Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love Everlasting ❯ Trouble in the making. ( Chapter 7 )

Trouble in the Making

 

 

 

Lita/Alex-Toyko

Lita loved and hated the lunch hour rush. It was great for business but worked her nerves almost beyond their breaking point. And Monday's were the worst. It seemed everyone took a lunch on this day to escape the reality that a new work week had begun. She swiped her hand over the back of her head for the kitchen was hot and so was she. She'd been very irritable for the last week and she had good reason to be, she had a lot on her mind. As she heard her name she shook off her disturbing thoughts, for here was not the place and now was not the time.

 

“What is it Sandy?”

 

“We just got an order in from some high end business types.”

 

“Let me see.” Lita snatched the order from her hand and quickly read it. “Okay, you start the duck, I'll start on the other main course.” Lita made a point when she could to prepare the meals of celebrities or what she deemed high end clients herself. After the meal she would even make a brief visit to the table to ensure they were happy with their meal, after all word of mouth was everything.

 

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Alex was pleased with himself as he and his business associates settled down around the table. His new secretary had suggested this place for a business lunch. “Jupiter's” the name sounded familiar to him but he wasn't surprised he couldn't remember. He had been super busy this last month with all the changes in his life. The move, then settling in to his new job in a new country was taking its toll on him. However today he was close to brokering his first deal. If he could get Kumo Rumo to sign on the dotted line for this joint venture his company would be justified in paying him a hundred thousand a year to move across the world.

 

They put in their order and got down to ironing out the last concerns of the deal. They were served fairly quickly and over the delicious meal hammered out the last details. They had just done the American handshake on the deal when a shadow fell over their table.

 

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Lita wiped her hands on her apron one more time as she approached the table. Of course she noticed the blond head among all the dark haired business men but thought nothing of it. After all there were way more Americans here then when she was growing up. Reaching the table she stood to the side, just long enough for her presence to be noticed and gave the men all a bow.

 

“Good afternoon gentlemen,” she came back up and locked eyes with the blond haired man and nearly took a step back. Her brain clicked on and off until finally she opened her mouth again, looking anywhere but at him. “I'm Lita the chef and owner of Jupiter's I hope today's meal was satisfactory for you?”

 

Lita focused on keeping the smile on her face as the men showered her with praise. He said nothing, was it possible he was as shocked as she was? Not possible since she'd almost had heart failure.

 

“Thank you your all to kind. I will not keep you. I just wanted to extend my thanks for you coming to my humble restaurant. I hope Jupiter's can serve your future business and personal needs. Have a good day.” She bowed again and as quickly as she could without running made her escape to the kitchen.

 

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Alex hadn't said a word because he couldn't; his tongue had been stuck to the roof of his mouth. What the hell was Lita doing here? He knew she lived in Tokyo but he had honestly thought he wouldn't run into her. Now he remembered why the restaurant had sounded familiar, she owned it; her cards had been at every table at the wedding reception. He had completely forgot that she owned a restaurant…but he hadn't forgotten about her oh no. While his days were kept so busy he couldn't think straight, at night alone in bed his mind would drift to her and their one passionate and disastrous night together. Gathering his wits about him he made an excuse about the men's room and headed off to find the woman who haunted his dreams. He had not been happy with the way they'd ended things. If nothing else she was a close friend to his brother and sister-in-law. He wanted them all to be on good terms.

 

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Lita had stormed through the kitchen and out the backdoor to the alley with barely a word. She knew her staff would keep going with out her and she needed some air…a little time to clear her mind. She sat on one of the empty food crates and buried her face in her hands. He was indirectly responsible for her mood these last couple of weeks and now he was sitting in her lunch crowd. What the hell was he doing here? Hell she had enough on her plate without dealing with him face to face. He was supposed to be in the U. S of A, thousands of miles from tormenting her. Why was her life never simple?

 

“Lita?”

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Lita heaved a big sigh as she fought the irrational urge to cry, before surging to her feet. “How did you get out here?”

