We do not own "Sailor Moon" nor any of the characters.
"SAILOR MOON ETERNAL"
The 6th Season of the Sailor Moon Saga
Chapter 12
"Tentatively, We Begin"
Out in the cool night air, Sayer Starr feels the wind rustle through his hair as he and the tall woman next to him seem to aimlessly wander through the reception hall's oversized parking lot. A word not passing between them since they deftly escaped the myriad of onlookers, Sayer timidly glances over at Alex Sokova now.
Her arms were folded across her chest in a "no-nonsense" position. Her eyes were directed straightforward, her mouth set in neither frown nor smile, as he wondered what exactly was going on in her head.
I know something is happening. When we were dancing, I know she felt something, like I did. That pure energy when we touched…that raw electricity rising between us was undeniable! So then maybe...maybe Ally and I could—
His hopes soaring, Sayer's starry-eyed thoughts are suddenly cut off by her words.
"This is my favorite time of day." Abrupt words interrupt his thoughts when Alex states this simply, her low voice still indistinguishable as she stops walking. Closing her eyes, she turns her face towards the last rays of the setting sun, seeming to bask in it as the wind tickles the wisps of her short–cropped hair.
Gazing at her, all aglow golden in the sunlight, Sayer feels his breath catching in his throat. He wanted to speak, but was unsure of what to say not to blow what he thought was blossoming with this tough female. Not now that he might actually have a chance...
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Her expressionless face now smiles widely, turning to him as the sun slowly melts into the tree line behind her. His unusual silence was deafening to her just-as-uncertain ears.
"Uh, no, uh, I...I mean, I was just thinking about that music we just danced to…" He stumbles over the words, trying to cover for himself.
"Oh, is that all?" Alex lets him off the hook easy with a noncommittal shrug. Aware of his sudden shyness towards her, she smirks to herself, looking this soldier from a foreign star over, but still not meeting his anticipating, deep crystal blue eyes. Then realizing she was staring, Alex quickly turns away again, a little shamed at this new emotion she was dealing with.
"'Is that all?'! It was really great, had beat and style and…uh…rhythm." Sayer's eyes go vague for a moment as he recalls the thrill of the dance, the sensation of holding this sailor of Uranus' sleek form in his arms, that electrifying moment their fingers touched in that sizzling way... I didn't want to let your body go...and it felt like you wanted me just as bad, too…Whoa, Fighter! Back to reality! He quickly shakes off the physical attraction urges, to focus back on her, by now, bemused face.
"I liked it a lot. Where'd it come from?" As they walk side by side at a reasonable, not too aloof distance, Sayer searches for the right words. He couldn't say the wrong things now, desperately not wanting to make her angry and let this spark lit between them flicker away. But the musician in him still was genuinely interested in the question.
"Actually…" Alex's smile turns embarrassed now, as she unfolds her arms and leans against the bumper of her sporty yellow Ferrari to which they had somehow mysteriously drifted right to. "I wrote it myself." She finishes, her eyes down.
"You did? Wow. That's—that's amazing." Sayer says, impressed, shocked in this tough lady's seemingly endless abilities.
"We all wrote our own music—you know, the girls, I mean. At Kitten's request." Alex now covers for herself, not wanting to be the only one singled out in such a frivolous, artsy endeavor so unlike her, such as composing music, for some unknown reason.
Perhaps, because this proficient singer songwriter did it for a living, once upon a time.
"Yeah. But yours was the best." Sayer truly believed that—it was no con job, no buttering her up. He really thought that stunningly dazzling soundtrack full of attitude suited this swift racing, tough talking and drop-dead good looking woman to perfection.
"What's it called?" He asks, his professionally musical interest piqued as well.
"Called?" Alex's eyes widen in a question. "Oh, there isn't—" She starts to explain that the sound the wind whistled through her wasn't a real song p er se.
"You've gotta have a title, Ally! Even something simple, like a number or a letter, just so you don't get mixed up which is which when you write more." Music a part of his star soul, Sayer speaks excitedly, glad to find they shared something in common at long last.
"Write more?" Alex chuckles at the thought of her, of all people, being a writer. And a songwriter, no less. It just wasn't in this athlete's blood. "It was just because Moonface asked. I don't think I'll ever write again—" She shakes her head dismissively at the thought.
"You kidding?! You're an incredible writer! And if a no good, skirt-chasing, ex-football jock like me can do it..." Sayer trails off, a wicked grin on his teasing face, as he brought up memories of being knocked down in his challenged footballer days. "Then a race car trophy winner like you can put the pedal to the metal, right? Songs flow more on the wind than the pigskin does!" With a jokester wink, Sayer laughs out loud at his own pun. And, for once, Alex joins in with his jovial stab at comedy.
It feels good just to be able to laugh with you, to converse with you civilly. You're not the man I took you for when we first met. That night, you certainly made a bad impression with me, in Michelle's hair, no less! Alex silently steams at her past unsavory recollection.
But the vivid sensation of that touch from back then was now replaced by this night's fireworks dance…and a smirk crosses over her no longer clouded face. But I guess this attractive Star Fighter is really quite warm...and funny...and charming, once you get past the marauding wolf…
Losing herself in his inviting, pleasing-to-the-ear laughter, Alex marvels at the expression on his face, able to see the wheels turning in his head. How cute you are when you think. When you actually do think, she couldn't help but add sarcastically. You can be an extremely good-looking man, not to mention a very sexy woman from time to time, too. Seeing slick, leather-clad, stiletto heeled Sailor Star Fighter in her aroused head, Uranus smiles, realizing his many previously unnoticed—or more likely ignored—attributes. And a damn good dancer to top it all. Her mind reflects back wistfully to visions of the reception and that show-stopping dance where this ponytailed rogue had surprisingly matched her, toe to toe.
