Episode 6: A Series of Surprises
Previously:
Ami slipped her fingers underneath the door and gripped Michiru's. sighing, she stood up and carefully opened the door. They stood, staring for a bit, then Ami spoke. "I'm not saying I'm happy with your decision, but it's silly to sit in a room all day." Michiru only smiled and nodded.
*XXX*
Ami played the song carefully. She had been playing for many years, and yet this simple song had always been her favorite. So calming...
*SNAP*
She stared uncomprehendingly at her violin. Then, her face morphed in to horror and shock. Never, EVER had her string snapped. Blinking, she put the violin down and sat on the bench, putting her head in her hands. The snow drifted down around her as she sat quietly.
Usagi was walking down the wooded path when she saw Ami sitting in the . When the other girl noticed her, she simply looked away. Usagi saw the blood on her finger and bent down, taking her finger in to her hand. Ami tried pull it away , but she grabbed tighter.
"I'll leave after I do this, okay?" When Ami didn't respond, she pulled out a handkerchief and tied it to her finger. Unbeknownst to both of then, they were being watched.
Once she was finished, Usagi stood up and took out her umbrella. Walking to the other side of the bench, she placed her umbrella over the violin. Giving Ami a small smile, she turned and walked down the path. Ami watched her go, and then her eyes drifted down to the violin.
*XXX*
Rei stood outside the lounge, when she heard the footsteps. She chuckled, Usagi must have found the gel she had smeared in her locker. You Odango! Don't you know it's rude to be..." She trailed off when she saw who it was.
"How long do you think they've been meting each other?"
"Ami can't be so protective of her for no reason."
"A battle between friends over love is never good."
A vein pulsed in Rei's forehead as the girls continued talking. They had shown her pictures of Usagi and Ami, which put her in a bad enough mood, but now their high chattering voices were pissing her off. Finally, she reached the limit of her patience. "Will you all shut up?"
Kaorinite immediately stopped, staring at Rei in shock. "B-but..."
Rei looked at her with cold eyes and spoke lowly. "If you say one more word I'll twist your neck." Then, she snatched the camera from their hands and smashed it on the floor.
*XXX*
Usagi was back in the forest , right by the bench. Ami was no longer there and she sighed sadly. Hearing footsteps, she turned in happiness, only to have it wiped off her face."What are you doing here Rei?"
"Do I not have the right to be here? Or did the two of you rent this place out?"
Usagi clenched her teeth and fists. "You-"
"What did you take me for? Do you think you can do what you please around me, simply because I went easy on you?"
What are you even saying right now?" Usagi was confused by the sudden change in Rei's demeanor.
"I'm saying I want you to return the favor." With that, she grabbed Usagi's face and forced it towards her, despite fighting and shouting.
"No! No! I don't want to!" She finally broke free and glared at the dark haired heiress, tears looked back coldly and pushed her out of the way, walking on.
*XXX*
It was the day of the party. Usagi carefully walked in, feeling nervous. Soon, she caught sight of Minako, surrounded by girls, and laughed as she overheard them talking.
"You promised to call me! What happened?"
"Me too! You said I could be your date."
"That's what she said to me! Who are you even here with?" Minako sweat dropped, caught between the angry girls. She saw Usagi and quickly excused herself, making a show of throwing her arm around her shoulder.
"Hey honey, you're finally here." Usagi giggled and the two walked to the table where Makoto and Rei were. Usagi smiled politely at the tall girl, but frowned and glared at Rei. Just as she started to say something, the double doors opened.
Ami and Michiru walked in to applause, arm in arm. Michiru in a black dress, Ami in a gray and white suit with black trim. They walked to the stage where Ami picked up a violin, she began to quietly play as they all sang happy birthday. Michiru blew out the candles and put her hands up for quiet. "Before we begin anything, as you know, it is something of a tradition for me to play a piece for you all on my birthday." She gestured to Ami, who walked and sat down at the piano.
"Ami can play the piano?" Usagi had only ever seen her playing the violin.
"Yeah, and the violin, viola, sax, guitar..." Minako stopped to think. "Did I get them all Mako?"
