. Usagi closed her eyes tightly to prevent the tears to fall and reopened them again. "Mamoru, do you just not like me anymore. But..." Usagi looked down at the ring on her finger. "Mamoru..."
Splash...drip...splash...drip...drip...splash...splash...
"Hmn?" Ran looked up from the book he was reading and focused in on his Clover abilities.
Drip...splash...splash...
'Is that the water faucet? Probably is.' Ran returned back to reading the book. "Hmn...?" Ran placed a marker in the book and closed it. He left his room and headed towards the source of the sound. 'I doubt water faucets sob.' Following the sound led Ran to Usagi's room.
Ran gently opened the door and peered inside. He saw Usagi hunched over and crying onto a photo in a frame. Silently letting himself in Ran made his way to stand behind Usagi. Chibi-Chibi was sleeping soundly on Usagi's bed, not disturbed by Usagi's tears at all. Leaning over a bit, Ran caught sight of the photo. 'Oh Usagi...' Silently, Ran wrapped his arms around Usagi who was sitting in her chair. If she were standing alongside Ran, Ran would now be taller than Usagi by a few inches.
Gasping in slight surprise Usagi turned to face Ran with a small bit of disappointment on her face. Usagi allowed herself to be hugged by Ran and cried silently into his shoulder. "Usagi."
Hearing Ran talk surprised Usagi slightly. She once again felt her heart skip once again, this time she didn't ignore that feeling. 'Ran...that's strange. Around you I feel safe. I feel the same as I do around Mamoru. I never really noticed before...' Time seemed to stop around Usagi and Ran as he held her. 'I guess I never noticed before because you were so much younger than I was and Mamoru was always here before. Now, you're literally growing up before my very eyes...'
"Usagi, I'll be here for you. Okay?" Ran moved a hand to wipe Usagi's tears away. "I know I'm not Mamoru, but I'll be here when you need a friend." Ran felt Usagi tense slightly in his arms at the mention of Mamoru's name and Ran immediately regretted mentioning his name. Surprisingly, Usagi at that statement wound her arms around Ran as well and returned the hug.
"Thank you Ran." Usagi felt her cheeks heat up slightly around Ran. 'Ran, why are you making me feel like this. It's like the first time I met Mamoru.' Ran turned his face and kissed Usagi on the cheek and quickly pulled out from the hug. Ran quickly headed for the door and left after bidding Usagi good night. Usagi stared after Ran, face blushing less red than Ran's face. Usagi brushed her hand over her cheek where Ran had kissed her. 'It really is like the first time I met Mamoru. Oh no...'
"I think I'm falling in love with Ran."
"WHAT?!"
"Haruka calm down, it's just Ran!" Haruka sat back down onto her seat at the Crown Parlor and looked at Usagi in disbelief. Michiru and Setsuna exchanged glances and looked at Usagi.
"What about Mamoru? Do you not love him or something?"
"No, not at all Setsuna. I still love him dearly. It's just..."
Michiru took a sip of her drink. "It's just that Mamoru and Ran look alike. And Ran is growing up to be quite cute. He's near Ami's and Rei's height now. And besides, Ran and Mamoru's attitudes are similar as well as their demeanor and personality. They both want you to be happy and safe Usagi."
"Yeah, better Ran then that jerk Seiya."
"I'll have to agree." Hotaru sat down next to Usagi after returning from the lavatory. "You should talk to Mamoru about it, he'll understand. In fact, I doubt he would mind since he knows Ran is a Clover. You and Mamoru are destined to be together since our past lives."
Seeing Usagi's expression fall even more with Hotaru's words, Setsuna decided to change the subject. "How about Ran? Does he...have the same feelings as you do?"
"Hmn?" Usagi took a sip of her drink. "No idea."
"Ah hah!" Minako jumped up from over the booth behind Usagi. "Then leave it to the Goddess of Love and Beauty to find out!"
