I"M SORRY! I know I am incredibly slow. HOWEVER,
I did have to think up an entirely new plot because the old one was
a little too simple. I'm not good a creating entirely new plots.
They EVOLVE! And with writers block.. EEEK! Anyways,
ON WITH THE CHAPTER!!!!!
Disclaimer: I STILL don't own anything...
For Love or War
Chapter Six
"Exchanges"
The Senshi walked up to the palace, talking with the knights they had
discovered practicing. Ryo and Ami walked side by side not saying much.
Then Ryo spoke up, "I'm sorry we couldn't continue our coversation-"
Ami looked at him and smiled, "That's alright. You had to be here
longer then you had planned."
Ryo swallowed hard and smiled back, still a little unsure of her feelings.
Meanwhile, Mamoru walked along and listened to Motoki flirting with
Minako while he was trying to answer Usagi and Rei's questions.
Yuuichirou added in comments occasionally but mostly watched Rei.
Makoto walked quietly next to Shinozaki, enjoying his company and
thinking of what she should talk to him about. Shinozaki was caught
up in staring at Makoto and trying desperately to think up an excuse
for staying here all those holidays.
Then Makoto decided what to say, "Shino,"
"Hmm?" he turned to look at her.
"how are you?" She asked cautiously.
Shinozaki grinned, "Fine, Mako. And you?"
She smiled back, "decent. How's the sketching?"
He fought the blush he could feel rising into his cheeks.
He couldn't control it so he took a quick look at the bushes next to him.
"The sketching? Oh, it's fine. And how's Hiroko?"
The smile went from her face and she sighed,
"Hiroko is fine. Disappointed, but fine."
"And everyone else?"
"The same."
"And you? are you disappointed?" He looked at her solemnly.
"Honestly? Yes, I was. I guess I'm used to it now. but it's still
unpleasant every time you send word that you're going to stay
through the holidays. again."
"I had to-"
"Shino, don't. You've used every excuse imaginable already.
Don't strain yourself trying to think of a new one."
"Mako, I didn't mean to hurt you but I had to stay."
"I got that you felt that way after the first four years."
"Don't be mad, Mako-"
"I'm not angry, Shino. I'm tired. I'm tired of-"
Then Mamoru's voice suddenly rang out,
"We've reached the guest wing, and since I believe this is your first
day here, Dinner is at five and there is a ball at nine."
Suddenly Ami spoke up, "We still must unpack."
The party then split once again into the groups of knights and ladies.
As they were splitting, whispers were exchanged and meetings set.
Minako and Motoki exchanged a few coy words, while Ryo offered a
makeup conversation to Ami. Mako carefully avoided becoming noticeably
interested in Shinozaki's now politely disguised "conversation".
However, as hands were given in parting, Shinozaki slipped something
into Makoto's hand. She met his eyes and he grinned, "See you at dinner."
The court quickly walked down the marble corridor. Minako was teasing Ami
mercilessly while Rei and Usagi looked on, learning what they could from
Ami's changing facial expressions. They were all far too busy to glance
over at Makoto who quickly snuck a look at the paper Shinozaki had given her.
Mako,
I need to talk to you without the possibility of blowing your cover.
Don't skip the ball, I'll see you there.
-Shino
PS
Don't dance with anyone who speaks constantly about Astronomy!
I'll explain later.
PPS
Dress up! No pants. You'll stick out like a sour thumb no matter
what you think or whether you want the trouble or not. Ask one
of the girls to help if you really don't want to. They'll
probably be perfectly happy to help.
Interesting? Review it! If no one reviews, I don't think that anyone
is reading it and that gives very little encouragement.
If you liked it, REVIEW! If you didn't, TELL ME WHY!
Thank you!