AN : WOW it's been a while since I updated. Ultra sorry guys. I've been all caught up with the end of school and now I volunteer at Columbia for most of my day. I've been going through my old chapters, editing spelling and grammar mistakes and picking up the feel of my characters again. I wanted to have a mega-huge chapter upload and here it is. The next chapter will be coming out soon so sit tight! The moment you've been waiting for is but a few days away (crazy drama people, crazy drama).
ssj2Lizzie : Happy very belated! Haha , sorry I couldn't publish in time for your birthday but I hope this will do.
miyuve : Aw thanks :D . I'm glad you like it those people will be having a lot of drama in a bit.
serenity287 : Sorry, I'm late again! But this update is pretty long so, hm?
DaOnleeSam : Haha, I still haven't watched General Hospital … but I will soon for you haha. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
iluvboys : Darien's coming soon! Next chapter is mainly on him so wait a few days and wham!
Kiweee : Oh goodness this was a mega-late update, sorry. I think I have no choice but to end the relationship drastically and badly. All this time I've been spending time to get them closer so that it hurts more in the end oo.
Silver Moon Goddess1 : Why thank you :P. Hope you find this chapter cute as well.
Pomow : Ahs, sorry I updated so late xP. Forgive me!
Shrouded Mist : Thanks so much for the flattering compliment! Sorry it's such a late update, but I'll be writing more since it's summer!
Bunnie : Whoa! Eight chapters in less than one hour oo. Boy you read fast! I guess you'll zip through this chapter than, haha. Enjoy!
ArouraLeona : Thanks ;P I try hard, haha. Hope you enjoy!
DA : Haha, thanks. Sorry you had to wait so long for the next chapter :X
Roselil71 : :) Thank you! I'll update faster and I hope this chapter is good too.
Disclaimer : I do not own Sailor Moon or Pink is the New Blog or models involved or etc.
Love on the Catwalk : Chapter 09
dizziified
Reason to Change #9 : Skinny dipping is audaciously sexy
"Eh?"
It's Tuesday morning at Sugar Sweet Sunshine, the best cupcake-dishing joint in all of Manhattan—never mind that the workers are a bit… unfriendly (which is ironic because of the name of the bakery)—and the first thing in sight upon seating was a huge brown kraft envelope right in front of my face.
"Open it," Seiya ordered and took a sip of coffee.
I stared at it before grumpily taking it from his hands and flipping it's already ripped flap open.
It was Tuesday morning, we had gotten up extra-early to cab it all the way down here to be the first ones in, and I wanted my $1.50 pieces of heaven damn it! … Sigh. You'll have to excuse me; I didn't sleep very well last night and I tend to get a bit impatient when Red Velvet Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes are involved.
"When did these get taken?" I asked, looking at the 8x11 headshots of me—me one day out on the street, me at the last show, me on an outing with Andrew…
Do I have a stalker? And better yet, is Seiya paying him?
Seiya must have read my expression because he burst out laughing a second later. "HA HA! Paparazzi, Usa, paparazzi."
"And what's all this?" I asked as I thumbed through papers underneath. "Pink is the New Blog, random magazine and newspaper clippings… hey!—you redid my résumé?"
"Keep turning," he instructed, taking another leisurely sip of coffee.
Pushing my cupcakes to the side, I set the envelope down and flipped through the papers until I came to a separately stapled packet labeled "Project LIFE".
"Project LIFE?" I read out confusedly.
"It's a new project on models," Seiya explained. "All this business about anti-drug, anti-eating disorders, anti-unsafe sex, pro-charity, and all that other good stuff. They're trying to get top models as to cause a greater impact and influence on the audience. They needed a few headshots and background information so I whipped that baby up and sent it in last week and now, here it is."
"Iwas on Pink is the New Blog!" I exclaimed, flipping back the pages as I remembered some of the embarrassing pictures and comments when I browsed the site last time.
"Mhm," he nodded with muted amusement.
"Was it bad!" I asked. Where is that damn paper!
Seiya scoffed. "I wouldn't send in something embarrassing, Usa; calm down."
"Serena Tsukino was spotted down at South Street Seaport yesterday sporting a rather full Strand shopping bag. Looks like we're got ourselves a book worm! Ah—brains and beauty is just so hard to come across these days." I read.
Underneath was a picture of me standing at a street corner with a huge Strand shopping bag at my side. I had gone down and bought myself a few good reads and fashion books.
"Anyway," Seiya went on. "Just read over the highlighted parts and sign the contracts in the back."
"Mhm," I nodded dazedly, flipping languidly though the papers. Wow I came out a lot.
"Which reminds me," Seiya said, hand creeping to one of my cupcakes. That fool. I looked up and snapped it away.
"We need to get official headshots for you. I'll scratch a session in before your first interview."
"And when's that?" Yum … red velvet cupcake.
"Tomorrow," he answered smoothly before working on his own vanilla cupcake.
"What?" Tomorrow!
He nodded. "They want to start by the beginning of next week so they're holding interviews today and tomorrow before picking the final ten by Friday."