"Probably not, who knows how many Ami can play.
"Where did she learn?"
"Self taught, she has a lot of free time." Usagi nodded in understanding.
But isn't it weird? Those two usually play on violin together." Rei finally decided to add her opinion.
"You're right... Guess they wanted to try something new."
Ami finally began to play, and Usagi instantly recognized the piece. 'This song, this is the one she usually plays at the bench.' She closed her eyes to listen as Michiru came in. She started to remember the first time they had met, she was so calm and prince-like. Her expression of utter peace and happiness. But now... Usagi opened her eyes. Ami didn't look like that now. She see her jaw visibly clenched , and her eyes squeezed shut.
Immediately after the conclusion of the song, Ami left the hall while Michiru began her speech.
"Thank you all for attending my 23rd birthday. I would like to thank my friends and family for their love and care, which helped me make it this far. I also have an announcement to make. As you know, I held a huge party, which is unlike me."
Minako leaned over to Makoto. "Where's Ami, I bet those two are announcing their engagement.'
Michiru continued with her speech. Next week, I will be leaving for Paris and... I won't return to Japan, not for a long time, if ever. As you know, I was set to take over my parents' firm after my modeling career, but I've decided I don't want to do that."
Makoto widened her eyes. "Hey, what's she saying?"
"I'd like to start fresh based off my own abilities. I made such a big deal about this because it seened difficult to convince someone who had different ideas than me. "
Usagi was shell shocked. 'Is it Ami she's talking about?'
Michiru had a smile on, but it was slightly wistful. "Everyone. Please be happy." With a now, she turned and walked off stage, towards where Ami had gone through.
Minako turned towards the thot hers. "Geez, Michiru is always full of surprises."
Makoto was thoughtful. "Ami, do you think she knew this whole time?"
Rei also added to the conversation. "At least now we know the reason for her recent behavior."
Minako shook her head. "This is interesting, but what's Ami gonna do?"
Usagi kept silent and left the main hall.
*XXX*
Ami had always been fond of the puppet. She twirled the string around, making it dance, just as Michiru had as a child. She sat on the edge of the bed playing with it when Michiru walked in. She bent down in front of her, playing with the doll's hand. "Ah, you still have this? It was from the first time we stayed away from each othe for long."
Ami looked in the other direction, "You still remember, huh?"
Michiru chuckled sadly. "Yes, it was since then you didn't call me Onee-chan."
"What was I to you?" Michiru didn't look at all surprised at the question. She stood up straight and sat on the bed with Ami.
"It seems my Ami is still mad." The hand she had carefully laid on her shoulder was shoved off as Ami threw the doll into the trash and stood from the bed.
"I feel like I'm being thrown away."
"If there's anything here that can't be disposed of, it's you."
"That's a lie!"
"It's not a lie! If it was, I wouldn't be so bothered that you looked like a different person."
Ani turned slightly. "What?"
"When you dashed toward her, I don't know why, but my heart sank. Funny, huh?"
Ani frowned coldly. "I'm not in the mood for jokes."
Michiru smiled. "But isn't it great? My Ami is really growing up."
"Don't be stupid!" Ami sat down on the bed. "You'll do as you please anyways. Don't hold on to me today and let go tomorrow. That way I can't hold on and distance myself from you. I really was just a toy. "
Tears began to shine in Michiru's eyes. "If I lost you, I wouldn't be able to sleep."
Ami stood up and grabbed her by the shoulder. "Who looked at whom? For the last 12 years, I only looked at Kaioh Michiru! Wasn't it enough? I'm no longer a child! I'm eager to embrace the one I love! "
Michiru looked at shock as she stared into Ami's eyes, before wrapping her in a hug. "I know, me too. I'm sorry, Ami. I'm really sorry. "
Ami pulled back and they stared at each other. Then, she leaned in and they kissed.
Usagi backed away from the door as she watched the two kiss. Silently closing it as she left, she felt the sadness come. Leaning against the wall, she banged her head, muttering curses. She did it a bit too hard and rubbed her head.
