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The photographer sighed as he ran a shaky hand through his curly hair. His piercing green eyes glanced over to the phone once again before he looked to the ice covered window. He couldn't believe it. He was such a fool to think he had a chance. His feet traveled towards his desk, and he uncharacteristically plopped down. His frustration was evident as well as disappointment.

She never called.

It had been a week since he met the beautiful blue locked goddess with mysteriously shy eyes. His mind couldn't knock her out of his memories. Thoughts of her always seemed to sneak back into his mind, and her bashful smile would invade his imagination. To him, it was the most frustrating thing. He was always the one who was asked out by women. No one EVER rejected Zachariah Pemmington, the world known photographer. His true name was never used; only his pen name was presented in public. He was known as Zoisite.

But surely that small woman working towards her doctorate knew who he was! This had to have been the first time a woman truly caught his attention. There were some beautiful women who flung themselves at him, but each of them was a fling and only a fling. No true commitment was needed, and those no-name women didn't haunt his mind as Miss Ami did.

And still she didn't call.

He closed his emerald green eyes. He didn't even get her phone number. He was so foolish the last time he spoke with her. The blue-locked vixen was just being courteous and kind; she did display some attributes of nervousness but that's what added to her natural beauty. This playboy photographer even went back to the small bookshop in hopes of running into her. Not one day or two days in a row did he make the short travel to the bookstore; he traveled to the shop all seven days. Which reminds him- he needed to check back at the little bookshop. His hopes had been high of finding her... but now they diminished to almost nothing.

Zoisite ran a hand over his face. He knew this thinking was going to be the ruin of him. Sitting at his desk, the photographer merely thought of Ami one last time. His thoughts briefly remembered the silky, short locks of hair, the bright blue eyes, and her shy but gentle voice. Ah, Ami was Zoisite's forbidden fruit - his Pandora's box. His fingers lightly traced a pattern on his desk as her image began leaving. His mind slowly began to let her go. He was a man who was coveted by most women (and some men to his displeasure) the one he coveted didn't acknowledge his own desire for her.

"It must be karma."

He leaned back in his chair. His eyes stared at the ceiling as he sighed heavily. He knew he needed to get back to work.

The phone rang.

His fingers pulled out his cell phone from his pocket. He flipped it open and placed it on speaker. "Hello," he started as he reached for a stress ball, "This is Mr. Pemmington."

"Hello? Mr. Pemmington? Are you a photographer who takes pictures for weddings?" asked a cheerful voice.

Strange. People who call him usually knew what type of photographer he was. He began squeezing the ball, "Yes ma'am. Is there a service I can do for you?"

"Oh yes!" exclaimed the woman on the other side of the line, "My friend is getting married in the fall, and she wants to have photographs done of her and her brides maids."

Zoisite nodded his head. It was another wedding photography project- most likely someone from the higher class of society. "I could do your pictures for this event," he stated as he pulled out a note pad. "But I would like to meet with my clients before I take the job."

"Is there a specific time we need to be there Mr. Pemmington?" asked the cheerful voice.

The photographer glanced his emerald orbs to the clock. He was about to go to lunch... and try to find that blue hair beauty one last time. "I am free this day. If you would like to have the bride and her brides maids come in-"

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed the cheerful girl.

"What's wonderful?"

Zoisite raised an eyebrow as he listened closely. This was a different voice he heard on the phone.

"We need to get Usagi-chan! We were able to contact that photographer!" exclaimed the cheerful voice. "He wants to meet us as soon as possible!"

"What! Minako-chan!" exclaimed that same semi-calmer voice, "You know we are busy today-"

"Rei-chan!" whined Minako. The photographer couldn't help but release a small grin at the starting squabble. "We've been putting this thing off for a while now! You know this has to be done, so why not today? Besides, we can go shopping later!"

A large sigh was noticed. "Whatever."

The cheerful voice from before cheered excitedly before speaking into the phone, "We'll be there soon! Do you want ALL of us to come?"