"Why so last minute?"
Seiya raised an eyebrow. "Usagi, everything is last minute—you just don't know it."
"Hnn …." I nodded, taking a sip of coffee as I scanned the interview schedule. "Wow, all the Victoria's Secrets Angels are on."
"Only one or two will make it," Seiya informed. "They want to keep it a bit diverse."
"Andrew and Darien are on," I said. "And Mina Aino…."
"Well, they're fairly popular. But don't worry; I'm pretty sure you'll get in."
I looked up. "Why?"
"Because you're you," he quipped.
And we left it at that.
scene
"So what story do you have that will help the project?"
I phased back into reality and stopped eying the speaker's boldly red crazy hairdo.
"Um…," I started and straightened my back. "I've actually thought long and hard about this—anorexia, charity work, etc—but I'm sure you already have many people lined up for those cases."
I paused and looked into the interviewers' eyes. "And so I thought of pro-beauty… pro-self; pro-confidence. Girls struggle everyday to become more beautiful—to loose weight and to be attractive. They look to models and the flaws in themselves become more prominent."
I took out a few pictures from my handbag and slid it over. "Those are some pictures of me when I was younger and the last one is of me not so long ago."
I watched as surprise flashed over the faces of some of the interviewers and one quirked an eyebrow.
"I know, I know," I prattled. "Hard to believe, huh? But yeah, I wasn't the greatest looking girl around. I was ridiculed by others and the butt of many jokes—but you know what? I didn't let it bring me down and kept on living the way I did."
"As most of you already know, Seiya is a childhood friend. He was always there for me and even though I looked like that, he fell in love with me and became my first boyfriend. And not so long ago, Seiya convinced me into a total makeover and here I am, the woman that graces magazine pages and walks down the catwalk."
I leant back in my seat. "Girls do not have to change themselves to feel beautiful or to get boys— there all beautiful and there will always be a boy out there who will appreciate them for who they are. They shouldn't take harsh comments to heart and they should stand up for themselves instead of cowering like I had when I worked at Mode.."
"So, yeah." I gave off a nervous giggle. "That's just the way I wanted to take it."
"Thank you, Miss Tsukino," the red-headed interviewer said. "Do you mind if we keep the photographs?"
"Oh by all means," I nodded.
"Excellent; we'll contact your agent with our decision."
I smiled widely. "Thank you for this opportunity and I hope you all have a nice day."
Getting up, I grabbed my handbag and propped it on my shoulder before clacking my way out of the room with the most grace that I could manage.
Upon leaving the office, I slumped against the closest wall and released a sigh of relief.
"Come on," Seiya laughed as I felt him peel me off the wall. "I'm sure you did great."
"Hopefully," I eeped and straightened myself as I linked arms with the man. "I hope I get in. I really want to convey my message to all those girls out there."
"Always the sweetheart," Seiya mused as we began walking to the elevators.
"Ugh," I moaned. "I still feel nervous."
"How about we celebrate with a round of homemade fruit smoothies and a movie?"
"Really!" Seiya whipped up some killer smoothies.
"Yeap," he nodded. I giggled and stepped back as the doors opened.
Blue clashed on blue.
"Daren," I smiled. "I totally forgot; you're next aren't you?"
He gave a ghost of a smile before nodding. "Yeah. How'd it go?"
"It was okay," I replied as we exchanged places—me and Seiya in the elevator and him out.
"Good luck!" I cried as the doors slid closed. "And it was nice seeing you!"
"Mm! that man is delicious," Seiya said the moment the elevator started venturing downwards.
"Seiya," I gasped dramatically before nudging him playfully. "You don't say those kinds of things in front of a lady!"
"Am I making you blush, my lady?" Seiya asked with a French accent.
I brought my hands over my face. "Oh, Monsieur Kou."
"Ah, belle, don't get flustered by this lonely man," he teased and hovered over me.
"I feel faint, sir," I said and rapidly fanned my face. "I do think I need a glass of water."
"I could give you some of that," he said and licked his lips, leaning forward to stop just before he actually touched me.
'I will not laugh, I will not laugh, I will not laugh….'
"Pfft—!" A gush of air left my mouth before turning into full-born laughter.
"I win!" Seiya proclaimed and gave me back some space.
"No fair!" I pouted. "You were going all horny French man on me!"
"Ya snooze, ya lose, girly," Seiya retorted as the doors slid open. "You owe me a night out!"
I pouted even more. Great, there goes a few hundred dollars from my wallet.
We did this from time to time, trying to get the other to laugh with the price of one night out on the line. Seiya always picked somewhere nice and fancy while I usually chose somewhere fun and loud. I should be meaner to his wallet next time—it's not like he can't afford it!
"Now, to K-Town!" Seiya shouted and pointed out in the direction. The Korean supermarket always had the best fruits.
"To K-Town," I repeated and daintily made my way out the door as he held it open for me, bowing his head with the 'right-this-way' hand motion and all.
scene
"It's them!" I exclaimed, looking at the caller ID on Seiya's phone.