"It would be really embarrassing of you passed out here. Such behavior doesn't suit you, you know that right?"
Usagi jumped and looked at the speaker. Of course, it was Rei. She opened her mouth to shout, but remembered what was happening in the room behind her. Instead she fiercely whispered."Who says I'm going to faint?" Tiptoeing as carefully as she could in her heels, she made her way to Rei. Just as she opened her mouth to tell the girl off, the door opened, revealing Ami and Michiru, arm in arm.
"Ah, Usagi, you came. But why didn't you come in?"
"I-uh, well, I just... Just came! Yeah, I was coming by to greet and thank you. I just got here." She laughed nervously, hoping they wouldn't see the lie.
"The party is a bit chaotic, huh? We were thinking of going to a quiet dinner together. Would you like to accompany us?"
"N-no thank you..." Rei's lips twitched as she watched Usagi. This was her chance!
"We're going somewhere too."
Everybody else's eyes widened at the statement. "The two of you?"
Rei nodded at the question. "We were thinking of going for a drive. "
"Yes! A drive! We are going on a drive! Well, we should get going, good bye!" Usagi laughed nervously and bowed.
"Yes, good bye. Come." Turning, Rei grabbed Usagi's shoulder, dragging her along. Ami watched curiously as they stopped, and Rei put her arm around her companion's shoulder. As they walked out of earshot, Rei spoke again. "I've repaid my debt."
"What debt?"
"You saved me from drowning, now I'm saving you. "
"Wait! This is how you repay me?"
Rei stopped and raised an eyebrow. "Would you like me to take you back?" She began walking toward the corner and Usagi stopped her. "No! Lets just call it even."
"50%"
"25%" Usagi scuttled off with out another word, leaving a smirking Rei to follow.
*XXX*
"This is nice!" Rei had brought them to a fancy bar. "But where is everyone?"
"Oh, I sent them out." The two sat on stools at the table.
"What do you mean?"
"I rented the place this morning. Do as you please."
"What's THAT supposed to mean?"
"Yell or whatever. If you want to hit someone, I can call a security guard."
"But... Why would I do that?"
"Tch. Stupid Odango. Isn't bit obvious? You nearly had a heart attack after seeing Ami and Michiru didn't you?"
"What? No way! It's not as if I had a chance in the first place. I'm not pretty, smart, or rich." Her voice had gone from upbeat to sad.
"Your figure is mediocre, and you have a bad character too." Rei added flatly.
"That's right! How could I dare be jealous of Kaioh Michiru?!" Usagi angrily leaned on the bar. "I lost from the start."
Rei still wasn't looking her directly in the eye. "You have a ton of bad qualities, but you're alright. " Usagi looked up, surprised. That was the nicest thing Rei had ever said to her. "You have potential. "
"WH-what?"
"I'm saying if Ami had met you before Michiru, she would have liked you, I'm sure."
"You think so?"
"Looks, brains, background; they're not much. But you're the first girl I've ever approved of. " Now Rei was looking her in the eye. "Full of potential."
The two stared for a second before Usagi felt a blush crawl up her neck at the honesty in Rei's words. Rei embarrassedly cleared her throat and got up, citing a bathroom break. Usagi watched her leave and the began tugging on her neckline. "Is it warm in here? I'm so hot! Water please." She grabbed the glass of clear liquid at the bar and gulped it down.
*XXX*
Meanwhile in the bathroom, Rei finished washing her hands and sat on a ledge, fanning herself. "Why did I say that? " She chuckled before pushing off and making her way from the restroom.
*XXX*
Rei came back to an odd scene. Usagi was face down at the bar. She lifted her head slightly and seemed to be singing. "Hey, commoner!" There was no response so she shook her. "You! Wake up!" There still wasn't a response so she turned to the bartender. "What's her problem?"
"We'll, it's because of that." He pointed to one of the glasses, which Rei picked up for a smell. She lifted her eyebrows in horror.
"She drank all of this?"
"Yup."
Cursing she tapped Usagi again. "Wake up, woman!"
