Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Happily Ever After or Something Like That ❯ You Did What!! ( Chapter 13 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: deadlydiva 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.11.2004 | Updated On: 08.20.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 391 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.11.2004 | Updated On: 08.20.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 391 | Status: Work In Progress
DISCLAIMER: You know that I know that you know that I know that I don’t own BSSM.
“It all started three months ago…”
* * * * * FLASHBACK * * * * *
Minako was brushing her golden hair. She looked at herself in the mirror.
‘Maybe I should wear my hair up this time.’ Minako brought her hair to the top of her head.
‘Too heavy,’ she thought. ‘I really need a hair cut.’
There was a gentle knock on her bedroom door. Minako wrinkled her nose.
“Coming.”
She stood up and grabbed her robe. As she tied it, another more persistent knock was heard.
“I said I was coming!” Minako threw the door open. “What the hell Kunzite?!”
Kunzite’s face was blank. However, his eyes were blazing with anger. Minako could tell that something was seriously wrong. She reached for Kunzite. He drew back from her touch.
“Kunzite, what is it?” Minako once again attempted to touch him. Again he recoiled.
“Is there something you wish to tell me Minako?”
She appeared puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
Kunzite pointed to the staircase. “You have a visitor.”
“A visitor?” Minako raised an eyebrow. “No…no. Not again.”
Minako shook her head. This was the fourth time this week that Yaten had shown up unexpectedly.
“I’ll be down in a few.”
Kunzite scowled.
“Sweetheart, please behave.” Minako reached up to kiss Kunzite’s cheek.
Kunzite stopped Minako’s advance. “How much more of this am I supposed to take?” Kunzite turned and walked back downstairs.
Minako grabbed a pair of low-rise jeans and a baby t-shirt. Somehow she had to make Yaten understand that Kunzite was the man that she wanted to be with. Minako gave herself one last look in the mirror.
“It’s now or never.”
Minako opened her bedroom door and walked down the stairs. Halfway down Minako surveyed the scene she was about to enter. Yaten was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed. Kunzite was nowhere around.
‘Where’s Kunzite?’
Minako finally entered the living room. Yaten looked up as she crossed the threshold.
“Minako-chan…”
“Yaten, what are you doing here -- again?” Minako tried to sound as cold as Kunzite.
Yaten stood up and walked over to Minako. He ran his fingers through her hair.
“I think you know why I’m here.” Yaten pulled Minako in for a kiss. Minako reared back and slapped him full force in the face.
“What the hell? Where do you get off trying something like that?” Minako’s rage was not contrived. Yaten had overstepped his bounds. Minako prayed that Kunzite did not see Yaten’s display. Kunzite barely tolerated Yaten’s intrusions. This could effectively drive Kunzite away from Minako.
Yaten rubbed his still stinging cheek. “Minako, what was that for?” Yaten sat back down on the couch. “You know that we were good together.”
“Yaten there was never an us. I remember being idol-struck. I also remember you not wanting to have anything to do with me.” Minako was look for Kunzite. She then heard a noise in the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back. Do you want something to drink?”
“Sure.”
Minako walked into her kitchen. She looked around. ‘Nothing?’ Minako was caught off-guard by a hand covering her mouth.
“Minako be still. It’s me,” Kunzite whispered.
Minako’s blue eyes widened. “I thought you left. Have you been here the whole time?”
Kunzite nodded.
“So you saw everything?”
Kunzite remained motionless.
“Minako, are you okay in there? Did you get lost or something?” Yaten got up and started walking to the kitchen.
“I’m good Yaten. Just sit down. I’ll be right there.”
Minako wriggled out of Kunzite’s grip. “What am I going to do? I can’t stay in here forever.”
Kunzite smirked. “I have an idea. Make a date with the boy wonder out there. Go someplace extremely romantic. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Minako was confused. Kunzite could not be suggesting that she go out with Yaten. This could not be her Kunzite talking.
“Kunzite.” Minako looked into his slate blue eyes. “Are you sure about this?” Minako was justifiably worried. Kunzite was a cunning and treacherous man. Even though she did not love Yaten, she did not want Kunzite to hurt him.
“Minako, I know what your thinking. For the record, I have no plans to even touch that nuisance.”
