We do not own "Sailor Moon" nor any of the characters.
"SAILOR MOON ETERNAL"
The 6th Season of the Sailor Moon Saga
Chapter 11
"The Heart Pounding Waltz of Love"
The bubbling crowd begins to form around a beaming Mr. and Mrs. Hart in front of the church with all the customary "Congratulations" and "oohs and ahhs" over their daughter's magnificent wedding.
"Come on, Gang!" Lita waves giggling to her closest friends standing beside her. "Let's beat the rush to the reception hall. We'll see you there!" Sayer's eyes light up at the first mention of a race, especially knowing his edge of having a master racer at the wheel of the car he was in-and a gorgeous one at that.
Impulsively grabbing Alex's forearm, he trots off, dragging her protesting body behind him towards the parking lot in the back of the church. But he only manages to hold onto that arm for a couple of meters when, as everyone watches in astonishment, Alex forcefully removes his hand in one quick motion. She grabs his other arm and flips Sayer over her shoulder, depositing him ungracefully on the (luckily for him) grassy knoll just around the corner of the church, as she strides off on her own. But Sayer jumps right up, unscathed and undaunted, a smile still on his face, as to everyone's further shocks, he races to catch up to her.
"Oh, dear." Michelle chuckles, breaking the silence. "I do hope no one saw that." She giggles airily at how bold her cousin could be at times. Walking off to join them, Robin on her arm, although her smile changes to a worried brow, as her silver-haired escort's eyes continue to drift back to the church, puzzlement on his cute face.
"Are the children coming with us?" Terry queries of the lady on his arm, as he smiles that smile at her, for neither Rini nor RiRi were in sight. Sammy watches frowning as Tara's face looks up at Terry dreamily.
He doesn't consider me a child! She thinks to herself. Now if I could only get Susan's claws out of him. How selfish she is! She knows her duty, she has to go away soon. She doesn't belong here! Tara gives Susan a sideways nasty glance that no one notices, except one interested sandy-haired young man watching her carefully. Just then, two little pink sprites explode from the crowd waving wildly, bouncing, racing down the church steps.
"Wait for us!" Rini calls forward breathlessly.
"Wait, wait!" RiRi calls from behind her, with a pouty face as she tries to keep up, though falling behind her big sister. Sighing, Rini turns and scoops up Daria with a little effort. She's getting heavy! My mom gives her too many desserts! Rini thinks in her mind as she carries the wiggly load down the steps towards Terry who meets her halfway, gentlemanly relieving her of her burden.
Everyone's head jerks up as a yellow Ferrari pulls out of the driveway, at an alarming rate, taking off down the street like a bullet. Shrugging it off, Rini rushes forward. "Mom said we can go with you!" Rini explains looking from a troubled Tara to a frustrated Sammy, up to her "Puu" with the adoring eyes on Terry-papa as he walks up to her.
They make a perfect couple. Rini smiles as Puu takes Terry-papa's offered free arm with both of hers, as he holds RiRi easily with the other one. Rini trots off after them, then turns around noticing her best friend and her "brother" were not at her side.
"Come on, Tara, Sammy! Let's go! There's sure to be lots of yummy cakes and cookies. And I haven't eaten since breakfast. Well, except maybe for that bag of M&Ms on the car trip here…" Rini admits guiltily, her smile so bright it's contagious, and Tara's unhappy face smiles back. Sammy was soon on her heels, as our little pink "sunshine" links her arm with each of theirs, making them a happy looking trio following Terry, Susan, and RiRi to the car lot.
Smiling at them, two by two, the bridesmaids and their escorts decide to stick together too. Andrew and Lita accommodate Ken, Mina and the cats in Andrew's dark green economy sized car. Rei offers Chad's car's services to a transportationless Amy and Greg, as the last of the couples leave the hallowed grounds towards the celebration filled with promise about to take place.
French caterers and waiters, all recommended by Michelle personally, rush to and fro with their scrumptious trays of many various desserts and hors d'oeuvres of every kind. Others unstack mountains of plates and cutlery upon each flowery decorated table, readying the reception hall for the many guests about to arrive. The bride and groom were first to arrive, the bride sampling the desserts "to make sure they were just right for the guests" of course, causing the groom to chuckle lovingly at his new wife's attempts to cover up her infamous sweet tooth.
"Eat as much as you like, Madame," Monsieur Souvey, the head waiter, laughs along with Darien, "after all, they are all here for you!" he finishes with a sweeping bow.
"He's right, my kitten," Alex's deep voice comes from across the room a ways as she leads the way forward, Sayer close behind but mindfully keeping a safe distance, with Michelle and Robin, hand in hand behind him. "this is all for you, pretty girl. Congratulations," Alex finishes her sentence, touching Serena's cheek affectionately. Serena smiles, glad to see her tall friend in the good spirits she usually was in with her, for she had not been very happy the past few months.
"Let's not forget Darien, Amara. It is for him just as much. Remember, they'll share everything from now on." Michelle pipes up, smiling coyly at the word "everything", emphasizing it's meaning in quite a flirtatious manner, making Robin nearly choke on the club soda a waiter had supplied him with.
"Easy there, Rob!" Sayer whacks his brother on the back with a fairly sound thud, probably making him choke more.
"Meatball," Sayer turns back to Serena, searching his mind for the words to express his feelings, "I'm glad we came." he says simply, his smile along with it, always enough between them. But then his eyes wander to the golden-clad beauty at his side, whose dark green eyes quickly dart away as he adds, "For a lot of reasons," making Alex come close (but not succumbing to, thankfully) a blush.
"Congratulations, you two!" Rini's sweet little voice rings through the big empty hall as she comes running up to her present day "mommy and daddy", her little sister wriggling from Terry's arms as he puts her down gently, tiny RiRi racing to them, quick as her stubby little legs would carry her.