"Okay, calm down," Seiya instructed, taking three deep breaths with me before pressing the speakerphone button.
"Hello?" His voice was calm and professional.
"Hello? Is this Mr. Seiya Kou?" the caller asked—it was that head-on-fire woman from before!
"This is he."
"Hi! This is Patricia Haruna calling to inform you that Miss Serenity Tsukino has been chosen to take part in Project LIFE. We'll be expecting her to come to the office Sunday morning at 7 o'clock for the first briefing."
"That's great." He smiled and gripped my hand. "She'll be there."
"Thank you," Patricia ended before hanging up.
As soon as Seiya turned off the speakerphone, I erupted.
"OH MY GOD!" I hugged Seiya tightly as he spun me around.
"You're in!" he exclaimed and held me apart before giving me a corner lip kiss.
"Heck yeah!" I shouted.
"This calls for a celebration," Seiya announced. "I am taking you out for your first drink in years."
"I don't want to drink," I replied, scrunching my nose in distaste.
"Well too bad 'cause you owe me a night out and I want to go to a bar." He smirked.
That nasty felon.
"Fine," I retorted snootily. "Just because I'm at a bar doesn't mean I have to drink."
Ha! In your face Mr. I'm-so-clever-and-evil!
"We'll see about that," he smirked.
I rolled my eyes. Whatever.
scene
"I can't believe you picked such an expensive place."
"Hey, at least I got us into VIP. Plus, I'm sure you'll be coming here a lot from now on."
I scoffed. "Sure, because that's exactly the kind of girl I am—a raving party-lovin' alcoholic."
We were at the Aer Lounge, on the edge of West Village. It's known to be a celebrity hot spot and for its VIP lounge and impressive array of beverages. Right now we were downstairs at the VIP bar, waiting for the bartender to get our orders.
"No," Seiya retorted. "Because this is where a lot of parties are held and I expect that you'll be on the invite lists of many parties to come."
"You flatter me," I drawled. "A virgin Shirley Temple for me and a—."
"Make it a Miami Ice and a Screwdriver," Seiya interrupted, reaching over with Mr. Benjamin in hand.
I shot him a glare before turning back to the bartender. "Ah—ignore him…."
Too late; he was already fixing our drinks.
Turning back to Seiya, I whacked him with my purse. "I'm supposed to pay for tonight!"
"Oh relax," Seiya ordered carelessly, pocketing the change and slipping the bartender a five before handing me my drink.
"It's like a Long Island Ice Tea—completely harmless." He took a sip of his Screwdriver before motioning to a free corner seat. I took his hand and followed him closely as we weaved through the crowd, drink clutched close.
"This tastes pretty good," I commented after we settled in, picking the orange slice off the glass rim and biting in.
"Knew you'd like it," he smiled. "Now gulp it down so we can go dancing."
"Oh—I don't think I can."
"On three," he ordered, tossing my comment aside. "One, two, three!"
He tipped his glass up and for some reason I found myself doing it with him. My drink sloshed down my throat and a bit trickled down my chin.
"Kah!" Seiya finished off before licking his lips and setting the glass down.
As he helped me up I smacked my lips and wiped off the trickle with the back of my hand. I had never really been to a club before—only once but that was at a bachelorette party and I had just been the prude cock-block who made sure no one ran off to have a one-night stand with a random man in the crummy motel down the block.
"I can't dance!" I shouted—it came out as more of a laugh. Whoo! I felt darn right bubbly!
"You went to dance school for years!" he retorted, spinning around to face me, placing my arms above his shoulders.
"Chyeah—I don't think I can exactly bust out in ballottés and jetés here! And besides, I haven't done it in years!"
"Oh, shut up and dance," Seiya murmured as a new beat came up.
It felt weird.
Here I was, in the VIP floor of a clubsmack-dab in the middle of the dance floor with my arms around the neck of my gay best friend. Hm … not a very common sight at all. But I felt absolutely wonderful from the alcohol and incredibly sexy in my navy and black halter dress—so what the heck, why not?
Seiya's hands slid down to my waist and guided my body to flow with the rhythm of the music. I closed my eyes, swaying with the music and leaning closer. I could feel people occasionally bumping into me, the music pumping on my skin, Seiya's hips against mine.
I laughed and slowly opened my eyes to look into the mirth of his.
"You tease," I mouthed and pressed myself closer in boldness. He looked shocked for a moment before smirking at the flush on my face.
"I like the drunk you," he said. "Man you have low tolerance."
"I'm not drunk!" I shouted back before laughing. "Only a little tipsy, maybe."
"Alright, honey," he dismissed before going back to dancing.
I laughed. This was pretty fun! The adrenaline was pumping through my veins and I couldn't stop smiling. Looking around, I saw a flash of long white hair coming our way.
"Look!" I nudged Seiya. "It's your lo—ver."
"HA HA! What?"
As Seiya turned in Kunzite's direction I slipped away, shimmying my way towards the bar with my hands raised high.
