Replies to Reviews:
First of all, SORRY y'all!!!
I am really truly sorry for taking SOOOO long in updating. Two months, for crying out loud!
Well, you can blame it on the movie, 'The Ring'!!! Dangnabbit! How was I suppose to type my story in the MIDDLE of the night (the time when all insomniacs usually get inspired), ALONE in the DARK computer room where there's a frigging TV near me, huh?! SIYET!!! I swear, it took me a whole week for the image of a crawling white lady to stop haunting me. Brrr. . .shiver
LoveeDucky: Thanks, Glad you liked the story. ;-)
lindy*girl(): Thanks! ;-) So you love torturing the guys, eh? Naughty girl. Mamoru and Usagi (or in this case, Darien and Serena) will still be a part of the story although they only get to play a small part. *Rain ducks to avoid hurtling tomatoes*. The thing about Lita/Mako during the flashback thingie is that she and Nephrite were supposed to be in a mock fight (just like Mina and Kunzite), and Lita won (Yeah!). Sorry for not elaborating on the flashback though because it was supposed to be just a sudden flash of memory for Lita and Nephrite, kinda like a brief taste of the whole enchilada. Anyway, the story behind that will be developed later on. ;-)
wyannick54(): Thanks! Hope you won't get tired by all the mumbo jumbo, hehe.
Chibi Sarcasm: SO, how was YOUR test? Mwahahahaha! ;-) *Rain stroking her chin thoughtfully* Hmm, maybe I oughta stop this fic. . .I mean, I don't wanna interfere with your studies and all, hehehe. *Rain suddenly gets whacked on the head by a mallet* Owww. . .then again, maybe not.
Jen(): Sure! I'll try to update ASAP! *Rain crossed fingers*
Lilian: Thanks! Sigh I never knew writing a fic on FOUR couples was hard work *Rain wipes sweat from forehead*. Anyway, *Rain grabs her pen, er, keyboard, raises it high, and shouts* I can do this, I WILL SURVIVE! *Rain then slumped on her computer table, drooling on the keyboard.*
MagicMizzy(still picketing): Hyuk, hyuk, hyuk! Kunzite is gonna get it REAL bad. ;-) Sorry about the long time it took in updating. *Rain twisting her leg abashedly* ;-)
Cherrystarr(): Aw, shucks. You made me blush. Hehe. ;-) Thanks.
miLady: Thanks!
White Feather: *hehe* I hoped you didn't turn red from holding your breath for too long. Gawd, can you imagine that?! It took me 2 months to update! :-( Well, hope you like the rest of the story.
By the way, do any of you know the singing group Models? And their song 'Fame'? God, I suddenly had this image of the generals owning a designer clothing/fashion mag company, and the girls working for them as ordinary photographers/assistants who were later 'discovered'. I know the plot may have been used a couple of times before but hey, I still like it. Shucks, I sense another fanfic coming. . .then again, anyone out there interested in writing this one? ;-) Just a thought.
Chapter 11 – The Dark Shadow of Love III
Darkness.
There was nothing but absolute unsettling darkness.
And daunting silence.
A few moments more passed, until a faint flicker of white light shone solely in the midst of the shadows. A deep voice was then heard to rupture the interwoven silence surrounding the darkness – and made the shadows more forbidding.
Brothers. . .
A moment later, another light appeared, tinged with the hue of silky russet. The rhythmic beating from an unknown source resonated in the background, as if an internal clock had been set to monitor the count down towards an unknown impending fate.
Another intense voice was heard.
Brother. . .
Then, a third glow appeared – momentarily disorienting the swirls of light emitted by the other two with its shade of lime. A voice joined the other entities followed by a low rumble of seemingly devious laughter.
Brothers. . .
They waited for one more.
One more blaze. . .and they would be complete.
An instant later, the familiar spark of cerulean radiance illuminated the darkness, and rested among the shadows. Silent. And still.
Done.
They were now complete.
Finally, they can now commence on what they were destined to carry out since time immemorial. And no one, absolutely NO ONE, would dare thwart them from accomplishing their deeds.
They were powerful.
And they had their personal legends to realize.
And the WHOLE universe, seeing the greatness of such legends, would conspire to fulfill these aspirations – despite the chaos and turmoil that such manifestations would bring.
What was written in the stars, the universe would NOT deny.
The light with the russet hue, spoke in greeting towards the latest entity that arrived – in a silky voice reverberating in seemingly mock amusement.
Brother.
The cerulean light then glowed in response, followed by a voice – that seemed strangely –
- annoyed.
What the hell?! Will you guys cut that out! What's with all the bloody twilight zone crap?
Russet and Lime burst out in laughter, their lights shone with their delight, while White light silently blazed on the side.
Cerulean was pissed. To say the least.
Dammit! Quit it!
Lime twinkled teasingly. Aw, did we hurt your wittle feewings, Jaedy?
Shut up, Zoi! By God, if I could just put my hands on you right now, I'll wring your pathetic little neck! Cerulean blazed in irritation.
Dazzling Russet glowed in mild amusement. Oh my, such violence. Our little firefly there must have kicked you in the ass. . .AGAIN!
And with that, three lights smoldered in rambunctious hilarity.
Cerulean was certainly NOT amused. He groaned in defeat. Why shouldn't he? What they said was TRUE anyway. His Rae was in another one of her er, moods. . .AGAIN.
Jadeite grunted miserably. It was his damn fault anyway.