"The more the merrier," Zoisite replied with a wry smile. He truly didn't realize what he was getting himself into. "I need to meet my clients first so I can get a feel of their personalities before I start the photo shoot." Zoisite could feel the hesitation of confusion on the other line. "This is so I can capture your true personalities in these images."

"Oh..." There was another hesitation, "When do you want us there?" the lady finally asked.

"In an hour an a half's time. I know it is will be short notice for your friends but-"

"We'll be there!" she exclaimed.

Zoisite glanced at the clock on his desk. 'Only enough time to eat lunch and no time for the book store,' he mentally noted with a small frown, 'I guess I can't search today...' He still had to submit some images to some news magazine and notify an agency their model's photos came in. "Will you need directions to my office?" Zoisite asked.

"No, we can just look for directions online, but thanks for offering!" came back her bubbly voice.

He smiled and nodded his head. It almost sounded like he had another stalker. "And your name miss?"

"Aino Minako!" she exclaimed. Zoisite blinked as he wrote the name down. She was a very famous model, but he never had the privilege to have a photo shoot with her agency. "Are you the lucky bride?"

"Me?" a laugh was heard on the other line. Zoisite couldn't help but blush lightly. "Dear no! My friend Usagi is the bride! I can't keep a guy if my life depended on it!"

"I see," he replied coughing. "What is Miss Usagi's last name?"

"Tsukino Usagi is the bride to be! And don't worry, I'll notify her before we arrive."

The photographer raised an eyebrow. She didn't already know? Heh. This was new.

"Are you sure you would not want to make this appointment at a later date?" he questioned. "I'm sure the bride would-"

"No, no. Today will be good!"

He merely shook his head in disbelief as a small smile graced his lips. "Miss Aino, I will see you, Miss Tsukino and the other bride's maids later today," his voice confirmed.

There was a gasp! "Oh! Thank you!" exclaimed the woman enthusiastically, "We'll be there! Minako out!"

And the speaker was filled with the dial tone.

Zoisite merely pushed the button setting the phone on his desk and folded his hands for a moment. His eyes closed as be began thinking, "Who in their right mind would make an appointment on the same day they called? And for them to NOT be the bride?" He opened his eyes and shook his head. That had to be a mystery. It sounded like a strange bunch... especially if the person who called was world known super model Aino Minako. "Oh well..." There were just some things you couldn't explain in this world.

Zoisite paused glancing at the phone for a moment. "Since when was my cell number put in the phone book?" He was almost positive only his family and close friends had this number...

Minako put the phone down on the receiver. "See?" asked Minako smiling at Ami. "That wasn't so difficult. You should have made the call! He gave YOU the phone number."

Ami sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "What am I supposed to say?" asked the senshi of ice, "Hi, I met you on the street a few days back. Would you mind doing my friend's wedding pictures?"

"Sure," shrugged Minako with a small smile. "It sounds like your just trying to avoid him."

"Yeah Ami," added Rei as she tilted her head to the side, "He catches you before you fall on the ice, and he treats you to hot chocolate-"

"He knows exactly how you like it!" added Minako with a gasp.

The young doctor in training flushed bright red. "It's nothing like that! He so happens to enjoy hot chocolate the same way!"

Minako's eyes began twinkling again, "He starts talking to you about himself. Surely he had to fish some answers out of you, and he ended the lovely chat by giving you his phone number."

Rei smiled, "Ah, how sweet. Mr. Pemmington is in love."

Ami rolled her eyes as a pink hue stained her cheeks. "He never game me his name!"

Minako scoffed. "Well, now you know his last name is Pemmington. Look up his information on your Mercury Computer thingy."

Ami, opening her mouth to protest, closed it after a few moments realizing all the fears she had were futile. Might as well go along with the girls as they harbored these crazy notions...

Ami smiled as she pulled out her mini computer and started it up. "So, how was his last name spelled?"