"U!" The lead singer rock star's loudest, most shrill voice suddenly erupts through the empty parking lot, almost hitting a perfect C.
"What is wrong with you, you idiot!?" Instantly edgy, the defensive warrior glances around the darkened parking lot, at the ready, as Alex wonders what the crazy man meant by screaming out so suddenly right in her face. "'You?' Are you talking to me?" The human who held the spirit of the Sailor Soldier of Uranus demands of him, confused, after checking out the perimeter of the area with slit, vigilant eyes.
"No, the initial U!" He draws the letter in the air with his finger. "I think it'd make a red letter title for your song, don't you think?" Sayer pauses with a pair of titillating eyebrows, "Sailor U?" He elbows Alex in the ribs, smiling at his new, inferred nickname for her.
"You are the strangest man I know." Alex shakes her relieved head at his alarming, silly outburst. But the sweetness of his thoughts for her hit home poignantly. At Sayer's discouraged, hangdog face, Alex grins, giving his downed chin a positive nudge with her thumb.
"'Initial U,' it is then." She concedes her song's title to the rock star, and maybe even a little more, as well, her digit still pressed firm to Sayer's chin...
"U..." His smile suddenly turns serious suddenly, and Alex could not distinguish exactly which "U" (or "you") he meant. The look in his gorgeous blue eyes change to that vague expression again, making her wonder what was going on in his head.
And that switch from jovial player to moody, mysterious unpredictability was inexplicably turning her on, too…
The unlit parking lot was now pitch dark, with only the stars and the bright full moon shining down on them. Alex feels those strange feelings again surge in her, unsure but still...
Again, as she touched this once despised fellow sailor soldier, there was that wild racing in her heart, of the blood rushing unrestricted through her veins. Was it only momentary dizziness making her strangely lean towards the star man in front of her? Or the pounding in her chest making her long to wrap her arms around him again, wanting to touch him even more...?
'Doesn't one strong passion denote another just as intense?'
Both their eyes slowly waver closed as Sayer and Alex's tense bodies tentatively move towards each other in the darkness. Taking control, the race car driver presses the wiry man hard against the chassis of her yellow Ferrari which gleamed in the last rays of the dusky skies, with the beats of a soldier's theme song ringing on the wind loudly in her ears…
For I will forever engrave on your heart, shining sparkling in gold—
…the Initial U…
Dazed, Susan could no longer see the audience around, could no longer hear their thunderous applause as the world of reality slips away. She could only feel him. His arms so strong, his chest so warm, his scent so overpowering, Susan feels her body weak as he holds her tenderly closer.
Terry leads her from the dance floor to somewhere far away—far away from the commotion of the crowd, out onto a darkened balcony the astute young man had recalled seeing earlier in the hall. This ornate balcony, meant for bridal couple photo sessions, was replete with classically stylized columns, giving it a romantic Italian flair.
Just like you, my Roman goddess. Terry leads Susan to a marble bench, stroking her long, dark emerald hair as he sits her down. Looking into her eyes, her sad eyes, he feels the need to comfort her, to hold her, to take her as his own. Finding Susan's eyes inviting, her soft lips willing, Terry tastes them once again, gently sweetly. But he could sense there was a hidden sadness and resigned helplessness behind the kiss.
When their lips part, Terry gazes into Susan's lovely magenta eyes, still bewitching even though they were filled with tears.
"Why these tears, my Lady?" Terry reaches out, caressing her cheek, wiping them away with both strong, yet charm point tender thumbs.
Susan presses her face against his hand, drawing strength from it, and she closes her eyes, blinking back the tears.
"No tears. This night must be only replete with smiles." She forces a smile up at him, determined to cherish this most memorable day in all her millennia long existence for all the rest of her life. But the very words escaping her trembling lips were a vivid reminder of what could not be, of these fleeting, precious moments which would soon come to an end.
For Time was her only true ruler and constant.
"Susan, you need not worry," The responsible gentleman in him begins, wanting desperately to tell herwhat he was planning, to calm her fears. He takes a deep breath, fully prepared to share with her everything he holds in his heart for her.
She must be so frightened, my poor angel. Culpable Terry Starr tries to read into Susan's thoughts. Please forgive me, I am so sorry to be putting you through this, my love. But still, I am not sorry that we had...
His emotions surge at the mere thought of their being closer than close, and of what further miracle could come of their stellar joining. "I will take care of you, I swear it," Terry takes both of her slender hands in his, "and anyone else who comes along."
At first not comprehending his words, Susan suddenly gasps in understanding. He thinks that we...That I might be...oh…
She blushes at the forbidden thought, knowing such wonderment as a child, a husband, a family, could only ever be a distant dream for her. He doesn't know about me. He thinks that I am a normal woman. A normal woman would be so fortunate to belong to him and him alone. A normal woman could deserve his love and attention and return it, truthfully, honestly. But, alas, I am not a normal woman. She thinks, depression sweeping over her, but a brave smile for his sake forms on her lips as she shakes her head. "It's nothing like that." Susan admits meekly in a whisper, eyes averted down, embarrassed she could not give him everything he wants, not be the woman he deserves.