“Kunzite…”
“I swear, I will not lay a single hand on the boy.”
Minako was not convinced, but she had to trust that Kunzite would not blatantly lie to her.
“I’m not too sure about this. Wouldn’t I just be encouraging the behavior that you can’t stand?”
“Don’t worry. I have everything covered. Just get him to ask you out.” Kunzite kissed Minako on the cheek. “And wear the dress.”
“What dress?”
“You know what dress.” Kunzite’s eyes became mere slits as Minako realized what dress he wanted her to wear.
“If you say so.”
Minako picked up two glasses filled with cranberry juice. Yaten heard the kitchen door open. He saw a flustered Minako stumble into the room.
“Are you alright Minako-chan? You seem a bit flushed?”
Minako placed the glasses on the coffee table. She strengthened her resolve as she sat next to Yaten. She was so close she knew how many keys were on the ring in his pocket. Minako feigned interest in what Yaten was trying to tell her.
“Minako, all I’m trying to say is that you should give us a chance. We could be something really good.”
Yaten put his arm around Minako. She fought the urge to cringe. For some reason Yaten’s touch repulsed her. It felt wrong. Nevertheless, she kept up her part of the plan.
“I understand what you’re saying, but there’s some much history between me and Kunzite. I’m not sure what I should do. I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Minako said in the most sickeningly sweet voice she could muster.
Yaten took her supposed indecision as an indication that his overtures were effective. He stroked Minako’s cheek. As he looked into her eyes, Yaten saw the future. His future.
“Minako-chan let me show you.”
“Show me? What do you want to show me,” Minako said breathlessly.
In the kitchen, Kunzite was seething with anger. The only thing that kept him in the kitchen was his plan. Kunzite never did like showing his hand prematurely. However, Yaten was taking liberties that were meant for Kunzite alone. Nonetheless, Kunzite had faith in Minako. She wouldn’t let things go too far.
Kunzite heard the front door close. ‘She couldn’t have gone with him. Could she?’
Kunzite emerged from the kitchen. He looked around, but did not see Minako.
‘She wouldn’t have gone with him. Would she?’
Kunzite suddenly felt something sharp jab him in the back.
‘So this is how she wants to play.’
Kunzite’s assailant said, “Your woman or your life.”
Kunzite smiled, “Without Minako I have nothing to live for. She is my heart and my soul. Minako completes me.”
The pressure on Kunzite’s back eased. It was replaced by the loving embrace of Aino Minako.
“I love you too Kunzite.”
Kunzite chuckled. “Now what makes you think that I was talking about you? I was referring to Aino Minako.”
Minako playfully shoved Kunzite. “Funny funny.”
She walked in front Kunzite. Minako wrapped her arms around him and ran her fingers up his back. She looked into his eyes. There was a joviality laced with quite a bit of mischief. Minako was dying to know what Kunzite was planning for the evening.
“Kunzite,” Minako pulled her lover toward the couch. “What are you going to do tonight? Seeing as I’m going to have cover for you sooner or later, I think you should just tell me now.”
“Nice try Minako, but I’m not telling you anymore than I already did.” Kunzite lifted Minako into his arms. “Now I want you to get dressed for you date with Yaten Kou.”
“Fine. Be that way.” Minako stuck out her tongue and walked upstairs.
“Minako, do you need any help up there?”
“Nope. This is a one-handed job.”
“That hurts Minako-chan.”
A couple of hours later Minako emerged. She was wearing a calf length black dress that was dangerously low in the back. The asymmetrical hem rendered her left leg exposed from her upper thigh. Minako’s golden mane was half up in a purposely messy bun. The lower portion fell in waves to her waist. Minako wore a pair of black stiletto pumps to round out the ensemble.
Kunzite’s jaw dropped. He was considering calling the whole thing off. If Kunzite was having this much trouble controlling his emotions, that impetuous Yaten would not make it to the restaurant. Minako was well aware of the effect she had on Kunzite.
“I trust this outfit is to your liking.” Minako twirled around to let Kunzite see every facet of the dress.
“I guess it will have to do,” Kunzite replied.
Minako swung at Kunzite. “Denial is not just a river in Egypt.”