Minako and Rei's jaws dropped in surprise. Surely this wasn't Ami telling them this! Miss I-Can-Never-Look-At-A-Cute-Guy-Straight-In-The-Eyes Ami! Maybe this mysterious man would be different. Their shock was soon changed to excite as they began giggling furiously. Minako quickly ran to her friend's side and glanced down to the Mercury Computer screen. "If Mr. Pemmington is who I THINK it is, then I think you should spell it..."

Okay... so maybe he was NOT as hungry as he thought. Zachariah Pemmington walked down the chilly roads of Tokyo as snowflakes began to sway down the sky once again. Ice was still on the sidewalks, so he made a mental note to be careful. Like the day Ami fell... He closed his eyes forcing the images from his head. He needed to forget her. He thought his journey to retrieve lunch would cure him of his fantasies, but there was no success. It just made things worse. After sauntering to a near by restaurant, only to pick up a meal he called in, decided to check at the bookstore once more. He noted that this would be his last trip here to the bookstore, ever.

He nodded his head as he glanced at the bookstore's door. Smoke from the chilled weather escaped from his lips as he hesitantly brought his hand to pull open the door. This was his last time visiting the store, he mentally reasoned. It was the last time ever. And after silently praying to whatever deity may be listening, he slowly made his way in. His eyes quickly scanned over the small shop with many bookshelves.

She was not there.

The store clerk, who patiently sat behind the register, began noticing the photographer's constant arrival to the store. One way or another, Zoisite KNEW this worker was only giving information about her because he pitied the photographer. Zoisite discovered that Miss Ami DID make is habit to come to this bookstore every other day. Recently, she had not been coming in.

His spirits were lower. Internally, he knew he wouldn't see her. Not today, not ever. He sighed as he exited the warm bookshop. He instantly felt the bite of cold weather.

She could very well be avoiding him.

Instantly, he felt his heart wrench.

Surely Miss Ami was busy. She said something about working towards her PhD.

He nodded. Yes, she was merely busy.

As he made his slow journey back to the office, he brought his bag of food up. He felt the stirafom container containing his food. It was still warm.

Good.

He did not look forward to eating cold food on a day like this.

Turning a corner, he began hearing loud voices from the end of the bock. It was near the location of his office. And to his annoyance, it sounded more like loud GIRL voices. He mentally cringed. It was usually women in that age group that would swarm him. And Zoisite was not looking forward to that either. If anything, he wished he could just go to bed and sleep the day away- or hit a redo button. Maybe he really should just push Ami out of his mind. There were more women out there just like her...

"I told you! It should be right here!" stated that familiar voice; it was the one who called him earlier. Miss Aino Minako.

"Well, you don't have to ring that door bell or knock for three minutes straight! I'm sure he's out!" There was that other voice he heard, the one that almost seemed forever annoyed.

He heard a stomp. "But he said we would be here at this time!"

"Uh, genius, we're five minutes early," pointed out another voice.

Zoisite, walking slower towards his office, pulled out his cell phone and looked at the time. Yep. If this was whom he thought, then they were a couple of minutes early. It almost felt like a blessing and a curse that these clients were on time.

"I don't know. I op and say we go out to that coffee shop down the road," said a higher feminine voice. "I'm cold AND hungry!"

"Usagi, you're ALWAYS hungry."

"You're such a pig!"

"You should be talking!"

"I resent that!"

"GIRLS!"

Zoisite almost stopped in midstep.

That voice.

Surely it wasn't...

He turned the corner. In the middle of the block, he saw HER. Standing outside his office. Sure, her back was facing him, but he knew that hair style and voice ANYWHERE. She stood there with her aura of smartness and... and... anger?

"Could you two stop? We're here to talk with Mr. Pemmington for your wedding Usagi! Rei. You need to learn to control your tongue!"

He neared the girls. Why did he go to the bookstore? He could have been here well before the girls arrived! Surely he would have kept them out from the cold! Especially Miss Ami.

"-Rei," continued Ami, "I know you like teasing her, but she is your superior-"

The girl wearing a green coat with auburn curly locks noticed Zoisite approaching. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped. "Uh... Ami?"