"Oh." Terry responds simply of his erroneous presumption. He was more than a bit disappointed, for in his mind, a child assured his chances to be with Susan, for her to want to choose him as partner and husband. Because a beauty like Susan de Venici could have her choice of any man she wanted, Terry was certain. Preparing himself for the worst, he was now determined more than ever to discover the source of her sadness, no matter what it meant. Susan, what have I done to you, to make you so reticent with me? Wary to ask the question aloud, responsible Terry feels he must now know.
"Susan." Terry takes her hands again, squeezing them tentatively as he looks directly into her eyes. "When we...that is...did I...?" For a man of great knowledge, Terry finds it hard to speak, stumbling over the words. It was quite unimaginable that he could ever do anything to hurt this gentle creature, especially when they were...
Courage, man, he steels himself, I must take responsibility for my actions. "Susan," he starts over, "you seem so sad since..." He pauses, not quite knowing how to address the subject without causing her further pain. "...have I...done...anything to offend you?" He asks finally, wanting the truth for his conscience's sake as well.
"No!" Susan exclaims suddenly, never wanting him to think that. None of it was your fault. All of it's mine. Everything is my fault. "It's nothing you've done." The tan-skinned woman chokes out the words, on the verge of tears again. "It's me. It's me…" She whimpers in a whisper, wrenching her hands out from his as she runs from him, turning her face away. Terry jumps to his feet, chasing after her, clutching her arm as he turns her around to face him. Tears were cascading down her beautiful face, and Terry feels his own gentle heart breaking.
"Susan, I don't understand. If it's not something that I've done...why are you...?" The normally confident in all things intellectual, scholarly man was reduced to naïve uncertainty of this, his first foray into emotive true romance.
But Susan lowers her eyes at his words, avoiding the question. Determined to say what's in his heart, Terry lifts her tremulous chin, locking his eyes with hers. "Susan, whatever it is, we can overcome it—together. I know we can, because, such a meeting comes but once in a lifetime, my precious, precious lady," his wisteria eyes become soft. "You are the only one for me. I lo—"
However, Susan cuts off his words, putting a finger to his lips, knowing what he was about to say and knowing that if he said it, her heart would be split asunder.
For there could be no turning back then.
"Please, Terry, don't. Don't ask me why, please, no more questions. I won't cry anymore, I promise." she smiles reassuringly, hiding her true feelings. "Today is my day, mine and yours. Please I can't explain anymore, let us just think only of today...Tonight...right now. Let us live this night to its fullest. That is all I ask of you. Please forgive my silly tears." This one day must last me all the rest of my life. She removes her finger from his lips, her soul silently weeping. For she had to stop the man she now recognized intensely she loved from saying the three most important words she has eternally longed to hear.
"My lady, if only I could kiss away all of those tears." Terry concedes to her wishes as he would always to this woman he has come to worship so. Enveloping her in his arms, pressing her slender body against the column gently, Terry Starr kisses her tearful eyelids, caressing each blushing cheek as the kiss heats up.
"Terry! Susan!" Suddenly voices break through the darkness, interrupting a passionate kiss hidden behind an ivy covered column on the scenic balcony. "Terry! Terry!" Lita calls out again, waiting for a response as she and Amy scan the supposedly deserted balcony.
"Where else could they be?" Amy asks her search party partner with big, innocent wide eyes.
"We've looked everywhere!" Lita grumps, her time schedule being sent askew. "Terr—!" She begins to call again, ready to leave the balcony as they round one last corner. She and Amy both spot Susan's light purple gown peeking out from behind the column, giving the adult-mood couple away.
"There you guys are! Why didn't you—?" Lita starts to grump again on why they were in hearing range, but did not answer. But she changes her mind, realizing full well why neither responded, as Susan just finishes removing the lipstick from Terry's lips with his handkerchief. There was a guilty expression on her usually serene face which trembles into a dreamy smile as he catches her hand.
Though she was still holding the handkerchief, the romantic, tall, mahogany and handsome film star brings it to his lips and kisses the palm near her wrist tenderly.
"Oh…" Lita says, as Amy blushes next to her, both pretending not to notice the spicy little exchange. "Well, come on, Mr. Starr. You've got an appointment onstage." Lita winks, pointing a finger at him with a smile at the blooming novel-like romance taking place between her friends.
Serene Susan firmly tucked in his arm, Terry obediently follows Lita and Amy back to the reception hall.
"Oh, I don't suppose either of you know where Alex and Sayer got off to?" Amy asks pleasantly. But still wrapped up in each other's eyes, neither Susan nor Terry seem to hear her small voice.
"I guess not." Lita elbows Amy with a knowing look that said 'Forget it. These two only have eyes for each other.'
Speaking of another pair who had not only eyes, but ears and minds—not to mention souls for one another…
"Did anyone ever tell you how gorgeous you look when you're absorbed in your work?" Michelle had followed her attractively slim and trim, stylishly beautiful eyed performer into the backstage dressing room where the rest of the orchestra musicians were just finishing putting their instruments up for a well deserved break.
'You would know I was lying if I said 'no.'" Robin's just as throaty mental voice returns her query with a droll smirk on his pretty boy features which many a fangirl had idolized in the past.
