Dear Readers,
Hello! Fourth post in row, I'm so tickled to finally get all of this posted. After last Christmas, I have been working on this story like crazy to finish it, even on the hottest summer days. LoL! I hope you all like the direction we're going. Serena's identity reveal and the extended return of Mars. But enough of my yakking.
Special thanks to the person who favorited me as a writer, and special thanks to the new person who's following this story. Thank you both so much I appreciate it.
Dedicated to My Dad who never sang "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Correctly. No. He had to sing it his way. He had a great voice, he knew it too. He invented his own version and I will never be able to sing that song right because of him. I will also never hear it without laughing. Or thinking of him… or the laughs my sister and I always got in music class, caroling circles or church when the instructor made the glaring mistake of telling us to "Just sing the version you know." … And we did! Comedic Gold! Thanks Dad!
"A Memorable Christmas"
Chapter 13 - Aftermath
Sick room/Clinic - Shitennou Manor
(Alan's POV)
I was still reeling over all of the things I'd just found out tonight. For one, Ann dragged me out of our cozy apartment and made me attend a party. But when I got there, I had no idea that I would be having so much fun. Supposedly Ann hadn't been enjoying herself at all so she'd gone outside and managed to somehow pass out… In the snow! Nearly give me a heart attack, and from what I've learned in health class I'm a little young for such a thing.
Immediately I thought her energy levels must have dropped when she'd danced or sat too close to a fire.
Our very kind and apparently rich friends had taken her back to their place and shuttled me closely behind. Supposedly my Ann hadn't been the only girl to pass out. Serena supposedly had too, I wonder why. So had Mina, but I know exactly why she fainted, she was drunk. I've never drank before, I'm underaged anyway. But after watching Mina have so much, I wouldn't mind giving it a go.
I rode back with the fleet of snowmobiles after the party wrapped up. I hurried to Ann's side to sit beside her, even possibly help her by lending her my energy if she really needed it. I was glad to be near her again after knowing she'd gotten sick. I hadn't been expecting to be brought to a mansion where all of the hallmark channel's movies involving royalty are filmed. This place was even more unbelievable than Andrew's place had been.
I was so distracted by my surroundings, I wanted to take off and explore. But I also needed to make sure that Ann was really okay and not faking (don't laugh, it would only be the millionth time if she was faking). So I checked her energy levels, thankfully they were pretty normal. Her vitals were good, her coloring was slipping and her usually green pallor was starting to poke through her humanlike disguise.
It took her a full hour to come around before she admitted to all of her crimes. She'd unleashed more than a deck's worth of Cardian's loose and now wasn't even sure where that live deck had ended up. So after I put her back to sleep with a bit of the Doom Tree's bark under her tongue, I was outside Andrew's parent's house in the cold. Looking for the deck, in over three feet of drifted snow surrounding me and I never found what I was looking for.
She had mentioned that the Moonlight Knight could have taken it. His white rose had shattered her protective barrier. When my own human disguise had started to turn blue from the extreme cold. I gave up and headed back to the manor to get some sleep.
Serena's guy friends put me up in a bed right next to Ann. They knew I wouldn't want to be far from her. They showed me how to get anything we could need and wished me good night. But when I laid down and tried to sleep. I couldn't, I was too excited about all of the Christmas happening everywhere. So I got up and explored till I dropped. Ann was sleeping peacefully the whole time. This Christmas Ball was going to be amazing, I was so tickled about it all, I did get some sleep though after I gave myself the same bark treatment.
I knew there was still a lot to do, and worry about. I even knew this could be our first and only Christmas experience. But I tried not to be sad and tried to be positive about it. The way Serena always was. As I drifted off to dreams of what tomorrow could bring I was hopeful. That Ann could open her heart and believe as I do. Everything would fall into place so that this planet could be our forever home.
The older guys had all been laughing about the 'killer hangover' Mina would suffer tomorrow morning. I hoped it wouldn't be so painful and even though I knew Ann would hate me for it. I did pray that Serena got to enjoy it all too. She had become such a special person to me, even if I had harbored a huge crush at first. Even though Ann did hate her, I just loved her and couldn't help but be grateful.
Even though it seems that Darien is the person who makes her happiest. That doesn't mean that she can't still be the person who makes me happiest. Maybe I'll even get to steal a dance tomorrow… I can dream, right?
Serena's Room - Shitennou Manor
(Serena's POV)
After hitting the cold snowy ground and sinking in a ways, everything went black. The next thing I remember is…
((Take 1)) - The Pass and Deck Hand-Off
Being put to bed at the manor by my "big brother" troupe. My female teammates had helped me warm up in a tub of hot water. Had helped me dress, and disassembled my meatball hairstyle. Calling me a zombie because I was so out of it. I couldn't remember most of it I was too in and out.
I only know because I heard Nate say so. The first thing I clearly recall after the snow was being passed around by the guys. I couldn't tell you who had me or spoke to me when. I only recall clearest that the last one who had me was Kirk; because he was the one who put me under the covers of my bed and I caught his hand. Asking, "Where am I."
