By Any Means Necessary
Written by wingedleona
I do not own Sailor Moon.
Author's Note: Merry Christmas. This is dedicated to everyone who has reviewed. Beautiful people! Enjoy!
"It's freezing out here", muttered Ami as she hurriedly crossed the street. Her heels rang across the pavement, as she quickly strode to the door. Shivering, she opened the heavy glass door and walked inside, sighing as the warm air hit her face. Almost immediately she was soothed by the atmosphere of the place. It was dim, warm, intimate, and lit with candles. The heavenly smell of Italian food reminded her that she hadn't eaten since lunch and Makoto's brownies did not cut it.
Her stomach growled. She scanned the restaurant looking for the blond, her heart pounding. She was nervous and despite Minako's tips, she didn't think that she could get the flirting thing down. Ami didn't flirt. She…she wasn't quite sure what she did but it wasn't Minako's coy, brazen looks and pickup lines. She liked to think that she was more subtle. Men usually approached her and if she didn't run away screaming, then they got her number. And she had never "dated" anyone as good looking as he was. At least something told her that it was a date and not a business transaction.
"May I help you miss?", asked the host, startling her out of her thoughts. Oh no thought Ami, I don't even know his name! She uncomfortably looked around the crowded restaurant and unconsciously rubbed her arms.
"Yes. I'm looking for someone and I'm afraid that I don't even know his name", she said chuckling. The host smiled and replied, "Was he a blond gentleman with green eyes?"
"Yes!", she exclaimed, relieved.
"He didn't know your name either, but he told me to keep an eye out for a navy haired young woman with blue eyes. Although I can't quite tell if your hair is navy in this light", said the host smiling. Ami laughed completely at ease with the friendly gentleman.
"Allow me to take your coat. This way please", he said. She followed him into the restaurant and up the carpeted stairway. It led to a large balcony that overlooked the crowded room and there he was. He was sitting by the window at a table for two lit by candles. Ami caught her breath and everything seemed to slow down as she crossed the room. His hair reflected the candlelight, a blond mass of curls, and was a little past his shoulders and tied back. This however did not prevent flyaway tendrils from escaping and framing his face. He was a mixture of femininity with his long hair. But his strong jaw line and sharp features gave him a distinctive masculine aura. His sharp green eyes assessed her and he raised a blond eyebrow. Ami fought hard not to blush. She was overdressed. Damn Minako and everyone else. Damn him and his eyebrows. He had her papers! He stood up in his dark suit and made his way over to where she was.
"I believe that I have not had the pleasure Miss?", he asked gravely serious.
"Ami Mizuno", she responded in kind.
"A pleasure", he brushed his warm lips across her hand. The host laid the menu down and walked away smiling.
"Zoisite Alderton. Allow me", he seated her carefully and sat down.
To avoid scrutiny, she opened the menu and hid herself behind it feeling slightly exposed under his gaze. After allowing this for some time he asked, "Have you decided upon your meal?"
Ami looked up, ready to face him and the green gaze that unnerved her so. "The salmon and pasta Alfredo", she told him meeting his eyes.
He chuckled, "Well it seems that I have ordered the same thing. Here I was hoping that I could filch some food off your plate."
Ami smiled, "Hmm, filch. Good word", they both smiled at ease with one another for the moment. The host came and took Ami's order.
"Have you been waiting long?", she asked frowning.
"No, not long at all. So Mizuno-san, tell me about yourself", he asked curious. His elbow was propped on the table. Chin in hand. Some of his hair had spilled over his shoulder as he leaned forward to give her his full attention.
"Well…that's a rather broad question. I am 23 yrs old. in medical school and working part time at a laboratory", she said, fidgeting with her water glass.
Silence.
"Favorite Color?"
"Blue"
"Music?"
"Classical, rock…sometimes hip-hop"
"Hair Color?"
Smile. "Blue"
"Dyed?"
"No!"
"Dress?"
"Nordstrom"
"It's nice"
Blush. "Thank you"
"IQ?"
Laughter. "300"
"Really?"
"Yes"
"Oh. Wow. I didn't really want to know. But now that you told me…"
Silence.
"So blue hair and an IQ of 300, huh?"
Stare. "Yes"
"Fascinating…"
Silence.
"So what about you?"
"Well… that's a rather broad question, isn't it Mizuno-san?"
