You've Got Mail
By Hidden Firecracker
Chapter Five: Of Romance and Humility
SHORTLY BEFORE NOON
Serenity squealed as she was jostled along the Palace floors. She wasn't quite sure what in Selene's name was happening to her. One minute she stood in her bedroom, dressing for the day, when she heard a suspicious call of VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN followed by her being yanked over to her bedroom door. Things whizzed by in a blur and before she could catch her breath, she felt herself being blindfolded. She had a sneaking suspicion that Rei was behind that one. She knew it had to be Makoto who picked her up and slung her over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She felt herself bouncing up and down with the rhythm of Makoto running. That was definitely the sounds of four mischievous friends giggling.
"Got the luggage?" asked Makoto?
"Check," replied Ami?
"Program in the coordinates?" asked Minako?
"Check," replied Ami. That was definitely Ami.
"Then we are off!" said Rei. It had to be Rei. Serenity felt a familiar forceful pull, the signature mark of a transport off of the Moon. The screeching sounds of whirling wind stopped abruptly to be replaced by…birds? Water? Endymion's kisses? Endymion's kisses! Men laughing in the background and more giggles. She heard some hushed whispering and felt Endymion turning her around. He pulled the red blindfold off and SURPRISE!
Serenity jumped back, startled by the shrill shout of 15 excited people. Everyone stood looking at her eagerly and she broke into a trademark grin. She stood on a beach facing a vast expanse of clear blue water. A huge house, looking more like a tree house built into a hill, sat behind her.
"You are all here…and where are we?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"That's why you dragged me across the Palace," she continued, realization dawning in her azure eyes. "You kidnapped me! That must be it…or else you would have warned me about coming here. Hey! I knew you were all acting mysterious. You were planning something! Where are we? Who are you?" she asked in the direction of two men standing very close to Hotaru and Setsuna.
"Is this a surprise party? For me? My mom let you take me? Where are we?" She squealed out in one breath. Endymion laughed.
"Well, if you would take a deep breath I could have a moment to tell you." Serenity obediently closed her mouth and looked expectantly at the group. Minako stepped forward.
"We," she said pointing proudly to Ami, Rei and Makoto, "wanted to give you a wild surprise birthday party full of adventure, mystery and some men."
"So we dragged the guys and the Outers into it…" began Makoto.
"…and did nothing but send SM-mail ALL vacation…" interrupted Rei.
"…but we arranged a 6 day vacation in Costa Rica where Jadeite and Nephrite – the two boys grinned – planned out something different and exotic to do each day. Zoisite and I made a sunscreen for you so you don't have to worry about a tan…" continued Ami.
"…and I had to endure your friends hitting on their boyfriends…" interjected Haruka. Endymion rushed in.
"…but we hope you enjoy it. This weekend is all about you," he finished. Serenity stood smiling a Cheshire cat grin.
"And who are your guests, Hotaru and Setsuna?" she asked mischievously, turning to the two ladies. It was only then that Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoisite noticed the company of people outside of their intimate circle of invitees to the private party. Endymion and Zoisite's jaws dropped while Nephrite, Kunzite and Jadeite slowly broke into wide grins. They realized right away what the presence of these two men meant.
Haruka nudged Michiru and said, "this ought to be good." Michiru nodded in agreement.
Ami stepped forward and lightly placed her finger on Zoisite's still gaping mouth to gently push it closed.
"Well boys," she began sweetly, "I wager you expected this to be a private party, and I'm sure Endymion and Zoisite have been busy writing a long list of expectations for their personal slaves." At this, Nephrite, Kunzite and Jadeite's jaws popped open and Zoisite's jaw fell back down. Ami reached up and closed it for him again.
"Yet you boys underestimated us. Never let your guard down around a Senshi!" with that she walked confidently over to her fellow Senshi. The boys stood in wonder. How had these girls figured it all out to the last detail?
"The prospect of a naked Zoi and Endy was just too irresistible to pass up," cooed Minako, winking at Kunzite.
"And we weren't so sure that Endy and Zoi deserved the luxury of personal slaves for a week," added Makoto.