'Am I too Pisces if I'm insecurely jealous of every one of those females I have never even met?' This daughter of Neptune coos as the renowned violinist strokes her musically admiring fingers familiarly over the strings of the keytar Robin had chosen from the plethora of instruments and was currently tuning to his music ear's perfection.
That catches the ear of the wandering star with the even more drop dead good looks than before. Robin glances up from beneath his thick silky silver bangs from where the svelte idol was seated at the vanity making that last minute fine tuning on his instrument. He ceases his busy work to meet the aqua beauty's intoxicating sea of blue eyes hovering over him.
'You're not 'too' anything, Michelle. Except, maybe, too beautiful.' Though not a natural flatterer, this formerly self absorbed, silver haired young man was an admirer of especially beauteous and elegant things. And sophisticate Michelle Moreau certainly more than fell into that category, as he softly reaches out to carefully touch a soft hand to her delicate, alabaster shoulders.
"Why thank you, sir." She fluffs her teal curls out luxuriantly for effect as his stunning eyes seemed to be soaking her up. "I couldn't help but peruse the lyrics of the song you're going to perform out there, Robin. You are so very talented. And dreadfully romantic." Giggling at his titillating compliments and approving gaze, a coy Michelle touches a knowing hand to her forehead. The curious psi had obviously already invaded his inner thoughts to have previewed the words of the composition this Healer's heart had written with her in mind.
Unashamed of her psychic trespassing, Michelle brushes the satiny panels of her flowing gown, as she trills aloud over even more of this light of a star's endless abilities. Which not only included his already stellar arranging the music on this one, but also being a composer and lyricist of some of the most affecting phrases in the Three Lights' newest song.
The buxom beauty, for one, was looking forward to 'taking him to Heaven tonight.' She now begins to run her persuasive digits along his ticklish neckline under that appealing satin bowtie and very touchable pale blue and grey suede cloth suit jacket…
But before a lowered eye Robin could react further, one way or another, a rap at the dressing room door was followed by another more urgently impatient one. With a helpless shrug, he pulls away from Michelle's disappointed advances to answer it.
"Oh, good! You're here, Robin! Should've figured at least you'd have the good grace to be the only one not slacking off and right where you should be, here backstage! Aren't the other two ready yet? The other band has just about run out of chamber music!" Rei Hino's complaints soon outweigh her drooling on her personal favorite of the Three Lights as she gives a way-too-close-proximity-distracting Michelle a wary glance.
"Of course, Rei! We true idols are pros!" All bubbly like an orange soda pop, Mina effervescently joins in the conversation as she presses her wide load skirt into the door and sidles right up to Robin, pushing Michelle out of the picture to cling to his arm. "Let's go hook those other two guppies!" She attaches herself to one of Robin's stiffened, conceding arms, Rei copying on the desirable rock star's other slumped appendage.
'Hmm? More fangirls for me to be jealous of, dearest?' The older Outer Scout mentally questions, lifting one not so amused eyebrow at her famous idol, once again besieged by the female sex flanking on all sides.
"There you go being too Pisces again…" Trying to make light of it all, Robin murmurs under his breath with a crooked grin at Michelle as he passes by, the two red and orange spectrum girls dragging him out from the dressing room to locate his missing brethren.
"Hmph!" Slamming the keys of his keytar still clutched in her easily vexed fingers discordantly, pink lipstick wearing Michelle slams the door, the entire backstage rattling in the wake of her thunderous billowing squall waves.
"Sayer! Sayer! SAYER STARR!" Rei's piercing voice rings through the darkness, bouncing off each car in the parking lot. But her shrill voice penetrated another pair's about to get very physical, steamy summer moment, rudely interrupting any further relational advancement between the tentative, most unlikely of couples.
Her ears pricking up, Alex pulls back quickly, collecting her wits as she leaves an emphatically breathless Sayer lodged against her yellow Ferrari's hood. She guiltily moves around like quicksilver to the driver's side of the car, feigning her interest was solely on her automobile and nothing to do with the rock star bent backwards against it.
"I'm sick of looking for him! That good-for-nothing—" An annoyed Rei and an uncomplaining dance practicing Mina peek down the last row of cars in the lot, almost ready to give up the hunt that psychic Robin had sent them down after he soon ditched the pair of Inners, opting to return to the stage with Michelle. "There you are! What have you two been doing out here?!" The ebony haired firebrand barks angrily when she spots Sayer and Alex—who were thankfully separated in the nick of time, for Alex's mortified sensibilities.
In pumping red pumps, Rei runs up to them, with an angry face on that could melt steel. Which was in stark contrast to Mina's happy-go-lucky expression, with the dizzy blonde still humming her dreamy tune on cloud nine, where 'Ken' was such a lovely name.
"We've been looking for you everywhere! Don't you know what time it is?" Rei feels the urge to grab this immature baby by the ear and drag him off to his duties (as she had done dozens of times to that stupid Serena) but restrains herself. After all, I am a lady in a ball gown tonight. She sticks her nose up in the air haughtily, unruffling the roses and feathers adorning her hair.
"Well…" Sayer shoots a wicked glance at Alex, making her furrow her eyebrow, wondering what awkward thing he was going to say in implicating the tough-as-nails woman before the other Scouts. "Ally thought something might've been wrong with her car here. So we had a look." He slides the smooth as butter lie, motioning towards the car, shrugging innocently.
"What was wrong with the car?" Rei asks suspiciously, knowing with Sayer, there must be some sort of wickedness going on.