Blush.
"But since you asked. I am 26 yrs. old and working for a law firm."
Silence.
"Oh and, Green, Rock, Blond, Never in life, Brooks Brothers, and no idea but I'm sure it's higher than yours"
Cool stare. "Oh?"
Chuckle, low and rich. "Whoever heard of a genius who knocked over helpless blondes?"
Blush. "Aren't we supposed to be an eccentric bunch?"
Laugh. "I mean, I guess. Never met a genius before"
Silence. Comfortable this time.
"Hobbies?"
"Swimming, Chess, and I like to read. You ?" I save the world too, she thought.
"Fencing, Chess, and I'm trying to learn how to cook. I'm not sure I'm succeeding at that. I've gotten handy at diffusing the smoke alarm though", he said smiling.
Ami laughed at him.
"So, tell me Mizuno-san. Who taught you how to drive?"
She froze in her seat and blushed unable to meet his gaze. His eyes sparkled mischievously. "I heard this splendid crash when I was inside the bookstore and from the way you ran inside, I assumed that it was you who caused the untimely demise of that poor mailbox. From your telltale behavior, I see that I've assumed correctly", he said grinning.
Ami laughed embarrassed, "Well I usually don't act like that."
"Mmhmm", he said nodding sagely.
"But my driving skills are attributed to Haruka-chan, a dear friend of mine. She's a racecar driver and she helped me and my friends procure our licenses", she laughed her eyes sparkling as she remembered the disastrous driving lessons. Apparently, Minako still needed a few more on road rage. Haruka didn't set the best example. If she had a nickel for every time Haruka lost patience and drove in the emergency lane during rush hour traffic, she'd be able to pay off her medical school tuition for all four years several times over. Minako always gave Haruka tips on what to do in traffic court in order to get off with a slap on the wrist. Minako and Haruka were infamous among the court judges; Minako more for her acting skills and tears than anything else.
"Mikayuzi Haruka?", he asked.
" No, Tenou Haruka", she replied.
"My, my aren't we well connected?", he said chuckling good-naturedly.
You have no idea she thought to herself smiling slightly.
"Can I get an autograph?", he asked quizzically.
She raised an eyebrow. "That all depends", she said negotiating.
"On?"
"The papers Alderton-san"
"Ah, I see", he replied almost mockingly.
The food had arrived and over Salmon and Fettuccine Alfredo they discussed and argued everything. Ami had never met anyone who unabashedly talked about all the taboo topics, politics, religion and love, on the first date. Well except for her friends, who were rather forthright, when it came to those topics. Then again…she hadn't had too many dates; maybe this is how people did things. Can this even be classified as a date, she thought.
They were discussing the Japanese court system and its flaws when the host informed them that the restaurant was closed. Ami pulled out her cell phone and looked at the time. It was almost 1 in the morning and she still hadn't gotten the papers. Damn it and she had 11 missed calls. She had gotten so engrossed in the conversation that she hadn't noticed the time. They made their way downstairs and he helped her shrug into her coat. Or rather, Rei's coat. They thanked the host and stood outside the restaurant for a moment. He was…nice. Very nice. Trustworthy, she decided. However, she could see that he wasn't going to give up the papers. He hadn't mentioned them once in the whole conversation. Bastard, she thought annoyed. He smiled at her as if he could read her thoughts.
"Would you like to take a look at the papers?", he asked her. She stared at him. It was 1 in the morning. She bit her lip. She could trust him. And if she got into trouble she could call the scouts. Right?
"Sure", she said hesitantly. They got into his car and Ami pulled out her cell phone. Just in case, she was never seen again, she thought, dialing Makoto's number.
"Moshi, moshi?", came her voice, slightly breathless.
"Hi. I'm just letting you know that I'm stopping by his place to look at the papers"
"We know."
"Nani!"
"We're following you."
"Mako!", she hissed face blazing. There was a slight scuffle and Mina chirped.
"He's sooo hot! Ami you have the best luck! You're a genius and he's hot!" Another scuffle. This time, Rei.
"Ami! What are you thinking! It's 1 in the morning! I slipped a can of mace in your purse, while you were the shower. Spray him and get out of there! What if he's a pervert!" Another scuffle.
"Ami! Don't you dare! He's hot and I will be so mad at you!", shrieked Mina.