 

“I had to shove my way through your bodyguards of chefs, who knew people took their kitchen so seriously.” He tried joking and her frown only deepened.

 

“What are you doing here?”

 

“I was eating lunch-.”

 

“You know what I mean what are you doing in Japan?” Lita had her fists on her hips as her irritation grew with his nonchalant attitude.

 

“Oh that. Well I live here now…I moved here for my job.”

 

Lita knew her mouth was gaping like her fishes did when she fed then in the morning. “You…what…how…what?”

 

“Yeah, I moved a week after the cruise. Funny that I ran into you here but I'm glad I did. Look I didn't like the way we ended things.”

 

“Nothing ever started for us to end.” Lita said cutting him off as her brain still tried to grasp what he was saying. “I don't think it's funny that you're here today either. You expect me to believe it was a coincidence? Come on you knew this was my damn restaurant. You have a lot of damn nerves showing your face here after what you did.”

 

It was Alex turn to get pissed. Here she was again jumping to conclusions without letting him explain. “Hold your horses, I completely forgot this was your place. I've been so busy that I can barely remember my own name in the morning. My secretary suggested this place and I took her up on it.”

 

“Bull! You forgot? You seem to always be forgetting something. Like forgetting to tell me the condom broke. Did you also forget you told me you were going back to the states?”

 

“Damn it I told you what really happened with the condom but you wouldn't listen. And excuse me if I didn't keep you up to date on my travel plans I didn't think I was required to with someone I'd just met!”

 

Lita gave a hollow laugh, which if he'd known her better would have signaled him to get out of dodge. “That's right I forgot. I'm just some chick you slept with on a cruise that you happened to give a little sperm to. Of course you shouldn't tell me you're moving to my city.”

 

“There you go again putting words in my mouth. I never said you were just some chick you…”

 

She cut him off with a flick of her hand as she turned back towards the door. “Just forget it, why would I expect anything more from you.”

 

Before he could think better of it he reached out and grabbed her arm. “Are you always this stubborn and irritating or is it just me?”

 

Lita jerked her arm away her face flushed with anger. “Maybe I'm irritable because my period is over a week late!”

 

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They stood there and Lita took small satisfaction in seeing him do the fish face now. Alex took an unsteady step towards her then dropped down to the crate she'd vacated. “Your…over a week late?”

 

“Are you hard of hearing? That's what I said.”

 

“Have…have you tested yourself yet.”

 

Lita felt some of her irritation fade as she nervously shuffled her feet. “I uh no…not yet.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Well…I've just been so busy and I uh work long hours you know here and well…”

 

“You were scared.” He stated softly instantly sorry that she'd been dealing with this on her own. He stood up and approached her slowly as she pressed her lips firmly but didn't comment on his statement. “Look we'll do it together, get a test and I'll be there with you.”

 

“What? Do you mean right now?”

”Yes I mean now, what did you think I meant.”

 

“I can't just leave in the middle of lunch hour.”

 

Alex set his jaw and crossed his arms over his chest. “You can and you will. You own the place make some excuse. You didn't think you could drop that bomb and walk away did you? It's been over a month since we've been together more then enough time for a store test to be accurate.”

 

It was her turn to gap like a fish again. She didn't know how she'd expected him to react but she was pretty sure this wasn't what she'd had in mind. “You can't leave your business lunch.” She said lamely trying to stave off dealing with the truth of her situation.

 

“You let me worry about that, you've got five minutes. I'll meet you at the kitchen.”

 

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He had sent Kumo Rumo and the others back in the company car and he and Lita set off by foot. She claimed there was a drugstore close to her house which wasn't that far from the restaurant either. Neither said much as they navigated the packed streets both lost in their thoughts of whether or not they would be parents. Even though she protested he followed her in the little store and hovered over her as she picked out a test, even insisted she buy a two test package. She tried not to be embarrassed as they stood at the counter. She started to fight him over paying for the test but thought better of it. They didn't say a word as they walked the last block to her apartment and she let them in.