Kunzite, in his white - almost silvery - radiance, spoke. What happened, Jadeite?
A snicker was heard as Zoisite's luminous lime shimmered. Must have forgotten to close his fly again. Knowing our dear little fire princess, she must have been repulsed at the sight of such a er, - MANLY display.
The shadows were again showered with iridescent sparkles as three of the glowing lights twinkled in laughter.
The fourth light however, glowed in intense irritation – and utter embarrassment.
Oh boy, if only that was what actually happened.
Jadeite sighed.
Nephrite then shimmered in unspoken sympathy – and subtle apology – to the younger man.
So, what really happened, Jadeite?
Jadeite flickered.
Suddenly, Kunzite, Nephrite and Zoisite glowed in concern.
The flickering of their inner chi usually denoted a heavy emotion for each of the generals. For the past several weeks, ever since they were able to establish their contact to one another using their mind links when they were transformed to their human counterparts, each of the shittenou have relied on deciphering the other's emotions by the way their inner chi behaved – considering that in their current situation, it was not possible for them to be together physically.
Flickering, although not altogether a bad sign, was definitely a cause for concern for the generals – who were indeed, 'brothers' to one another.
Jadeite flickered again, and scoffed at himself. He knew his friends were concerned for him, but hey, he's not going to whine and curse and yell bloody murder about his current situation. Hell, all of them were in the same banana here!
Er, I mean boat, that is.
Hmp! It was nothing really. My fault, of course. Forgot to do something, was all. Nothing to worry about.
Jadeite then shimmered questioningly. How about you guys? Had any luck?
Amazingly, the white silvery light that was Kunzite's was suddenly tinged with a rosy hue. The blushing general however attempted to remain silent and unnoticed -
- but not for long though.
Jadeite's cerulean light blazed in a naughty twinkle.
Ohohoho!!! SOMEBODY must have hit the jackpot last night! C'mon Kunzy dear, please do grace us with bawdy tales of thy amorous ventures with the lovely Lady Mina. Tsk, tsk, you dear, dear naughty old boy. . .
If it would have been possible, Kunzite would have been sporting a ticking vein in his forehead right now.
Baka!
Nephrite glowed in amusement, but his voice held sincerity upon referring to Kunzite.
Never mind, my friend. How was your um,. . .talk with the Guardian?
Kunzite was silent for a moment.
He remembered clearly of the events pertaining to his encounter with the Guardian of the Moon princesses, and scoffed,
Artemis is still acting like an ass. Still a bit wary of my so-called 'intentions' for the girls. I almost trash the little feline if it weren't for Mina's affections for the blasted rascal -
- and the fact that you were bloody half-naked at that time had nothing to do with it, of course. Zoisite sniggered teasingly.
Kunzite glowed even redder.
Jadeite smirked at the silvery-white light but twinkled at Zoisite's direction.
Hmp, look who's talking. You weren't EXACTLY dressed for the occasion yourself when you stumbled down the street from Ami's house either! Just imagine, Zoi, the excruciating ordeal those unfortunate enough to see you suffer at seeing you in your underwear! My gawd. . .they're traumatized for life. They will NEVER, EVER look at a pair of boxers in the same way again!
Lime light was suddenly tinted with red as Zoisite snorted crossly.
Bastard!
Nephrite's Russet light glowed amicably in the midst of clashing auras of lime and cerulean.
Enough with the teasing you two. I do realize that it's an outlet for you guys to somehow express how you GENUINELY miss each other and all -
WHAT?! Lime and Cerulean burst indignantly.
But we need to talk about certain things that demand our utmost attention - immediately. Nephrite continued.
Kunzite shimmered in agreement, the red hue no longer visible in his hoary radiance.
We need to confer. From what I understand, two of us have been caught, while the other two were fortunate enough to get away with it. Zoi, have you been to Ami's lately?
Zoisite sighed.
Unfortunately no. I can't seem to find a valid excuse to explain to her who I am or even what happened that day for that matter.
Blame it on the hormones, kid. You were so struck by them, you just HAD to have a seizure. Jadeite murmured impishly.
Zoisite snarled.
Let it lie, Zoi. So what have you been doing in the meantime? Kunzite continued in serious tones.
Zoisite shimmered lightly.
Well, I was able to land a job as a construction worker a few weeks ago. Had a talk with the foreman, did a few alterations in their plans, seemed to like it and finally got a supervisory position. Not exactly my dream job, but hey, it's better than sleeping on the streets. Now, I'm a proud occupant of one run-down rat-infested apartelle downtown. chuckle It's bliss, I tell you. It even has its very own toilet! Sink's busted, mind you, but hell, it's still a bloody sink! AND, . . I got me a couple of beer buddies too,. . .though it puzzles me why they run away whenever I tried turning on the lights. Those damn killjoy roaches. Zoisite finished with a tinge of mocked amusement.
Everyone was silent for a moment.
Jadeite then spoke in a gentle voice, unknowingly tinged with brotherly concern.
You should have told me, Zoi. I could have asked Hino-san a place for you and refer you to a job. There are tons of rooms back at the temple!
For a moment, Zoisite was stunned silent. A few seconds later, it was shattered when he chuckled good-naturedly at the cerulean blaze.
Awww, Jady. I'm touched, *sniff sniff*. I didn't even know you cared. Just you wait, I'm gonna build a shrine for you and gazed adoringly at your angelic face 'till the end of my grateful days.