"Minako!!" Apparently Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako were spying on Usagi in the other booth with Chibi-Chibi making a mess of the ice cream.
"You guys!" Usagi glared at the Inner Soldiers. "This is exactly the reason I didn't want to ask you guys for advice!"
"But Minako's got a point." Rei pointed an accusing finger in Usagi's face. "If Ran feels the same as you do, imaging the suffering he's going through. He has less then five years to live and he's in love with you who is also in love with him and someone else."
"Yeah, Ran will die soon. I wouldn't want poor Ran to die so lonely." Nodded Makoto in agreement.
"I say find out how Ran feels then try to please him and give him a chance to experience love."
Minako nodded at Ami's statement and made her own. "Just leave it to me. I'll find out if he loves you or not! If he doesn't, then I'll ask him on a date!"
"Not before I do!" Soon an argument was broken out amongst the Inner Soldiers as to who would date Ran if he didn't like or love Usagi in that manner.
"This is why I'm glad I am still young. That way I wouldn't have to worry about boyfriends."
Haruka placed her arm around Hotaru. "That's right Hotaru. Who needs boys anyway!"
Usagi sighed and turned her attention to her drink. 'But I would be cheating on Mamoru. I would talk to him about this...but he's not responding. And it's true that I promised Ran that he won't live his life in vain and it to be full of happiness...'
"Usagi!"
"Great it's Seiya." Haruka got up threateningly in front of their table and stood in front of the Three Lights. "What do you want—"
"There's Ran!" Minako literally jumped out of the booth to go after Ran who walked by the window with Luna and Artemis to go to the Crown Game Center. Turning around and flashing a V-sign, Minako headed out the door shouting, "I'll figure it out Usagi!"
Sweat dropping, Usagi watched Minako leave only to soon be followed by the Inners and Outers [except Chibi-Chibi and Hotaru]. "I'm doomed." Seiya, Yaten, and Taiki looked at Usagi and then followed after the others, wishing to fill their curiosity. "Hmn? They left me to pay the bill?!"
"Don't worry Usagi, I got it. After all, my daddy is rich."
"Thanks Hotaru!" Usagi got up to head to the door but was stopped by Chibi- Chibi who pointed to a radio playing softly on the counter. Usagi walked up to the counter and turned up the volume. "It's M."
/"Maria" There is someone I should love;
every person who has ever been hurt...
As I look around,
everyone busily hurries on by.
I noticed that this year as well
the signs of winter have come very soon.
Again, somewhere in this city today
two people will meet and fall in love;
the curtains are abruptly opened.
Even so, everything, eventually,
someday, has an end.
Again, somewhere in this city today
two people split apart;
the curtains are quietly dropped.
"Maria" There is someone I should love.
At times I feel very lonely.
But my needs are all filled
by the person I should love.
"Maria" There is someone I should love.
At times I bear very deep wounds.
But they are all healed
by the person I should love.
"Maria" Everyone is crying.
But I want to believe.
So I'm praying now that this is my final love.
Beginnings come at random,
but endings always have meaning./
Usagi looked thoughtfully at the radio playing the song. 'But is that someone I should love be Mamoru or Ran. Is my own curtain in my heart being closed and opened to Ran? I need REAL advice on this and there is only one person that can answer these questions of a sixteen-year-old daughter. Mom.'
'Okay, Ran went down to Central Control under the Sailor V game with Artemis and Luna. Probably to investigate the enemy and that Sailor Anima-mate, Sailor Aluminum Siren. Now what to do...' Minako noticed from her hiding place that the other Soldiers including the Three Lights had followed her. 'Ah hah, just perfect! Seiya Kou! Now to get the plan in motion.' Minako crept silently to the back towards the Sailor V game and opened the secret door.
Upon entering, Minako immediately noticed the odd contraption of Rans'. Minako made her way over to Ran who was busily watching a screen. Minako pretended to look interested and peered over Ran's shoulder. "You know, what could studying this for hours do to help?"