"Well, um..." Sayer stumbles, his knowledge of the parts of an automobile almost as extensive as his knowledge of oh, say, spatial geometry. "The car's, um...umm…"
"Fan belt." Alex's low voice suddenly fills in, seeing where a flailing Sayer was going. He lies and I swear to it. Nice of him to try to cover for me though, she thinks to herself. A gallant knight defending his lady fair's honor? Yeah, right. Neither of us fit that M.O., at all. She smirks at his sorry attempt to deceive. But I'll play along anyway.
"Yeah, the fan belt." Sayer grabs onto the car part like a life preserver. "It just, uh, broke." He offers.
"Snapped," Alex reaffirms his story, finding it rather amusing a farce as the two look to a disapproving Rei, innocent as doves.
"Well, whatever!" Rei huffs, not needing too be a psychic to know she was getting a snow job. But I can't imagine Alex collaborating anything with the likes of Sayer!I thought she can't stand his guts! Though the vibes around here are getting a little…wild and windy…
"Come on!" Having enough of whatever cat and mouse these two were playing with her, Rei grabs the young singer's arm, dragging him along with no explanation.
"Yeah! Let's get a move on! Robin's been ready to perform and looking for you, silly boy!" Mina sings out dizzily, attaching herself to his other arm. As he's pulled away, Sayer turns his head and winks conspiratorially at Alex, who smiles that dazzling smile of hers at him, now certain that he was half insane most of the time. (And all insane the rest of the time!)
But she was every bit as certain that she was just as crazy for wanting to be with him. Really with him in every sense of the word.
Scary thought, Alex smiles as she follows them, watching his dangling ponytail flap in the breeze, his pervading scent still rushing straight through her.
"Where've you been, Sayer?" Robin demands of his errant brother in a scratchily irritated voice as Rei and Mina drag Sayer to the bottom of the stage well and then hurry off to join their escorts' in their seats.
"None of your business, Rob!" Sayer snaps back at Robin, continuing their long-running feud. Then his sour face turns totally around as he looks to his other brother who had appeared exactly on perfect cue, as responsibly usual. "Ready, Ter?" He asks with a crooked smile, pleasantly enough at Susan, who was still hanging on Terry's arm.
"Of course." Terry looks to his lady, kissing one cheek sweetly, caressing the other with his gentlest hand, his parting gesture as he ascends the steps leading to the stage.
Saluting Alex with a two-fingered salute, Sayer dashes up as he always does after his "big" brother.
"Well, finally!" Robin says with a sigh, going up after them, always feeling like they left him behind, holding the bag.
"Robin, dearest," He suddenly hears Michelle's melodious voice with a slight touch of annoyance in it. 'Your brothers didn't pass up the chance to bid 'adieu' to their Outer ladies.' The Frenchwoman mentally prods in a whine, feeling quite left out herself, as the silver–haired idol had already headed up the stage earlier to set up the arrangements to his liking. "Have you forgotten someone?" Michelle looks up at him expectantly, her eyelashes aflutter.
'How could I ever forget you…my dearest one?' Robin descends the stairs, allowing his hands to finish their 'perusing' of her silken shoulderline. That and the first time like address of 'dearest' spoken in fondness sends electromagnetic chills of pleased ecstasy up and down her excited spine, all irritation from before vanished. Then Robin lands a rewarding kiss on Michelle's waiting moist lips, squeezing her hand once more before his slender form again ascends the stage to the crowd of adoring fangirls' roar.
And, after over two years' absence, the Three Lights' make their first appearance back in the spotlight of this planet called Earth.
The lights come up on the reception hall's darkened stage, revealing the three statuesque figures once known as the Three Lights, each man standing at his own microphone. The chic, coiffed television idol and model placed at the left of the stage, the tall and dashing movie star opposite him on the right, and the wickedly simpering, dark eyed lead musical singer standing poised in the center. All three had their eyes closed in their signature opening pose fashion.
The mere sight of the striking famed trio sends screaming shrills and cheering through the audience, at least the young women in it, that is.
Enjoying performing and singing more than almost anything else, Sayer Starr's smile widens as his eyes were still closed. Feeling this indefinable pounding enthusiasm again, he takes an extra moment, savoring the roar of the crowd, the thrill of being under the spotlights, ready to perform in front of an adoring audience once again.
A good feeling, he thinks to himself, especially since there were dear friends and two very special ladies in attendance reflecting back in his eyes. Reaching out, he takes the microphone with his hand, pulling the familiar object to him as the audience quiets down, eager to hear him speak.
"Hey, everyone! Great party, huh?" Sayer calls out congenially, "It's nice to be back, seeing all of you again! You girls out there are all lookin' pretty hot!" He winks, in true Don Juan style, sending some of the females in the crowd swooning, others giggling, and one particular golden-haired one lifting her eyes to the heavens.
"Especially you, Meatball, especially now." In a softer voice with a softer gaze, Sayer directs his attention to the girl he had been taken in by the smile of once upon a time. His eyes send a new message of pride in their friendship to a glowing Serena, with the nickname everyone recognized for her unmistakable double spaghetti and meatball hair style.
The bright girl smiles back at her star-traveled friend, who had unbelievably become so dear and beloved, if either considered their prior bumpy encounters, now sweetly.