"Whoa, here comes the peanut gallery! " Sayer laughs as Rini jumps up into Darien's arms, RiRi bouncing into Serena's, joyful smiles on their cute pumpkin faces.
"More cute kittens?" Alex smiles her dazzling smile despite herself, feeling rather giddy for some strange reason.
"Princess, Princess, many, many congratulations. Princess Fireball sends her warmest wishes as well." Terry says smiling warmly, extending his hand out to Serena, then to Darien, as Susan beams in agreement, clinging to his other arm.
Tara peeks out meekly from behind them. "Congratulations." She adds sweetly to her Prince and Princess.
"Thank you all so much." Darien answers politely as Serena pops a chocolate covered strawberry in RiRi's open mouth.
"Uh, yeah, 'congratulations.'" Sammy smirks, "Now," he says, rubbing his palms together, "only two more annoying sisters to get rid of." he says sarcastically.
"Thanks, Sammy." Serena shakes her head, ruffling his hair, smiling that her brother would never change.
"Serena!" Mina's voice is shrill and bubbling as she drags her new target along behind her.
"Did you know Kenny used to live in England, too? Isn't that exciting!?"
"Not that exciting, Mina,. even though a bit embarrassed, Ken's red face still smiles. "Congratulations." He says politely to the new couple.
"Oh, yeah, Congratulations!" Mina beams, just reminded of what she was supposed to say, then spotting the mountains of desserts, she shrieks, "AHHHHH! Let's go get some of those. I'm starving!" She drags Ken off to the dessert table.
"Me, too!" Rini jumps from Darien's arms, rushing to catch up to Mina.
"Me, too! Me, too!" RiRi soon follows.
"She's such a baby." Rei says coming up to the crowd forming, Chad close at her heels.
"RiRi is so cute." Serena smiles at her new addition future daughter sweetly.
"RiRi!? I was talking about Mina." Rei smirks disdainfully towards the dessert table, making Amy behind her giggle nervously.
"Come on, guys," they all hear Lita's voice from across the room, "photographer's here!" Andrew waves to them from behind her.
Wedding photographers are well known for their difficult temperaments, wanting to take a picture that was "just so", perfect for every bride's cherished wedding album and this one was no exception. Though not usually into weddings, Saki Itabashi, Japan's first-rate photographer extraordinaire, was here at special request of two people who had become, in the past year or two of knowing them, good friends with her.
But still she had no fear of ordering even her dearest friends about, all towards the greater good of that "perfect shot".
Serena just had to have multiple bridesmaids all trying to steal the spotlight, didn't she? Saki sighs to herself from behind her professional camera stand. And when I'm speaking of spotlight grabbers, my girl Mina has got to be the worst! She thinks with a groan as Mina pulls her brown-haired escort into a spot right in front, kicking aside the bride's long trained veil as if it was nothing important.
"Mina, the bride and groom are the center of attraction, not you." Saki says in her blunt way.
"I know, Saki! But I want to make sure you get a good shot of my beautiful dress!" Mina sings back cheerily, her mood too high to be offended, which makes Ken at her side, laugh softly. Grunting, Saki peers through her camera lens, scanning the rest of the forming entourage of bridesmaids and their escorts.
Seeing three familiar handsome faces, her head pops up from inside her camera box.
"Three Lights!" She yells loudly across the room, filling with the other wedding guests in surprise, knowing professionally that they had not been seen nor heard from in over a year, much to their fans' distress.
"Keep it down, will ya?" Sayer (the one who always wore red, Saki recalls) says with a coy smile. "We're here incognito." he takes his place next to his escorted bridesmaid she supposes, a good-looking woman in a gold suit. Saki smiles appraisingly at her, raising her eyebrows as she watches the woman purposely take two steps away from him in the other direction. She looked like she wanted to be attached to the girl in that gigantic aqua pouffed thing, to whom the Three Lights' Robin was leaning his head towards affectionately.
Is this the same man who seemed so unaffected by women before? Saki chuckles to herself, remembering that day he grabbed the camera from her hands. Actually he gained a lot of my respect for that. Beautiful photos are important—it's how the world views you when you're a celebrity. I can understand that.
Saki was now famous in camera circles herself. Scanning the almost pose ready couples again. Saki searches for the last of the Three Lights, the tall chestnut-haired one with the good disposition, so rare in stars—especially teen idols.
There. With that gorgeous woman in purple lounging against him. Did he just bury his chin in her hair? So, is that what these two have been up to? She refers to Robin and Terry in her mind. Poor Sayer seems to be having trouble with that one. Her eyes go back to Alex's obvious avoiding stance as she poses for the photo. A woman like that maybe isn't all that interested in someone like him though. Saki smiles wickedly at her own thoughts. Back to the photo session, Saki! She yells at her wandering mind.
"Hey, you! Lady with hat! Move over to the right a bit! You're blocking your scared looking friend back there!" She says with a frown, referring to Greg, who looks even more scared at her words. Lita moves embarrassingly closer to Andrew, who was already thoughtfully trying to stay out of Terry and Susan's path.
"You in front!" She points to Ken. "Don't look so stiff. Mina, show him how." She barks knowing Mina was a "professional" poser. Then she turns her attention elsewhere.
"Hair out of the eyes, please, Surfer Man." Saki rudely sighs at Chad, whose rarely seen eyes pop out.
"Serena, you're beautiful! Good look, Darien! Somebody do something with that child!" She explodes at RiRi bouncing up and down, and Darien puts his calming hand on the fuschia little head, who stops obediently.
"Hey, blue boy. BLUE BOY!" She tries to get Greg's attention.