Argh! Shut up, idiot! Cared, my ass. You were pathetic, that's all! Jadeite bawled, but was blushing nonetheless.
Zoisite merely chuckled.
Thanks, but I guess I'm ok for now. Besides, it won't be such a good idea if I suddenly showed up in your doorstep when Ami could be nearby. The girls are friends remember?
Nephrite suddenly spoke in a gentle, grave manner that was uniquely his.
Now that you mentioned it, I wonder if Lita might have told the girls about the morning she caught me. . .I mean, it's not exactly your everyday cup of tea to wake up and find a stranger in your bed and NOT tell anyone about it.
Hmm, the girls most probably went and tell at least one other member of their group. Kunzite added gravely.
Not Ami.
Three lights suddenly shone in question at the youngest general. Jadeite then chuckled,
What do you mean, not Ami? You think she'd keep your amorous rendezvous in her bathroom from her friends? My, my, I never knew the young and shy Mercurian Princess can be so. . .secretive.
Shut up, Jade, it's not what you think.
What are you saying then, Zoi?
Lime light shimmered as Zoisite gave out a long sigh.
I know Ami. . .well, I mean, the one I used to know before, that is. . .and well, she's the type of person to keep to herself, ESPECIALLY on things that she wasn't sure on how to explain - scientifically. What happened between us wasn't exactly your everyday chitchat topic over lunch, you know. Add that to the fact that she was, um, I mean, that she was not really er, passive in the uh, 'encounter' either.
Tryst, my dear. Jadeite corrected. Encounter sounds so. . .boring. And what happened between the two of you WASN'T exactly for 'General Patronage' either, more like PG-13. Hell, it might even go for an 'R'!
Zoisite blazed ominously. Would you mind?! We're talking about my baby here, 'nuff with the crude jokes.
Jadeite snickered, and then spoke excitedly in a flamboyant tone,
Oh, oh! I know that one! I heard it before, it goes something like -
And after taking a deep breath, started singing in a sultry baritone voice,
'I. . .LOVE. . .YOU. . .BABY! And if it's quite alright, I need you baby to all my lonely night, I love you baby, trust in me when I sayyyy. . .'
Nephrite roared in laughter.
Kunzite sighed in defeat, shimmering in amusement.
And Zoisite,. . .well, he can't help but feel his lips twitching in laughter at his friend's loony antics. He may act like an asshole at times, but he KNEW Jadeite.
He has a heart of gold. No wonder he was able to break through the fiery princess' defenses with just one lazy smile. Heck, even a LOOK was enough.
. . .oh pretty babe, don't bring me down I pray, oh pretty babe, now that I found you, stay, and let me love you babe, let me LOVE YOUUUU. . .!'
Zoisite heaved a long sigh and murmured in an amused and strangely affectionate tone,
Bastard.
Love you too, Zoi!
* * * * *
Nephrite stretched his long legs beneath the steel and chrome table, and let out a loud, almost lusty sound while stretching his body with catlike grace. He had been sitting down in front of his pile of work ever since lunch, and have yet to let the blood flow freely in his body after being positioned in the cramp space for a long time.
He had just spaced out a couple of minutes ago while talking to the other generals using their mind links.
Nephrite suddenly chuckled as he remembered the bickering between the two younger shittenou's while being sternly reprimanded, though not quite effectively, by the oldest of the group. The four have been in contact with each other for the past several weeks, but were only required to do so on rare occasions.
Reason one of course was, they had to undergo a lot of adjustments.
And I mean, a bloody LOT of them.
The young brunet sighed as he recalled what happened that day when he was caught by the beautiful, and unfortunately, very indignant Jupiterian princess.
His Thunderheart.
Nephrite winced.
Alas, he also remembered with such painful clarity how THUNDEROUS his beloved could be. . .
- Lita's bedroom, morning of Nephrite's awakening –
"One wrong move buster and you're gonna get it," Lita threatened in a no-nonsense voice. Her eyes blazed with fiery determination, her hands firmly holding the pepper spray in place, not even breaking a sweat.
. . .it was then that Nephrite fell.
And boy, did he fell. . .
He fell all over again.
Er, in fact he would have fallen on his butt, and a charming one it was, if not for the graver danger of finding himself at the mercy of one very scorned female. . .even IF said female was HIS.
Nephrite glanced at the raging woman in front of him and frowned when he saw her eyes glazed for an instant. Lita went stiff in her posture and for one tense silent moment, didn't breathe and didn't budge an inch. Nephrite's confusion was immediately replaced with concern. As he was about to take a step forward to ask the young woman, he startlingly heard her muttering under her breath.
". . .rid of. . .gorgeo-. . .damn, half-naked. . .damn myself to Hell. . ." Lita mumbled incoherently.
Nephrite almost grinned.
That was his Thunderheart alright.
His smile got wiped off his face however, upon seeing the girl raised her head, a particularly irritated scowl on her face while her shoulders were taut and tense.
Oh boy.
Knowing the he was terribly done for, the young brunet, acted on instinct inherent among trained military men, and took up his position of defense. He had no plans whatsoever of hurting the young woman, but hey, he's not about to get caught unaware either.
He was a frigging general, for crying out loud.
Alas, with a deep breath, Lita charged with her trusty pepper spray.
Forgive me, my love.