"Hey, now, Dar, don't go getting all excited about this good looking rock star flirting with your pretty new bride." Ever the life of the party jokester, Sayer can't help but tease the new groom, the whole room laughing along with the newly-wed couple. "That's right, it's good to see you smiling." He says more seriously, looking at his Meatball Bunhead again. Then the stellar musician directs his intense orbs to the black haired man at her side. "You've done a good job watching over her. Now you just have to keep her smiling, Dar. Keep her smiling." Honestly looking at the destined pair as Darien pulls Serena close to his swelling with pride tuxedoed chest, Sayer feels glad inside, his friend's love and happiness assured at long last.
This lonesome star who had been so tense and moody about this very event, just a few days and many light years away, was here and now in a jovial mood for some inconceivable reason. His eyes then land upon a similarly tie-less, loosened collar, gold suit donning woman whose rare smile he was even more taken in by now, finding it hard to tear his eyes away...
"So—!" Then Sayer stretches the word, like just remembering that he was onstage in front of hundreds of other people, too. "—to commemorate this occasion—hey big word, go me! You'd think Ter was making this speech!" He laughs at himself, teasing his more polished brother, causing Terry Starr to concede with an agreeably commiserate, nodded smile.
"Seriously, we just wrote this song as a wedding gift to you, just giving a little bit back for the gift you gave to all of us, Bunhead." Sayer pauses, his eyes going severe. "My life would be so different." He concludes with intense feeling, though no one but Serena, Darien, and the other scouts could fully comprehend his words.
"It's called: 'Wedding Day.'l Sayer finishes dramatically, with a wispy smile on his face. Exchanging nods with Terry and Robin, the at-first simple, Italian bell orchestration begins to resonate until the crystal clear idiophonic tones build to blend with a keyboard's velvety strains. Joined to the campanella's harmonics, soft, yet meaningful, percussion sounds beat an indefinable anticipation somewhere in the distance, as expectant drums beat rhythmically towards the approaching breathtaking melody. Then, sweet guitars gently strum the beautiful slow cadence, soft and full, of a love song the three of them wrote together, expressing their true gratitude, their great friendship, their deep love for this very special young woman.
Beginning the song, lead singer Sayer Starr's silky smooth, high pitched voice takes the first verse's slowly rhythmic beat:
"We both acknowledge what we came here for. We take each other and walk through the open door." The attractive young singer's first longing glance travels over the stage to a touched Serena—the girl who opened all of the doors of emotion for his once wandering heart—as he begins the Three Lights freshly penned, very poignant melody. The warm chest of this passionate Star Fighter proudly swells as he gives a meaningful nod to a smiling Serena across the stage.
"From the first time that I saw you, to the way you look tonight, I was shaken by your spirit, I was blinded by your light." Sayer closes his eyes, bringing his longing hand to his pounding chest in a dramatic fashion, causing Alex's eyes to slit.
He had especially emphasized the word "shaken," feeling for the past two years that his own spirit was indeed shaken, for it felt split into two parts since he left this planet. The Moon Princess was responsible for bringing the pieces of his enigma puzzle together then, saving not only this world, but all of the galaxy, and the Starlights' beloved Princess, too, with her unbending friendship and light which he fiercely believed he had fallen in love with then.
As for now, Sayer's eyes flutter open to connect with Serena's across the room, she clutches her own tightening chest, as if only they two were in it once again, as a trusting his new bride—if not the roguish rock star—Darien silently traces the gaze between them.
"And the world that I used to see is gone without a trace, replaced by your eyes and the smile upon your face." With quiet certainty behind his pale green orbs, Robin Starr softly swoops in as he sings the next line of the tender song, interrupting Fighter and Sailor Moon's eye-lock for her now to encompass him in her moonlit blue orbs.
The greenish spotlight now brightens from him on stage, down to the dance floor and the appreciative bride to whom this song was written for as he gestures to her cherished shine that his once cold, detached heart was also so affected by back then.
"And I will not turn away, 'Cause you might disappear." Robin continues on the verse, as the many layered facets of Star Healer now sing to the embrace of the soul of the woman who had drawn him here, to the mermaid of Neptune, as well. Robin's sweet, sultry voice reaches out until Michelle intricately feels him draw close to her empathic spirit in every uttered breath of the song's heartfelt lyric.
Robin's wide, sincere eyes float back and forth to Serena again, acknowledging her important role in making him the unafraid, yet emotionally connected, man he was finding himself to be today, able to share in the embrace of one of her guardians.
"I was haunted by your heart, And I felt that you were near." Sleek, silvery, and sexy, Robin Starr had never felt an emotion as this before, reiterating the lyric she had appreciated in the dressing room as his soul slides right in place beside Michelle's. It was almost painful to imagine the days before her heart was a part of his anymore.
Once upon a time these would be strange words for isolated Robin Starr and singularly focused Star Healer. But that wasn't only who he was anymore.
Right here, Michelle. His mind, his heart, his soul now reach out to that other brilliantly shining in his astral being, as he sings these words right into her psyche with an inferno of pent-up emotion as the physical young heartthrob emotively touches his heart where she now resided.
Proudly smiling, tears forming behind her eyes, Michelle welcomes Robin in and both of them glow warm inside. Soul locked with Michelle's, Robin turns back to Serena, though thinking nothing could be enough to express his true gratitude for her opening up his eyes and his cold, closed soul to this more wonderful world his ocean mermaid existed in.