"Who, me?" he says meekly.
"Yeah, you! Get that scared expression off your face! The cats are doing a better job of smiling than you!" Greg nods, the fearful expression now doubled, so Amy squeezes his arm for support.
Noticing he's the only one without a girl on his arm, Sayer looks for something to hold, finding a bunch of roses wrapped on the table, the perfect choice. Well, almost perfect… He sighs, his eyes transfixed on his golden beauty. So close, and yet so far away. Sigh
"Hey! Watch where you put those, Sayer! You'll mess my hair!" Rei snaps in her usual annoyed voice as he casually flings the roses on his shoulder, unknowingly smacking her right in the head.
"Nobody would know, you've already got flowers stuck in your head anyway." Sayer's smart-alecky answer comes with a wicked smile, making Rei's flowery head steam, while Alex suppresses a chuckle.
Seeing this, Chad gallantly comes to Rei's defense. "Hey, watch what you say to Rei, okay, Dude?" Chad says, actually quite belligerently, making Rei turn red with embarrassment and yet, it was sweet of him to try even if Sayer is no longer listening.
"Perfect as always, Terry Starr!" Saki Itabashi compliments the elegant looking couple on the far right of the group.
"Nice suit, Robin. At least something oes well with that aqua hair, eh, sweetie?" She says to Michelle sarcastically, insulting her. Now it was Michelle's turn to steam.
"All right, are we ready?" She does a last minute scan. "Pinkie in front, do something with those hands." Rini makes a face, never liking to be ordered about- or be called 'Pinkie'—but politely obliges, extending her gloved fingers out gracefully. Just like Mommy taught me. She sighs at the endless lessons that came with being a Princess.
"Little dark haired girl in front," Saki's voice turns soft for some reason, perhaps sensing this particular child's frailty. "smile okay, hon?" There was an inexplicable sadness behind those eyes, which Saki never liked to see. Shaking the feeling, she smiles at the group, glad that, though unruly, they were really a good looking bunch—perfect for photos—unlike most weddings. (Never mind the obese old aunts, there was always at least one homely girl that everyone had felt sorry for and just had to include in the forefront of the picture).
"All right, everyone!" She peers through her lens as Mina winks her eye in true star fashion. The young boy with the pretty little sad girl (who was now smiling radiantly) raises his hand in the sign of "victory". And to top it all, Sayer suddenly amazingly, wraps his right arm around that dazzling woman, pulling her close to him, his eyes sparkling wickedly, making him even more handsome than ever. But what was truly amazing to Saki was that the woman did not seem to protest in the slightest, looking actually quite at home in his arms. I guess not…She sighs, a bit disappointed, but glad that together they made a better contribution to the photo than when they were apart.
Satisfied at last with these 20 (make that 23 including those three well behaved cats) people standing poised in front of her, she shouts the final warning, though it was cliché. "Say 'cheese!"
Flash!
Click. Click. She takes several to make sure she got it. Panoramic shots were necessary for such a large group, but they're perfect!
She smiles at her work, just as the fuchsia jellybean in front slips on the shiny floor, falling on her little bottom, her dress up in the air. She giggles contagiously at her funny fall, making everyone laugh with her, the growing crowd of guests watching the photo shoot giggling along as well.
"Now just you and Darien and your parents, Serena." She nods to Rini who trots off to collect her "parents".
"You can let go now." Everyone turns as Alex's low voice rumbles.
"Do you really want me to?" Sayer flirts back, maybe inspired that she didn't protest before at his boldness.
"Do you want a broken arm?" She smirks putting her strong hand around his forearm threateningly. Sayer pulls his arm out quickly, sensing her words were probably not only an empty threat.
Same old Alex… Serena smiles to herself as everyone else laughs. They were getting used to these two's heated exchanges.
The guests stream in filling the hall and the reception begins. The orchestra's music plays softly in the background as Serena and Darien's cherished friends and family, with a little help from Lita and the other girls, slowly find their places. The bride and groom, her parents, all eight bridesmaids, their escorts and the two flower girls (not to mention the three cats, hiding from the snooty French caterers in Rini's flower basket) were all seated at one monstrously long table at the front of the hall, opposite the stage where the orchestra was playing. The noisy room bustles with energy as waiters scoot to and fro, bringing trays of meals to the talkative guests.
Taking one look at the plate, uncovered with a flourish by the French waiter in front of them, Sayer blinks in surprise.
"What is this stuff?" He asks of the meal in front of him consisting of some sort of green stalks and a disgusting looking greyish glob in the middle of the plate. "It's all green and gooey-like." Se plays with it with his spoon, examining it like some alien disease.
"Sayer! It's haute cuisine—French cuisine of the finest quality. Made by the finest chefs of course!" an embarrassed Michelle sitting next to him, looks up apologetically at Monsieur Soirvey who just happened to be passing near enough for him to hear Sayer's disgraceful remarks about his world-famous cuisine.
Sticking his nose up in the air at this uncultured rapscallion, (he was one of those drunkards from last night. The ones Mademoiselle Moreau was displeased with, Soirvey recalls) he walks off insulted.
"Sayer, how could you?!" Michelle turns to him, snapping a whisper. "Monsieur Soirvey is a good friend of mine. I have never been so embarrassed!" She crosses her arms, turning for refuge to Robin, seated on the other side of her. "You like it, don't you, Robin?" She smiles, hoping her recommendation in the catering department was not disliked across the board.
"Of course, Michelle," Robin delicately takes a small nibble, "almost as good as caviar." He says with a smile and a cultured air. Michelle sighs, grateful that at least he understood.
"Really, it is edible." Sayer looks up from the glop he was forming on his plate, hearing Alex's words. Sitting up straight, he sees her leaning back in her chair, next to his, the expression on her face, looking down on his immaturity, putting him a bit on the defensive.