“Be careful Minako-chan.” Kunzite looked out the window as he heard a car pull up.
“Don’t worry dear. Yaten is a perfect gentleman.”
“I wasn’t talking about Yaten. I just didn’t want you to mess up you hair before your big date.”
Minako stuck out her tongue.
<< DING DONG! >>
Minako nervously looked at Kunzite. “He’s here.”
Kunzite kissed Minako on the forehead. He then walked into the kitchen. Minako watched the man she loved disappear into the shadows. She took a deep breath.
“Hello Yaten,” Minako said as seductively as she opened the door.
Yaten was speechless. He had never seen Minako look like this. Kunzite noticed Yaten’s reaction. Normally, he would have been extremely upset by Yaten’s display. However, this suited Kunzite’s purposes.
“Yaten,” Minako tapped the platinum blond man’s shoulder, “Weren’t we going somewhere?”
“Right,” Yaten blushed. He picked up Minako’s coat. “Shall we go?”
“We shall.” Yaten held Minako’s evening coat as she put it on. The duo then left for their night out.
Kunzite heard the front door close. He peered out of the window to make sure that Minako and Yaten were gone. Kunzite picked up the phone and dialed a very familiar number.
“Zoicite, do you and Mamoru have everything ready? Meet me at Jove’s Garden in thirty minutes.
* * * * *
Minako eyed everything suspiciously at Jove’s Garden. She knew Kunzite had something planned for Yaten, something that he wasn’t telling.
“Minako, the maitre’d asked what you would like to drink.” Yaten’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Sorry. I’ll have a Perrier with a slice of lemon.” Minako was obviously distracted. She acted like a woman worried that she was about to be caught cheating. Yaten noticed that Minako was preoccupied. He could only assume that Kunzite was the reason for her dour mood. Yaten reached for Minako’s hand and placed his hand on top.
“I know that this is awkward, but it will get easier over time.”
Minako looked at Yaten’s face. Part of her was pleased that he had made a complete about face. She remembered chasing after him. Yaten rejected her at every turn. However, another part of her felt sorry for him. Kunzite was ruthless when it came to something that he wanted. Minako may not have known what was going to happen, but she knew that it would devastate Yaten.
Yaten continued to speak. “You don’t have to worry about Kunzite. This is quite an exclusive establishment. In fact, it was a miracle that I was able to get a table on such short notice.”
Minako wondered about that as well. Normally there was at least a two-week wait for a table. So how was Yaten able to get a table on a Friday night with only a few hours notice?
The maitre’d returned with Minako and Yaten’s drinks.
“Are you ready to order?” the maitre’d asked.
“I’ll have the grilled salmon,” Minako replied.
“I’ll have the braised leg of lamb,” Yaten said.
“Good choices. I’ll be back shortly with your entrees.” The maitre’d left to submit the order to the chef.
Minako once again looked at Yaten. She sighed audibly. “Yaten --”
As Minako began speaking the lights in the restaurant got very bright. Yaten, Minako and every other patron at Jove’s Garden looked up to see what was going on.
Zoicite walked over to the table holding a violin. He began playing “Unchained Melody.” Mamoru gave Minako a single long stem white rose. Mamoru then disappeared into the background as the front door swung open. Kunzite was standing in the doorway. He was wearing a crisp white buttoned down shirt with the top three buttons undone. With the white shirt, Kunzite wore a pair of black slacks. His silver hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail.
Minako lost her breath. “Kami-sama, what is he doing?”
Kunzite sauntered over to Minako and Yaten. Every eye was on Kunzite. The women wanted him. The men wanted him to leave. Yaten definitely belonged to the latter group.
‘What the hell is he doing?’ Yaten thought. He clenched the tablecloth as Kunzite continued his approach. Yaten began to stand when Kunzite got to the table. Minako motioned to Yaten and he sat back down.
Minako attempted to conceal her delight as she spoke. “Kunzite, exactly what do you think you’re doing?”
Kunzite nodded to Zoicite. Zoicite began to play “Let’s Get Married.” Minako’s eyes began to water.
“Kunzite,” she whispered.