"And funny, when the time is right, When lightning strikes, you're not alone!" Sayer's powerful voice then sails in behind Robin like a gentle breeze, velvety and tender, yet real and intense in emotion as his sleek dance moves demonstrate his lightening laser lassoing of the sky in an attempt to catch the moonbeams.
Once again causing Serena's heart to dance along the notes of his dazzling starline, the Three Lights' lead singer never held anything back as his eyes honestly connect with the Moon Princess' again.
But there was something more than adolescent yearning expressed between their gaze, Serena sensing that Sayer was really wishing her and her forever choice of Darien well, as this star was amply broadcasting that message to her through his singing.
She was touched by her true friend more than words could ever say, to which a nodding Sayer Starr acknowledges his 'Meatball's' happy-ever-after with her forever bond that has opened up a brand new golden hued sky for him to discover now, too. Those dark of night, navy blue eyes connect with Uranus' as this Star Fighter's soul, ready to move on, brightens with each note at the new challenge while he completes the song's stanza.
But somewhere along the way, his gaze supposedly trained on Serena had diverged to a certain golden sparkle glimmering at him in the audience. His trembling eyes meet Alex's across the open air, their past tensions rising and falling in his hopeful stare as his vigorous form steps center stage to strangle his microphone almost seductively.
"Baby, I will pray for you, my whole life through, For this day!" Inspired to spin in the shape of the initial 'U' across the lighted stage with some rhythmic, star-powered, airlifted dance steps, Sayer Starr fluidly launches his lean body to his heart's rising heights.
Each performing their own perfectly choreographed, in sync smooth dance moves at their individual microphones, Terry and Robin exchange wordless looks on either side of him.
Not even bothering to shrug at his strange brother, Robin's oscillating vibrato summons everyone's attention back with the stunning refrain meant to sing of the new bride and groom's special day as the young man in a dapper pale blue suit sings to the fullest extent of his ability, with great effect.
"We'll be together, Husband and wife!
Now and forever, the rest of our lives!
So, take me to Heaven, Take me tonight!
There is nothing words can say, On this our wedding day!"
All Three Lights harmonize together in this thrilling new song, making it apparent to all in the audience why they had become such a popular trio. Although, all three brothers each had a new inspiration in their respective mind's eye now that gave their song even more beauty, as the three lovely ladies seated in the crowd look on proudly.
Joining his deep voice to his two singing partners in this momentous celebratory song's commanding refrain, as he then swoops in here with his low, mellow tone, Terry reminisces to Serena with an urbane smile at all the unforgettable, good memories they had made together here on Earth.
"Oh, now is the hour, now is the sowing of the seed." Terry Starr's deep tremelo takes over as lead singer here in verse two. His emotive, lower registered voice overlaps the stirring music in true Three Lights style as his mind recalls Susan's profoundly exciting kiss. The deep thinker's yearning knowledge and acute awareness of Creation and nature linked to it call this growing comparison to his excessively masculine spirit.
"I will take tomorrow, I will lay it at your feet. And the two of us escape from the sadness of the world. From the thunder and the darkness. From the hunger and the hurt." The air of freedom that rings across his soul caused this brilliant soldier from the stars to feel that she, this tender Lady of mournful mystery, at long last, was the one for whom his lonely soul has reached across the cosmos to find and liberate from her melancholy. After all, no one could be closer to being able to shift the stars than this Star Maker for his destined lady from a distant planetary star. So towards the dreams and romance Terry believed, if anyone could, it was he who could cross that wide, unknown expanse to her, and perhaps be the one to alleviate her lonely sadness.
Terry gazes across the room at Susan, draped in that stunning purple gown she had designed, absolutely sure that he had found the one to fill the void in his empty soul. As his deep tenor sung fervently, Terry's violet eyes focus at the dark-haired beauty iwhose gorgeous contours stood out to him from any other woman in the crowd.
A blush lay on her delicate cheeks, and her hands go to them, recalling his sweet kisses. For Susan realized with a tinge of that sadness that his words were meant for her—that somehow this deep-souled, beyond clever genius man understood her eternal hunger, her eternal pain cast in lonely darkness that he was promising to give her escape from.
Oh, Terry... I said wasn't going to cry. But your gentle devotion brings such feelings I never knew I never knew for a hundred thousand lonely days and nights…I can almost lose myself in the hope in your alluring eyes…
The affecting music changes, and Robin's ethereal downy voice soars in between the trance across the timeless airwaves between Terry and Susan.
"You know I will remember well, the mission bell that rings your name." Robin's musically effective, graceful tone flows from nowhere and everywhere all at once, he carrying the melody throughout the entire room which swelled with their star song's emotion.
In awe, he shakes his comely coiffed head in disbelief of what his life would've been like if his shooting star had not landed on this planet in search of their Princess and not met this sparkling girl who had a heart big enough to embrace even the distant stars and encompass them all, 'in the name of the Moon,' and calling them here for a second, heart and soul searching time…
"And Baby, there could never be, a memory like you…" Sayer's flawless tone sails in now, filled with such raw emotion, strong and true, seriously laser focused in its passionate delivery. His deep blue eyes, full of interest now overflowing for someone new, smile at his cherished friend, conveying that sentiment to a pleased Mrs. Serena Shields, whose deep heart understood more than people gave this Moon child enough credit for.