 

Alex looked around at the multi colored space and cleared his throat. “Uh it's very colorful.” He said trying not to offend.

 

“Shut up.” Lita said mulishly as she headed for the bathroom only to stop at the door as he followed. “Just what do you think your doing?”

 

“It's obvious, I'm coming in with you.”

 

“No your not.”

 

“Yes I am”

 

“Look I think I can pee on a stick with out your help.”

 

“Well I'll believe it when I see it.”

 

“You don't think I'm competent to take a simple test.”

 

“Let's just say I'll feel better if I saw with my own eyes that it was done correctly.”

 

“Of all the damn nerves you don't trust me? I'm not the one breaking condoms and not telling their partner.”

“Maybe not, but I didn't think I was pregnant for over a week and not tell the prospective father.”

 

“Fuck you! It's not like you left me your number or anything. Remember you jetted back to America where I thought you would stay.”

 

“Maybe because someone was acting like an ass and wouldn't speak to me during our last days on the ship. Besides, you could have gotten in touch with me if you really wanted. One phone call to Andrew or Mina and you could have had my number. Look I don't care what you say this is too important. I have the right to know. Besides we've slept together, me seeing you pee on a stick shouldn't be a big deal.”

 

Lita narrowed her eyes and stomped into the room…he followed and watched as she jerked open the box and the first test from its plastic wrap. She paused to quickly read the directions then gave him one more dirty look before yanking down her pants. He turned to the side but watched her out the corner of his eye.

 

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They stood tensely as the test sat on the sink. Lita nerves were fried as they waited the allotted 3 minutes to tick by. For over a week now she had pushed the unsettling thought that she might be pregnant out of her mind. Exhausting herself at work so that by the time she came home she fell out. He'd been right…she had been afraid to take the test. The possibility was to frightening. She wasn't ready to have children and to have them with a man she didn't even know scared her to death.

 

Alex was also a mess though his eyes didn't leave the test for a moment. He wanted to believe that one mistake wouldn't result in the complication of a child but he also knew it only took one time to make a baby. Damn he was no spring chicken but in his male mind he had tons of time before having children. He had just been promoted and wanted to accomplish so many other things in his life…he just hadn't though of children in the picture. However, come what may, he wouldn't run from his responsibility not like his father had.

 

Lita looked up from her watch announcing, “That's time.” She peeked over at the test and let out the breath she had been holding, a little blue - sign showed in the indicator place. She rushed to read the back of the box again just to confirm that a negative sign meant she wasn't pregnant not wanting to trust her eyes.

 

“I'm not pregnant…” She said awe and the beginning of giddiness sneaking into her voice.

 

“Yeah you're not pregnant.” Relief colored his voice as well, he let the tension drop from of his shoulders and gave her a smile. “You're not pregnant.”

She stepped forward as if to hug him then thought better of it as she walked past him out the bathroom. “Yeah well…I'm glad.”

 

“Um are you usually not regular with your period?”

 

“No…that's why I was so worried. I'm usually like clockwork…though I guess with all the stress of the wedding and whatnot it could be the reason why it hasn't come. It's happened to me a couple of times when I was in early high school, but you can understand why I thought the worst since I'd just slept with you and with what happened.”

 

“I've noticed that you seem to think the worst first and everything else later. You sure you don't want to take the second test to be sure?”

 

Her eyes flashed at him and she remembered that she didn't particularly like him. “If it makes you feel better, I'll take the second one in another week, now get out.”

 

“What?”

 

“You heard me get out. We can both breathe a sigh of relief now that we know we won't be parents and stuck dealing with each others for years to come.”

 

“So that's it, we're finished?”

 

“We were already finished. I wish you were still across the ocean but since your not we'll just agree to stay out of each other way.”

 

Alex shook his head as he headed for the door. “You've agreed and for the moment I'll let you have your way.” He pulled out a business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “Here now you have no excuse not to call me if the second test results in something different.”

 

“It won't.” Lita said stubbornly.