“Minako, I know that I haven’t been around for a long time. I also know that a lot has happened while I was gone.” Kunzite looked Yaten directly in the eye. “I just need you to understand that you are the only one I want in my life. Aino Minako, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Mamoru appeared opposite Kunzite. He passed Kunzite a small black box right under Yaten’s nose. Mamoru heard Yaten whisper two words: “Oh hell.”
Kunzite took the box from Mamoru. He handed it to Minako. Kunzite let her open the box. Inside was a flawless three-carat princess cut diamond set in 24k yellow gold.
“Oh my,” Minako gasped. She looked into Kunzite’s eyes. Two slate blue orbs pleaded with Minako to agree.
Minako knew what Kunzite wanted her to do, wanted he needed her to do. She tilted her head to one side. The room was silent. All present wanted to know what she was going to say.
“Hmmm, now what should I say to a proposal like that?” Minako was toying with him. Kunzite’s gaze hardened. Minako giggled. She leaped into Kunzite’s arms. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
The entire restaurant erupted with applause and cheers. Well, everyone but Yaten. He shook his head. Yaten could not believe that this was happening. He got up and walked away. As he got to the door, he looked back. Minako was glowing and flashing that ring to anyone who could see. Yaten walked out of the door. The last words he heard from that evening were “Two down, one to go.” He spun around to see who could have said such a thing. All he saw was a mob of well-wishers.
* * * * * END OF FLASHBACK * * * * *
“And that’s what happened.” Minako looked at the stunned faces of her friends.
“Mamo-chan is going to hear it when I see him. He didn’t go through all that when he asked me to marry him.” Usagi pouted as she beckoned for the waitress to bring another round of drinks.
“Usagi-chan, it’s kind of hard to propose to a woman when you know that your entire future together is practically mapped out,” Ami reasoned.
“I know, but still, he could have made a better show of it.” Usagi drowned her frustration in her fresh strawberry milkshake.
“Wait a minute,” Makoto exclaimed. “I thought you and Kunzite were NOT engaged. From what you’ve told us, it sounds like you are well on your way to the altar.”
Minako shook her head. “Even though Kunzite asked me to marry him that night, I could not go through with a wedding in good faith. Especially when the proposal was merely a ploy to get rid of Yaten. I couldn’t be sure if he was going through with it because that was what he wanted or just to further torment Yaten.”
“I see,” said Rei. “I’m just surprised that Jadeite didn’t have his hand in that charade. That type of subterfuge seems right up his alley.”
Usagi scrunched up her face. Ami whispered the meaning of Rei’s new word in her ear. Usagi nodded vigorously as she finally understood.
“There is just one thing that still bothers me. How did Yaten get the last minute reservation to Jove’s Garden?” Minako took a sip of her cranberry juice.
Makoto almost chocked on a French fry. “Did you say Jove’s Garden?”
“Yes. That’s where Yaten and I went that night,” Minako answered.
“I think I can provide some insight into how Yaten was able to get such a sought after reservation.” Makoto smiled sheepishly. The group stared at Makoto.
“Come on. Tell me,” Minako demanded.
“Nephrite owns Jove’s Garden.”
“What!” The group exclaimed collectively.
“Yeah. Nephrite wanted to make my dream of being a chef come true. So he purchased the restaurant six months ago. I used to be the head chef, but now I oversee operations since we are planning to open a new place in a few months.”
“Mako-chan, why didn’t you tell us?” Usagi inquired.
“Well, I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up. Just in case it didn’t work out.”
“Congratulations are in order,” Ami said. Everyone took turns hugging an embarrassed Makoto.
“Enough, enough,” Makoto insisted. “Now that we’ve gotten to the bottom of that, there is another item on the menu.”
“What’s that Mako-chan?” Usagi asked.
“How Ami and Taiki got together.”
Mizuno Ami looked up from her book.
AN: Here we are at the end of another chapter. Sorry for the delay in getting this one out. Writer’s block is a pain in the bootie. Anywhoo, I hope you are enjoying yourself. A good way for me to know that you are having a good time is for you to review. (Hint Hint) Anyway, there is more to come. Drama is just around the corner. Our favorite psycho is not out of the picture yet. (Oh yes he will be back.) The triangles have not been forgotten. Just remember one thing, the first 11 chapters occurred in one day’s time. There’s still so much more. I’m not sure how long this will be, but I’m trying to tie up most of the loose ends before wrapping this up. To my faithful reviewers, I love you all. Your input is a great help.