"Woman? Yeeeeah, I'm a wooman. " Rei lifted an eyebrow at the statement. "What? Commoners can't be women too? I know everything about me is crap, but can't you just not point it out for once, geez you bitch."
Rei had been sitting down when she heard that and nearly missed the seat. "Bitch? Who, me?"
"I don't have time for you. Buuusy busy you know. I have sooo much to do, get bullied at a school I don't belong at, do my part time job because my Dad can't keep out of trouble. I have NOOOOO time to butt into the love lives of princesses. Urk!" She burped and put her head down.
Immediately Rei tried rousing her. "You Odango! Keep your head up! Come o-" She was startled when Usagi suddenly popped her head up once more and began laughing.
"I've been sad lately. Yeeeah, just a bit sad. It's all that... JERK'S fault, Hino Rei! She's the enemy. " Although it seemed she want aware of Rei beside her, she began slapping the raven haired girl in the face.
"Take that! And THAT! HA!" Rei fended off the drunken slaps easily, but she wasn't happy.
"Fiiiine. I'll let it go since I'm in a gooood mood. I'm cutting your debt in half. 50%!" Her eyes then became surprisingly lucid as she grabbed Rei's dress. "Thank you for saving me, Hino Rei."
Rei smiled slightly at the sincere thanks. Then, Usagi sopke again."I don't have anything I can really do for you, so instead, I will..." She pulled Rei a bit closer and noisily licked her lips. She got closer, and fell asleep. Rei began chuckling, but her popped up again and she puckered up once more. She leaned in and...
"BLAAAACH!"
"DAMN!" Rei shouted in disgust as Usagi threw up all over her shoes. "Ugh, these were brand new..."
*XXX*
Usagi rolled over as she awoke to the smell of eggs and bread. "Aaah, I can tell these clothes are expensive just by the smell." Sitting up in bed, she glanced around.
"What a good sense of smell." Usagi started as she looked the source. Rei was sitting in a chair, casually reading a newspaper, two crows perched on her shoulders.
"WH-What happened? Why am I here? Why do you have crows?"
Clearly, you're here because I brought you. As for the crows, they are Phobos and Deimos. They are my pets." Rei continued to read with out glancing up.
"I know how I got here! Why am I here instead of my house?"
"Don't you remember?" Finally looking up, Rei snapped her fingers once. Almost instantly, a maid and butler appeared, holding the dress from the previous night. Snapping once more, the butler began speaking.
"This is a Mizurashi Hiyaki original. It was flown in from Germany and is a part of a spring collection. The price is-"
Rei lifted her hand to stop him. "Enough. No need to shock her." Bowing, the butler and the maid left.
"I'm not in the mood to hear about your clothes. I'm only interested in why I'm here!"
"That was brand new."
"And WHAT does that have to do with me?"
"Wearing it last night was my first and last time, thanks to you. "
Usagi thought hard to last night. 'There was the talk, the bar... That drink. Then she came back, I slapped her and then... Then..." Her eyes widened as she looked at the covers.
"Oh, is it coming back? We couldn't very well take you home like that, so we came here. Would you have preferred to go home?"
"No."
"I notified your parents. They didn't seem too concerned."
Usagi finally dropped the covers. "I should go. Sorry for the trouble..."
"You were simply acting as usual."
"Young Mistress." Rei turned toward Kaidou who had hurried in.
"What?"
"She's here."
Rei rocketed from her seat. "She's HERE? Why? Why is that witch home so soon?"
*XXX*
Risa Hino walked into her foyer, handing her bag to one of the many maids and turned towards Kaidou. "Where is Rei?"
"On the second floor."
"She'll be taking part in the event, so make sure she doesn't get away."
"Yes Ma'am." With that, she walked away.
*XXX*
Usagi now sat on the couch in Rei's room. Rei walked in and grabbed her by the hand. They tried to make their way out, but when Rei opened the door, security men were walking around. Immediately, she pushed Usagi back in and closed the door. Rei took out her phone and called some numbers.
*XXX*
"What?" Ami was in the study when she picked up the phone.
"The Witch is here. Usagi is here, help me get her out!"
"What? You're in trouble." Minako nearly dropped the pottery she was holding.