He said gently, "Hey Moonie, you're home."
I asked him, "My home or your home?"
"Your room at our place, we'll talk later, you've gotta rest now. Don't fight it, just let yourself sleep, okay?" Kirk had said as his words faded off.
I did fight it though and hang on to him long enough to tell him, "I got her deck of Cardians. The Moonlight Knight helped me steal it from the Girl boss. Pink Hair, burgundy fashion disaster, you know her. Zane and Amy need to study it, where are they?"
"Right here, princess." Zane had said taking the deck from me. Placing it in a safe container so that it could be studied. Then I guess I fell back to sleep again, Cause it felt like everything just went pitch black… again.
For a while, I would every now and again hear conversations happening around me but I had no idea what was going on. I couldn't remember hearing anything that was said, or who had said it. I just could hear voices, and couldn't make sense of the noise.
((Take 2)) - Jaden's Sit In
The next time I woke up, that I can recollect it was just me and Jaden(Jadeite, in his 'Christmas story' ugly sweater reading historical/war manga). Who was sitting in the chair next to me claiming, "Hey there little moon bunny."
I asked him, "Is everything okay?"
"Everything's fine," he said but there was something about his tone where I instantly locked down on the fact that he was lying.
I nearly sat up accusingly. "What are you not telling me?"
"Take it easy." He said pushing me back down, and if I hadn't been so tired. I could have put up more resistance.
"Come on, don't even pretend like there's something you're not telling me. It's something - something big." I guessed, and I was right obviously.
He hung his mouth wide open at me and asked, "How can you know that in a few words?"
"Women's intuition, and I know you, Jaden. Come on, out with it. What is it?" I coaxed.
"Nope, can't do it." He sidestepped. "Kirk wants to be the one to handle that. I was told to wait for him."
"He thinks you can't handle it." I figured out, but also tried to stir him up a little so he might tell me anyway.
To my utter joy, he told me to, "Quit trying to piss him off."
"Why aren't you trying to talk to Raye, or makeup with Mars?" I asked my first enemy in the NegaVerse turned big brother. He was the first one I met and fought as Sailor Moon, you know?
"I will… eventually." He eluded, while I kept my expression unimpressed. He finally went on, "It's just the last few days I was around her. She kept talking about how I was crowding her and she needed space. I'm trying to give her that. Besides, I think she's more content to hang around the other girl sailors, right now. Ya know, make up for lost time." He explained.
I pointed out, "Yeah, but it's likely been hours since we got here and I happen to know a little bit of what Lita and Amy were planning tonight."
"Say what?" Jaden reacted. Before exclaiming, "Ah HA! I knew it, you girls totally do huddles just about distract us guys. You're all in on it together as a unit, and the guys kept telling me I was suspicious for no reason. Ha HA! I was right!" He kept celebrating.
"Of course we do, now pay attention." I confided, before suggesting, "You're welcome to try and talk to Mars now, I'm fine. There's nothing serious going on with me, I'm just sleeping and boring. Go see her, see if she'll talk to you, or maybe just see if she'll still be your date tomorrow night for the gala. Anything to get your foot in the door."
"Now I know you're trying to piss me off." Jaden tried to pretend like he was on to me.
"I'm not doing any such thing," I forayed innocence. "All I am trying to do is understand the world I'm coming back to. When I do have to go play normal again."
"I know you are." He allowed, before blowing at his bangs and bending a little closer. "What if I share something that Kunzite forgot to tell me not to share with you yet?"
"I will take that," I said excitedly, finally I could get some answers.
Jaden then went into this crazy tale of what he is now calling the "Sailor Scout Hold Out." Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, and Me are all back officially. But Venus still is not, even though supposedly Mina witnessed me detransformation in the Furahata's living room. She's still completely in the dark because she had been dipping her punch from the wrong punch bowl at the party. She had been sipping from the spiked adult bowl all night and was roaring drunk before anyone noticed. So Kirk had his hands full caring for her tonight, and she's still none the wiser of her former life. Her life during the Moon Kingdom or the year before this one.
Then he went into another tale about Zane having another problem on his hands entirely. Not only is he sneaking off from his gala duties to study the deck of Cardians. But it would seem that Mercury has been helping him all night. Jaden like me is so used to this fact (Zoisite and Mercury are the brains of both operations unquestioned), that it never occurred to him that there could be more going on here than study and tests.
But apparently, Amy had come up to Zane and had been whispering to him. In this very room apparently, as they were both checking on me. Even though they'd tried to be discreet, Jaden had heard the conversation perfectly. Amy had been inquiring when was Zane planning on going to bed or if he was staying up. Zane had answered back honestly, that he had been duped into pulling an all-nighter, so that everything would be perfect for their ball tomorrow.
Supposedly, our little shy and sweet Amy had not only told Zane he needed to go to bed. She had told him that she wanted him to join her. That she'd missed him all day and eluded to last night a lot. Jaden had finished up that story with, "I don't know for certain, but I could sure guess what they were talking about happening last night."