"A few months ago I had found my brother in here. Who knows, we just might miss some vital clue."
"Well...you better hurry and finish up, because I invited some friends over for dinner tonight. You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not. Am I required to help prepare the dinner?"
"Don't know. It's not my house."
"Who's coming and if it's not your house, then who's is it?"
"The Sailor Soldiers and the Three Lights. Oh, and it's at Usagi's and your place."
"Oh." Ran took off his contraption and turned off the screen. "Luna, Artemis, I'm going home to prepare, okay?"
Artemis looked over from his screen. "Sure thing—"
"No you don't have to Ran. I'll go to Usagi's house in your place to prepare. So..." Minako shoved Ran back into his seat and smiled too sweetly. "You can come back later."
"Okay. Luna can you go with Minako now?"
"NO!" Artemis, Luna, and Ran looked at Minako and her outburst. "I mean no. I can get it. In fact, you come with Artemis tonight as a date."
"Well—"
"Then it's settled. Got to go!" With that Minako zoomed out of Central Control and out into the arcade. Minako located the Three Lights with the other Soldiers and pulled the three away. "Seiya, Yaten, Taiki. Why don't you guys come over to Usagi's tonight for a party?"
"What?! Minako—" Makoto and Ami grabbed Rei and whispered in her ear, "This must be Minako's plan."
"Ah."
"So how about it you three? Well I'm going to tell you right now, I'm not taking "no" for an answer. So be there. Eight o'clock tonight. Got it?!"
"I'm not going anywhere because you're bossing me—"
"Of COURSE we'll be there Taiki. And Yaten is coming as well. Who else is going?"
Minako shifted her shoulder to nod towards the rest of the Sailor Soldiers. "All of them of course."
"Oh great," stiffed Yaten sarcastically. "This is going to be bad."
"Great." With that Taiki turned and left with Yaten and Seiya chasing after them.
"Hmn. Here comes the fan girls. Don't feel one bit sorry for them." Haruka pointed out the door at the opposite direction of where the Three Lights went. "Minako—"
"Got to go to Usagi's!" Minako ran out the door and towards the direction the fan girls were coming from.
"Oh dear. Haruka, Michiru, could you tell Minako and Usagi I couldn't make it tonight?"
"Sure thing Setsuna."
"Thanks Michiru."
"Mom, I'm home." Usagi and Chibi-Chibi went into the kitchen to look for Usagi's mom when she didn't hear a response. On the kitchen table was a letter addressed to Usagi from her parents:
Usagi,
Your father and I are going out to a meeting in the city about the crime problems and then taking a trip your father's boss offered us. We are going to dinner with him and his wife, then heading off to see a ballet. We'll be back around eleven o'clock. Take care of Chibi-Chibi. Shingo is staying at a friends, since we trust you enough to stay at home by yourself.
Love,
Mom and Dad
"Great, that means it's just us and Ran. Although I don't know when Ran will be back home. I hope soon—" Suddenly the door bell rung interrupting Usagi's musings. "Coming!" But Chibi-Chibi had already raced to the front door and opened it. "Chibi—"
"Hello Usagi! Hey, can I talk to your mom?"
Catching up to Chibi-Chibi, Usagi grabbed her and sat her down on the floor. Facing Minako, Usagi smiled and sweat dropped. "Well that makes two of us. My mom isn't here and I'm staying by myself tonight. Oh, but Ran's here I suppose..."
'Perfect!' Minako clapped her hands together and then grabbed Chibi-Chibi to go to the kitchen, after kicking the front door shut. "Well...I know what we can do about that..."
Usagi locked the front door and followed Minako into the kitchen. "So what are we going to do?"
Smiling mischievously, Minako set Chibi-Chibi down on the table, much to her dislike. "Well, first we are throwing a party. And yes the Three Lights and SEIYA is coming. Second we are going to have some mature fun with Luna and Artemis obviously watching [because they will never allow me to do anything]. And third, we'll be finding out if Ran has the same feelings as you do."