"Dead meat, man." Mako shook her head sadly.
*XXX*
They has all gathered in the room, thinking of a plan. Minako finally spoke up. "She finds an unfamiliar girl in your room, with Tsukino's profile? I'm curious to the reaction. "
Makoto was studying a globe. "I bet a ¥20,000 Rei's in Alaska by tomorrow."
Minako spun it with a smirk. "I bet ¥40,000 she's at a research center in the Antarctic."
Ami chuckled from her seat. "But she'll hire a killer first."
"Eh?!" Usagi, who had been quietly sitting, suddenly felt sick. "Is she really that scary?" Ami simply nodded her head.
"Remember when we ran away from camp in fourth grade?" Makoto spoke up again.
"We nearly died, how could one forget?"
Rei's eyes widened as she remembered that dreadful day. Turning gravely around, she told Usagi what had happened. "We were forced to go a some summer camp and it was awful. Eventually we came up with a plan to escape to one of the summer houses...
*XXX*
The four girls had finally escaped the horrendous camp and were playing in the empty room of one of the summer houses. Unbeknownst to then, several SWAT cars had shown up and were surrounding and entering the building. They came upon the room. "Hands up!" The kids suddenly had several guns pointed at then and quickly say down in the couch.
They were brought, hands in the air, from the house and outside, where it was raining. A car drive up and elegantly stepped out, with a murderous expression, Risa Hino.
*XXX*
As Rei finished recounting the story, Usagi felt thoroughly terrified. 'What am I gonna do?' Minako meanwhile had left the room.
*XXX*
Minako walked to the ground floor of the Hino house and looked around before spotting a familiar face. "Bonjour!"
The girl turned around and Minako kissed her cheek. "Is that really Aino Minako? How can someone look so beautiful?"
"We'll, it's you they calm the Japanese Vivienne Westwood. "
The woman giggled bashfully. "What is it? Tell me quickly."
Hm?" Minako pretended to look innocent.
"I know you. You definitely want something. What is it?"
"Ah, you know me so well. That's why I like you so much."
*XXX*
Risa Hino sat in her office, looking through various documents while being told proposals by one of her assistants. "You have a request to sponsor needy children in Tokyo."
"Reject."
"The M.E. would like to conduct a special program for agriculture students at Mugen University starting next year."
"Reject. Rei has been held up, correct?"
"Yes ma'am."
Nodding, Risa dismissed the assistant and went upstairs to Rei's room.
As the woman made her way up the stairs to her daughter's room, Minako and Makoto paced, Rei sat fidgeting in her chair, and Ami calmly played chess with herself. Usagi was in the next room, having her hair done.
Without preamble, Risa opened the doors and walked in.
"Hello!" They all greeted her. She ignored them all and focused on the blonde haired young lady sitting on the couch, reading.
"Who is this?"
"H-hello." Usagi bowed her head in the direction of .
Rei stared her mother down, looking irritated at her presence. "She's my guest, so don't worry."
"She's in my house, therefore she is also MY guest. Isn't that right miss...?"
Ami sensed her dangerous tone and casually slung a shoulder around Usagi. "She's a friend..."
Seeing her, Risa relaxed slightly. "A friend?"
"Ah, yes. She's at our school. A really cute Junior. We're training her as out mascot, something like that. " Minako rushed to provide a decent cover story.
Risa raised an eyebrow. "Whose daughter are you?"
"I'm the..."
"What does your father do?"
"He... Uh..."
"Has a business. " Ami cut in awkwardly.
""Really? Just what kind?"
"Infotainment! He seems pretty famous." Makoto quickly picked up the story.
Risa seemed irked at the constant interruption, but nodded. "I see. And are you interested in tonight's auction?"
"More than interested! She's modeling the dark house that will raise lots of donations tonight. Isn't that right, Tsuki?" Usagi had a delayed reaction to the new name, but soon nodded.
"Your mother must have a good eye, what does she do?" Before Usagi could answer, Kaidou walked in.
"It's time to greet the guests, President." Risa nodded.