"Then why haven't you touched your plate?" It was now his turn to smile as her face suddenly turns guilty and she puts her arm behind her head, chuckling, caught in the act.
"I'm just not very hungry." she covers for herself, obviously lying.
"Could I ask for something else?" Sayer whispers to her conspiratorially.
"Don't you dare!" Michelle whispers back, already embarrassed enough to Monsieur Soirvey.
"She's got ears like a hawk." Sayer complains, turning his back on Michelle purposefully.
Then he spots something way down on the far end of the table. "Hey you!" Sayer yells towards that direction. "What's his name again?" He asks Alex, as Michelle and Robin sink in their seats in embarrassment and Terry and Susan tear their gazes from one another for a moment, laughing at Sayer.
"Greg," she can't help but smile at his foolishness.
"Oh, yeah…Greg! Could you pass those rolls there in front of you!"
Greg looks up, the same scared expression pops on his face and he glances at Amy next to him, turning red, before he passes the basket to an annoyed at being interrupted while she was talking Rei, who continues her conversation and without looking, sticks the basket out to Chad who quickly jumps to grab it from his adored one, passing it to Lita, who wonders why Sayer didn't just ask the waiter to bring it to him, as she passes it to Andrew, who has to poke at Mina to get her attention away from Ken for a moment. But seeing the attempt hopeless, he just goes over her ribboned head, handing it to an observant Ken, who then passes it to Alex, who plunks the much traveled pastries right in front of Sayer.
"There. Are you happy now?" She smirks sarcastically.
"Nah. Maybe on second thought, I don't really want them." Sayer says making Alex's eyes go wide. "Just kidding." He laughs, popping one into his mouth, another extended in her direction, which Alex takes, lightheartedly laughing along with the silliest man she has ever known.
After the meal, the wedding cake is unveiled. Lita, truly outdoing herself this time, with the beautiful cake standing four tiers high. Each layer was specially decorated by Amy, Rei, Mina, and of course, Lita, who all worked hard to make it just gorgeous. Ushering Serena and Darien to the table to perform the traditional cake cutting ceremony, the anxious audience of onlookers all have the same question on their minds. Will she or won't she smash the first piece of wedding cake on Darien's face?
Looking into the crowd of happy people, Serena smiles down at one face in particular. Her attentions rest on a pretty little child in pink, who, in all the commotion, felt a bit left behind.
"Rini," Serena beckons her with a gloved hand, "will you help us cut this lovely cake? We'll only mess it up by ourselves and I know how much you love cake." Rini's mouth opens wide in joyful surprise. She hasn't forgotten about me! Blinking back grateful tears, Rini dashes forward, jumping up on the chair Darien pulled up for her to stand on, so she, too, would be able to reach the top story of the cake.
Beaming brightly as Darien joins them with the cake knife, firmly gripping both his girls hands in his, the three of them make the first cut together, a small symbol of their eternal bonds of love through time. As the audience waits, Serena picks up the piece, holding it gingerly in her clumsy hands, not wanting to harm the beautiful (and delicious, I bet!) beads of icing on top. At first planning to civilly give Darien the first bite (then the rest is all for me!) She suddenly feels mischievous and turns to Rini.
"Should I?" She whispers the conspiracy.
"Go for it, Mommy!" Rini whispers back, so low that no one else could hear.
SMASH!
That gorgeous piece of cake finds itself flattened on Darien's unsuspecting face. The audience bursts into peals of laughter at the groom's shocked expression, and giggle along as well, as Serena and Rini both simultaneously use their fingers on his face, so as not to waste a single morsel of icing.
"Yummy!" They both sing in chorus, making everyone including Darien, laugh even louder. Looking into Serena and Darien's eyes, as she helps clean him off, (with a towel this time!) Rini thinks on this moment reflectively, for there was nothing a child who loved her parents wanted more than, even if only for a small part, to be included in their joy.
I'll always remember this day, Mommy, Daddy. Thank you for making it so special for me. Rini smiles up at the two most beloved people in her life as the wedding cake is handed out.
The afternoon progresses along smoothly as the familiar sea of faces scattered at the various tables chat amicably as they reflect upon this new happy union. More than a few of Darien's college friends (and that blonde young man who somehow passed himself off as Serena's second cousin, though no relative seemed to recognize him) make a request for the "traditional" removing of the "sacred garter" to which, after it was removed from the bride by her new husband, would then be applied to the girl who caught the bridal bouquet earlier this afternoon. Darien was certain that was the sole reason for these unattached young men's enthusiasm for this "particular" tradition.
"Come on, Darien, you gotta, it's tradition you know!" reminds his college buddy, Cory (who wasn't exactly unattached, his girlfriend aka Sarah, watching suspiciously from the sidelines.)
"Start the marriage out right, Guy," Another friend throws in the weak excuse.
"It's only fair." That unknown blonde guy says pointedly, looking down the table at Susan, who suddenly feels ten pairs of eyes on her. Terry, seated next to her, notices her curious expression (of course, he noticed his eyes were on her the whole time!)
"What is it, Susan?" He asks with a smile. She blushes, as she always does when he looks at her that way, looking away to where the gazes where coming from.
"Over there. I...wonder what they're talking about." she speaks softly to him.
"Shall I find out?" Terry jumps at her every whim, eager to please his beautiful lady as he disappears into the crowd forming around the bridal couple.
A moment after he leaves, Mina comes flying up to her.
"Did you hear, Susan!? Aren't you so lucky?!" She bursts out in her way of speaking, without anyone around understanding a thing she was saying.
"Lucky?" Susan's face turns puzzled.