"Serena!"
I perked up and looked around for who had called my name. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I twirled around and looked up.
"Darien! Hey! What're you doing here?"
He laughed. "Could ask you the same thing."
"I'm here with Seiya," I explained. "My turn to pay for one night out. Let's go buy drinks!"
"Sure," he replied and followed me to the bar.
"I'll have a Snake Bite," he ordered, reaching his hand into his back pocket for his wallet.
"Umm…," I started when the bartender turned to me. "Why don't you surprise me?"
The bartender smiled before taking the money from Darien's outstretched hand and walking off to make our drinks.
"I was going to pay," I said to Darien when I realized that the bartender wasn't going to take my money.
He shrugged. "Now what kind of man would let a lady pay his drink?"
I shrugged back before leaning over the bar in wait of my surprise concoction. After a few restless moments, I peered over at Darien and assessed his appearance. He looked nice—a bit yakuza even in his all black attire save for his loosely hung white tie.
He peered back and laughed. "What's on your mind?"
"You look nice," I blurted before turning to an 'excuse me' from the bartender.
"Whoa, thanks." The drink was purple!
"Interesting cocktail," Darien commented before taking a sip of his drink.
"It's yummy," I replied before squirting the lime slice into my drink and discarding the peel. "You want?"
He shook his head. "Looks a bit too fruity for my tastes."
"Oh, are you the manly man now?" I asked sarcastically.
"Yeap." He raised his glass. "Just me and my Guinness."
Knowing nothing about it other than the fact that it was beer, I nodded along and quickly downed my drink.
"Whoa there," Darien said in slight alarm. "You sure you can handle downing it that fast?"
"I'm fine," I insisted. "Hurry up and finish your drink! I feel like dancing."
He looked a bit hesitant at first but he seemed to make up his mind when he finished off his drink in one swift gulp before slamming it onto the counter and wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
"Let's go," he said as he took my hand and led me onto the dance floor.
He stopped when the song ended and I stepped back as the beats to the next one started. I closed my eyes and felt the music swirl around me, it was louder than last time and I felt much more comfortable with myself—loose and ready to let it all go.
I began to sway my hips, disregarding the wandering eyes I was attracting and just letting my body move. I swished my head to the side and raised my arms, biting my lip to keep in a giggle.
I felt hands land on my waist and I opened my eyes to see Darien intently looking down at me. I grinned and slang my arms over his shoulders and stepped up against him. He raised an eyebrow and took a step back. Instead of blushing in embarrassment like my normal self, I laughed and turned around so that my back was to him.
Oh God, I really was a goner. Oh well….
I pushed up against him and moved around like I had seen so many other girls doing in the movies or the occasional cock-block duty party. It felt great to finally be able to do it myself.
As the song went on we thumped against each other—but only occasionally; Darien kept his distance out of loyalty to Andrew, I bet. I liked that.
"You're a really sweet friend!" I shouted as the song faded out. But I felt like really dancing! I wanted the skin contact and everything!
Just then, I felt someone's hand cop a feel and I shrieked. "Seiya Kou!"
I looked up to see his mischievous face. He glanced up at Darien and held a hand out for a pound.
"Darien," he said. "Didn't see you there."
"Seiya," Darien nodded.
"I think I'm gonna steal Usagi here for a dance," Seiya informed Darien as he took my arm.
"I was about to leave anyway," Darien replied as he started to back off.
"Bye!" I chirped. Darien simply nodded and it wasn't before I lost sight of him.
"What happened to Kunzite?" I asked Seiya when I turned back.
"I broke up with that guy ages ago," Seiya dismissed. "I'm a hot bachelor ripe for the picking."
"Aw, and you're here with me?" I cooed. "Hope no one gets the wrong message."
"They won't," he said as he held me closer to him. "Now shut up and dance!"
I laughed and tipped my head back—the room swirled a bit but I shook it off.
Seiya took charge and pushed up against me and quirked an eyebrow when I gyrated back before letting out a wicked smirk.
"You had another drink, didn't you?"
"Mhm," I smiled. "And I feel great!"
"HA HA!" He gripped me tighter. "Show me what you've got."
And so, we became a bumping, thumping, dancing power couple and it wasn't until 2 A.M. that we got out.
And then I threw up on the street.
… And then I threw up again in front of out apartment.
Needless to say, Seiya had to sleepover to help me brush my teeth and clean my makeup and change and etc.
I don't remember what I dreamt about that night but I think I woke up to throw up one last time.
scene
"Rise and shine, Princess!"
"Ughh…," I groaned and rolled over.
"Usagi, wake up!" I felt nudging at my side but chose to ignore it. And the next thing I know, I was a heap on the floor sans blanket.
"Seiya!" I yelped as I hastily sat up. "What the hell!"
"HA HA!" he barked. "Get up and have a glass of water. You need to get hydrated if you want to get rid of that hangover."
I moaned. "I'm never drinking again. And why are you here? What time is it?"
He cocked an eyebrow and stopped making my bed. "I slept over, don't you remember?"