 

“Fine, use it just in case you want to call me.”

 

Now Lita smiled sarcastically. “That I know for sure won't happen.”

 

Chad/Rei/Mina-NY

Rei looked up and scowled as she saw Mark standing in her office door. Damn it what was her secretary paid for if not the keep out the rift-raft.

 

“What do you want?”

He ignored her question and asked one of his own. “I thought you were actually going to give me a run for my money?”

 

“What nonsense are you talking about today?”

 

“You know…you'll never make partner…you don't even know when one of your biggest clients is in the city doing a promotion. Now remind me again aren't you suppose to be the promotions manager?”

 

Rei was getting pissed and fast. “Look, stop talking in riddles or please leave my office. I'm very busy with work. You know work is that thing that you're supposed to be doing instead of bothering me.”

 

“Okay fine.” Mark turned on his heel and made to walk away. “I just thought you'd like to know that Mina Aino is shooting a video right now with the Zodiacs.”

 

He walked out leaving her eyes bulging and her hand reaching for the phone. It took ten minutes but she confirmed that he wasn't just pulling her leg. Mina and the Zodiacs were indeed at one of the studio's making a video. Taking enough time to make sure her schedule was clear for several hours she stalked out onto the street, with fire in her eyes. The normal jostling and rude crowd on the streets seemed to move out her way as she walked the three blocks to the studio. She was going to kill Mina for this little stunt.

 

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Mina was having a blast. She loved videos. She had done a few in Toyko but this was her first featured one. It had been a stroke of luck that had devised her plan. The director on one of the frequent lunches he insisted she take with him, had mentioned that one of the artist working on the soundtrack were the Zodiacs which he remembered had been at her wedding. Mina had then wiggled her way into being in the shoot claiming it would be great for the movie promotion. The director had agreed and putting her takes on hold had allowed her to fly out this morning to New York. They had finished using the other two back grounds and were on the third and finally one for the song.

 

They were taking a ten minute break before starting up again and Mina had used her time wisely. This had been just the excuse she needed to throw Rei and Chad together again. So it was on purpose that she'd asked the director to get her signed on directly through the bands promotional manager, it had also been on purpose that she didn't mention it to Rei. Just as the call she'd placed at the beginning of the break had been intentional. She had called Rei's firm and asked for her rival's office. Rei talked about the guy so much Mina knew the name by hard. Then as innocently as she could she'd thrown a fit demanding that her representative meet her at the shoot and why was she being ignored etc etc, star whining. Mina had let him think he had calmed her down and then apologized saying she had been looking for Rei Hino, could he please transfer her to Ms. Hino's boss because she wanted to complain to the right person about her treatment.

 

She knew Mark's type and knew that he would mention the call to Rei just to rub it in, which also meant that Rei would be walking through the door any second now. That had been the first act, Mina had another one up her sleeve when her stubborn friend arrived.

 

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Rei had to show her credentials at the door to get in and followed the loud rock music to the sound set she was looking for. She wasn't stupid she knew that somehow Mina had orchestrated this so Rei would have to see Chad, the last person on or off Earth that she wanted to see. She walked right up front by the director arms crossed leveling the darkest look she could manage. It was equally directed at both Chad and Mina. She waited for them to notice her and didn't have to wait long.

 

Mina almost smiled as she saw Rei standing there like death it self but remembered to keep her deep red mouth in the sexy pout as she danced around the band then made her way to Chad. She pressed her full chest to his back and wrapped her hands around his front rocking to the funky beat.

 

“She's a fem fatal! Gonna make me go to hell!

Mina played her part as a female fatal to a tee grinding on her prey. The other's couldn't feel it but Rei's power rose and Mina watched as her mouth tightened even more. It was stupid for Rei to even be the tiniest bit jealous of Mina since they both knew she had no designs on Chad, however it was amusing. Good let her get jealous maybe she'll realize that if she doesn't want Chad they'll be plenty of women who do.

 

“Sucking my blood! Wanting all my love, devil fem fatal!