"Ami?", Usagi's voice came in over the phone slightly sleepy and calm, "Do you trust him?"
"Yes", she said her heart pounding.
"Then, you'll be okay. Just don't have sex with him or anything"
Ami smiled, "Okay, Usagi" Another scuffle. In the background she could hear cries of "Ouch! Your foot is in my face!"
"Give me the phone, pyro!"
And, "Don't make come back there!"
Mina's triumphant and breathless voice came on the phone.
"Don't you listen to her! You do whatever it takes! And if that doesn't work, then I'll seduce him!"
"You'll do no such thing!", snapped Ami.
"I knew it! You like him! You guys! Ames likes Goldilocks!", she crowed.
Ami hung up abruptly and sighed, pressing her forehead against the cool glass. They were going to give her hell in the morning.
"Is everything okay?", he asked smiling faintly. Ami scowled and wondered how much of the conversation he heard.
"Yes, my friends…", she said by way of explanation.
"Ah, I see", he said chuckling.
Silence.
"So why Einstein?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you want the papers so badly?"
"I had a crush on him when I was child. And I admire his work", she said. Ami widened her eyes. What was wrong with her! She just told him that she had a crush a on a dead man! There was a dead silence.
"Don't you dare", said Ami. He burst out laughing. Ami groaned and sank down further in her seat blushing furiously. She glared at him.
"I'm sorry. It's just…", he shook his head laughing harder. Ami turned towards the window.
"Oh, come on. Alright, alright. I'll tell one of mine", he said. She turned towards him and raised an inky blue eyebrow.
"You can't laugh."
"Fine."
"Okay."
Silence.
"Well?"
"Don't rush me!"
Silence.
Deep breath.
"I had a crush on Margaret Thatcher." She pulled a straight face.
"You're laughing!"
"No, I'm not"
"You're smiling!"
"So I can't smile?"
"No!"
She bit her lip and burst out laughing.
"At least she's cuter and better groomed than Einstein." Ami whirled on him and defended her idol and dream man.
"She is not!"
"The man looks like a crack head bum!"
"He Was A Genius!"
"That's no excuse! He has giant bags under his eyes and his hair is wild! He always looks like he hasn't bathed!"
"He does not! You're exaggerating! And Margaret Thatcher was a wrinkled old prune!"
"Oh, and like Einstein wasn't! And at least she was well-groomed!"
Scowl. Silence. Ami stewed furious that this man owned her beloved papers.
"If you think he's so disgusting, then why did you buy the papers?", she demanded.
He smiled, his full lips slowly curving upward in a way that made her blood heat. He's gorgeous, she thought turning pink.
"Because he's a genius."
Zoicite burst out laughing at the murderous expression on her face.
Silence.
"If you're fine with his deplorable grooming habits, then what does that say about you? Hmm, Mizuno-san?"
Silence.
"Oooo! You infuriating man!", she said turning beet red.
"Just making a point", he commented mildly, turning hard not to laugh at the hysterical picture she made.
He turned into the parking lot and got out of the car. Ami let herself out, not giving him the chance to open the door for her, scowling. He smiled again and led her into the building. They rode the elevator to the third floor, her icy silence not bothering him in the least. At least, he has good taste, she thought, surveying his apartment.
It was slightly spacious. She could see his kitchen, dining room, and living room. The living room had a small fireplace and he had put votive candles on top of the mantle. The fire was merrily blazing and he had several lamps with white shades and a cream carpet. Three small, overstuffed, dark couches faced the fireplace. The dining room and kitchen were all wood. She took off her shoes and slipped her feet into the house shoes that he had for visitors. He closed the door and took her jacket.
"Make yourself at home" he said as he went to what she imagined was the bedroom. Feeling nervous, she rubbed her arms and sat on one of the couches. Ooo, nice, she thought. Very comfortable. He came out of the hallway. The papers were in a protective wrapping and he hand them to her. He had changed into a white tee-shirt and sweat pants. Obviously, you workout, she thought. He sheepishly held up a change of clothes.
"I thought you might want to change into something more comfortable. Not that I'm expecting you to stay or anything. Um, just tell me when you want to leave and I'll drive you home", he said slightly uncomfortable. Ami smiled in understanding. She fluidly rose from the couch and stood to receive the change of clothes. Their hands brushed and she fought down butterflies as she felt his warm hands against hers.