"WHAT?! Minako—"
"Trust me, it'll work. Now..." Minako pulled out some pots and pans. "We have to get a party ready."
"Oh joy..."
At five to eight o'clock, the door bell rung revealing the Inner Soldiers with three large pizzas in hand. Usagi invited the Soldiers in and led them to the living room which was cleared for the party. "I thought we ordered pizza."
"You did," answered Makoto setting down the pizzas. The pizza guy was outside so we just paid him and said we'll take it. I bet you burnt any attempt at cooking. Am I right, Usagi, Minako?"
"Right you are." Minako jumped over and took a peak at the pizzas. "Thank you for buying. I bet the only one who can cook would be you Makoto."
"Actually, Ran can cook quite well. I've tried learning with him watching me, but it always ends up disastrous until Ran saves the day!"
"Ahh..." Minako smiled coyly at Usagi. 'Well at least I know Ran can cook up a romantic dinner. Say for two—?' The door bell could be heard and Chibi-Chibi had rushed out the living room again. "I'll get it!" Minako rushed to answer the door after checking who it was. "Ah, welcome the wonderful Three Lights!"
The Three Lights entered and greeted the Soldiers. "Now the party—ouff!" Ran had opened the door and smacked it into Minako. Haruka, Michiru, Luna, and Artemis were all with Ran.
"I'm sorry Minako." Ran stepped aside to let the others in. "I didn't know you were there."
"That's all right. We were waiting for you anyway."
"Yes well, Ran probably wouldn't have left if we had not dragged him here. It's a good think Haruka and I stopped by the Crown Game Center to see if he was still there. By the way, Setsuna couldn't come."
Yaten raised an eyebrow at Ran. "Didn't think you would be much of a game freak."
"Yes well..."
"Forget that, let's party!" Minako led the way to the living room and turned on the radio. "Usagi can you get the drinks? Seiya go with her!"
Usagi went to the kitchen with Seiya grumbling behind her at Minako's bossy attitude. However, when he realized he was with Usagi alone, things seemed better to him. "Hey Usagi—hmn?" Seiya caught sight of a picture on the counter of Usagi and Mamoru. 'Her boyfriend...'
Back in the living room, Makoto, Ran, and Ami were dishing the pizza onto plates. Minako turned to face Ran. "Hey Ran, why don't you go help Usagi and Seiya with the drinks?"
Setting down the spatula, Ran nodded. "Sure." Ran left for the kitchen.
"You're lucky that Ran's such a saint, Minako," commented Rei who joined Minako. "He does nearly everything you say."
Giggling, "I know. That's what makes it so easy. Better follow."
"Usagi is that your boyfriend?"
"Hmn?" Usagi turned to the picture and nodded. "Yes, his name is Mamoru. He's studying in America. He—" Usagi stopped herself and went to the refrigerator.
"Usagi, what's wrong?" Seiya had come up behind Usagi and grabbed her shoulder gently.
"Nothing. Why would you ask?" Putting on a fake smile, Usagi faced Seiya.
"Because you are on the verge of tears." Seiya placed his hand on Usagi's cheek, but she pulled away from his grasp. "You miss him a lot and don't want your feelings to waver." Usagi turned towards the refrigerator again and pulled out drinks, ignoring Seiya's comment. Keeping his gaze on Usagi, Seiya looked at her pitifully. "You want him to remain constant and loyal. But a person's heart can be easily wavered and shifted in times of absence. You are trying with all of your might to not let go..." Seiya pulled Usagi around to face him again, startling Usagi who dropped and shattered a cup.
"Usagi, you...can't hang on one person forever..." Seiya leaned in to Usagi who was crying now. "You can't think that he will be faithful always..." Seiya lowered his face to kiss Usagi [on the lips] but Usagi turned away and Seiya kissed her cheek instead. "Odango ata—"
"Usagi are you all right? I heard glass breaking." Ran walked into the kitchen with Minako sneaking quietly behind him. Ran stared at Usagi and Seiya and smiled. Forced or natural was unknown to Usagi and Seiya. "Am I interrupting?"