"Why, Mina? What's going on?" Robin asks nosily from behind Susan.
"Darien's doing that...garter thing." Mina lowers her voice and looks around before she mentioned that "G" word.
"Ohh…" Michelle giggles at Susan's blank expression, her sheltered friend, obviously not fully accustomed with marriage rituals.
"Poor Susan." Alex overheard the conversation, a smirk on her knowing face as she shakes her head.
"'Poor Susan,' what?" Another naive one, in this matter at least, Sayer demands.
"I don't think I'm going to tell you." Alex smiles, knowing the reason.
Susan gets a sinking feeling, her eyes wide.
"Come on! Let's watch!" Mina races back to the scene of the crime (figure of speech, really!). Sayer curiously takes off after her, Alex close on his heels. Michelle gets up, grabbing Robin's arm, he only mildly interested, and then linking Susan with the other.
"Come, Susan. They'll need you." Susan's eyes go doe-eyed, like a deer in the proverbial headlights.
"What's going on?" Tara asks Sammy and Rini at the far end of the table as she sees everyone else suddenly run off towards the other end.
"Probably another stupid wedding thing my sister's dreamed up." Sammy answers sourly, always agaist anything to do with Serena.
"Weddings are not stupid!" Rini shouts at him, sticking her tongue out as she takes Tara's thin little arm in her chubby one to go investigate the matter. Sammy looks up quite puzzled at the mystery called "girls" as he looks around to see RiRi slurping her pudding, his only companion left.
"ChibiChibi." she smiles, chocolate splat all over her face.
"Hey! Wait up!" He calls, chasing Rini and Tara who turn their noses up, ignoring him.
Girls are so weird, he thinks to himself, too young to understand the utter bewitchment they could ever hold over men.
"Are you really going to, Muffin?" Serena asks excitedly, as Darien kneels to the ground at her feet, lifting her leg up from the floor easily.
"Unless you have some objection..." Darien smiles, knowing what her response would be as he lifts her endless layers of skirts, taking off her white slipper.
"No objection, my love." Serena giggles, like a child, giggling more and more as Darien gets closer to the aforementioned target: that white and lavender pink tipped lacy article of clothing known as a 'garter.'
"Do you have to giggle like a hyena, Serena?" Rei was always ready to insult her dearest friend.
"Well, it tickles!" Serena continues to giggle as Darien slides it off, holding it high into the air with a flourish, to please the growing crowd of eager men watching.
"Alright, here it is." Darien, ever the showman, smiles at their anticipating glances at Susan, who has obviously just been told of her fate, looking to him as if she may faint. Alarmed for a moment, a true gentleman at heart for such a gentle lady as Susan, but Darien sees there is nothing he can do about it.
Really, it's all done in fun. I just hope Susan sees it that way...He thinks as he prepares to throw it.
"Ready, 'Gentleman?'" He asks, tossing the small lacy circle high into the air, as many more men's eager fingers than earlier, reach for it as it begins it descent spiraling downward towards them.
Wishing she could just stop time and flee, Susan resigns herself to her fate, closing her eyes tightly. She never wanted any man to touch her in that way, except for, maybe...
Her eyes snap open as the crowd cheers, the garter caught, a winner found, with Susan as the unwilling prize. Unwilling, that is, until she is introduced to exactly who had just caught it.
"Terry…!" She whispers breathlessly, a happy smile overtaking her anxious look.
"My lady." Terry smiles a little embarrassed, (but not too much) as he dangles the small, lacy garter in his fingers in front of her.
"Come on! Put it on!" Mina chants in cheerleader fashion, egging them to "get on with it"—literally. Sayer pulls a seat out from behind for Susan.
"Have a seat, Susie!" He smiles, then looks up at his brother. "Go for it, Ter." he winks with a thumbs up sign. Alex rolls her eyes. Michelle pulls Robin closer to her, obviously thinking this so romantic, and the girls exchange knowing looks, holding their breath as Terry kneels down in front of Susan, gingerly removing her high-heeled shoe. Lifting her leg gently in the air, he brushes away her silky violet dress, revealing a shapely leg, his eyes smiling at it appreciatively, making Susan blush a deep crimson. Each of his touches set her skin afire as he slowly slides the garter up...up, till he stops at a fairly high place on her thigh. He lets go of the piece of lace with one last caress of her soft skin, then takes both her hands in his as they become lost in each other's eyes, and all the onlookers applaud whistling at the romantic scene.
All but one dark-haired little girl, whose purple eyes seemed on the edge of tears, as she, unnoticed, separates from her friends.
"Oh!" Serena giggles happily at all the merriment at her wedding. "You know what they say, Susan, you're next!" Serena predicts, elbowing her, unaware that her teasings were breaking Susan's dutiful heart. She smiles, but feels the tears welling up inside.
"Excuse me, please. All this excitement, I must powder my nose." She leaves a curious Terry behind as everyone returns to their seats.
Racing to the restroom, Susan rushes inside, the tears already beginning to fall down her cheeks. Closing the door behind her quickly, she collapses on the circular stylized couch, in the middle of the room. I mustn't cry. I said I wasn't going to. She tries to take a hold of herself, pushing away her feelings of dread. Wiping away the tears with a tissue, her other hand unknowingly lands upon her leg where, under her dress, a garter was just freshly put on.
By his hands...by his warm hands. Susan smiles dreamily at the recollection, still able to feel his touch. Suddenly she notices movement in the mirror in front of her. Spinning around, Susan sees Tara bunched up like a ball, her hands wrapped around her knees, on a couch at the other end of the powder room, tears streaming down her face, as well. Motherly instincts kicking in, Susan forgets her own troubles and goes to her young charge, placing a sympathetic hand on her young shoulder.