"But don't worry, we ensured that Jed, Neph and Kunzite would get their just desserts, too. We have a surprise for you three so that Endy and Zoi won't be the only two of you "on display" at the next Terran Ball," smirked Rei. The Generals looked nervous. Serenity looked curious.
"So we told Setsuna and Hotaru to invite some friends so this would no longer be a private party." The Generals exchanged glances. Serenity looked intrigued. Hotaru took this as a cue and stepped forward to introduce her gentleman friend.
"Everyone, this is General Kingsley LeClaire of Saturn. He just took the General's oath and passed the trials a month ago. His father is the High General of Saturn, but I'm sure he could learn more from you Earth Generals," she said pleasantly. She nodded at Setsuna and she began to speak.
"This is Lord Sahlih Ananya Nehru the III, from one of the more notable families of Pluto. I've known him all my life," she said simply. Lord Sahlih made a deep bow to the group and General Kingsley noticed and repeated the motion. The Earth Generals and Endymion returned the gesture with weak bows of their own and began talking at once.
"…I didn't tell them…" Jadeite said looking at Nephrite
"…I didn't tell them…" Nephrite said looking at Zoisite.
"…I didn't tell them…" Zoisite said. "Kunzite?" Kunzite could only shake his head mutely.
"No one told them," stepped in Endymion. "Like they said, they are clever enough to figure out what we are up to. I should hope so, as the Senshi are protecting my Serenity. I thought something was up after they sent that one SM-mail." He said, although still puzzled himself. Ami decided to come to their rescue.
"We got suspicious and poked around for information. We learned about your bet, what the stakes were, and why you didn't tell us," Ami said.
"Of course, my girlfriend the genius," muttered Zoisite, which Ami chose to ignore.
"We did have some help, but we can not reveal our sources," added Minako.
"We find the bet kind of amusing, albeit immature. The only problem we have with the whole thing is that you think we, the Senshi, are predictable," added Makoto.
"So how long am I sleeping on the Palace couch?" asked Jadeite wearily. Rei could only cross her arms and smirk.
"What I think he means to say, is what is our punishment for the next Terran Ball? Are we going naked too?" asked Kunzite. Minako giggled and Endymion and Zoisite turned a tiny bit pale after realizing that they really were going to be appearing in public in all of their glory.
"That is our little surprise," said Rei. "And I thought about the Palace couch, but after our little surprise, I think that will be quite enough punishment for you," she directed to Jadeite.
Over on the sidelines, Lord Sahlih and General Kingsley looked confused. Haruka nudged Lord Sahlih and said, "looks like your long time friend here will be dancing for us in her grass skirt and coconut bra." He looked even more confused but slightly pleased. Setsuna turned bright red knowing what the cruel fates had in store for her. Michiru patted him on the shoulder and said she would explain everything to him later.
Serenity looked up curiously at Endymion who assured her the same-and he knew he had a lot of explaining to do.
DAY ONE: THE LAZY DAY
Later that day, the men stood preoccupied in a circle near the water, deep in discussion. The Inner girls lounged atop their fluffy beach towels while the Outer girls and their guests mingled around the picnic table. Well, all of the Inner and Outer girls were ashore minus Ami and Michiru who immediately disappeared among the waves. The groups of royalty could hear the shrieks of joy from the two water babies as they tumbled in the surf and raced out beyond the sand bar and back.
"You know boys, we don't have any more surprises for you today, so you might as well come enjoy the view!" yelled Minako in a sing-song voice. The intrepid Generals and Prince hesitated before inching toward their Everest: their girlfriends – especially girlfriends dressed to kill in those bikinis.
Nephrite came over first and lost no time in scooping up Makoto and pitching her into the water. Minako, seeing Kunzite still standing yards away, joined Makoto in trying to heave the mighty Nephrite into the soft sand to try and bury him. Minako dragged Kunzite into the whole affair when she ran back to him and dumped a bucket of water on top of his immaculate hair. He gave a playful roar and tossed Minako in a graceful arc into the water. Makoto, having lost her partner in crime, quickly lost her game of "bury Nephrite" and soon found half of herself lost beneath the sand. No one even noticed Endymion and Serenity disappear down the beach.