"Yes … no." I groaned as the floor shifted when I got up.
"Whoa there." Seiya balanced me before leading me to the kitchen.
"Where's Luna?" I asked with shut eyes. Oh my God! So this is what a hangover feels like!
"I already fed her so don't worry about that," he instructed and handed me a glass of water and two pills. "Now drink up."
I complied like a child—gulping down the pills and finishing off the water in one go.
"All I can remember is throwing up a lot," I groaned and leaned my head against the kitchen counter.
"HA HA!" Seiya threw back his head before shaking it. "Well I'll tell you one thing."
"What?" I cocked my head to the side.
"You are one horny drunk."
"What!" I snapped my head up just to clutch it in pain.
"HA HA!" Oh, he was just having a hoot out of this.
"Shut up," I grumbled. "Don't you have work to do?"
He pat my head. "I was just about to leave."
"Good. Get going."
"HA HA! Way to make me feel welcome." He was already at the door. "Remember to drink lots of fluids and get some rest."
I mumbled incoherently and stayed with my head on the counter a long while after I heard my door slam shut.
"Mew." Soft padding filled my ears and I looked up upon feeling a scratchy tongue on my fingers.
I smiled. "Hey, Luna." I gave her an annoying ruffling of skin, giggling when she pulled back in annoyance.
"Get up, Serena," I told myself. "You've got lots to do today."
scene
"Okay, I'll call you back—I'm about to go in. Bye!"
I snapped my cell shut and put it in my purse before pausing to smooth out my clothes. I was standing outside the conference room and it was just about 7:00 now. Taking a deep breath, I exhaled loudly and put on a smile before pushing open the door.
I paused awkwardly at the eyes that flew my way upon entrance. I guess I was the last one to come.
"Um… hi," I greeted before shooting for the closest open seat and settling in.
"Okay," Patricia said. "It's 7 and it seems like everyone's here. Good. Now, if you'd all pass the contracts up."
Everyone shuffled through bags to fish out their contracts. I was holding mine under my arm so I simply slipped it out and handed it in. Taking this time to look around, I spotted a few familiar faces—Andrew (yay!), Darien, Mina Aino….
"Now, the papers you are receiving right now are a briefing on the ten selected models and what they will be doing. The last page is a schedule on which days you will be coming in and what you are expecting to bring with you and do that day."
"Tomorrow we are having photo shoots and filming for ads and such and the following days will consist of interviews, individual photo shoots, and etc. Today, we will leave you all to mingle and get to know each other for you will be working very closely at some points during these following two weeks or so.
"Now, I bid you all good luck and hope that we will all be able to work hard together," Patricia finished up and promptly gathered up her things and left.
"Um…," some girl started. "So who wants to go 'mingle' at some restaurant? I haven't eaten anything since yesterday afternoon." There was some laughter and even more laughter when a few stomachs growled.
"We can go to my diner," Andrew said. "On the house."
"Awesome!" the girl from before cried. "I'm craving some lethal pancakes!"
scene
After heading over to The Crown, we introduced ourselves to each other over breakfast. The enthusiastic pancake girl was Hye Park, a rather skinny Korean model with a surprisingly huge appetite. The others were Adriana Lima, Cintia Dicker, Oluchi Onweagba, Boyd Holbrook, and Drew.
"Wow," I said as I flapped the papers that Patricia had given us. "This is one heck of a packet."
"There's a one page bio on everyone," Andrew said. "And each day takes up a page too."
"Do we really have to read all of this?" Hye questioned.
"I think we can skip the bios," Mina said. "But I think we should read what we're going to be talking about for the project." We all nodded and skimmed the papers.
"Ah, sorry," Oluchi said as she gathered her things. "I've got to get going. I have an appointment at ten."
"I should get going too," Boyd said. "Thanks for the breakfast."
It wasn't long before everyone was gone besides me, Andrew, and Mina. Oh, Mina, Mina, Mina; what am I to do with you?
"I didn't realize how much I missed eating at The Crown!" Mina exclaimed as she returned the paper and pen that some boy had given her for a signature. "I've gotta come by more often."
"You do that, Mina," Andrew smiled.
"I mean," Mina continued. "I haven't been here in years. Remember how we used to eat here all the time? It was like my second home… well that and—."
"Mina!" Andrew cut in and took my hand. "You know Serena?"
"Hi," I smiled and extended a hand. "Nice seeing you again."
'Ahaha, yeah….'
"Serena!" Her air kisses took me aback. "You look great. Didn't see you there—I was so focused on what I was talking about."
Then her cell went off in a rather funky melody.
"Oh shoot," she said as she shuffled through her purse. "I have to go. See you guys tomorrow." It was an air-kissing frenzy before she clacked away in her red satin Jimmy Choos.
"Well…," Andrew trailed. "What do you want to do today?"
I looked to him and laughed. "Well, Mr. Bradshaw, I haven't seen you in days—what makes you think I'll be willing to do anything with you today?"