"Tara, what's wrong?" sShe asks tenderly. Looking up and seeing her rival for her very first love's attentions in front of her is more than Tara can bear. She could no longer keep silent about her feelings.
"Let go of me!" She jumps away, an angry expression on her pretty face.
"Tara. I'm only trying to—" Susan backs away, attempting to explain.
"You're only trying to trick him! You don't belong here! You can never be with him!" Tara shouts to Susan's astonished face. "You're just a selfish, uncaring woman and I CAN'T STAND YOU!" She trembles as she pushes Susan aside, running out the door.
"Tara…" Susan whispers to the slammed door, heartbroken to hear her cherished little friend say those horrible things to her. But even more heartbroken that most of what she said was devastatingly true. "What do I do?" She asks her garnet orb suddenly appearing in her hand. "The jewel that has not shined twice," she holds it up in the light, "this is my destiny." she wraps her long fingers around the jewel itself, its soft glowing warmth small comfort compared to the touch of his hand. Its shining radiance nothing compared to the sparkling gleam in his eye.
But she must do what was expected of her. "Terry…" She whispers his name as she prepares herself to be able to tell him...everything.
And everything means 'goodbye.' The mere thought turning her soul to ice, as with a passionless expression on her lovely face, Susan rejoins him and the others at the table. She looks for Tara, but finds her seat empty.
"Where've you been, Susie?" Sayer leans forward smilingly, talking over Michelle and Robin, who makes a face at his rudeness. "You missed all the fun. You should have seen all the toasters Meatball got!" He laughs at the opening of wedding gifts ceremony.
"Hmmm?" Susan mumbles unfeelingly, her face devoid of all light as she looks to Tara's seat again, concerned.
"Oh, Tara wasn't feeling well, and it is getting late, so she and Rini are having a sleepover at the Hart's." Michelle sees this and good naturedly explains to her friend. Susan merely nods, but Michelle doesn't notice, all heads turning to the bridal couple now taking to the dance floor. All heads except for a certain chestnut-haired one, who gazes down on his Susan worriedly She herself feels his gaze but refuses to meet his eyes as the orchestra begins to play, the lights dimming, save for the spotlight on the couple in the center of the dance floor.
Looking up into Darien's eyes, Serena feels his strong arms wrap around her as the chosen music which she herself (with a little musical arrangement, courtesy Rei) had written just for this special occasion, begins to play. The sweet strains of the saxophone echo through the hushed hall as the audience watches the bride and groom dance their first dance as a married couple. Slowly swaying held in his arms, Serena remembers the first time he appeared to her—so handsome, so dashing in his tuxedo. At first only a mirage, he took her into his arms, became so real to her and magically the dark, ageless void that surrounded their lonely souls, unfolded into the colors of the rainbow. Their love burst forth, never to be lost again.
Never. This is my eternal promise to you, Darien, my love. Serena gazes up at the man she now could call her husband. As the song finishes, Darien leans close down to her ear, "I love you, Serena." he whispers and as the audience applauds, they kiss, the perfect ending for this romantic interlude, the perfect beginning for their new life together.
Going to the microphone onstage, Serena smiles sweetly. "Everyone, thank you. Now here's a special treat for you. Each of my bridesmaids and their escorts will dance to a song written and arranged by themselves. I'm sure you'll enjoy it." She nods to the orchestra leader, who starts the music.
I hope I don't trip up. Amy'll think I'm a dweeb. Greg thinks sadly as he and the girl dressed all in blue, take to the floor to dance to her own handwritten melody, at Serena's kind suggestion.
How good Serena is to give us each a chance in the spotlight, even at her own wedding. But that is something I've always known. Amy feels Greg's hand nervously place itself around her waist. This song...I did write it with you in mind. Amy reflects as the music begins, the orchestra's pianist taking the melody. How sad I've been without you, haven't I? I've been hiding these feelings since you left. It was my unrequited love. I was sure when you left, I could not be your sweetheart. I really had no idea of love. But no, I need a sweetheart—just as much as anyone else! I needed you, Greg. Have you come back to me now? Amy's hand on his shoulder holds him a bit tighter as they nervously dance in time with the flowing music. Looking into her sky blue eyes, Greg suddenly feels his confidence building.
Amy, I've stayed away all this time, because I thought I wasn't good enough for you. I'm still not...but...I don't think I can leave you again. Not until I tell you what's in my heart, he thinks determinedly, just as the triumphant ending to the song comes and he and Amy walk back to their seats, hand in hand.
Giving Amy a smile, Rei leads Chad onto the dance floor, prepared for this eternal melody of her heart to begin to play. The French horn sounds through the hall as the music flows, Chad surprising Rei with his unthought-of of dancing ability. But then, as Rei has learned over the past few years spent with him, Chad always finds a way to surprise.
Like the sunlight. His strengths burst out suddenly, his courage and bravery, even though I don't always appreciate them...You know what, Chad? I'm glad I've met you. You make me keep chasing my dreams. Because of you, Chad...Hey, have I ever told you Chad?...Have I ever told you?...Rei's thoughts drift off as the saxophone takes over the last piece of the song and Chad pulls her closer to him. The song ends and the audience claps, Rei looks up at him.
"Thanks, guy, " she squeezes his arm, and Chad grins from ear to ear as they return to their seats. "but don't let it go to your head, okay?" She adds quickly.
"No problem, Rei," his smile is huge.