"Ami," called Zoisite towards the blue head bobbing in the water. His water nymph paid no attention. "AMI," he tried again. Ami looked up and beamed at him.
"What? Afraid to come in? Afraid to get your hair wet? Afraid of getting split ends from the salt?" she called back teasingly. Zoisite sighed and knew he would not win this one. He did not want to go in the water. Truth be told, he had a minor fear of jellyfish, and having spotted one washed up on the beach, he wasn't ready to stick one toe in, thank you very much! But no one was going to know that.
"I don't want to slow you down, you're having too much fun racing," he returned. "I just wasn't sure if you wanted to join me in a quick umbrella drink."
"Are you still afraid of jellyfish?" his little water minx practically screamed for the world to hear. Worse than the world, his fellow Generals. The Outer's conversation came to a halt, Nephrite stopped tickling Makoto long enough for her to stop shrieking, and Minako quit splashing Kunzite. These things always happen like this, he thought. He had no clue this trip would be the end of life as he knew it.
"No, seriously Zoi, there are no jellyfish out here! Be a man! Be my tough guy that Kunzite trained you to be!" Ami teased. She had to say it, no scream it for his world to hear. He cringed as the group burst out laughing.
"Ami, dear, I do not have a fear of jellyfish!" was all he could do to protest as the group guffawed louder.
"All this time, we wondered about his choice of bath toys…"
"DON'T even finish that, Jadeite!" sighed Zoisite. What is it that they would say in Costa Rica? Oh yes, Oy Vey. It would have to be done. He would have to tip toe in the water and give his water minx the dunking of her life. He couldn't be shown up twice in one day.
Zoisite recoiled slightly as he waded into the water, but he soldiered on toward Ami. She saw him venturing out into the ocean and glided over to meet him.
"I'll protect you from any jellyfish that move this way," she said coyly. "You know, the odds of getting stung by a jellyfish in the Costa Rican waters are…" Zoisite never learned what the odds were, since he chose that moment to dunk a shrieking Ami. He let her up seconds later sputtering.
"ZOI…" SPLASH. He pushed her under again. She came up to find a delighted and smug Zoisite. Her friends watching on in amusement. Oy vey, it was time to haul ass out of that water before she could get any retaliation.
Lazy day at the beach continued with Zoisite reclined in a lounge chair and finally drinking that umbrella drink that he had been dreaming of for a while. Ami had long since forgiven his playful act and life was good, indeed. Ami and Michiru continued splashing about and Serenity and Endymion finally returned from wherever they disappeared to. Jadeite was quick to point out that there was a cave in the direction from where they came. Haruka snickered at that. Serenity turned a nice shade of Mars red.
"Hey, at least I don't have a fear of jellyfish," Endymion said slyly over in the direction of Zoisite who had been rolling out of his chair laughing at Jed's comment. "We could still hear you," was all he said in response to the traumatized expression on Zoisite's face.
Makoto saved the group from revealing any more embarrassing tidbits of information.
"Picnic dinner is ready, and I prepared all of Serenity's favorites!" she said jovially while carrying a tray of food. Nephrite and Setsuna followed with more trays and picnic blankets.
"OOOOH," squealed Serenity as she dove on top of a blanket and dug in.
"Someone get her the shovel," joked Minako. Serenity gave her a playful punch but made sure to continue sampling a little bit of everything set before her.
"It's a compliment to Makoto that I eat it so fast," she protested, her mouth full of food.
"Honey, what would our week be like without teasing you about food?" jabbed Makoto.
"I wouldn't expect it any other way," said Serenity between bites.
"AMI," yelled Zoisite.
"MICHIRU," yelled Haruka. The two warriors of water - in one form or another - purposefully ignored their shouts and continued to play in the ocean.
"Have they been in there all day?" asked Endymion.
"I wouldn't expect it any other way," repeated Serenity, again between bites.