"Because you love me," he said. "And it helps that I'm the hottest man in this room."
I pretended to look around. "Oh really now? That man by the counter looks pretty hot, you know?"
Andrew glanced over. "Pftt! Are you serious?"
"I like my men beefy," I smiled and turned to the beefy man in question. And beefy he was, at least 250 lbs of solid muscle… it was kind of ridiculously disgusting.
"Well, I guess I'll be heading to the gym then," Andrew said as he made his way to the door.
"See you in a few years," I sent off with a wave.
The door closed and I heard Andrew's footsteps stomping away. I waited a few moments before tiptoeing my way to the door and sneakily slipping the door open. Andrew was sitting outside with a hand over his mouth.
"Boo!" I shouted when I crept up to him.
"You got me." Andrew put up his hands. "Now, where do you want to go?"
"I want to go to…," I started—finger on chin. "The moon."
"The moon?" he questioned.
I nodded and looked down at him. "The moon. But … I'll settle for the beach instead."
"That I can do."
scene
"Come on!" Andrew called. "Just do it!"
It was sunset down at Long Beach and we were just about the last ones around. We had spent the entire day here—swimming, sunbathing, and just talking for hours on end. Well… he did most of the swimming and I did most of the sunbathing but who's keep track?
"Hurry up and just do it," Andrew ordered.
"It's so embarrassing!" I shouted. "I can't!"
"Come on!" Andrew shouted from the water. "No one's around and you know you want to. It feels great; just get in."
"O-okay," I said, towel gripped tightly around me.
'I can't believe I'm actually doing this. Skinny dipping of all things!'
Edging towards the water, I looked around for bystanders. There was no one. Taking a deep breath, I fisted my towel and got ready to drop it.
Andrew turned around. "Are you coming—?"
"Don't look!" I shouted, gripping my towel closer.
"Okay, okay." Andrew turned around, hands raised.
"I'm coming in," I warned. "You better not turn around!"
"I won't!" Andrew shouted.
I did another quick scan and quickly dropped my towel before diving into the water. The water felt nice and cool against my skin. I waded up to where Andrew was standing and swam back a few steps when I realized I couldn't reach the ground.
"You in?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," I replied.
Andrew turned around with a ripple of water. "Why are you back there?"
"But I can't reach the bottom," I protested.
"Come here before I go and get you myself!" he warned mischievously and reached over.
"Ack! Don't touch me!" I shrieked before diving away.
"I'm gonna get you," he taunted as I felt his hands nip at my feet.
"Stop it!" I stopped short when he grabbed my calve and pulled me to him.
"Let go of me!" I demanded and tried to push him away.
"It's not like I've never seen 'em before," Andrew said with a wicked smile.
I vividly blushed and simply sputtered and his audacity. "You impudent man!"
"Aw, you love me," he cooed as he hugged me tightly against him.
"Let go!" I squirmed in his grip but he just laughed and hugged me closer.
"Stop squirming," he murmured. "You're getting me excited."
I yelped at the hardness on my thigh and kicked out of his grip. Ew! Ew! Ew, ew, ew!
"Don't be scared!" he laughed and chased after me.
"Stop it!"
"Come here, I want a kiss!"
"Unhand me, you felon! I said, let go! Ahk!"
scene
Eventually, Andrew caught me and we did some … stuff. It was … nice. Oh, there was no sex involved; I'm not nearly ready for that yet. Just a lot of kissing … and some groping … and oh God, it was wonderful.
And so here I am, 6:00 A.M., in Andrew's bed.
Pushing back the green covers, I swung my legs over the side and started to get up when I felt an arm pulling me back down.
"Andrew!" I hissed. "It's 6:00, I have to go home and shower and get ready for work."
"Stay," he murmured and fit his head over my shoulder.
"We have to get up," I said. "Patricia's gonna kill us if we're late."
"Then let's be late," he replied, curling a leg around me.
I sighed and proceeded to remove his arm and kick off his leg. He looked up at me through squinty eyes and a layer of bed-hair.
"Get up, Andrew," I commanded as I grabbed my bag from his computer chair. "I'm gonna go catch a cab home and I'll see you at work."
"Serena," he groaned as he stretched out his body. I smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek before leaning back to escape his grasp.
"Get up," I repeated. "I'll call you when I get home and you better pick up."
Andrew simply gave me a lazy smile and waved me to come closer.
"What?" I asked, leaning down.
My reply was a hand behind my head and a set of lips on mine. It was followed by more kisses and soon enough, I felt Andrew slowly pulling me down. Pushing away, I wiped my lips and backed off.
"I really have to go," I told him and marched out the door. "I'll see you soon."
"Well, look what the cat's brought in."
I jolted and span around, back to Andrew's now closed door. I breathed out a sigh of relief upon seeing Darien leaning over the kitchen counter with a glass of OJ.
"You scared me half to death, Darien," I said as I calmed my breathing.
He simply gave me an inquiring arched eyebrow. I gave him a 'what?' face and looked down at my body. I was wearing one of Andrew's oversized shirts and a pair of silk boxers.