My takeaway from this story (and it could be just a tall tale, just Jaden messing with me) but it sounds like our shy little Amy is really in love and I couldn't be happier for her. Thank goodness it sounds mutual with Zane too. They had been beet red and left holding hands. Only parting ways to ready for bed.
After wrapping up those stories, Jaden took his cell phone out in the hall. Talking to somebody for a moment. When he came back, Kirk was with him and I had a bad feeling.
Kirk told me the rest of what had happened.
As luck would have it, Mina wasn't the only one who had witnessed my detransformation in the living room. Kirk informed me that the Moonlight Knight had been the one to carry me back to the house. He had carried me inside, put me right in front of Darien, Andrew, and Rita. Then deactivated my transformation disguise on purpose before disappearing in thin air.
He mentioned that my friends Molly and Melvin had seen it too. But both of them had boasted already figured it out ages ago. It was just confirmation for them.
Andrew's siblings Lizzie and Garrett had seen a flash and came over to see what was going on. Supposedly Andrew had said I was Sailor Moon and had asked Darien "if he'd known."
Kirk said, Darien had nodded numbly, 'no.'
While Molly and Melvin were barely surprised. They were more concerned with my safety and well-being overall. Everyone else was downstairs still reeling from this revelation. Nate and Zane had to drop everything they'd been doing to do some damage control. Explaining more of the need to knows and swearing all newbies to secrecy. It was all just a big mess really.
I think Kirk had been expecting me to be upset, and panicked. I don't think either of them had been anticipating that I would cry in absolute panic like I did. I think they knew I would be scared of Darien's reaction. I don't think they realized how petrified I was. They talked to me till I was back to sleep, but I do think Kirk used something Zane had created to help me sleep. Because even though sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. I crashed way too easily and conveniently. Back to deep sleep.
((Take 3)) - The Moment we've all waited for [Even if none of us have waited like poor Darien]
This time when I woke up, it was Darien who sat next to me. He had been sitting on the chair, next to me. But I'd moved too far outta the moonlight. He'd been putting me back and ended up holding me for a moment. Just a moment longer than natural before laying me back on the bed when I woke up.
"Darien?" I'd asked sleepily.
"Yeah?" he said sounding horrible, like he's been up all night.
I asked him, "What are you doing? Why aren't you trying to get some sleep?"
"I was too worried about you." He explained. Before adding, "I co-couldn't leave."
I told him, "I'm fine, I just really need sleep. I'm boring company right now, you should rest too. I told the guys the same thing, it's okay, really."
"They said you did, and they told me you'd get after me too," Darien said, I nodded. "You'll be happy to know, Jaden went to look for Raye. Kirk's with Mina, Zane's trying to sleep, so is Amy. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they were together. Lita's cooking, Nate's entertaining, Andrew and Rita are sleeping too, I think they're a little star-struck by you right now. I know Lizzie and Garrett both are. Molly and Melvin were probably asleep before I even came here. But they could only rest once they knew that you were okay. Don't worry about them, they're all taken care of."
"What about you?" I asked him and no matter how I suggested, "You need a break-"
He said a little firmer this time, as he leaned in close. "I'm not leaving you."
I pressed my forehead to his, and agreed, "Okay." He closed his eyes immediately and took a big deep breath. So I compromised, "Then you have to at least lay down with me. Otherwise, I'll insist on you going to bed someplace else."
"Deal," he agreed before laying down behind me and asking, "Is it okay if I hold on to you, or is that gonna mess you up?"
"No, I'd love that actually." I realized as he put his arms around me and I turned to face him. He kissed me so sweetly, he must have been really worried because it was all there in that kiss. So strong I was seeing visions of some of the things he'd experienced. I saw him looking for me at the party. I saw the Moonlight Knight carrying me in. I saw the typical flash of ribbons then my normal clothes and felt his shock. It had been a way of Serenity and Endymion had always shared things. It could happen in kisses or… ahem, other moments when we were close. It would seem that hasn't completely died out of us.
Laying there looking into his eyes I forgot all of the drama of earlier for a millisecond. He smirked at me so happily, he looked years younger. Almost like a little boy rather than the hardened cynic I'd fallen for before I knew it. He was the first to speak, saying, "You know, I've never seen you with your hair down before."
My hand went to my head and I asked, "Is my hair down? Oh! It is."
He chuckled, "Why do you sound embarrassed?"
"The girls must have done that, when they were warming me up earlier." I realized. "There's a reason you've never seen it down. I never take it down when I'm around everyone like this. It makes me harder to recognize. Especially if Mina does it too, we're like twins or something."
He ran his hand through it and said, "Not to mention it's a lot longer this way."
"Sorry, I understand if you're repulsed, I can put it back up again-"
"No, leave it down," He requested still fascinated. "It's like soft spun gold, Mina's isn't blonde like this, her's is more platinum and hueless. Her's is almost white while yours is still a color, I bet if you and Mina were to stand side by side, I would still know you in a second."