"Hey Zoisite, look!" exclaimed Jadeite. "Fried jellyfish! Hmmmm tasty." Zoisite looked warily at the aforementioned dish.
"Don't listen to him," Makoto said soothingly. "This is baked calamari. You are used to fried calamari that looks like popcorn shrimp. When calamari is baked, it still looks like a squid. It still tastes the same, though." Still, the sight of tentacles on his plate did nothing for his appetite.
The group concluded Lazy day at the beach by lying on their stomachs in the sand and staring at the magnificent sand castle they had constructed. It strongly resembled the grand Moon Palace and some couldn't help but suspect that Serenity had a hand in doing something to the sand to make it appear as if it were sparkling. Ami and Michiru still couldn't be persuaded to come out of the water.
DAY TWO: THE PREPPY DAY
Kunzite came downstairs, ready to go sailing and dressed as such.
"You look like the captain from Moby Dick!" howled Jadeite as he clutched his sides laughing. It was true. The good General had come down wearing black polished shoes with gold buckles, white slacks with a gold stripe down either side, a navy and white stripped shirt underneath a blue blazer with gold buttons, and the captain's hat to complete the ensemble.
"Kunz, you forgot the red scarf to tie around your neck," panted Minako as she arrived from the 4th story room. Zoisite and Nephrite nearly choked on their melon.
"Glad we aren't like that," muttered Haruka to Michiru who nodded. Minako looked indignant as she addressed the group.
"He said he needed an outfit to go sailing, and I found him one," she said haughtily. "He looks sexy, anyways."
"Really? Naughty boat captains do it for you? You should have told me sooner!" joked Jadeite as Rei poked him in the ribs and Kunzite gave him a pointed look that clearly said Jed would be running some extra miles when they returned to training.
After breakfast, the group left for their private sailing trip on the boat booked by Nephrite and Jadeite: The Exposed Tuxedo.
"You two have a scathing sense of humor," muttered Endymion. "I'm sure this has nothing to do with my pending arrival at the next Terran Ball, naked?"
"Just a joke between friends," said Nephrite airily. Jadeite nodded in agreement and Kunzite snickered.
"Don't worry Endy, this is such a classy boat! The sun is shining, the dolphins are jumping, and we'll have a grand time on The Exposed Tuxedo," said Serenity smoothly.
"Not you too," moaned Endymion, still sending Serenity a loving look.
The sailing trip went off without a hitch. The light breeze carried the group swiftly toward the private island. The real captain even let Kunzite have a try at the wheel, which sent the Generals into another laughing fit and Minako into a stupor as she stood transfixed watching her "sexy captain" at work.
"Too bad you two are sharing your room tonight with Nephrite and me," joked Makoto to Minako. "Guess he'll just have to dress up for you again," Makoto said with a smirk. Whether or not Minako even heard remains a mystery since that lovesick simper never left her unfocused eyes.
Later in the afternoon, the group embarked on their snorkeling adventure. Serenity nearly jumped out of the water each time a fish came too close and Hotaru scraped her knee on coral early on. The injury became much worse than originally thought, causing Hotaru to have to drag her bleeding and stinging leg back to the boat. She was left under the tender care of General Kingsley who didn't seem to mind one bit.
Haruka tried to scare Nephrite into thinking sharks would be on their way, following Hotaru's small amount of blood. Nephrite had been the one hesitant to go to any area known for sharks. It was all Makoto could do to drag him back into the water after Haruka's teasing. Once again, no one could drag Michiru or Ami out of the water for lunch or to explore the island.
"Looks like it's you and me, kid," said Haruka to Zoisite as they sat on the island. He chuckled.
"Yup, not looking forward to the long beach day tomorrow," he replied.
After The Exposed Tuxedo brought the group back to shore for the evening, they quickly showered and dressed for dinner and clubbing at the resort. It was Minako's turn to watch Kunzite drool, as she came prancing down the stairs in 4-inch strappy sandals, and an exaggeratedly small and skimpy sundress with a plunging neckline and ridiculously short skirt. Of course, the piece of cloth hugged her womanly curves in all of the right places. It was Makoto's turn to point out to Kunzite that it was a shame they were sharing a room with her and Nephrite that night.