With quick reflexes, Nephrite swiftly heaved the blanket dropped by Lita beside the bed when she went to get the pepper spray, and hurled the cover over her entire figure. With a surprised cry, Lita dropped her weapon to somehow hoist the bulky blanket away - struggling to get out of the small cocoon of warm sheets, all the while shouting curses at the young man.
"Dammit! Oh, you're really gonna get it, you jerk!"
After finally being able to lift the blanket from her body however, the young man was no longer standing in front of her.
"What the – "
And before she could turn around to look for the culprit, her body suddenly grew taut as if caught by surprise. Seconds later she grew limp, and was about to plummet down to the floor when strong arms circled around her to catch her dropping form.
Nephrite sighed in relief – accompanied by mumbled apologies to the young brunette.
While Lita was wrestling with the blanket, the young general stealthily moved behind the struggling woman, enabling him to be in the position to administer a carefully placed assault on the brunette's delicate nape. With a light grip at the posterior base of her head, Nephrite contracted certain points of her neck muscles to put her to sleep. Lita might feel a tad strained on her neck when she woke up. Hopefully by then, he won't be there to receive the brunt of her ire.
Nephrite carefully lay down the sleeping Lita on the comfy bed and sat beside her – arranging the pillows and blanket around the slumbering beauty.
For several minutes, there was silence, as Nephrite drank thirstily of the lovely image before him.
It had been a long time. . .
. . .too long, in fact.
Nephrite would have never imagined, not even in his wildest dreams, that he could get to do this again. . .of just looking at the young woman to his heart's content. He had long been deprived of that privilege. . .and the right.
The young brunet sighed. He then reached out a hand and let it graze along one rosy cheek.
He missed doing this. Went almost nuts just thinking about it.
"I'm sorry, love."
Nephrite then leaned down to brush firm lips to succulent ones, as his hand continued brushing one soft cheek.
After what seemed like a tiny eternity, the young man leaned back and gazed at the woman before him, his eyes suddenly intense with loving determination, matching his serious hushed tone,
"Wait for me. . ."
And with that, the young general rose gracefully, picked up the offending pepper spray he found lying near his left foot, and with a final glance on the bed, ran towards the door leading him to the outside world for the first time – as a full-grown man.
- End flashback –
Nephrite shook his head promptly upon realizing he had spaced-out again. He really should avoid doing that too often if he's determined to get things done.
Two months have passed painfully slow, since the bedroom incident. Like Zoisite, Nephrite was one of the unfortunate ones to have been caught by the girls upon awakening from their 'doll' state. With nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, Nephrite decided to get on with his plan of finding a job and then saving a few bucks enough for him to eventually establish his own start-up aeronautical research project. Even up to now, his love for the galaxies and stars had never waned.
Hence, Nephrite immediately got himself a job in one of the more advanced research projects being conducted by a prestigious university in Tokyo. At first, it was dreadfully difficult to convince the board of his credibility considering his lack of valid credentials and important documents. Not to mention his oftentimes strange behavior as a result of attempting to 'settle' into the 21st century.
However, his quick mind and vast knowledge in the astrological field astounded the panel and compelled them to decide in allowing the young brunet to attend the initial briefing of the project. After a few weeks of hard work and iron-willed perseverance, his probationary status was lifted.
Nephrite again stretched his whole body to get rid of the cramps, grunting in satisfaction. In such a relaxed state, his handsome face was devoid of any somber expression that he often used in masking his emotions. He was smiling softly as he looked down at his desk and found a canister of pepper spray on top that most often became his focal point at work.
It is only proper to return borrowed things to their rightful owners, is it not?
And Nephrite was tempted, VERY much tempted, to do just that.
Soon.
Unknown to the young man, a pair of azure eyes traveled along his masculine form and rested on his handsome face. With a seductive curl on her lips, and after running her hand through her long red hair, a lithe figure approached the young brunet still sprawled on the chair.
"Tired?"
Nephrite almost yelped in surprise upon hearing the husky voice and realizing that he was not alone in the laboratory. Upon recognizing the visitor, he groaned inwardly in mild irritation and looked longingly beyond the figure, and to the closed door. The calendar hanging at the back of the door showed a picture of a newly-discovered cluster of stars that greatly interested Nephrite.
Lately he realized however, his view of the stars had been clouded by the nauseating fumes of one heavily-scented, dangerously curvaceous colleague, who seemed to be QUITE interested in certain views other than the stars themselves.
Or anything remotely skyward, for that matter. The heavily made-up gaze of one provocative female coworker seemed to be. . .captivated by certain areas of Nephrite's –
- nether regions.
The young brunet raised his right hand to slightly push his wire-framed glasses up further on his nose, and then faced the scantily-clad woman with an eyebrow raised in mild haughtiness. Inwardly, Nephrite felt like groaning in annoyance at the sight of the woman, but managed to keep a half-smile plastered on his handsome face.
"Tired? Not at all, just occupied."
Yvonne sauntered towards the young man and gracefully sat on top of Nephrite's desk, legs raised carefully while still keeping her eyes on the young man to cross one to the other in a sultry fashion. The woman was at her utmost element, and she damn well knew how to play her cards right. Who knows, she might even get lucky tonight.
"Nephrite dear, it's already way past 9 o' clock in the evening. Surely, a –"
She paused as she reached out a dainty hand to brush off an invisible flint on the young man's muscled arm.
And seemed to not have the least bit intention of withdrawing her manicured hand from where it lay anytime soon.