"Thank you", she said and turned to go down the hall.
"Bathroom's on your left", he called out to her. She opened the door to the bathroom and stepped in She quickly discarded the dress and donned the clothing that he offered her. She smiled. The sweatshirt completely engulfed her and the sweatpants fell in several folds at her ankles. In fact, she couldn't even see her feet. She looked like a little girl. It was nice, she felt safe and warm. She closed her eyes and inhaled. And he smells great, she thought, toes curling in delight. She blushed a bright, red color. She shouldn't even be thinking those things! Business, strictly business. And the papers were waiting! She excitedly, hurried out the door and made her way to the living room. He was already there sitting crossed legged on the floor. On the glass coffee table, papers were strewn all about as he reviewed what looked like a legal case. She curled on the couch and began reviewing the papers.
Several hours in, her eyes began to grow heavy and the excitement of the day had left her pleasantly drained and relaxed. His warm spicy scent cradled her and assured her of her safety. Slowly her head drooped and she softly slumbered. Zoicite looked up tiredly as he heard several sheets slide to the ground. She was sleeping after all that fuss about how important the papers were. He would be sure to tease her about it in the morning. He studied her face and her hair seemed bluer than ever as it reflected the firelight.
She really was pretty. It was a shame that it was all lost to a dead, unhygienic genius. Ah, well. He had been hoping to challenge her to game of chess too. Perhaps another time, he thought, as he gathered the precious papers. It was time for him to get some sleep. Luckily, it was a Friday night. He could sleep in a little and try his hand at some eggs in the morning. He was feeling lucky and the pans had a non-stick surface. The burning smell would wake her, so it wouldn't be too awkward.
She seemed like the type that would scream if she saw an unfamiliar face first thing in the morning. He covered her gently with the dark comforter at the end of the couch. She stirred and he froze not wanting to wake her up, wanting this odd, little sprite to stay a little while longer if not forever. He smoothed away the dark blue strands framing her face and gently fingered them. Impossible, little liar, he thought. I'll find that bottle of blue dye if it's the last thing I do. He slowly walked out of the living room and glanced back at the peaceful scene wistfully. He brushed his teeth, set the alarm, and stumbled into bed, exhausted.
When she came slowly into awareness the first thing she heard was the sound of pots clattering, something frying, and soft cursing. She wrinkled her nose. Something was burning. Opening her eyes and yawning, she rubbed at them trying to find her bearings. She didn't have a fireplace. The papers, was the first thing that popped into her mind. Slowly, it all came back, in bits and pieces. Good food, filching. Good conversation, something about knocking over helpless blondes. She buried her face into the pillow and she stretched.
She felt relaxed and very refreshed. More movement in the kitchen. Zoicite Alderton can't cook. Ah, there it was. She remembered. It felt odd; she had never had a sleepover with another man before. And he's impossible, she thought lazily. And good looking. She sighed. But he couldn't possibly be interested in me, she thought with a slight pang of regret and jealousy. Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, she got up and folded the blanket.
"Good morning", he said turning around. He looked slightly frustrated and distracted. His hair reflected his mood and was all over the place.
"Good morning", she responded quietly. She was adorable in his oversized sweatshirt and pants. Her hair was sticking up in odd angles and shimmered blue in the streaming morning light. He stared at her. That hair. It's got to be dyed! He thought annoyed. It was bothering him. He frowned slightly and turned around fixing his attention on his third attempt at the eggs.
"There's an extra toothbrush in the bathroom", he said waving the spatula vaguely in the direction of the bathroom.
"Thank you", she said frowning slightly. He definitely wasn't interested in her. She went to the bathroom and studied her reflection. And no wonder he stared at her! She was a mess! She hurriedly brushed her teeth and tried desperately to tame her intractable hair. In the kitchen, Zoicite cursed as the smoke alarm went off, squealing gleefully in protest. Ami winced; perhaps she had better go and help him. She gave up the fight and trotted into the kitchen.
Currently, he was jumping up and down and swatting wildly at the fire alarm with a dishrag, in a vain attempt to dissipate the smoke and fool the alarm into thinking that everything was fine. The alarm was having none of it. Behind him, his fourth attempt at the eggs merrily burned away unsupervised and added to the smoke. She smiled. Oh, what she would give for a camera. Perhaps she could blackmail him into giving her the papers, it was a thought.