"The girl drives me mad," he responded. Minako overheard and smiled contentedly.
"Maybe I should make you go naked to the ball instead of making you do the surprise thing we have planned," Minako said brazenly.
Kunzite groaned and said, "Woman, you know no boundaries."
Minako stepped up on her tip toes to whisper into Kunzite's ear, "And you, sir, love it!" With that she walked boldly away from him.
The classy resort dinner left everyone energized and ready for dancing. The club was set up like a classic salsa cantina complete with bright flashing lights and a full bar. After a round of shots on Nephrite for the group, a second round on Makoto (not to be outdone by Nephrite), a round on Zoisite (to get the party really started), a round by Lord Sahlih (to be friendly), and a 5th round on Haruka (to see who had enough balls to hold their liquor), the party did indeed get started.
It may or may not have been the alcohol's influence, but Minako entered the wet t-shirt contest, earning more dedicated drooling by Kunzite and a first prize ribbon and rum-filled drink on the house. Haruka and Michiru found new definitions of that Jupiter dance as they tore up the dance floor. Serenity was practically crawling on the floor.
Was that Ami dancing on the bar? Rei spotted this one first and quickly jumped up and joined her. Zoisite and Jadeite decided not to place bets on who would fall off first. They hovered nearby claiming that they wanted to deter any interested men from making advances, but they really had more of an interest in catching them in case they fell. Both ladies earned more free drinks on the house for their antics.
Finally, Endymion slung Serenity over his shoulder and announced that it was time to go back to the house. It was probably not a good thing that Hotaru had just as many shots as the rest, but was tolerating her liquor admirably better than the rest. Not a good thing at all.
DAY THREE: THE BEACH BUM DAY
Dear Serenity and Co. (and Zoisite and Haruka),
We hope that you do not mind, but we have already left for the beach. The water was calling and we couldn't resist. We'll see you there!
Ami and Michiru
"I thought that she was the Senshi of ice, not the Senshi of clear blue water," mumbled Zoisite as he arrived at breakfast to find the note. He didn't get the sympathetic response he was expecting. Instead he was met by the glares of Minako, Makoto, Rei and Serenity. He had obviously interrupted something.
"You'll see her soon," said Minako breezily. "Until then, you can join the others out on the veranda." Zoisite grumbled and walked outside. It was too early to mess with these girls.
"Ok, so it is agreed then, we will make them braid their hair on Day 6?" asked Rei once Zoisite was outside. The others nodded enthusiastically.
"Can't have them getting their braids mussed today or during the day of exertion!" said Makoto with glee.
"You girls are wicked," giggled Serenity. "Remind me never to mess with you."
"Never mess with a Senshi!" the other three chorused. They broke into laughter and stood up to go collect their men and the Outers. It was time for some fun on the beach.
Jadeite spent most of the ride up to the beach bragging about his water sporting abilities.
"I am practically and expert on the surfboard," he boasted to a group who had long since tuned him out. Most of them were too busy listening to Hotaru sing Weezer songs at the top of her lungs. She had a surprisingly good voice.
They arrived to find that Michiru and Ami had reserved them a spot and had marked the territory with a nice silver tent. Their aqua green and blue tresses could be spotted flying behind them as they surfed the steep waves rolling in the ocean. Jadeite grabbed his board and shouted that he was going out to join them.
"I'll be back here with the first aid kit!" called Rei as he ran off.
"Rei," rebuked Serenity, "Be more supportive! After all, he is about to go try and keep up with the mothers of water reincarnated." Rei rolled her eyes and shouted out to Jed's retreating back.
"GOOOO Jadeite! YEA!"
Minako smirked and said, "I am finally rubbing off on her."
"What? What was I supposed to say to be encouraging?" Rei responded haughtily.
The rest of the group decided to start with boogie boards and walked up to the nearest hut to rent some. They had no delusions of keeping up with Michiru and Ami.