"I think you overestimating your chances," I warned. "Mina's eyes are blue and so are mine."
"Like I could miss your eyes." He scoffed, "Mina's eyes are an icier blue than yours. Your's-" He paused like he got caught up for a second staring into my eyes. "Yours have a richer blue, more cerulean, and even if Mina's are nice. She is a pretty girl too, sure. Yours have way more heart."
"Thanks," I blushed, knowing that couldn't be true. Mina was the scout of love, and goddess of love. There was no way anyone was more beautiful or had more heart in any way. Even though she was out of commission still at the moment because she didn't remember the Venus parts of her lives. She would always be the most beautiful and living example of love.
Then he said the words that had to have been on his mind all night, "Serena, you're Sailor Moon."
"I am," I admitted, as my chest clenched painfully in dread. There was no use in denying it anymore.
"How long have you been Sailor Moon?" He asked, and I was honest.
"Two years, I met you the first time on the same day I became her the very first time." It felt good to talk about it a little. Even though it was plain as day his memories hadn't returned either. He wasn't drunk like Mina either and he was still in the dark.
"Was this something that you chose, or did it choose you?" He'd asked and I'd had to admire it, that was a very good question.
I could only say what I felt, "It was something that had always been inside of me. I just never knew it till evil forces started trying to take over our world. My powers couldn't hide anymore and it's been a rollercoaster I can't get off of ever since."
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked and again I was astounded by all of these good questions.
"Because I didn't want to endanger you any further than knowing me already troubles you." I felt I needed to warn him.
"Danger?" He asked.
I explained, "It's been proven to me time after time that the people close to me pay a price. They're always targeted and used as bait. If not hurt or worse, I wanted to save you from that as long as possible. I understand completely if you want to stop using the word 'girlfriend' till you really know what you're getting into-"
I had been trying to say, but he cut me off with a deep and earth-shattering kiss. When we finally parted in need of air. He said breathlessly, "It's like I said earlier, I'm not going anywhere."
I was glad to hear this reply, but something inside of me, made me ask him. "Why?"
"Because what I learned tonight, didn't change anything really." He informed me matter-a-factly. "Yes, you're a teenage heroine who considers saving the world as just a wacky Tuesday sometimes. That's gonna take a little getting used to, I'll admit. But that doesn't change how I feel about you. How I've wanted to date you for a long time. Now that I've started I'm not gonna give up just because I know it could get tough some days. Or just because it could be dangerous."
"But it isn't a situation that might get dangerous." I tried to caution him, even as my heart was getting lighter and hopeful. "The last time I faced an endgame with an enemy it killed me to defeat her. Literally! I gave all I had to that fight and I died for a little bit. I lost all my memories and so did my team. I can't guarantee that something like that won't ever happen again. Even if I want to promise you so much. I can't- because I don't know what'll happen-"
"You're not the only one who deals with missing memories, you know." Darien fired right back, going on to relate. "I had a mom and dad when I was really young. Up till the age of six, and I have no memory of any of it. It's been missing from my recollection since the car accident on my 6th birthday, when I lost both parents. Last year I was in a terrible motorcycle accident too and I almost died. That accident too stole most of that year from my memories. So when you were telling the story of how we first met earlier. I didn't remember that, because-"
"Your accident took it?" I finished for him and he nodded.
"Life is dangerous, messy, and not fair to anyone," Darien told me before he positively ended me with this fact. "But being with you, these last few days. I've felt more alive and happier than I ever remember being before. Please say that you'll let me stay with you and please trust me with this secret. I know that it will stay right here between us and I'll never tell anyone if that's what it takes."
"No, you don't need to say all of that." I squeezed him tight and let him know, "I trust you. I just wish you'd found out when I was conscience is all." I breathed, feeling relieved beyond belief that he didn't want to quit just yet. For the rest of the night, we held each other and slept peacefully. I don't think I've ever slept so well before in a bed besides my own at home.
Of course, right before we had to get up and start our day. Yes! I did get slammed with the realization that Darien knows my secret. Yet he STILL doesn't remember Tux, Endymion, his stint as Evil-Endy or the first six years of his life. The weight of this does have me sitting bolt upright and threw me on the floor. But when I sat back up and looked at Darien sleeping so soundly. I didn't let myself wallow in those facts. I just crawled back in with him and enjoyed his warmth before we had to get up. I easily fell back to sleep again..
Just For Fun: The Real Story…
Amy's whispered conversation with Zane
(Zoisite's Perspective)
((Just for those who were curious))
After hours of staring at the fascinating deck of corrupted Tarot cards. A stack that must have been the standard issue of cards used in hell. We'd managed to learn a lot about our enemies and their creatures. While we still had no clue how these things were activated. We did know that the bosses we were now facing answered to a higher power source. Just as Beryl had really been answering to Metalia. We even knew this lifeform was highly evolved, intelligent, and in serious lack of solar energy.
So while these lunatics keep stealing all of this energy from the masses. Our reading from here seemed to scream for a need of water and sunlight more than anything else. It is a tree after all.