"-And Usagi! You know better; ignore Rei when she picks on you-"

The model, Minako, also turned her head after her friend tapped her shoulder and pointed to the photographer. The model's eyes widened just like her friend.

"Uh, Ami?" asked Minako. "Ami."

She senshi of ice turned to Minako, "Can't you see I'm-"

"Lecturing?" asked Zoisite as stepped right behind her.

He mentally smiled. He had a feeling she gave her friends his cell phone number. And he was extremely happy she did.

Ami turned around slowly, and became pale at the sight of the photographer. She bowed as she greeted him, and became silent. It was a bit strange. Even though Zoisite could easily charm a group with his lighthearted conversation, he never thought his tongue would be tied before this woman he easily adored. He had to keep himself from the urge of rambling or possible stuttering.

He smiled as he pulled out his office keys and unlocked the doors. He held open the door, and let the five women walk in. His smile grew wider as Ami passed by. Her big blue eyes stared up at him, and she instantly blushed as she looked down to her toes.

How cute.

As the last girl entered, he followed behind. In the entrance of his office, he offered the women to sit on the overly stuffed leather couches. The photographer excused himself to his office. He briefly took a moment to take off his heavy coat and place it over his swivel chair. He also placed his now cold food on the clean desk. But he shrugged that little fact off when he returned to the five women. Zoisite stood as he held his hands behind his back.

"So, what can I do for you lovely ladies today?"

The two blondes, who sat together, and red head, beside Ami, giggled.

Ami, surprisingly, spoke, "We were hoping you could do the photography for Usagi's wedding."

"Really?" asked Zoisite leaning against one of the empty walls, "When is the wedding day?"

The blonde, with strange buns and pigtails, spoke, "Mamoru and I plan to have it in the spring. The first Saturday in September."

The photographer nodded his head, "I know for a fact I have nothing planned for that particular day."

A lie. The first Saturday of every month were days he planned to spend with his guy friends. He always marked his calendar busy for that day.

His eyes turned to Ami for a second.

Only for her would he be there for the wedding...

"Would you like to have some pictures made before the wedding of you and the bridesmaids, Miss Usagi."

She nodded her head, "Of course! But understand, I have only half of my brides maids here."

Zoisite blinked, "Half?"

The other blonde replied, "Yes. Half. The other girls are across the ocean as we speak. They should be back by the end of the month."

"I see." Still his eyes traveled back to the ever-silent Ami. He silently ignored the other women as they talked. His eyes were only on the silent goddess. Why was he so captivated with her? He had no clue. Nothing was strikingly beautiful about her... other than her gentle spirit and delicateness. She seemed almost too fragile, as if she needed to be protected.

Like a princess.

"-and I want red roses all over the place, and-"

Ami looked up at Zoisite.

She was so gentle, so calm, like a fresh winter snowfall.

"-oh, but all the girls in the group will be wearing different dresses-"

Her deep red blush was just beautiful. Her rich blue eyes could not have been of this world. Surely she was not from this dulled earth.

"What do you think Mr. Pemmington?"

Zoisite's focus turned to Usagi once again; he almost felt embarrassed that he missed all of his client's prattle. "What is it that I need to think about?"

The small blonde lady smiled, "My brides maids will be wearing two different dresses. The dress for the actual ceremony will be white, off-white, or red. I still haven't decided. But each of my maids will have another dress, each a different color."

Zoisite nodded his head, "Will the second set of dresses be worn during the wedding?"

Usagi hesitantly turned to the other girls. Each of them gave her a wary stare before she answered, "I don't think so."

The photographer nodded, "So... what do you want?"

Usagi bit her lip as she glanced to the blonde beside her. It was almost as if Miss Minako was Miss Usagi's long lost twin. Or maybe they read each other's mind. Who knew? Women could do some scary things when in masses.

The blonde model answered, "She wants us all to be photographed with our individual dresses, and she wants us all to be photographed with our brides maid gowns."

Zoisite nodded. "And when do you wish to have this done?"

"As soon as possible," replied Usagi with a small smile, "That is if you have any available spots..."