"Hey!" said Hotaru, pointed out at the water, "Jadeite is actually pretty good. Look at him do that 360 or 180 or whatever fancy thing he just did." Rei turned her head sharply to look at Jed. He indeed appeared to be flying across the waves.
After boogie boarding, a snack and parasailing, the group, including the allusive Ami and Michiru, pulled on some swimsuit cover-ups to board the dinner boat.
"What, no innuendo or fancy name for this boat?" said Endymion, looking sideways at Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite shrugged.
"There is just no pleasing our Prince," he joked back.
Aboard the boat, two girls and a guy approached their table. The newcomers looked extremely well versed in the art of surfing and water sports.
"Hey dude," he addressed Jadeite. "Nice moves out there today. You should enter the amateur surfing contest being held this evening."
"I'll be cheering for you," winked one of the girls while handing him a card. "Here is my number. Call me if you win." Rei bristled as Jadeite waved at the retreating group. He would most definitely enter the contest and show Rei – no everyone – that he didn't need first aid waiting for him back ashore. He held onto the girl's card anyways. He would never pass up a chance of driving Rei mad.
Michiru and Ami opted to stay on the beach with the group to watch Jadeite and his impromptu entry into the amateur surfing contest.
"Hey Jed," called Rei as Jed began jogging to the registration table. He turned around and trotted back to her.
"Good luck," she said and gave him a peck on the cheek. He beamed- that was all he needed to win.
"Aww, a favor from my lady fair," he said jauntily. Rei gave him a good-natured shove and shooed him away playfully.
He blew her a kiss and ran off to the registration table.
Rei watched the competition intently but tried to appear indifferent. Jadeite passed through the first round with ease and advanced to the second round.
Minako nudged Makoto. "Look, Rei's grinning like a fool," she said.
Makoto nodded. "Get out the camera; she would never admit this."
Everyone waited anxiously as the second round began and the announcer called his name. He chose to go under the name "Jed Mars" to avoid recognition as one of the great Terran Generals. Rei rolled her eyes once more at this, but everyone could see the secret look of appreciation and love.
Jadeite paddled out into the ocean and waited for his wave to roll in. Having spotted it, he mounted his board and crouched down, waiting to take flight. His outstretched arms brushed the curl of the wave and he prepared to start some tricks. The wave, however, had other plans for him. It must have plotted his ego's demise, as the wave pushed Jadeite under it's belly and began to churn him around. The group thought nothing of it since it appeared to be one impressive crash. However, he was taking too long to surface. Much too long...
Rei began breathing faster and finally stood up anxiously. The group exchanged nervous glances of their own. He wasn't coming up. All they could hear were Rei's whimpers. Seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into what seemed like hours.
Michiru and Ami glanced at each other and charged toward the water, followed by Rei. They dove in and sped toward the site that Jadeite had last been seen. Michiru and Ami surfaced moments later with Jadeite draped in between them. They made it to shore in record time to be nearly run over by one very upset Rei.
"His arm is broken and he is barely breathing," cited Ami. "He must have swallowed quite a bit of water." Hotaru was in her element.
"Make a circle around Jed so that no one can see him!" she commanded. "I can heal him, but I don't want to attract attention." Everyone quickly moved into a tight circle and watched Hotaru work. Her hands glowed deep purple as she ran them across his body. Within minutes, he began to stir.
Jed rolled over and moaned the moan of someone who felt as if they had just been crushed by a 200 ton brick. He found Rei immediately and smiled reassuringly into her worried eyes. She smiled back.
"Rei, do you still have that first aid kit and that girl's card?" he quipped.
Continued in Chapter 6
A/N: Phew! 5 chapters down, 1 chapter to go. I'd like to give a special shout out and thanks to Moon Bunny, princess-nav, Galena Steel, raye85, Anime-Girl-of-04, Ray-spirit, Chikyuuhime, Princess Irulan, HermioneCrookshanks919 and Gaku-chan2690. Thank you for making me smile and for your special words.
As always, please feel free to leave any comments/constructive advice. I welcome anything you have to say.