Minako noticed an unconscious flexing of Ran's fist.
Usagi pulled away from Seiya quickly and wiped away her tears, praying Ran hadn't noticed. "Yeah, Seiya just startled me and I dropped a glass. Do you mind helping Ran?" Usagi could notice that her own voice was wavering. Usagi tried to force down her sobs and tears away but couldn't. Usagi excused herself to go to the bathroom.
Minako decided to come out from hiding. "Ran go check on Usagi, she might have injured her leg from the glass." Watching Ran leave, Minako marched up to Seiya and "accidentally" shoved a broom too hard into Seiya's chest causing a yelp of pain. Considering Minako has a killer spike in volleyball, that is going to hurt. "You, clean up. I'll get the drinks."
Ran followed Usagi to the upstairs bathroom and sat on the bathtub as she sat on the toilet seat. "Usagi, your leg is injured." Ran got up and went to the cabinet to get the first aid kit. Taking care of Usagi's wound, Ran decided to bring up the subject of what happened in the kitchen. "Usagi...was Seiya bothering you? I notice that the Three Lights could be cold sometimes..." Ran went to the sink to wash his hands. 'I shouldn't have said that. Today, I just saw Seiya transform into Sailor Star Fighter on those battle clips I took. That means Taiki and Yaten are the rest of the Sailor Star Lights...'
Usagi wiped away her tears and faced Ran. "No...I..." A scream of glee was heard downstairs but Usagi ignored it. "Ran..." Ran sat back down on the bathtub. "Is it so wrong to love more than one person? What do you think?"
"There are many ways to love someone. And I doubt you are referring to a friend kind of love. And yes, I don't think there is anything wrong with loving more than one person. As long as your heart is in it...because you can't change the feelings in your heart." Usagi contemplated Ran's words but was interrupted by a scream of terror. Ran stood up abruptly. "What was that?!"
Ran opened the bathroom door and rushed down the stairs with Usagi behind him. Ran stopped Usagi before entering the living room. A Sailor Phage was attacking. 'Who is that?!' Usagi noticed a camera and a notepad on the floor. 'A reporter?!' Stepping back even further, Usagi pulled out her broach. "Moon Eternal, MAKE-UP!!"
Eternal Sailor Moon rushed to the scene and threw a pizza pan at the Sailor Phage to get it away from Chibi-Chibi. The Inners rushed out of the living room with the Outers behind them to transform. Taiki and Yaten ran the opposite direction just as Sailor Star Fighter came in soon followed by Sailor Venus. The rest of the Sailor Soldiers soon joined in as well. However, they had a little dilemma.
"Star Gentle—"
"No! Not indoors!"
"This is ridiculous. Eternal Sailor Moon, how big is this room?!"
"It's twelve tatami mats big."
"Normally that would be big, but like this, it's small."
"Uhm...Sailor Soldiers, I don't mean to interrupt, but the monster is attacking." Ran sweat dropped and pointed to the Sailor Phage who was holding out a wine bottle.
"Star Gentle—"
"NO!! Starlight, Honeymoon Therapy KISS!!" The Sailor Phage was turned back to a reporter and fell down. The Sailor Star Lights made their leave [through a window] and left the Sailor Soldiers. Only Sailor Star Fighter turned around and bid good luck to Ran before leaving.
The Sailor Soldiers de-transformed back to normal and helped the stirring reporter up and out of the house. Usagi looked around the living room. "AHH!! It's a complete and utter mess!"
"Ehh..." Sweat drop. Rei pulled out of her stupor and looked at Ran. "Setsuna said you turned Usagi's living room back to normal once, right? Can you do it again?"
"My living room? What are you talking about?" Even more sweat drops.