It was around 12 noon when they left his apartment. He had finally gotten the eggs right after the sixth or seventh try and she still had to pick the eggshells out of her meal. He, however, was not as fastidious and grimly crunched away, citing calcium intake as his excuse. Ami's arm and neck still ached from craning her head at the alarm and swatting at it with the dish rag, due in part to his silent plea for help. In an unprecedented Usagi--like attack, she had lost her balance and fallen off the kitchen counter twice. In deference to her height and her balance, he had graciously procured a ladder, in order to better quell the sound and save her any more bruises. Her ears still rang from the alarm and she could feel a headache coming from all the smoke. It was by far, the best Saturday morning she had ever had.
The drive to her apartment was silent and uneventful. I'll probably never see him again, how sad, she thought. Makoto once told her that she could judge the importance of a person in her life by closing her eyes. "Just imagine if they weren't there. Would your life be emptier? Sadder?", she had said. It was a rainy day and they had been making sugar cookies. Makoto was at her best on those days, spouting random wisdom and advice. Her life would be a little sadder and emptier without him, she decided after closing her eyes and feeling a slight pang.
She rested her head against the window and watched the buildings flash by. He glanced over at her during a red light, shifting slightly in his seat. She looked slightly sad and regretful. He frowned pensively. There had to some way, he could see her again. She was different, shyer and he didn't want to scare her away by asking for her number. Besides he was more subtle than that. A blaring horn startled him out of his thoughts. The light was green. Scowling, he released the brake and went back to his train of thought. She was cool, calm, and collected. He had to make her angry, annoy her, perhaps. But, how? She had changed back into her dress from the night before. So he couldn't use his clothes as an excuse. The papers were in the backseat in his briefcase. Ah, an idea. He smiled smugly and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
They were standing in front of her apartment door. And I still don't have the papers, thought Ami despairingly.
"Well Mizuno-san. It has been lovely meeting you", he said gravely shaking her hand.
"Likewise Alderton-san", she said coolly.
"Before I forget", he said casually pulling out the papers. He handed them to her. Ami's eyes widened and glowed an electric blue. She gave him a beautiful, genuine smile. Zoicite felt slightly horrible and selfish, but if he gave them to her, he would never see her again. He would never find out if her hair was really dyed. She would never swat at his smoke alarm again. And he did enjoy catching her as she fell off the counter that second time, even though his fifth batch of eggs landed on the kitchen floor.
"Thank you, very much", she said breathlessly.
"You're welcome", he said over his shoulder as he walked away. He felt very cool. Her keys rang out in hallway as she tried to find the right one. He turned, sensing his perfect timing.
"Oh and Mizuno-san?", he said arrogantly as if he had just thought of it.
"Yes?", she said straightening and looking up.
"I'll be back next Friday to pick up my papers. Try not to get too attached", he said coolly. He turned around as he mentally filed away the picture of his sprite mouth wide open, clutching his papers. He would have a good laugh once he got outside.
Ami slammed the door. "Oooo! He's so …so…infuriating! Gah!", she said dumping her purse on the floor and leaning against the door.
"Is he now?", drawled a voice.
Ami shrieked and spun around. Four pairs of eyes watched her every move hungrily from her living room couch.
"How did you get in here?", she gasped clutching at her chest. She followed their gaze to what was left of her glass balcony door.
"We transformed and we were going to break in, but Usagi had a klutz attack and broke the glass door. So we decided to pay you back. Later. Much later. After you give us all the juicy details! So, did you get it on?", said Minako wiggling her eyebrow suggestively.
"I've sat here all night waiting for you and listening to Meatball Head snore. I haven't showered or brushed my teeth and I'm not leaving until I get all the details", declared Rei threateningly.
"And we're starving!", declared Usagi teary-eyed. Ami slowly backed away from the living room clutching the papers.
"Look", said Makoto, "She has the papers!" Ami whirled around and bolted for her room.
"Get her!", cried out Makoto. Ami slammed her bedroom door and locked it. She flopped onto her bed and groaned as they began pounding on her door.
"Go away!", she shouted.
"Never!", Minako's muffled voice cried out passionately. The pounding continued.
The End.
Whew! It's done yay! I'm so happy! My first one! I'm thinking of doing a M/K next. So keep an eye out! I want to thank all of you for your encouraging comments. Merry Christmas!