“It all started three months ago…”
* * * * * FLASHBACK * * * * *
Minako was brushing her golden hair. She looked at herself in the mirror.
‘Maybe I should wear my hair up this time.’ Minako brought her hair to the top of her head.
‘Too heavy,’ she thought. ‘I really need a hair cut.’
There was a gentle knock on her bedroom door. Minako wrinkled her nose.
“Coming.”
She stood up and grabbed her robe. As she tied it, another more persistent knock was heard.
“I said I was coming!” Minako threw the door open. “What the hell Kunzite?!”
Kunzite’s face was blank. However, his eyes were blazing with anger. Minako could tell that something was seriously wrong. She reached for Kunzite. He drew back from her touch.
“Kunzite, what is it?” Minako once again attempted to touch him. Again he recoiled.
“Is there something you wish to tell me Minako?”
She appeared puzzled. “What are you talking about?”
Kunzite pointed to the staircase. “You have a visitor.”
“A visitor?” Minako raised an eyebrow. “No…no. Not again.”
Minako shook her head. This was the fourth time this week that Yaten had shown up unexpectedly.
“I’ll be down in a few.”
Kunzite scowled.
“Sweetheart, please behave.” Minako reached up to kiss Kunzite’s cheek.
Kunzite stopped Minako’s advance. “How much more of this am I supposed to take?” Kunzite turned and walked back downstairs.
Minako grabbed a pair of low-rise jeans and a baby t-shirt. Somehow she had to make Yaten understand that Kunzite was the man that she wanted to be with. Minako gave herself one last look in the mirror.
“It’s now or never.”
Minako opened her bedroom door and walked down the stairs. Halfway down Minako surveyed the scene she was about to enter. Yaten was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed. Kunzite was nowhere around.
‘Where’s Kunzite?’
Minako finally entered the living room. Yaten looked up as she crossed the threshold.
“Minako-chan…”
“Yaten, what are you doing here -- again?” Minako tried to sound as cold as Kunzite.
Yaten stood up and walked over to Minako. He ran his fingers through her hair.
“I think you know why I’m here.” Yaten pulled Minako in for a kiss. Minako reared back and slapped him full force in the face.
“What the hell? Where do you get off trying something like that?” Minako’s rage was not contrived. Yaten had overstepped his bounds. Minako prayed that Kunzite did not see Yaten’s display. Kunzite barely tolerated Yaten’s intrusions. This could effectively drive Kunzite away from Minako.
Yaten rubbed his still stinging cheek. “Minako, what was that for?” Yaten sat back down on the couch. “You know that we were good together.”
“Yaten there was never an us. I remember being idol-struck. I also remember you not wanting to have anything to do with me.” Minako was look for Kunzite. She then heard a noise in the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back. Do you want something to drink?”
“Sure.”
Minako walked into her kitchen. She looked around. ‘Nothing?’ Minako was caught off-guard by a hand covering her mouth.
“Minako be still. It’s me,” Kunzite whispered.
Minako’s blue eyes widened. “I thought you left. Have you been here the whole time?”
Kunzite nodded.
“So you saw everything?”
Kunzite remained motionless.
“Minako, are you okay in there? Did you get lost or something?” Yaten got up and started walking to the kitchen.
“I’m good Yaten. Just sit down. I’ll be right there.”
Minako wriggled out of Kunzite’s grip. “What am I going to do? I can’t stay in here forever.”
Kunzite smirked. “I have an idea. Make a date with the boy wonder out there. Go someplace extremely romantic. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Minako was confused. Kunzite could not be suggesting that she go out with Yaten. This could not be her Kunzite talking.
“Kunzite.” Minako looked into his slate blue eyes. “Are you sure about this?” Minako was justifiably worried. Kunzite was a cunning and treacherous man. Even though she did not love Yaten, she did not want Kunzite to hurt him.
“Minako, I know what your thinking. For the record, I have no plans to even touch that nuisance.”
“Kunzite…”
“I swear, I will not lay a single hand on the boy.”
Minako was not convinced, but she had to trust that Kunzite would not blatantly lie to her.