"As I was saying, a MAN such as yourself, doesn't need to work over long hours of the night. You need to relax, Nephrite. Otherwise, you'll end up –"
Yvonne suddenly reached out a second hand to touch Nephrite's forehead, and then slowly traced her long fingernails downwards from the corner of his eyes to his lips in a seductive manner.
" – all wrinkled." She finished in a husky murmur.
The young red-haired woman was leaning so close to Nephrite that only a few inches more, and scarlet lips would have brushed over firm ones.
Yvonne lowered her eyes and raised them again to gaze seductively at aquamarine ones, and almost purred in satisfaction.
The young brunet looked dazed. Yvonne then knew she was going to have one helluva fantastic night. After weeks of hard 'work', and not so subtle hints to the apparently oblivious man, she could finally mark him as hers.
With a seemingly triumphant grin, Yvonne leaned towards the man while wetting her lower lip with a flick of her tongue. Men loved that in her, and she knew how to use it up to her maximum advantage.
She HAD him. The poor boy just couldn't resist her.
Pity.
Nephrite however, didn't want to be 'HAD'. . .by her in particular.
It was then that the normally well-mannered brunet had taken a drastic change in his serene and courteous personality.
Besides, desperate situations call for desperate measures.
Nephrite was so dazed by Yvonne's heavy perfume that he almost puked in disgust.
Clearing his throat, Nephrite ignored the woman's surprised yelp as he suddenly stood up and without a blink, started cleaning up his stuff on the desk, fixing his files and arranging them accordingly.
"I do appreciate the. . .'concern', Yvonne." Nephrite murmured ominously – a scary notion for a normally tolerant man. "But you see, - "
The large figure stepped back abruptly to push his seat under the desk and looked at the young, obviously baffled, speechless woman whose face caked with rouge was mere inches from his own.
" – I have no need of it. You are absolutely right, my dear. I do NEED to relax. Therefore, I'm leaving right now, to find me a fabulous spa place, get myself buck naked, AND – "
Nephrite then leaned further to whisper in Yvonne's ear.
" - take a dip in the steamy luxurious bath, with MY WOMAN."
And with a smirk, Nephrite turned around and marched towards the glass door and left the open-mouthed Yvonne to the flies.
Nephrite merely snorted in utter satisfaction,
Lita honey, you better have one hotdamn sexy swimsuit for all my troubles, or there'll be hell to pay!
* * * * *
"I tell you, Lita, this sexy silk green number IS the ONE!"
"For once, I totally agree with meatball-head here, Lita. It looks fabulous on you!"
"Rae!!!"
Lita laughed as she settled her gaze on Serena and Rae who were, as usual, squabbling like little children instead of acting like the young adults that they were.
Lita and Rae were out shopping at one of the malls when they met up with Serena and Darien in one of the more classy fashion boutiques. Immediately, the girls exchange squeals of delight upon discovering that the young brunette is in need of an attire and a total makeover for her job application in one of the more posh restaurants in downtown Tokyo. Darien only managed to greet the girls with a welcoming smile and a polite nod, before he too was hastily dragged along by one rambunctious blonde.
In any event of course, Serena and Rae would always find time to express how genuinely they care for one another. . .
. . .er, no matter how intense and ferocious the outcome may be.
Then again, they wouldn't be 'Serena' and 'Rae' without all the racket and pandemonium that was Rae-Serena's trademark.
Lita spoke, a trace of laughter still in her voice,
"Oh, come on you two. I need fashion consultants here, not female wrestlers. You can continue tussling AFTER you help me get a fantastic set of clothes."
"But Lita," Serena whined in a sultry voice which amazingly became so for the past couple of years – unknowingly driving Darien to blissful distraction at times.
"I'm no longer a meatball-head! See?! No more meatball buns! Haven't had them for two long years!. . .And do wipe that smirk off your face, Darien."
Rae grunted sardonically,
"Tch, I wasn't referring to your hairdo alone, princess. Your hair's not the only 'meatball' in that silly blonde head of yours."
Serena merely gave Rae the 'tongue' and unknowingly looked adorable in doing so. The raven-haired Darien then shifted nearer to the young blonde and encircled her waist with a lean arm, bringing her startled form closer to his tall figure - his lips brushing the top of her head, taking note of the absence of two adorable 'meatball' buns.
"Do that again, Sere, and I won't be responsible for my actions." Darien spoke in a soft undertone only Serena could hear.
The young blonde blushed red in response and moved a step back from the young man to give him a shy but knowing look - smiling coyly,
"Darien, behave."
Darien merely shrugged, an indication that he won't be hesitant in carrying out his threat despite their location and the company they're with. Nonetheless, he tightened his grip around Serena and kissed her lovingly on the forehead.
Lita smiled upon seeing the couple. Despite the 'cheeziness' and the sickeningly sweet behavior of the two, Lita can't help but feel happy for her friends. They are the two most deserving people she knew, and she would die defending the precious love they shared.
Of course, she also can't help but feel envious of the two either. Heck, who doesn't?
It has been a long time since she went out with a guy.
A damn long time.
And it's all because of one frigging dream!
It only took one bloody dream, and one glimpse of perfect masculine embodiment, and Lita was a goner. . .way, way gone. In fact, she felt like one of the cartoon characters from Warner Brothers that kept on falling off the cliff despite the brilliant ideas and amazing ACME merchandise.