"Our turn!" Lita turns to Andrew, whose face was a continual smile when it came to his great friend, Lita. Lita returns a smile as they seek their place in the middle of the dance floor. Her own melody plays, haunting in its way, romantic in its mood. The story of my life…Lita smiles up sadly at Andrew as they begin to dance. I've been in love, so many times it seems...as many loves as their are stars in the sky. She laughs to herself. But you know what, Andrew? I keep coming back to you. It's not your fault...no, not at all! You've never encouraged me. You've always been so sweet and loyal to her, and now she's left you alone. But if you're alone and I'm alone...we won't be alone anymore. We're together! Oh, Andrew, you're so dreamy! Lita loses herself in his green eyes as Andrew finds himself strangely caught up in hers.
You're always so good to me, Lita. Somehow, when I'm here with you, I don't feel so down…I'm glad we're such good friends. But this song you wrote seems so sad, even though you're always happy when I see you. You're always doing so much for me, can I help you out? I like to see you happy. Andrew smiles brightly at her dreamy expression, just as the music trails off.
As they pass each other, Mina gives Lita a congratulatory thumbs-up and Lita laughs at her best friend's buoyancy, especially considering the mood of her melody. Walking out, with this new girl he just met named Mina on his arm, Ken half-expects the song she had written (and told him on and on about all through dinner) to be a modern, new-age type of tune, face paced and bursting with energy, much like Mina herself. But no, as the first melancholy bars begin to play, Ken suddenly sees a whole new side to this beautiful blonde's personality that he'd never seen before. Interested before, but now quite intrigued, Ken listens carefully to the mournful music as he holds her tenderly, beginning the dance gently.
She's heard her song played before, she was there when the orchestra first practiced it. Then tell me, why do I feel like I'm about to cry this time? I wrote it for someone from long ago, once in a city far away. You were always so warm to me. We had so much fun together. But I let the seasons pass us by. I never thought we'd change. I saw your dream then. It was my dream, too. But what is my dream now? Why am I crying? A tear slips down her cheek, splashing on Ken's hand. And with his other hand, he brushes her tear away as they sway softly to the music. It's you, Kenny. You remind me of him. I wrote this for him, but now...now it reminds me of you. Seriously...let's be friends, Kenny. If nothing more...let's shine together as friends. Mina smiles at him and he hugs her, as they go back to their seats, now with a new perspective of each other.
"Do we really have to go through with this?" Alex whispers low in an annoyed voice to the man rising from his chair next to hers.
"Why not?" Sayer smiles down at her. Then leaning his head close to her ear, he whispers, "Or maybe you don't think you can keep up with me?" a challenge in his eyes.
"Hmph." Never one to back down from a challenge, Alex gets up, pushing her chair back forcefully. "Just try not to slow me down." She flashes at him competitively, striding ahead, not waiting for him and he chases her out onto the dance floor.
The room darkens as low staccato drums begin to beat. It remains dim until the first notes of the piano begin to play a haunting melody and the spotlight snaps on, revealing two figures, standing motionless, their eyes tightly shut. Facing each other, though still separated, they both take a dramatic stance, the woman poised tall, her arm covering her eyes as if to block out the spotlight. The man with his arms folded, his long legs spread wide. Sayer opens his eyes extending his hand out to Alex, whose eyes remain closed until just as the piano is about to switch over at the last possible second, she snaps them open, ignoring his offered hand. Doing things, as always, her way, Alex puts her hands around him, taking the lead as the sexy saxophone begins to play her chosen melody. The audience watches breathlessly as these two wild souls dance to the resounding beat, each struggling to take the lead, though to the general crowd, they danced as professionals, made for one another. A thought that would've made Alex Sokova laugh...or maybe punch, anyone who dared say it in her presence.
Why won't the fool let me lead? Alex's mind questions the man attempting to take control of the dance as he continues to swing her around, a perfect dancer in perfect time to the music. But he is better than I thought he'd be, she can't help but approve of her unwanted partner. Someone she had to admit was almost nearly as dazzling a dancer as she was. Allowing herself a glance at his face for a moment, Alex finds herself unwittingly becoming beckoned to by his eyes.
Catching her attention, (finally!) Sayer slows his movements, desperately wanting to keep her beautiful deep green eyes in his. You're so good at this, Ally. Sayer smiles to her, as they begin to move in sync, and (to Sayer's much awaited joy) to each other. This music suits you perfectly. You are good at everything. And beautiful, too. His smile turns serious. I think, no, I know...I must be falling in love with you… His eyelids lower amorously at the woman dancing in front of him.
What is it about your eyes? Gazing into his lowering eyes, Alex gasps for a breath, feeling her heart pounding in her ears as a sudden overwhelming passion begins to form in her soul.
This burning sensation in my chest. I…
She feels the smoking embers catch ablaze as Sayer's hands wrap around her slender waist. I want to hold him. Alex's arms slowly reach out to him, but then suddenly, her tormented soul takes over once again and she pulls back. Breaking their gaze, she turns from him, feeling like she should run, get out of his arms, leave this place right now. Run! The urge is so strong, so overpowering. As if reading her thoughts, the music builds to a feverish pitch as Alex furiously attempts to escape the hold he has on her, both body and soul, but he wouldn't let her go. Her chest still afire, Alex is about to break loose, when the music changes it's tone. A sweet violin begins to play, it's first sad notes ringing in Alex's ears as if trying to convey a message to her.
Michelle. Alex does not even need to look at the aqua beauty playing the violin onstage with the orchestra to know who it is, their eternal bond so strong. What are you trying to tell me? Alex can hear it in Michelle's music, something written to her on the wind. She lets go of her own thoughts, closing her eyes, concentrating on Michelle, on the violin, and suddenly all the words come rushing in at once. Alex feels Michelle's calm washing over her.
Amara, don't be frightened. Don't try to run anymore. Michelle sends out through her playing to her most beloved friend. Don't let your mind hold you back. Listen to your heart, does it tell you, you love him? The question sears through Alex's soul as the violin tapers off on a high note, the query still in the vibrating air.