"Come, Rei. Since it's a charity event, you all do you part." As she turned to leave, she called out once more. "It's always nice to see you again, Ami."The girl nodded, although it wasn't seen. As the doors closed, they all let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Witch's pet." Mako muttered, but Usagi decided not to comment. Instead, addressing a more urgent situation.
"Why did you lie? How are you gonna fix this?"
"Oh, would you have preferred she know your father is a reporter and your mom works at a sauna? If we did that, who knows what would happen to your family?" Minako was serious for once.
"We're not joking when we say you won't survive once she sets her sights in you." Makoto was also grave.
It's genetic, huh?" Usagi looked straight at Rei when she said this, who sighed and looked at the ceiling.
*XXX*
"Presenting item 1: the famous artist, Kawako Kuzuki's paint set! "
Usagi looked on, shocked. "His paints? " Rei looked down at her with interest. The blonde was eyeing then like she was in a candy store.
"Starting at 10,000¥! "
Makoto put up her board. "Bid."
"10,000¥ has been bid!"
"¥20,000!"
"¥20,000 has been bid!"
"¥700,000!" Makoto seemed determined to win.
"¥800,000!" The other contestant bid again and Mako shook her head. It just wasn't worth it.
"¥100,000 has just come in through the phone!" The woman shook her head, not having that kind of money.
"No further bids? One, two, three!" He banged the gavel. The art set was sold.
*XXX*
"This next item is coming out. Please look carefully, it is a new piece by Aino Minako!" Said girl came walking out, holding the piece. Immediately, several bids went up.
"Sorry, I don't come with it!" The entire room chuckled, but a few boards went down.
"Starting at ¥50,000..."
*XXX*
Rei walked out, not wearing a dress like before, but an expensive, stylish suit. Stoically, she walked down the carpet as her friends laughed. Usagi blushed as she watched her turn and model.
"Next is the suit of Hino Group's Hino Rei. Starting at ¥100,000!"
The announcer's words faded out as Usagi noticed Ms. Hino come in. She walked around, greeting guests before she spotted her.
The woman stared her down and walked towards her, but Ami grabbed her arm.
"Come on, it's almost your turn!" She took her backstage, out of Ms. Hino's sight.
*XXX*
Next is a very dazzling item..."
"I can't! I can't do this! "
Yes you can! The S4 all encouraged her as Usagi's dress was announced. They threw her out and she stood awkwardly in front of the crowd. Frozen for a second, she soon regained poise and walked elegantly down the carpet as her dress was described.
Rei watched fondly as the girl awkwardly turned, but managed to pull it off. Not noticing her mother watching.
She leaned over to speak to Mr. Kaidou. "How is Rei doing?"
"She been very quiet. Even going to school often."
Something still bothered Risa about 'Tsuki'. "Do you know that girl?"
Kaidou stared hard at the model on the floor. Then he remembered. 'Very well, Usagi. I am Kaidou.'
"Mr. Kaidou?"
"Ah, yes. I know she is a student at Mugen. "
Narrowing her eyes, she made her decision. "Find out whose daughter she is."
"Yes ma'am."
*XXX*
Kenji Tsukino carefully turned the pencils over. "You're sure? Kawako Kuzuki used these?" Usagi smiled and nodded happily.
"WOAH! Big news, Usagi!" Shingo had been searching the net and came across some interesting information. "Those pencils! If you sell them, you can get at least 20,000!"
"20,000? We can get that much?"
"Sell then! Where can we find 20,000?" Ikuko was excited at the prospect of so much extra money.
Usagi snatched the set from her father. "As if! They're worth so much more!" At her parents shocked silence, she quickly continued. "What I mean is, they're priceless..."
Ikuko grabbed them back. "Sell them! 20,000 is a lot!"
"I don't know... It's just kind of...Goodnight!" She grabbed the set and sprinted to her room.
Her mother was one her feet and after her in a moment. "Why you little..!"
*XXX*
Usagi sat at her desk writing. Her pen stopped, and she looked dazedly out her window. Then she turned and held the art set, remembering How she'd acquired them.