I had even managed to arrange a quick PowerPoint presentation. For our next team meeting on the fly, while Amy ran several other tests. Expressing our findings and conclusions on several different important conformations.
However, as I watched my Amy's body language get more and more uncomfortable from exhaustion. I suggested a reprieve to go check on the princess. I did suggest this with ulterior motives, I knew that the princess' room was close enough to Amy's own room. I just knew that I could coax her to go to bed herself. After checking on Serena of course. I know that she hadn't gotten much rest at all last night.
'…Last night…'
There it is again, every time I even think about it. A hot thrill runs up my back, and goosebumps pop up all over my skin. The temperature rises and I can feel my cheeks burning with a blush. Last night had been the best night of this new life. No competition.
Not only had I finally gotten Mercury back, or told Amy that I loved her. She told me that she loved me too, then late last night, we had held each other and loved in that different way. I know she had been everything in my last life. Like I knew I haven't experienced happiness or contentment like I did in her slim arms last night. I'd never wanted to leave, yet somehow I'd gotten up and gotten done everything we needed to get done today.
As we checked on Serena, who was resting soundly. Also made certain Jaden was still sitting there and actually watching her. (Don't laugh, he would be the first to leave and not come back) We turned to leave and just outside Serena's open door. I told Amy, "You know, Nate isn't expecting any of our guests to stay up all night. He just expects us guys who live here to do that."
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Amy asked, so brilliant, even as tired as I knew she was.
I heard myself say, "No. God no, I just-I can tell that you're really tired and if I could go to bed I would. But I've barely lifted a finger to help with preparations tonight. We've been off in the labs all night. I should make an appearance or else Nathan will not forget it."
Amy took a deep breath and straighten my shirt's collar. As she asked, "What if you didn't show? What if you just went to bed and you were too tired?"
She can't have any idea how these little touches and all of this closeness were affecting me. I swallowed heavily and said, "He would be very mad, and we'd never hear the end of it."
She pushed me up against the wall and made me look at her and whispered, "What if I made it worth your while?"
Scandalized and enjoying the hell out of it, I laughed in a punch-drunk way, "Sailor Mercury? Just what are you suggesting?"
"Come on Zoisite," she smirked. "You're the smartest of all of the kings, I think you know what I'm hinting at."
"I think I do," I allowed feeling my face break out in a huge smile, but as a king and a gentleman. I did ask her to spell it out to me. "Yesterday was a very heavy and confusing day at times. So was today, in certain timespans. I think we could all use a little healthy clarification."
My words had been whispered like hers, but I was secretly hoping no one heard us. I did have a brother stationed close who was a total gossip. Serena was trying to sleep, I hope we weren't disrupting or spoiling anyone's night.
But then Amy pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear, "I don't know about you. But last night was the greatest night of my entire life."
"It was?" I asked in pure astonishment.
"Yes," she smiled so beautifully and kissed me so tenderly. If I hadn't been already established, I was a goner.
I told her the truth, "It was the best of mine too. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all day."
"You haven't?" She asked in total shock. Before confessing, "I never would have known you've seemed so cool all day. It's okay if you feel differently and need your space. But please, please don't stay up all night. Promise me you'll rest, I know two of those monsters shot you tonight. I just really need to know you're resting."
"What if I don't feel different and I wanted to rest with you? Where would you like to go?" I asked as I started kissing her and teasing her.
She asked so sweetly, "Could I go to your room tonight after I brush my teeth. I know I'll probably be here all Christmas but when I do head home eventually. I would like there to be no shortage of memories to keep you warm at night when I do go home."
"I would love that, and would have never thought of that." I smiled so big, that my cheeks started to sting a little. She kissed me one more time before pushing off of me and telling me, "I'll meet you there in five."
I waved dumbly, I could feel my ponytail all askew, and said, "See you there."
Before I turned beet red and headed for my room. I only had a few minutes to get ready for whatever other surprises that little minx had been holding out on me. As I thought that I'd better hurry, I glanced back at Jadeite who was staring right at me in surprise.
Jaden called to me, "Who was that and what did she do with shy brainiac Mercury?"
"Mind your own business." I did say in a raised voice that would carry to his smug little pierced ears. But hopefully not loud enough to disrupt poor Serena. As I sped back towards my room to ready for bed myself I found myself hoping that the gala will not disappoint. That this will become a home to us all someday, and more than anything else. I really hope that Amy and I never have to be apart again. That I get to keep her always with me from now on, my brothers (Darien included), and the Scouts really can form a team and even more importantly… a real family.
That wouldn't just be the best Christmas ever. That would be the best life ever.
Bonus Fun: Heading to Bed
(Jadite's Perspective)
It's official, Sailor Mars has returned to duty. Just as plain as this epic and dramatic turn of events has been. Raye clearly still wants nothing at all to do with me. I tried to seek her out before quitting for the night and turning in. That's really all Serena's fault, her and all of her positive thinking. I checked Raye's room, knowing the other Scouts had told her about their private wing. But her room had been dark and empty as my heart felt.