In the flash of a second, Alex gives her answer, surprising everyone who knew her, save for one ocean-swept maiden, when, opening her eyes, she thrusts out her hand to Sayer's offered one. Like a clap of thunder, their eyes lock in a new way—a new and thrilling understanding passing between them. Both felt and knew and both were satisfied. Now in their dance, everyone, including total strangers could see the difference in them—the incredible force that each knew to be the most irresistible one on earth—Love.
Grasping each other's hands, they begin the dramatic dance again, now in perfect sync. Alex for once, lets him take the lead, the dance now far more dynamic, electrifying the crowd, as she no longer fights him, no longer fights the passion inside of her. Together as one, they dance as neither of them had danced before, both feeling for the first time that this person in front of them is really, truly, their perfect equal. Their eyes meet again as the final notes play, the music winds down and the lights dim so low you could no longer see them. As the crowd applauds this most dazzling of duos, ready to give them their deserving kudos, for such a stunningly emotional performance, the lights come up and neither Sayer nor Alex were there to receive their overwhelming applause. In the moment of darkness, somehow, they had managed to elude the audience, disappearing together into the night.
"Where'd they go?" Rei asks, looking around as the lights come up. Everyone at the table's eyes search for the vanished couple.
"Who can say?" Michelle answers, with a sarcastic smile as she returns to her place aware of Amara and Sayer's new discovery and actually pleased with it. Michelle is now ready to claim her partner for her own moment in the spotlight. "Robin..." she extends one gloved hand out to him.
"Michelle." Robin takes her hand in his and they walk out to the dance floor, hand in hand. Elegance exudes from them and their polished entrance, as they pause in the center of the room. As her music begins to play its mysterious melody, Michelle wraps both of her arms around Robin's neck, his arms attaching themselves around her waist, as they sway to the rhythmic guitar and a certain flirtatious French air overtakes the room.
Gazing into her eyes, Robin smiles at the woman before him, all aglow in a sea of aqua. He recalls the girl in his dreams from not so long ago, now the vision of beauty in his arms. She was perfection itself. Breathtakingly lovely, unbelievably talented, with the poise and grace of a queen, but more than all that, more than anything else, she understood him. She was a deep creature. Soulful and caring. And that was the reason Robin had grown to love her. So much so they became one, joined as few people could ever imagine. Two lonely souls, linked in mind and though—and heart as well. Looking into her blue eyes, Robin silently reflects on his good fortune at meeting someone as incredible as she was, knowing that what they had could only happen once in a lifetime.
The last rays of the sunlight flicker through the windows of the reception hall, catching Michelle's eye. It gleams down, shining through Robin's silver hair making him even more handsome in her love-struck eyes. Emotional waves sweep over her, as she feels the moment embedding itself into her memory. You and me. Oh, Robin! I never knew that a life like this could be so fulfulling. You've touched the feelings of this soldier. It is destiny for certain. My destiny to be with you. I've known it since the moment I've found my way to you. Or did you find me on that day? When I glimpsed into your soul—you have such a beautiful soul! That's when everything began. That's when you took control of me. That's when I realized you love me. Breaking through the silence in my heart, you turned my life around. Destiny at last, Robin, my sweet. I thank fate for you. Michelle's thoughts drift through her soul as the setting sun blazes high in the sky, the man in front of her more blinding to her than its radiance.
"I was just thinking the same thing about you." Robin's unspoken voice enters her thoughts, softly, sweetly.
"Robin, I love you." Michelle's mind, her heart, her soul whispers out to his.
"And you know I love you." His thoughts finish their perfect ending to their song together.
Anxiously awaiting this moment when he could hold her in his arms again, Terry turns to the woman at his side. Rising, he smiles that smile at her, "My Lady," his deep voice says softly, bowing to her in true gentlemanly style, quite taking Susan's breath away. She is swept off her feet, just as in a storybook, her princely escort taking her hand in his, leading his princess out to the ballroom, both entranced in this fairytale. Somewhere in the distance a waltz begins to play—melancholy melody, one so strangely familiar to our handsome prince though he could not quite place it.
I have heard this before. Terry is only vaguely aware of anything around him, save for the haunting melody and the delicate beauty in his arms. Waltzing, he deftly leads his lady through the clouds they are dancing upon. Susan, my graceful lily, you are divine. He was certain that she truly was a goddess, as he smiles down at her with his adoring eyes. There is so much I want to share with you.
As they continue the classic waltz to the timeless piece, Susan feels weightless in his arms. Lightheaded as she gazes into his eyes, his lovely eyes shining straight into her heart. A heart filled with so much love for this wonderful man, she feels that it may burst open. It was a love so strong, so passionate her calm soul reaches out for the most impossible of dreams—one denied her by fate. She hears her song echoing through her mind, the only song she has ever known. One of loneliness and longing.
My empty life has no reason or rhyme, only secrets. Eternal secrets. She thinks sadly, feeling his strong arms around her. But the melody is not the same this time. Susan suddenly realizes, listening to it closely, no longer with her head, but with her heart. It is changing. In her soul, the music transforms, becoming not only her song of loneliness, but her new song of love as well. In awe I've watched these feelings unfurl. My song of love for you,, my darling. In your eyes I see a promise. Your eyes are jewels, promising hope to me, shining and yet...
Susan meets his eyes as the melody finishes its last sweet notes and her heart cries out for him, though her soul was bound to another force. Her longing for him so intense, her love so deep, yet completely forbidden, hope a bittersweet thing to this lonely woman, and a single tear escapes her eye, falling upon the delicate cheek.
Seeing this as the song finishes, Terry pulls her close to his chest, kissing the tears from her eyes gently, adding a perfect romantic tableau of love to the final dance of the evening.