The photographer nodded his head; a few curly locks of hair fell in his eyes. He used his finger to carefully tuck them behind his ear. The girls all turned to Ami as Zoisite turned around. The senshi of ice blushed furiously as she continued watching the man before her carefully. The young genius very well knew her friends were calculating every move this man was making, and by the looks of her friends...

Zoisite returned with his planner and slowly turned the pages.

Whispers were heard.

Zoisite tilted his eyes up. He lifted an eyebrow.

It was the lady with raven black hair. Her head was bowed and her hands were clasped firmly... as if she were praying?

"Miss?"

She merely looked up at him before continuing as if nothing happened.

He tilted his head to the side before returning to the pages of his planner. "I have next Friday available."

"Perfect!" exclaimed Minako, "we'll take it!"

Usagi, almost beyond disbelief her friend would make such a decision for her, opened her mouth to protest. But she was stopped the moment the raven-haired priestess halted her chanting. Immediately, she grabbed Usagi's shoulder. "We're running late for an appointment!" Her violet orbs stared into the sapphire ones of her long time friend. "Come on!"

Minako smiled and began waving to Zoisite just as the women hustled out the door. The lady with auburn curly locks began pushing the small blonde (with strange pigtails) out the door. And Usagi was trying to say a few last words! Obviously, her "appointment" was something very important. He noticed how all the girls encircled the small soon-to-be-bride. It was very strange to the photographer. He was extremely disappointed he would not be spending any more time in the presence of his lovely goddess.

He knew patience was key here. He would see her on Friday.

The last to leave was Ami. She turned her face to him one last time; a small smile graced her small lips before she exited the door. A promise. It was all the man needed to see. She was not disgusted of him. She carefully closed the door to his office.

After waiting a few seconds, he walked over to a blinded window. He lifted a blind with his finger carefully and glanced outside his door. There he saw the women walking as if they never entered his studio.

Strange.

He remained until they were out of sight, and then he released a shaky breath. His finger dropped the blind.

Surely he could wait a few more days till he saw her again...

He made his way back into the office, not caring in the least that his food was cold.

Rei smirked as she stared at her friend. "By God, you have been blessed!"

Ami blushed furiously. Even with the cold air whipping her face, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed by this crazy nonsense. "Rei, just because you have a 'feeling' doesn't mean anything will happen."

The priestess released mock laughter. "And that's what you said after I warned Minako about that idiot Jiro!"

The senshi of love rubbed her forehead, "Don't remind me."

"See?" pointed out Rei.

"Okay," started Makoto as she draped her arm over the ice senshi's shoulder, "So what if he IS your soul mate, would you REALLY let a stud-meister like him go? He was starting at you ninety-nine percent of the time!"

Ami's blue eyes widened, "He was? I couldn't tell..."

"That's because you were staring at him the ENTIRE time!" pointed out Usagi with a giggle.

"Awww," sighed Minako with a smile, "Ami has a crush."

The ice senshi blushed harder, "Would you guys stop?"

"I should have never said anything about the soul-mate thing," interjected Rei as she crossed her arms. A chill began to go down her back. She dismissed it for cold weather. "We really need to stop putting Ami on the spotlight."

Ami sighed in relief. "Thank you."

Rei nodded before adding, "...even though Mr. Pemmington is very handsome; I personally thought he had a cute butt."

Ami rubbed her forehead and the girls laughed. It was rare for Ami to have a boyfriend, but to be infatuated with him in such a way. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up!

A scream echoed down the streets.

Rei felt the chill once again. Her eyes snapped wide as realization occurred. It was a sensation she had not experienced in many years...

"Youma."

More screams were heard as men and women ran down the roads past the five girls. Familiar smirks rose on the lips of Makoto and Minako as they took a few steps foreword towards a fearsome beast stomping its way through the city. This was just like the days when the senshi first received their powers.

"Playtime," said Minako with a singsong note in her voice. She lowered her hand down and spread out her fingers. "Venus Power!"