“I’m not too sure about this. Wouldn’t I just be encouraging the behavior that you can’t stand?”
“Don’t worry. I have everything covered. Just get him to ask you out.” Kunzite kissed Minako on the cheek. “And wear the dress.”
“What dress?”
“You know what dress.” Kunzite’s eyes became mere slits as Minako realized what dress he wanted her to wear.
“If you say so.”
Minako picked up two glasses filled with cranberry juice. Yaten heard the kitchen door open. He saw a flustered Minako stumble into the room.
“Are you alright Minako-chan? You seem a bit flushed?”
Minako placed the glasses on the coffee table. She strengthened her resolve as she sat next to Yaten. She was so close she knew how many keys were on the ring in his pocket. Minako feigned interest in what Yaten was trying to tell her.
“Minako, all I’m trying to say is that you should give us a chance. We could be something really good.”
Yaten put his arm around Minako. She fought the urge to cringe. For some reason Yaten’s touch repulsed her. It felt wrong. Nevertheless, she kept up her part of the plan.
“I understand what you’re saying, but there’s some much history between me and Kunzite. I’m not sure what I should do. I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Minako said in the most sickeningly sweet voice she could muster.
Yaten took her supposed indecision as an indication that his overtures were effective. He stroked Minako’s cheek. As he looked into her eyes, Yaten saw the future. His future.
“Minako-chan let me show you.”
“Show me? What do you want to show me,” Minako said breathlessly.
In the kitchen, Kunzite was seething with anger. The only thing that kept him in the kitchen was his plan. Kunzite never did like showing his hand prematurely. However, Yaten was taking liberties that were meant for Kunzite alone. Nonetheless, Kunzite had faith in Minako. She wouldn’t let things go too far.
Kunzite heard the front door close. ‘She couldn’t have gone with him. Could she?’
Kunzite emerged from the kitchen. He looked around, but did not see Minako.
‘She wouldn’t have gone with him. Would she?’
Kunzite suddenly felt something sharp jab him in the back.
‘So this is how she wants to play.’
Kunzite’s assailant said, “Your woman or your life.”
Kunzite smiled, “Without Minako I have nothing to live for. She is my heart and my soul. Minako completes me.”
The pressure on Kunzite’s back eased. It was replaced by the loving embrace of Aino Minako.
“I love you too Kunzite.”
Kunzite chuckled. “Now what makes you think that I was talking about you? I was referring to Aino Minako.”
Minako playfully shoved Kunzite. “Funny funny.”
She walked in front Kunzite. Minako wrapped her arms around him and ran her fingers up his back. She looked into his eyes. There was a joviality laced with quite a bit of mischief. Minako was dying to know what Kunzite was planning for the evening.
“Kunzite,” Minako pulled her lover toward the couch. “What are you going to do tonight? Seeing as I’m going to have cover for you sooner or later, I think you should just tell me now.”
“Nice try Minako, but I’m not telling you anymore than I already did.” Kunzite lifted Minako into his arms. “Now I want you to get dressed for you date with Yaten Kou.”
“Fine. Be that way.” Minako stuck out her tongue and walked upstairs.
“Minako, do you need any help up there?”
“Nope. This is a one-handed job.”
“That hurts Minako-chan.”
A couple of hours later Minako emerged. She was wearing a calf length black dress that was dangerously low in the back. The asymmetrical hem rendered her left leg exposed from her upper thigh. Minako’s golden mane was half up in a purposely messy bun. The lower portion fell in waves to her waist. Minako wore a pair of black stiletto pumps to round out the ensemble.
Kunzite’s jaw dropped. He was considering calling the whole thing off. If Kunzite was having this much trouble controlling his emotions, that impetuous Yaten would not make it to the restaurant. Minako was well aware of the effect she had on Kunzite.
“I trust this outfit is to your liking.” Minako twirled around to let Kunzite see every facet of the dress.
“I guess it will have to do,” Kunzite replied.
Minako swung at Kunzite. “Denial is not just a river in Egypt.”
“Be careful Minako-chan.” Kunzite looked out the window as he heard a car pull up.
“Don’t worry dear. Yaten is a perfect gentleman.”