"Oh, it's not what you think!" I blurted as I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. "We didn't do anything!"
"Mhm," he nodded, unconvinced.
"Seriously!" I insisted as I hastily rushed to the door. "It was just really late after we went out yesterday so I just slept over."
"Okay, Serena," he nodded, downing his OJ and heading for the sink.
"There was nothing beyond cuddling," I said. Few more steps and I'm at the door.
"I believe you," Darien replied.
"I'm not that kind of girl, Darien," I reminded with the doorknob in my hands. "See you in an hour."
He waved without facing me and I exited the apartment with a loud slam. Letting out a sigh, I glanced at my cell phone and saw that it was already 6:14.
"Crap!" I shouted and rushed to the elevator, sticking my hand in at the last second.
Inside was a rather surprised cute-looking typically blonde frat boy. He gave me a quick once-over and I blushed, pulling down Andrew's boxers a bit and cleared my throat as I pressed the lobby button. After we were a few floors down, he cleared his throat.
"Aren't you Serena Tsukino?"
I looked up at him in surprise. "Uhhh … yeah?"
"I knew it!" he exclaimed and gave me a flashy grin. "You live here or something?"
"Or something," I answered and looked up to the elevator menu. Six more floors to go.
"Let me guess." He gave me another look-over. "Boyfriend?"
I blushed and looked down at my feet. "No! Wait—yes. Um … I didn't just have sex , if that's what you're thinking. But yes, my boyfriend lives here."
"Okay, okay," he said, backing off a bit. "I believe you."
"I'm not that kind of girl, you know?" I said, peering over at him. Four more floors.
"Yeah, I hear ya," he said as he pushed himself off the wall and unclipped his cell phone. "Listen, could I get a picture with you? The guys wouldn't believe me otherwise."
"Sure," I smiled. "Wow, I'm a celebrity siting; never thought that would happen in a million years."
He laughed as he put his phone in front of us and put an arm around my shoulders. "Hey, if I know who you are, that means you're pretty popular."
We paused to smile and he clicked the photo button before opening up the phone. A picture of us smiled back at me.
"Nice," he commented and saved the picture.
I nodded and looked up at the ding. We were at the lobby—he had to go to the basement.
"I'm off," I said with a wave. "Nice meeting you …."
"Matt," he filled in. "Good seeing you too. You're just like I thought you'd be."
"And that's good?" I laughed.
He nodded and a small "Bye Serena!" was all I heard as the doors closed and I ran to the main doors, flip flops crazily flopping after me.
scene
"Usagi!"
I whirled around in a flurry of blonde to see Seiya jogging after me.
"Late for work?" he asked.
"Almost," I replied as I looked down at my watch. It was 6:40—there was just enough time to get to work with a few minutes to spare.
"A cab's waiting at the corner for me; let's take it together," he said. I breathed out a sigh of relief and grabbed Seiya's hand to drag him out of the building.
"We have to hurry!" I shouted over his protests and practically shoved him into the backseat of the car before spitting out my work address to the cab driver.
"Jesus," Seiya exhaled as he caught his breath. "What's the harm in being late by a couple of minutes?"
"It's very unprofessional," I replied. "And Patricia would kill me—or worse, fire me."
"And getting fired is worse than getting killed because…?"
"Oh, you know what I mean," I fussed and dismissed Seiya's latest comment. "I really want to do this, Seiya. Sorry for being cliché and corny but I want to share my story and spread my message—."
"To the whole wide world," Seiya finished with an overly sugary voice.
"Ha ha, very funny." I gave him a dry look before turning to look out the window. "I just don't want to get fired, okay?"
"Alright, Usa," Seiya caved with a pat on my shoulder. "Don't be mad."
I shook my leg in anticipation. "Come on, come on."
Fourteen more minutes. I could see the building in the distance.
Then, the taxi jolted to a stop and I would have slammed into the separator if Seiya hadn't held me back.
"Why are we stopping!" I asked in a slightly frantic tone. "It's a green light, isn't it?"
"There was an accident just now at the intersection," the driver informed us. I turned around to see a full street of cars behind and beside us. "Looks like we're going to be here for a while."
"Are you serious!" I squeaked. I could feel a ball in my stomach just waiting to drop. Thriteen more minutes.
"Okay, Usa," Seiya said as he grabbed my shoulders. "We're getting a little crazy over here. Deep calming breaths—in, out, in, out."
I took a few breaths with him before finally calming down.
"I'm going to run for it," I informed him as I grabbed my bag.
"In those shoes?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
I looked down and wiggled my rather pointedly heeled sandal clad toes. Hmm … the pink rush-out-of-the-shower-and-go pedicure I had done this morning had smudged.
"I don't really have a choice, now do I?" I retorted; and with that, I kicked open the backseat door and sped away in a flurry of clicks.
I was starting to feel my shoes digging into my feet by the time I got to the intersection and I mentally cursed the men who had caused the accident.