*XXX* (Earlier that night)
Rei was escorting Usagi to the door when the blonde stopped suddenly. "I'll be going. Anyways, thanks."
"What was that?" Rei had heard her, of course, but was playing.
"Thank you."
"What?"
"I said THANK YOU!"
"A simple thanks would have sufficed. You commoners and your pride." Rei laughed before falling silent.
"You heard everything! I take it back."
"Huh?"
"My thanks, I take it back . What was a thinking? Once a jerk, always a jerk. I'm leaving."
"Hey! Moon Bunny!"
"WHAT?"
Rei didn't say anything, but tossed her a black bag. Usagi caught it and opened it. Inside was not only the paints from earlier, but other parts of the art set! Rei turned to go, saying one last thing over her shoulder. "Don't drink when I'm not around, you lightweight." Usagi opened her mouth, but was unable to form an insult. Instead, she clutched the bag tightly.
*XXX*
Smiling at the memory, Usagi placed the bag under her desk. 'Maybe she's not so bad after all.'
*XXX*
Rei sat spinning a globe in class, not at all listening to the instructor like Makoto and Minako were. She looked at the desk next to her, still empty.
Usagi went into the fire escape, taking a look around. Sighing, she shrugged and went back inside.
*XXX*
Ami played once again in the woods, not noticing her visitor. Usagi was watching from behind a tree, but still clearly saw the tears roll down the girl's face while she played. Nodding to herself, she made a decision.
*XXX*
"Ah, Michiru! What brings you here?"
The violinist turned. "Oh? It's just matters regarding me dropping out of school. I wanted to see you again before I left, so this is perfect."
Usagi rocked slowly on her heels. "You're really leaving then? But I haven't been able to thank you, or even repay the favor."
Michiru smiled a bit sadly. "Dont talk like that, you'll make me sad. It was more me repaying a favor than anything. From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one whom Ami talked about with a smile in her face."
Usagi looked at her feet sadly. "But still...
*XXX*
Ami made her way into the pool area, but stopped when she heard voices. Cautiously, she peeked around and saw Usagi and Michiru talking. Keeping herself hidden, she curiously watched and listened as Usagi suddenly got up and knelt in front of Michiru.
"Ms. Kaioh, I know I have no right to make this request, even though I know why you're doing it, but please, I'm begging you, don't leave."
Michiru looked down at the girl shocked. "Please, don't do this. Is this about Ami?"
"I don't know much about Ami." Usagi could feel herself beginning to cry. "But I do know one thing: You are the only one who can make her truly smile. She doesn't do it often, but when it happens, it lights up an entire room and everyone can feel the warmth. If you leave, she may never smile again."
Michiru cleared her throat and tried to blink the tears from her eyes. "Come on, please stand up." She stood Usagi up and sat her down next to her. "I believe that when it comes to deciding what to do, it's akin to buying something in a foreign place. If you don't get it then, there may never be a second chance and you'll end up regretting it. Ami is important to me, and I think I am to her as well. That's why I think she wouldn't want me to have any regrets. Do you understand?"
Usagi looked down, ashamed. "Yes. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"No! I'm glad you did. That means I won't feel so bad about this next request. " Michiru turned fully towards her companion and clutched her hands. "Please, be the one to make Ami smile once more."
*XXX*
Usagi was walking off school grounds, still thinking about what Michiru had said. Then she stopped. Standing in front of her was Ami. But she didn't look like she usually did. She looked mad, and it was a bit terrifying.
"What the heck are you?" Ami said, glaring.
"Wh-what?"
"Who told you to make that sort of request? No, that wasn't asking. That was begging. Don't you have any pride?"
"It's not that I don't have any pride, I just could stand to see the agony you're in."
"What's it to you?" Ami was silent for a moment, staring away. Then, she swiveled gaze back at Usagi.
"Get out of my sight."
End Chapter
A slight cliffhanger this time! What will happen regarding Ami, Usagi, and Michiru? Will Risa Hino present a problem for Rei? I actually debated whether I should make Rei's father the jerk rather than the mother, but then I realized some of her scenes wouldn't make sense as a guy. Please give me feed back!