“I wasn’t talking about Yaten. I just didn’t want you to mess up you hair before your big date.”
Minako stuck out her tongue.
<< DING DONG! >>
Minako nervously looked at Kunzite. “He’s here.”
Kunzite kissed Minako on the forehead. He then walked into the kitchen. Minako watched the man she loved disappear into the shadows. She took a deep breath.
“Hello Yaten,” Minako said as seductively as she opened the door.
Yaten was speechless. He had never seen Minako look like this. Kunzite noticed Yaten’s reaction. Normally, he would have been extremely upset by Yaten’s display. However, this suited Kunzite’s purposes.
“Yaten,” Minako tapped the platinum blond man’s shoulder, “Weren’t we going somewhere?”
“Right,” Yaten blushed. He picked up Minako’s coat. “Shall we go?”
“We shall.” Yaten held Minako’s evening coat as she put it on. The duo then left for their night out.
Kunzite heard the front door close. He peered out of the window to make sure that Minako and Yaten were gone. Kunzite picked up the phone and dialed a very familiar number.
“Zoicite, do you and Mamoru have everything ready? Meet me at Jove’s Garden in thirty minutes.
* * * * *
Minako eyed everything suspiciously at Jove’s Garden. She knew Kunzite had something planned for Yaten, something that he wasn’t telling.
“Minako, the maitre’d asked what you would like to drink.” Yaten’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Sorry. I’ll have a Perrier with a slice of lemon.” Minako was obviously distracted. She acted like a woman worried that she was about to be caught cheating. Yaten noticed that Minako was preoccupied. He could only assume that Kunzite was the reason for her dour mood. Yaten reached for Minako’s hand and placed his hand on top.
“I know that this is awkward, but it will get easier over time.”
Minako looked at Yaten’s face. Part of her was pleased that he had made a complete about face. She remembered chasing after him. Yaten rejected her at every turn. However, another part of her felt sorry for him. Kunzite was ruthless when it came to something that he wanted. Minako may not have known what was going to happen, but she knew that it would devastate Yaten.
Yaten continued to speak. “You don’t have to worry about Kunzite. This is quite an exclusive establishment. In fact, it was a miracle that I was able to get a table on such short notice.”
Minako wondered about that as well. Normally there was at least a two-week wait for a table. So how was Yaten able to get a table on a Friday night with only a few hours notice?
The maitre’d returned with Minako and Yaten’s drinks.
“Are you ready to order?” the maitre’d asked.
“I’ll have the grilled salmon,” Minako replied.
“I’ll have the braised leg of lamb,” Yaten said.
“Good choices. I’ll be back shortly with your entrees.” The maitre’d left to submit the order to the chef.
Minako once again looked at Yaten. She sighed audibly. “Yaten --”
As Minako began speaking the lights in the restaurant got very bright. Yaten, Minako and every other patron at Jove’s Garden looked up to see what was going on.
Zoicite walked over to the table holding a violin. He began playing “Unchained Melody.” Mamoru gave Minako a single long stem white rose. Mamoru then disappeared into the background as the front door swung open. Kunzite was standing in the doorway. He was wearing a crisp white buttoned down shirt with the top three buttons undone. With the white shirt, Kunzite wore a pair of black slacks. His silver hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail.
Minako lost her breath. “Kami-sama, what is he doing?”
Kunzite sauntered over to Minako and Yaten. Every eye was on Kunzite. The women wanted him. The men wanted him to leave. Yaten definitely belonged to the latter group.
‘What the hell is he doing?’ Yaten thought. He clenched the tablecloth as Kunzite continued his approach. Yaten began to stand when Kunzite got to the table. Minako motioned to Yaten and he sat back down.
Minako attempted to conceal her delight as she spoke. “Kunzite, exactly what do you think you’re doing?”
Kunzite nodded to Zoicite. Zoicite began to play “Let’s Get Married.” Minako’s eyes began to water.
“Kunzite,” she whispered.
“Minako, I know that I haven’t been around for a long time. I also know that a lot has happened while I was gone.” Kunzite looked Yaten directly in the eye. “I just need you to understand that you are the only one I want in my life. Aino Minako, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Mamoru appeared opposite Kunzite. He passed Kunzite a small black box right under Yaten’s nose. Mamoru heard Yaten whisper two words: “Oh hell.”