Lita never looked at another guy again, EXCEPT however for brunettes having russet hues which she found amazingly so enticing. Whenever she caught sight of long auburn-haired men, her heart soared in remarkable heights, only to be hauled back heftily down on earth when she realized he's not the one in her dream.
Of course he's not, you dope! Lita admonished herself. How could he be, he's just a dream! A damn good one at that, but just a dream nevertheless.
The young thunder princess sighed deeply at the sudden rush of desperation and loneliness that came through her whole being. Deep in her heart, she knew, despite the continuous denials and self-reproach, she's yearning.
Add that to the fact that for the past few weeks, her frustration of not being able to find her doll, Nate, had pushed her to her very limits. She didn't almost recognize her room after she rummaged every nook and corner just to look for her dearest doll. At times, she even found herself crying in her sleep, which is actually pathetic since it was JUST a damn doll.
But it was HER damn doll. And she missed it. She missed her Nate. She almost told the other girls of her situation but decided against it. Hell, it's enough already that she told Rae of her silly dream about the gorgeous guy she found on her bed, telling her of her despair over the loss of her doll would probably make her flip.
And now, she had THIS to deal with.
Damn him! It's his damn fault why I'm shriveling up like an old maid! Argh!!!
Serena looked strangely at her friend when she saw a dark cloud passing over Lita's features, and seemed to be in a very heated argument with herself.
"Um, Lita?"
". . ."
"Hey, Lita? Yohoo, earth to Lita, come in Lita."
". . ."
Rae scooted over her two friends and tried waving her hands in front of the stumped brunette. The taller girl however, didn't even look up. Rae was at a loss,
"Houston, we have a problem."
Serena sweatdropped and snapped her fingers, awkwardly I might add, in front of the young brunette, but still to no effect. She looked at the raven-haired fire princess and both nodded in silent agreement.
Darien immediately run for cover.
"One. . .two. . .three! –
- LITA!!!!"
Lita winced at the sudden maltreatment being directed to her delicate ears and smiled in embarrassment.
"Er, he,he. . .sorry about that. Yeah, Sere?"
"Lita, what's wrong? You. . .you looked, well, you looked kinda lost."
Lita inhaled sharply at the young blonde's observation.
She's right. She WAS lost. She was loosing her frigging mind over a frigging imaginary guy! How pathetic can you get?!
Lita chuckled, recovering momentarily from her bout of despair and self-pity. She was planning to get a dress for her job interview, and a dress she will get!
"Sorry 'bout that, honey." Lita cheerfully responded. "Don't worry, I'm a-ok! SO, what do you think of this one? I wonder if they have another one in silver. . .ooh, this one,. . .hmm, don't like the cut though, too wide at the hips, oh well. . .oh my, I forgot I also need a swimsuit. . ." Lita continued in her tirade as if nothing happened, while both Rae and Serena looked baffled at the brunette's actions. At first, the young blonde hesitated in letting go of the issue, but the reassuring grip on her shoulder told her to do otherwise in the meantime.
Darien gazed at his girlfriend and then gave her a comforting smile. Serena smiled in return and raised one hand to cover his hand on her shoulder.
Let her be, she will come to us in due time if needed be. With that, Serena suddenly perked up at the sight of another gown displayed on one of the mannequins and proceeded to fuss over Lita. Rae, taking the silent cue, ensued her verbal spar with the young blonde as the small group walked further inside the boutique.
Unknown to the small group, a pair of aquamarine eyes followed their every movement. Specifically, of one tall lovely brunette.
In the man's hands lay a lovely designer emerald two-piece suit – and expensive looking I might add. The man walked towards the salesgirl who suddenly straightened her posture upon seeing the approaching handsome gentleman. The tall man gave her a smile and spoke to her in mild tones,
"Excuse me, miss. Could you please recommend this suit to the young lady in that group. . .the one with the brown hair in ponytail."
The salesgirl was at loss upon seeing the exquisite suit – it was one of their newer expensive designs,
"Um,. . .yes, sir. No problem. Though I'm afraid she might not be able to afford it. . .no offense meant, sir, but she DID mention to me awhile ago if I could point out a good sound suit for her AND at a reasonable price."
"I understand, but please show it to her and tell her the price in half."
"S-sir? B-but that -"
"Tell her there's a promo for this new design you're selling and you're cutting off half of its price just for the day."
The tall man suddenly leaned towards the salesgirl and whispered sheepishly,
"Don't worry, I'll pay for the entire cost, just give it to her at any price you'd think she'll have it, then you can consider her payment as sort of like a commission for you."
He then leaned back to look at the wide-eyed salesgirl. Seeing the astonishment, hesitation and curiosity in her eyes, he then proceeded to gamble his final card.
"Please. . .I'm. . .a 'friend', you see." He looked at her meaningfully. . .and pleadingly –
- and did I mention adorably so?
Upon hearing and seeing that, the salesgirl suddenly opened her mouth in a small 'oh' of understanding and started to smile warmly at the tall dashing figure. Damn, that girl is a lucky one. she thought.
"Yes, sir. I'll do as you ask right away."
With a smile of appreciation, the young man reached out for his wallet to take out his credit card and gave it to the petite girl.
"Thank you. I really do appreciate it. And. . .I would be grateful if she doesn't know about this."
"You have nothing to worry, sir." The salesgirl took the credit card and the dress, and proceeded to the counter. After signing the receipt and retrieving his card, the tall man nodded gratefully at the salesgirl and started to walk away.