I looked where all of the others were still up and exploring, talking or crashing. No sign of Raye or any Sailor Scouts or My Brothers. Nathan wanted all of us to pull an all-nighter to perfect everything. I would just have to remind him that we all want things in life that doesn't mean we'll get them.
So quick recap, I tried to find Raye, but I couldn't. Clearly, she still wants nothing to do with me or doesn't want to be found by me. Serena's wrong! Mars does need space, Raye's hanging with her fellow scouts or hiding somewhere safe. Mina's drunk, Kirk is probably taking care of her. Lita's cooking a bunch of things in her new room, to help out the kitchen. If I was Raye I would park myself there with the food. Eating my feelings would have to help on some level. Nathan's off perfecting something for tomorrow he's got a bunch of people helping him that came back with us from the Furahata's as well as our in-house staff. Mercury and Zane are probably getting busy as we speak. Just the vibe I picked up on. Serena's hopefully resting and Darien's watching over her like a hawk. So I am gonna do for myself what I probably should have done hours ago. I'm cutting my losses and turning in so I can pretend this whole return of Mars disaster was nothing more than a bad dream.
I was going to bed to get some much-needed rest. I knew I would probably not sleep but I really just wanted to lay down if nothing else. Try to think through what I would say to Raye. If she did ever speak to me again. No guarantees there, if she'd had her powers back in that moment when she'd broken up with me. I would have been tied to one of the trees in her temple's bird sanctuary. Effectively burnt at the stake style. With her two crows encircling me, cawing in victory no doubt. Those two cranky bastards have been out for my blood since they saw us almost kiss on Raye's birthday last April. Because of them, I didn't get to really kiss her till nearly May. If they'd known what had been going on in her room while I was stuck there. They would have pecked my eyes out for sure.
As I dragged myself down our private master wing's hallway. I could hear Mina singing Christmas carols loudly and drunkenly. The more Kirk tried to shush her, the louder she got, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. It also made me wonder where she'd learned such a vulgar version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
I chuckled, even though my heart felt like it had fallen somewhere behind my toenails.
Imagine my shock when I open my bedroom door to discover not only is my room already lit up. But Sailor Mars is seated in the dead-center of my King sized bed. Still in her Sailor uniform, crossed-legged and reading a manga.
Have I ever mentioned my current ex-girlfriend has GREAT legs?
That was not the sight I was expecting to see when I stepped inside my personal room.
Hell of an upgrade though!
When she saw me, she tossed the manga haphazardly over her shoulder. Saying, "About time you showed up."
"I was looking for you," I said before stepping in and closing my door. Asking, "How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to make me think you weren't coming." She smiled, climbing down off of my bed to stand in front of me. "Is it okay that I'm here?"
"Yeah," I nodded dumbly. "Were you waiting for me?"
"No!" Her voice dripping in sarcasm. "I snuck up here and into your personal bedroom to raid you crappy manga collection." She droned on sardonically. "Just because I wanted to further torture myself. Haven't I suffered through enough since you left the temple?"
"Really?" I fired back, "All that I did was do as you ask. You told me to get out of your sight and I did."
"Then why didn't you try to talk to me?" Mars pointed out, "You didn't try at all."
"BECAUSE!" I began loudly, before taking a breath and lowering my internal volume."You told me you never wanted to see me again, your royal Hotness. I was merely obeying orders."
She leveled me with one of those death stares I've seen too many times across battlefields. When I had been on the receiving end of some of her fireballs and was marked the enemy.
She grounded out from between her little teeth, "Did it ever occur to your one-tracked mind, that I was going through something? At that time? That I was hurting and lashing out as I tend to do? Did that ever come to mind?"
"I knew that," I stated before repeating for emphasis. "I knew that. Just like I put together that the very sight of me was intensifying your hurt and suffering. So I took myself outta the equation for a while and hoped to talk to you tonight or tomorrow."
"Hoped?" She scoffed, "You hoped to talk to me? You call avoiding me like the plague, all of this time, hopeful behavior?" She'd asked like I was five, but that could just be my reaction to her use of the word 'behavior.' She sounded like a disgruntled teacher not getting paid enough to deal with the likes of me.
I gritted my teeth and bit out, "You broke my heart." I reminded her my voice carrying a sharp edge and I was shocked to see her falter. I went on, "I'm sorry if not every decision I make seems logical to you. Bottom line Pyro, you weren't the only one on that battlefield tonight hurting, and dealing… with something to prove."
I went to walk away from her and lock myself in my private bathroom till she left. But when I opened my closet door to grab a change of clothes. I felt her arms encircle my waist tight and I could feel her shorter form press into my back. I froze afraid to move and break the spell.
"I'm sorry Jaden, I'm really sorry." She said into my back and she said, "Can you please talk to me? Please? I know you don't owe me anything, I was such a brat and all you were trying to do was help-"
I heard myself numbly saying, "You didn't want my help. You wanted me gone and you got your wish."