Ran smiled at Usagi and the others. "Of course I can fix it." Ran once again walked out to the center of the living room and summoned his powers. Ran's eyes started to glow a blue-white color and his pupils faded away from sight. Raising his hands the living room started to glow and distort. "/ Return the living room to the way it was before the party begun./ " The living room returned to normal and to the Sailor Soldiers disappointment, the pizzas were gone as well.
"Ahh...too bad."
"Well, what do you think Minako?" shouted Haruka. The Sailor Soldiers were all piled into Haruka's car as she was driving back to their houses for them.
"Hmn...well..." Minako folded her arms over her chest and smiled broadly. "Isn't it obvious?"
Everyone sweat dropped at Minako and face faulted. "Not all of us call ourselves "the Goddess of Love and Beauty," Minako. I myself am not too noticeable at things such as romance."
"That's right Ami, so just leave that to me!" Minako furrowed her brows and smiled brightly to the others. "Ran is SO in love with Usagi."
"I'm sorry Usagi."
"For what Ran?" Usagi and Ran both sat on Ran's bed, both in their pajamas. Ran sat leaning against the headboard and Usagi sat at the end of his bed.
"Well...I at first wanted to say for the whole party thing. But that really isn't what I wanted to say..."
"Well, talk to me." Usagi scooted up closer to Ran. "What's on your mind?"
"I...I am sorry for walking in on you and Seiya...like that. I shouldn't have interrupted."
"Ran." Usagi sat next to Ran on his bed, leaving her slippers on the floor. "I'm really glad you did. Because Seiya was making me feel uncomfortable. When I'm with you, I can talk about almost anything...especially Mamoru. But it's not the same with everyone else. It's like...you have always been there to talk to."
Ran smiled at Usagi's words and looked towards the window. "Your parents are coming back. I can hear their car." Ran looked at Usagi who smiled contentedly out the window to the moon. Ran turned to the radio and turned it on softly.
/It would be nice
if we could throw away everything
except that which is most important;
Reality is just cruel
Whenever I close my eyes
you're always there,
smiling
Ah-Until the day I reach eternal sleep,
I hope your smiling face
will stay with me without fail
Are all people sad?
they go and forget, yet...
For that which you should love,
for that which gives love:
give it your all
Ah- when we met
we were so awkward
We've taken the long road;
we've hurt each other along the way
Ah-Until the day I reach eternal sleep,
I hope your smiling face
will stay with me without fail
Ah- when we met
we were so awkward
We've taken the long road,
but we've finally arrived/
"So that's where you got that line from."
Ran looked at Usagi confused as she turned her attention back to Ran. "Until the day I reach eternal sleep, I hope your smiling face will stay with me without fail. It was from this song...Dearest."
"Yeah..." Ran turned off the radio as Usagi got off his bed. Ran got off and hugged Usagi briefly and kissed her cheek quickly. Usagi and Ran both blushed but Usagi returned that sign of affection and then left. 'And it's true, Usagi...you are my dearest. And here we are.'
DONE!! Woah, that was long (sixteen pages). But it's mainly because of the songs. I hope you all like this. And I took some things from the Sailor Stars episodes and incorporated into this chapter. I noticed I didn't have Hotaru much; I'll make it up to Hotaru. Like I said, all songs are by Hamasaki Ayumi. Please don't take the lyrics, because it takes a while to translate. You can probably find it on the Internet though. The first song is "still alone," then "M," and at last "Dearest." She is a REALLY AWESOME singer. Anyway, I'll try to get out the next chapter soon. Ran's starting to tower over Usagi [and then some other things].
Also, everyone have a good Tanabata [those who live in Japan] (laughs)? Oh, Tanabata is the Star festival in Japan. Actually, if I recall correctly. Takeuchi-sensei made a Chibi-Usa's picture diary on Tanabata. It's after Volume Ten...I think. It's always on July seventh.
::.This chapter will be late since isn't working correctly.
Please review!
-Sailor Moonac