"By the way, sir. . ."
The tall man turned his head to look at the young girl questioningly.
"Wish you good luck with her, she's one lucky girl."
The auburn-haired man merely smiled,
"No my dear, I'M the lucky one." And with that parting shot, he went out of the sliding doors.
* * * * *
Kunzite was NOT pleased.
He had just been banana-splitted. If there ever was such a term.
The young silver-haired man was currently sandwiched between two lively bundles of redheads who seemed to make it their lifelong commitment to torment the young brooding man to his insanity.
Not a long way to go, judging by the rate they're going.
Suddenly, another bundle lunged itself towards the unsuspecting Kunzite and started licking his face, which was remarkably doused with chocolate syrup and dripping whipped cream. Giggles were then heard, and in the midst of it, a manly groan of revulsion.
"Haha, Ramram likes choc'late! Ramram likes choc'late!"
Said bundle on Kunzite's lap with dripping saliva on his lolling tongue then sat back and barked at the seemingly infuriated young man drenched in sickeningly sweet sundae.
With a growl, Kunzite glared sternly at the stupid mutt who just tilted its head in utter ignorance of its misconduct.
Kunzite had just treated the Thompson twins with sundaes that afternoon on the porch when suddenly Ramram, their little rascal of a dog, decided he wanted Kunzite to dress as a banana split. Barking happily, the black Labrador launched himself on the table and somehow splattered the sundae all over the young man. The girls found it so – interestingly fun that they started hurtling themselves towards the poor boy and wiped their equally messy hands to his face in mischief.
Looking down at himself, Kunzite found his white shirt stained with chocolate syrup in paw prints and tiny human hands. With a louder growl, the silver-haired man glowered at the delinquent canine who was now busying itself licking its paw of the remaining sundae.
"Why you rotten little – "
"My, my Kunzite, I never knew you could even converse with dogs, much less, dressed as a sundae." A teasing voice suddenly interrupted the young man's er, one-sided discussion with the mutt.
Kunzite inhaled sharply at the sound of the voice, and turned to look at the newcomer, cursing under his breath.
The young man who stood before Kunzite, chuckled at the taller man as he took note of the mess. He then turned his face towards the twins and gave them a wink to which the girls giggled in delight.
Kunzite merely renewed his current onslaught of curses.
"Tsk tsk, do be careful with your language, Kunzite. There ARE young minds about. We don't want their vocabulary suddenly altered with such um, - colorful words."
Kunzite merely grumped, while wiping his face with a handkerchief he produced from his pocket. He then glared at the younger man,
"What are you doing here Artemis? And 'IN' that?"
Artemis knew what Kunzite was referring to. He was wondering himself why he bothered using his human form to talk to the silver-haired man.
Then again, how often in a lifetime do you come by a talking cat?
"Walking around, Kunzite. Just walking around." Artemis answered still wearing a smile on his striking face, though beneath the exterior, Kunzite sensed a certain seriousness in Artemis' tone.
With the decision to have whatever Artemis was referring to done and over with, Kunzite stood up and with both arms, gently seized two giggling twins in his wide arms. He then looked at the other man and nodded politely.
"I'll just be cleaning up these two,. . .after they get severely spanked, that is, for the mess they did." Kunzite looked at the twins sternly but failed to scare them to submission. Instead they merely giggled and played with his long silver strands.
Artemis smiled. Despite Kunzite's threat and stern glance, he knew that the older man adored the kids and would never raise a hand against them no matter what happened. He realized this when he discreetly watched Kunzite the other day tend to one of the twins when she fell on her tiny bike and got scratched on the knee. The girl's whimpers were later reduced only after the silver-haired man cleaned the wound and gave it a surprisingly tender kiss. Since then, he was their hero and champion. And in one of their more tender moments, the twins declared themselves his future brides. Kunzite snorted at the thought, of course, but a softness can be seen filled his striking grey eyes.
Artemis chuckled.
Too bad he's taken, my dears.
With that thought, the Guardian of the moon princesses reminisced to the day when he came face to face with the steely young general in his ward's bedroom.
- Mina's bedroom, several weeks ago –
Artemis was grinning. . .looking ridiculously smug upon observing the tall silver-haired man as he stood up from his crouched position near Mina's bed and started making his way to the opened balcony where he stood on his four furry legs.
It's time, he thought. He then stopped grinning and wore a serious look in preparation of the encounter,. . .and the trial to be conducted.
Suddenly crouching down in a seemingly alert position, Artemis let out an angry hiss to catch the tall man's attention.
Kunzite spun around to be confronted by the white cat and stood frozen. His striking grey eyes clouded in recognition, frustration, and yes, even a tad of fear.
Not of fear from him, Artemis thought, but of the repercussions of him telling Mina of his presence in her bedroom. . .and in her life.
"Artemis. . ."
"Kunzite."
Upon hearing his name uttered by the feline, Kunzite stiffened but remain firm in his stance, not backing up nor moving forward. It's obvious however, that the tall man was astounded and grew cautious.
"Y-you know me." It was not a question but a statement.
Artemis merely grunted and started traipsing leisurely at the railing of the balcony, with an air of arrogant indifference peculiar to his kind. Kunzite seemed to find this behavior irritating but remained silent as he listened to the white cat.
"Several months ago, Luna and I were just settling in our new home when we both had a vision. I can't tell you now the content of such revelation but suffice to say, we were no longer surprised at the sudden appearance of four 'stuffed toys' at the arms of the girls."