"But it wasn't what I wanted at all." She gripped me impossibly tighter, and I felt my eyes close. She went on, "It only made all of the pain and shame inside of me that much more unbearable."
I'd missed her almost too-hot-touch all of these hours we'd been apart. I could feel it through all of the layers I was still wearing and through her super long white opera gloves cuffed in red. Her strength, her fierce protection over the things dear to her. I took a difficult deep breath (it was tricky because she was squeezing me to death), before relenting, "If I were to let you talk? What would you say besides sorry?"
"Can I look at your face when I'm saying this?" She asked.
"Only if you let me go." I compromised while her death grip left me immediately. I felt a little lightheaded, and Raye stumbled around a little. She had to be more than a little battle fatigued. In my first battle back I remember nearly passing out from the aftermath. So I pulled her back towards my bed and we both sat on the edge facing each other.
Raye began, "Besides telling you how sorry I am. For treating you so terribly when you were only trying to help me. I would want to also say I'm sorry I lost it on you. For something that you couldn't help or fix. I knew all of that but my memories were all starting to resurface. I couldn't control my rage, and when you left I felt even more outta control."
"So what did you do?" I encouraged her to continue.
She smirked, "I consulted the fires again and started asking the right questions. Asking about the visions I was having constantly and the anger boiling away inside of me. The fire showed me a bunch of the things I had been missing and I passed out to complete the rest of the visions in my head."
"You passed out right there next to the fire pile?" I asked concerned.
"It's nothing," She assured, adding. "It happens more than I care to admit."
I couldn't help it, I freaked out. "Raye, you could have been killed you could have caught on fire."
"But I didn't," she assured. "I was absolutely fine, more than fine really when I woke up. But I was also ashamed. Too ashamed to even think about calling you, or facing you at Andrew's thing tonight. I was gonna just sit home but your brothers totally wouldn't hear of that."
"My brother's?" I repeated, "What did they do?"
"All three of them did something to change my mind." She revealed, "Kirk and Zane both called me and tried to talk me into it. I was rather snippy with both of them, but nowhere nearly as awful as I was to Nathan. Who came to the temple tonight to get me. Even though I'd kept telling them 'no.'"
"Ah, I know how pushy they can all be." I hopefully comforted her. "They probably deserved it, and have already forgotten it."
"I don't know if Nathan can," She cringed. "I slapped him so hard across the face. I'll be surprised if there isn't a mark tomorrow. He's throwing this big Ball and all-"
"You slapped him?" I asked. Knowing I sounded crazy, but in all of my visions, I assumed it was me getting hit. No, it was Nate? You mean I was gonna have to thank Nate? Owe him one? Jeez! I had no idea my brothers had been doing any of that. I had guessed that they were all too wrapped up in their own happiness and success to even notice I was alone…
"Yeah," Raye admitted, bringing my focus back to our conversation. "I feel terrible about that too."
"Don't!" I said a little louder than I'd meant. I lowered my voice and softened my tone as I clarified. "Listen, Kirk, Zane, Nate, and I will never hold a grudge against you over what you've just been through. No matter how you reacted because we've already been through the same process. Serena too, for that matter. Lita and Amy… we've all been there. Had to come to terms with it on our own. It's brutal and no one can tell you the right or wrong way to do it."
"In my opinion." I continued, "I think you handled yourself very well. My brothers and I all remembered at the same time. We all had to handle it our way and make peace with a lot more humiliation and contempt for ourselves. At least you girls were batting for the right team, you were the heroes and not the brain-washed, godless, hasbeens we were. Beryl stole everything from us and was everything to us. The moment we were free… and realized that we only had that freedom because of your team and Tux… There's no way you'll ever be less than an angel to us all. I can promise you that."
"Nobody's ever called me an angel before." She mutters out of the corner of her mouth.
I warned her, "Get used to it."
Her eyes were tearful and her expression was soft. She took a few breaths, I think she was trying to find the words. When she did speak again she said, "I want to thank you for a few things while I have the nerve and opportunity. Thank you for keeping us safe when our memories were still lost. Thank you for surrounding Serena in so much love and support when we couldn't. She looks up to all of you and you didn't have to do any of that. The fact you did, tells me you four are the real angels. More than I ever could be."
"I perfectly understand," Raye continued, "If you want to remain broken up. I'm hot-tempered, I carry a short fuse, my moods swing, I'm difficult, hard-headed and there were a lot of times that I didn't treat you right. I still want to thank you for being my boyfriend, for being the best guy I've ever dated and I will never forget the time we had together if it were to end now."
"That all very nice," I nodded. "And all that you said about yourself is all true." I had to agree with all of her assumptions. "But let's say for the sake of argument that I didn't want to stay away. What would you say to me then? Just to, you know… satisfy my curiosity."
Her violet eyes warmed just a touch. And she said playfully, "Well… hypothetically speaking, of course…"
"Of course," I leaned a bit closer.
She brushed back her hair behind her shoulder, "I would have to admit. My hopes for any reconciliation were what initially brought me here tonight. But like I said, there is no pressure, I understand if that's impossible, or something beyond your consideration tonight."