"Excuse me," I exhaled as I nudged onlookers out of my way.
Why were they standing in the middle of the sidewalk just staring!
'Almost there,' I urged myself, eyes set on the building. 'Almost, almost—.'
CRACK.
Oh crap.
'Oh no, no, no, no! Please don't let it be—.' And yet, it was.
Looking down at my feet, one of my heels had snapped almost right off, hanging on by but a few golden threads.
I breathed out. 'It's okay, I can still walk like this.'
As soon as I took two steps forward, I tottered at the height difference.
'Or not.'
"Ugh," I grunted and bent down to take off my shoes. It didn't take long for me to step on a rather large piece of glass and jump around in pain.
And then—my knight in shining armor.
"Usagi!"
I looked up to see Seiya running towards me. I blinked away the tears and tried to keep my balance.
"What happened? Did you step in something?" he asked. I took hold of his shoulder and bent my right leg to peered over my shoulder.
"Ouch," he commented, wincing at the glass piece stuck in my foot. He supported me by the waist and deftly pulled it out in one go.
"Oh my God," I gasped at the blood that gushed out. I was starting to feel a little … woozy.
"Whoa there," Seiya said as he tightened his grip on my falling form. "Looks like Prince Charming will have to save the day once again."
I scoffed. "And who exactly is this Prince Charming?"
I was a bit startled when he lifted me up princess-style and started to adjust to a firmer grip.
"Me," he smiled toothily and quelled my protests. "Don't want to be late now, do we?"
I bit my lip and looked to my watch. "Seven more minutes."
"Hold on," he instructed before beginning a mad dash.
We must have been some sight—a tall, lean man dashing off with a slightly shorter, leaner blonde in his arms with blood leaking everywhere.
We vaulted by surprised security guards and zipped into an empty, open elevator. Seiya hoisted me onto the tiny bar on the side of the elevator and I quickly pressed my floor as the doors closed.
"Now let's look at that foot," Seiya said as he lifted my leg up. It was an even bloodier mess than before.
"Do you have water and napkins?" he asked me, pointing his head to my bag.
"Um ...," I said, fishing about while balancing on one leg. "I have water and tissues."
He motioned for them and I plopped them into his open hand. He then gingerly poured water onto some tissues and wiped away the blood. After cleaning it out a bit more and drying it, he took out his blue hanky and tied it around my foot as a make-shirt bandage.
"I don't think that blood'll get out of that thing very easily," I informed when the elevator doors finally opened.
"Just throw it out," he said as he picked me up again and looked around. "Where to?"
"Down to the right," I answered. I didn't have to remind Seiya to step on it—he took off without another word and soon we busted inside to face the whole lot of startled models and Patricia.
Patricia cleared her throat. "Miss Tsukino, is there a specific reason that Mister Kou escorted you to work in such a manner today?"
I blushed and hit Seiya to let me down. I blushed even more at the giggles and cleared my throat as I tried to gather myself as I smoothed out my shirt.
"Um, we … ah, you see," I started.
"There was a car accident at the intersection of this block and since Usagi didn't want to be late, she dashed out to run for it but only ended up with a broken sandal heel and a shard of glass in her foot after that," Seiya explained for me.
"And I escorted Usagi here because she was bleeding quite badly—thus the handkerchief on her foot. Do you happen to have a first aide kit?—she should get her foot disinfected and properly taken care of."
"I … see," Patricia drawled, a bit taken by surprise. "Well, Miss Tsukino, nice to see your determination to get here on time—but next time, come ten minutes early like everyone else instead of cutting it so close that you have to injure yourself on your mad dash here."
"Yes ma'am," I complied with a firm nod, ignoring the extra giggling.
"I think I'll be taking my leave now," Seiya announced and gave me a wink before closing the door behind him as he left the room.
Upon Patricia's stern let's-get-started glance, I limped over to an open chair next to Drew and sat down.
"I'll go get the first aide kit for you in a bit, Serena, but first things first, how was yesterday…."
scene
"I'm so tired, Andrew," I moaned and leant into his arm. He laughed and looped his arm around my shoulders.
"Harder than you thought, huh?"
I nodded. "There was so much prepping and changing and just wow. I knew it was kind of intense through work at Mode but to actually be the model doing it all is so different from what I thought it would be."
"It gets easier," Andrew assured me, planting a sideways kiss on my hair.
I smiled when he gripped me closer and tiptoed to kiss him on his cheek. Our eyes met and he put his forehead on mine before smiling.
"Too cute." I blushed and took off to his car.
"Where are you off to?" he laughed.
"I'm embarrassed!" I replied, hands on cheeks.
"You have to stop doing that," he told me—he had caught up and hugged me from behind before unlocking his car and holding the passenger door open for me.
"Your carriage awaits."
"Why, thank you," I said snootily as I got myself into the car with utmost grace.
That night, I read over the schedule before safely tucking into bed with Luna at my feet.
end Love on the Catwalk : Chapter 09
AN : THANK YOU FOR READING! REVIEWS ALWAYS WELCOME!