But the way Sayer had taken over with the line he had written, it sounded like he was hanging onto the last word's note, aimed directly at Serena for what seemed forever to Alex's incensed ears. The wolf on the prowl again sent a shiver up her oft-thought impenetrably callous, unfeeling spine, she almost having the impression he had other intentions…
"Like you…!" Until, emphatically reiterating the wistful sentiment, Sayer intones the soaring words straight into Alex's eyes now. It was as if he was morphing his heart's lyric into this new and captivating esteem for her, wanting to cherish that ground-breaking dance. Ever since, their raw emotions for each other displayed, was just on the cusp of encompassing his upside-down, now thoroughly shaken world.
"We'll be together, Husband and wife!
Now and forever, Lovers for life!
Well, take me to Heaven, Take me tonight~ight~ight.
There is nothing words can say, on this our wedding day!"
His turn to shine the chorus solo, Terry Starr's lower octave, touch of an angel voice, adds some extra melisma vocal run to the song's main theme. With a mature air, he expresses so compellingly the evocative words to the new bride and groom to whom the trio had written this momentous score for the pair.
As Darien and Serena embrace one another at the oh-so-romantic lyrics so sweetly delivered.
"This will be my pledge to you, I will follow through to the end!" Robin Starr chants from the bottom of his soul to the other half of it in Michelle Moreau with the promise line of this special 'Wedding Day" song's bridge he truly was feeling for his psychic soulmate now, sensing Michelle's exhilaration now, too.
"And we will find another plane, we'll be home again!" Terry Starr croons the next, assuring phrase that spoke to Susan of his hopeful, welcoming and warm adoration. This Star Maker's wisteria eyes then beckon to the timeless woman, who was poignantly more than impressed.
"And tonight I'm going to find true love, true love!" Kicking it out of the park, with wowed eyes locked in Alex Sokova's compelling gaze, Sayer Starr feels himself bursting with not only friendship and pride and caring for the Moon Princess who had first drawn him into this wondrous world of hers. But now, it was with a nascent love and burning curiosity for this exciting whole new world he never even knew existed before.
Not even dreamed possible for this Star Fighter before he met his sweet Bunhead which now he wanted so desperately to explore.
"We'll be together, Husband and wife!
Now and forever, Lovers for life!
Well, take me to Heaven, Take me tonight!
There is nothing words can say, on this our wedding day!"
The talented trio's beautiful three-part harmony then weaves together their messages of love, friendship and awakening feelings to their, by now, stunned breathless audience.
All three star men hold on sentimentally tender and soft to the last tremolo-filled phrase. The trio's grateful eyes lock with Serena's, each heart speaking directly to hers, as they include lucky Darien in the pledged gaze of shared friendship between worlds.
"On this your wedding day…" Sayer belts out the repeated final line meaningfully, finally understanding this was meant to be long before the stars were born. There was utmost gratitude on his face as, with a sweeping crescendo exit, Sayer meaningfully bows to Serena and Darien both as a respected, recognized, never-to-be-parted couple.
This shooting star smiles from the stage lovingly at his Eternal best friend, giving her an affectionate thumbs-up. In normal life, thoughtful words were sometimes difficult for him to say, but when he sang, Sayer Starr could wear his heart on his sleeve.
Together with Terry and Robin, they had united their musical artistry, performing strength with enthusiastic vocals in their renowned Three Lights perfect blended harmony with true star quality.
The Three Lights finish the song with flourished bows of true showmen, meaning behind their appreciative smiles, in every word, as they look down upon a tearful Serena, their overwhelming gratitude adding to the joy in her bursting heart.
The applause erupts through the hall, when as one, Sayer, Terry, and Robin gesture with their hands to Serena, showing that she was the one to receive the adulations, not them. Obediently the audience turns from the stage, to face the wedding table, applauding this amazing girl with a standing ovation, each guest reflecting on the way she had touched every one of their lives in her special way for the better.
Tears of sheer joy rush down her cheeks, as bride of the hour Serena puts her hands up to quiet the crowd.
"Thank you, Sayer, Terry, Robin." She shines brightly at her three friends onstage, blowing them kisses, which a still wolfish rogue could not help but catch with a wink at an exasperated race car driver. "It was beautiful. Thank you all for making this wonderful day everything I ever dreamed it to be!" She gazes around the crowd, at old friends and new acquaintances, all of them in this soldier of friendship's circle of radiant light.
Then Serena looks at her mother and father next to her, and her dearest of dear friends all seated around and onstage, blowing them all moonlight kisses.
And at last, Serena's gaze turns to Darien, her beloved, who squeezes her arm as she sits back down next to him, for a lifetime as husband and wife now.
"Thank you, God, thank you." Looking up with and angelic purity on her round, moon face, Serena quietly pays heed to the One who made all of this possible for her from Above, as tears stream down her happy cheeks to everyone's gathered applause.
*** The song 'Wedding Day" was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb - the real life Three Lights - the incomparable, 5 decade long superstar, award-winning trio group of talented Australian singer/songwriters/artists/ musicians called the Bee Gees we grew up dancing to! ^0^ ***
'"There is nothing words can say, on this our wedding day..."
p.s. Setsuna and I would like to send a special, very fitting tribute for this week's chapter, special Wedding Anniversary shout out to out very own real-life Michiru and her beloved husband Steve in over two decades of wedded bliss! God certainly blessed you with one another all these happy years, my dearest ones! Thank you for sharing your amazing, Eternal love story and friendship with us! We love you and are so proud to call you our 'Outer Three Lights Sister in Christ'! ^0^ Congratulations on 20 years for True Love's Perfect Couple!