"Hmm," I agreed, liking this game we were both playing. "What if I'd said thank you for being so kind? I appreciate the apology, and the thank yous, even if they weren't needed. As far as I am concerned there was nothing to consider, I just wanted you back. Since the moment we broke up, it was all I wanted. What would you have done then?"
"Well," She looked up at my ceiling and thought about it. "First I would have given you a kiss that told you that was all I'd needed to hear. Then I would have shown you the other surprise I tucked away just in case my hopes and wishes matched yours."
"Oh there's a surprise?" I asked, "You know how I love your surprises."
"Yes, I do." She smiled and just a breath away from kissing me, she stopped and told me. "But you're still wearing your Christmas sweater from the party. Don't you wanna get a little more comfortable first?"
It was a tease! She's teasing me right now. I knew that but as I looked down at my Christmas Story sweater peppered in Lady's Leg Lamps and BB guns. All twisted from being inside my General's uniform during the battle. Knowing I'd sweat through the thing too. I had to agree with Raye, that I desperately needed to change. I flirted back, "Are you gonna change? I mean I've always wanted to have the Scout of Mars in my bedroom. I have so many ideas for that set up, but that Sailor fuku has gotta be uncomfortable too."
She batted my hands away and told me, "Nope, I'm fine. You change, then come right back here."
So I walk over to my closet and start to change right there. While I'm still in plain sight of Mars, she asks me. "What are you doing." While making a point of not looking at me directly. She keeps glancing between her fingers and turning a little redder each time we lock eyes.
"You told me to change, I'm changing," I told her. Smiling ear to ear no shirt, no shoes, I'm thinking no problem.
Yet she tells me, "Do that in your bathroom."
"It's not like it's anything you haven't seen before." I remind her as I unfasten my jeans. "You've seen it all, and this isn't even your first sleepover, or time in this room."
"I know all of that!" She freaks, "This is the first time we're making up after breaking up completely-"
"No, it's not." I corrected her. "That already happened a couple of times too."
"This is the first time since I'm my whole self. It's supposed to be a little more special than you showing everything. Before doing anything. Ya know? Could you be a little MODEST! DAMN-YOU!" She lashed out finally. While I decided flustered Mars was my favorite version of the fiery Scout.
"Okay. okay!" I laughed, I love making her as crazy as she makes me. "I'll go in here and get ready."
"Brush your teeth too, I don't want any interruptions when you get back in here." She told me through the door and you should have seen my speed. I showered, brushed my teeth and got dressed so fast it was like a miniaturized cyclone spun me to perfection. Tasmanian Devil style. That is kinda my spirit animal come to think of it.
I stepped out and leaned against the wall trying to be suave. I asked her, "Is this more like it?" Just sporting Christmas-themed pajama bottoms and not bothering with a shirt.
"Much better," She smiled.
I sauntered her way trying to seem a little sultury, and thinking there was no way she would tease me this time. She didn't, she allowed me to kiss her as Sailor Mars. To assure me that this was ours, completely and nothing was ever again gonna snatch it away. I picked her up and took her towards the bed. I placed her in the center of the bed, all while still kissing her and not letting anything break our contact. When we finally parted for breath and I still managed to leave a hot trail of kisses down her throat. She asked me, "Can I show you your surprise now?"
"This wasn't it?" I asked directly in her ear.
"Nope," she shook her head and I could hear her smile of contentment in her voice.
"Can it wait?" I asked, more than a little busy.
"No, and believe me, you don't want it to either." She provoked.
"Okay, what is it?" I asked sitting back from her and the pillows to loom over her.
She touched the center of the bow, on her Sailor fuku, and deactivated her transformation. The same way the Moonlight Knight had deactivated Sailor Moon's earlier that evening. Only when Mars' flames dissipated to reveal her normal clothes underneath. All she was wearing was one of my button-down shirts and not all of the buttons had even been buttoned either. She was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Christmas Day isn't here yet, I know. But no present I unwrap under that tree will nearly be as fun as unwrapping this surprise was. After a miserable night with so much heartache, having Raye with me was so healing and I don't think I've ever been so content. Before I fell asleep in total bliss tonight. I prayed to thank god for this, and prayed that this kind of thing not be so rare. That everyone has the potential to find this kind of joy. My brothers, teammates the Sailor girls, Serena and Darien, our human guests downstairs, our staff… I even prayed for the damn cats. Everyone! Has a chance at this kind of love and feeling of belonging with someone.
As I lay there with the person I love more than anything. As I watched her sleep and held her tight, I knew this was forever. I would do my best to always be there for her to protect her. I would also do my best to let her protect me and help me when I needed it. We were united and as I finally drifted off to sleep. I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
That's all for today, but I'll be back again tomorrow.
I hope that you all are enjoying and have and wonderful holiday season. If you can please leave a review, I would love to hear from you. God bless anyone reading these words right now and I will be posting the next chapter tomorrow. Until then, Much Love!
~SailorLeia