Kunzite took the box from Mamoru. He handed it to Minako. Kunzite let her open the box. Inside was a flawless three-carat princess cut diamond set in 24k yellow gold.
“Oh my,” Minako gasped. She looked into Kunzite’s eyes. Two slate blue orbs pleaded with Minako to agree.
Minako knew what Kunzite wanted her to do, wanted he needed her to do. She tilted her head to one side. The room was silent. All present wanted to know what she was going to say.
“Hmmm, now what should I say to a proposal like that?” Minako was toying with him. Kunzite’s gaze hardened. Minako giggled. She leaped into Kunzite’s arms. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
The entire restaurant erupted with applause and cheers. Well, everyone but Yaten. He shook his head. Yaten could not believe that this was happening. He got up and walked away. As he got to the door, he looked back. Minako was glowing and flashing that ring to anyone who could see. Yaten walked out of the door. The last words he heard from that evening were “Two down, one to go.” He spun around to see who could have said such a thing. All he saw was a mob of well-wishers.
* * * * * END OF FLASHBACK * * * * *
“And that’s what happened.” Minako looked at the stunned faces of her friends.
“Mamo-chan is going to hear it when I see him. He didn’t go through all that when he asked me to marry him.” Usagi pouted as she beckoned for the waitress to bring another round of drinks.
“Usagi-chan, it’s kind of hard to propose to a woman when you know that your entire future together is practically mapped out,” Ami reasoned.
“I know, but still, he could have made a better show of it.” Usagi drowned her frustration in her fresh strawberry milkshake.
“Wait a minute,” Makoto exclaimed. “I thought you and Kunzite were NOT engaged. From what you’ve told us, it sounds like you are well on your way to the altar.”
Minako shook her head. “Even though Kunzite asked me to marry him that night, I could not go through with a wedding in good faith. Especially when the proposal was merely a ploy to get rid of Yaten. I couldn’t be sure if he was going through with it because that was what he wanted or just to further torment Yaten.”
“I see,” said Rei. “I’m just surprised that Jadeite didn’t have his hand in that charade. That type of subterfuge seems right up his alley.”
Usagi scrunched up her face. Ami whispered the meaning of Rei’s new word in her ear. Usagi nodded vigorously as she finally understood.
“There is just one thing that still bothers me. How did Yaten get the last minute reservation to Jove’s Garden?” Minako took a sip of her cranberry juice.
Makoto almost chocked on a French fry. “Did you say Jove’s Garden?”
“Yes. That’s where Yaten and I went that night,” Minako answered.
“I think I can provide some insight into how Yaten was able to get such a sought after reservation.” Makoto smiled sheepishly. The group stared at Makoto.
“Come on. Tell me,” Minako demanded.
“Nephrite owns Jove’s Garden.”
“What!” The group exclaimed collectively.
“Yeah. Nephrite wanted to make my dream of being a chef come true. So he purchased the restaurant six months ago. I used to be the head chef, but now I oversee operations since we are planning to open a new place in a few months.”
“Mako-chan, why didn’t you tell us?” Usagi inquired.
“Well, I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up. Just in case it didn’t work out.”
“Congratulations are in order,” Ami said. Everyone took turns hugging an embarrassed Makoto.
“Enough, enough,” Makoto insisted. “Now that we’ve gotten to the bottom of that, there is another item on the menu.”
“What’s that Mako-chan?” Usagi asked.
“How Ami and Taiki got together.”
Mizuno Ami looked up from her book.
AN: Here we are at the end of another chapter. Sorry for the delay in getting this one out. Writer’s block is a pain in the bootie. Anywhoo, I hope you are enjoying yourself. A good way for me to know that you are having a good time is for you to review. (Hint Hint) Anyway, there is more to come. Drama is just around the corner. Our favorite psycho is not out of the picture yet. (Oh yes he will be back.) The triangles have not been forgotten. Just remember one thing, the first 11 chapters occurred in one day’s time. There’s still so much more. I’m not sure how long this will be, but I’m trying to tie up most of the loose ends before wrapping this up. To my faithful reviewers, I love you all. Your input is a great help.