Kunzite grimaced upon hearing Artemis' referral to dolls and bristled silently at the latter. Both of them weren't exactly on friendly terms even way back in the Silver Millenium. Artemis, who was then in human form, was the Guardian of the moon princesses together with his life-companion, Luna, and both had been quite protective of the girls. Artemis particularly, adored Mina like a sister and was quite vocal about his concern of Mina with regards to the stoic general. Although he wasn't totally against the relationship of the two, he still acted like the 'overly protective brother' of the Venusian princess.
Even so, Kunzite was grateful to Artemis. He might not be considered as a friend, but the silver-haired general trusted the equally fair-haired man then unwaveringly. And when the couple had finally announced their engagement to the people, the Guardian merely nodded in acquiescence and surprised Kunzite by proceeding to arrange the wedding of the two. In an unspoken agreement, the two men became, not the best of friends maybe, but the most trusted of comrades.
That is,. . .until that day when chaos and madness overtook everything and destroyed almost everyone.
Kunzite gazed at the purring feline and spoke gravely,
"We mean no harm. We didn't ask to be made into dolls nor did we expect to be in the presence of the senshi's, though I couldn't say that we regretted it happened. We're here now. . .we were brought here for a reason. . .I found Mina - ," Grey eyes suddenly darkened in fierce determination. " – and I intend for it to stay that way."
Artemis merely growled irately and returned Kunzite's hard glare with a cold look,
"You do realize Kunzite. . .they have no memories whatsoever of the Silver Millenium - they were reborn to this world with hardly any baggage from the tragic past. You forgot also. . .that you didn't exactly parted amicably before. What made you think she'll welcome you with open arms now?"
Kunzite heaved a deep sigh, as he tried to calm his troubled mind. Indeed, Mina hasn't seen him as a full-grown man yet, and if she did, would she be able to recognize him? Would she despise him and loath him when she discovered who he really was?
Kunzite's jaw tightened as he regarded the cool gaze of the white cat,
"What happened in the past was not of our consent, Artemis. You might find that hard to believe but we were not who we were then. We too were victims of such tragic circumstances. I can't tell you exactly what happened, for it is quite long. But I assure you, had I any intention of hurting Mina or the others, I wouldn't be here like THIS right now."
Artemis merely looked at the tall silver-haired figure, and after what seemed like a long time, purred in satisfaction.
Kunzite, upon seeing the relaxed figure of the cat almost sighed in relief.
Almost, that is -
Until the sound of a flushing toilet coming from the bathroom brought the tall man back to reality hard.
"Damn!" Kunzite swore.
"Tsk, tsk. You know better than to swore in Mina's presence, Kunzite." Artemis who looked unperturbed by the sound Mina was making at the bathroom jumped from his position at the railing and sauntered to the tall man fluidly.
Kunzite gave the cat a freezing glare but stood his ground. It's no use, even if Kunzite was able to go around Artemis to jump over the railing of the balcony. He would still inform Mina of his presence in her life. And right now, he's torn on whether to stay and just face the consequences himself, or run away in hiding first to think of a plan.
Artemis, who was looking at the troubled man, decided to put his plan - or rather, the man's fate - into action.
"You don't need to worry, Kunzite." Artemis tilted his small head to look at the baffled general. "Like what you said, you were brought here for a purpose. That same purpose came to us in my vision, and Luna and I had already discussed this. We won't say anything to the girls. All of this, will be through all in due time. Because of that, I think it's best if you won't be here when Mina comes out of her bathroom. Another time perhaps, but not today."
Kunzite, for all his iron stoicism, was for once, unsure of how to react. Unable to express his feelings, he nodded gratefully albeit reluctantly to the white cat.
"But. . .what would happen? Would I –"
"We will talk later, Kunzite. Your questions will be dealt with later. Luna's waiting for you outside. In the meantime, get your butt out of my ward's bedroom!"
- End flashback –
* * * * *
Artemis thoughtfully scratched his chin as he walked towards the front porch of the Thompson's, waiting for Kunzite to come out of the house.
After Kunzite jumped over the railing, Artemis found himself greeting the blonde Venusian princess with a smirk as she was coming out of the bathroom. With a delighted squeal, Mina launched herself to hug the cat in a warm tight embrace, sobbing happily at the sight of her beloved friend. For indeed, it had been quite sometime since they last saw each other, him being away with Luna to finally settle down and her finishing her studies. It took almost hours of talking and laughing with the blonde before he finally convinced Mina that he was merely 'visiting'.
When he finally left, and not without another bout of Mina's dramatic goodbyes, he met with Kunzite a few yards away from Mina's house. Since then, the two men have been in constant company with the other.
Of course, half of the time, they were at each other's throats. Luna however, merely laughed at the men's behavior, saying they acted more like brothers even if both were adamant in denying such.
Besides, they're on a mission here.
Artemis frowned at the thought, reminding himself of the reason why he was seeing Kunzite today in the first place.
As if on cue, the door opened to reveal a still grumpy newly-changed Kunzite. The tall man looked at Artemis and sauntered down the steps wearing a frown on his face. The former saw the troubled look worn by Artemis and he immediately saw the need for the latter to talk.
"What is it, Artemis?"
Artemis' troubled gaze rested on the serious face of the older man and spoke in a low tone,
"Mina's looking for you. . ."