 

Chad noticed when she came in, just like he always did when she entered a room. Plus it didn't help that she was staring daggers that seemed to penetrate his skull. What the fuck was she so pissed about? Whatever it was it didn't matter he had been thinking on his plan for over a week now and seeing her here made his decision. That and a little talk he'd had with Mina during an earlier break. She would pay this time for hurting him if it was the last thing he did. She would feel the confusion, the anger of having her emotions played with.

 

“Clawed nails! Pulling on my tail… fem fatal. Gonna drag me down to hell!”

 

Rei was livid as Mina gave a wink out to the camera that she knew was meant for her. How dare Mina force her to come face to face with Chad when the last thing she wanted was to see him. She wanted him out of her life totally and here Mina was butting in again. Would she ever learn that her schemes only blew up in her face? Damn her! And damn Chad for looking so damn good and raw on stage as he belted out the saucy rock tunes. Why the hell did he look so smug? She watched as Mina slithered over the guys and ruefully admitted she looked great on the set. If ever there was a fem fatal it was her. Rei breathed a little easier when the director called it quits. He said Mina's job was done but the band only had a fifth teen minute break before he needed them back. Rei wasn't surprised in the least when Mina suddenly turned and pretended that she had just noticed her.

 

“Rei! You finally got here. Did you catch any of that? It's an amazing song, I just know it will go great with the movie.”

 

Rei finally unfolded her arms and took a few steps forward to meet the group half way. “Yeah, I caught the end…it looks good. We however need to go. I checked and you have a flight leaving in two and a half hours. I guess the director could only loan you for the video and needs you back on the set. I should get you to the airport.”

 

“How's it going Ray Ray?” Rob asked, throwing in the nick name just to see her eyes flash. He thought she was her sexiest when she was mad.

 

“Oh it's going and so are me and Mina…now.” Rei kept her eyes trained on Mina anything else would be to risky and she might explode.

 

“Well that's my hint to exit stage left. Nice seeing you Mina.” Lee didn't bother saying bye to Rei…he hadn't been a big fan of hers in a long time. She was causing Chad to act out again and that was not a good thing for Chad or the band. The rest of the crew followed his lead and giving Mina a farewell walked off to use what break they had left.

 

“What's wrong Rei you seem a little up tight? I thought you'd be happy to see me, even if it is just for an hour or so. I've got a lot to tell you about Cali, it's so great! They have-.”

 

Rei cut her off with a sharp retort. “Save it Mina, let's just go.”

 

“I need to talk to you.”

 

Should she just act as if he didn't exist? “We have nothing to talk about.” She said stiffly still refusing to look directly at him.

 

“It's business nothing personal.”

 

Now she whipped her head around eyes narrowed. “We have nothing to say to each other on any level. Come on Mina.” This time Rei wasn't waiting and took a few steps away.

 

“Are you sure about that Rei?”

 

“Positive we don't have anything to talk about anymore ever.”

 

“Never say never. I have something to say and you'll listen. Maybe not today but soon.”

 

Rei didn't bother answering just started striding out the room. The hell with him and the hell with Mina if she wasn't following, of course she was…the gig was up now it was time to face Rei's wrath.

 

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Rei was proud of her self as she sat in the cab giving Mina the cold shoulder. She hadn't made a scene with Chad and she hadn't chocked her friend with her bare hands…yet. They still had a little more time before they reached the airport and anything could happen.

 

Mina sighed loudly again but didn't speak out loud. She'd tried that a couple of times only to get a death glare from Rei and she'd wisely took the hint. Well that hadn't gone exactly how she'd expected but at least Chad seemed determined to tell Rei something. She wished him good luck in getting Rei to listen.

 

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They sat in a little subway restaurant inside the terminal and the silence finally broke when Mina reached over and grabbed one of Rei's BBQ chips.

 

“Damn it! That's your problem now. You don't know how to stay out of other's people business.”

 

Mina affected a hurt look. “What? I was in your food not your business.”

 

“Save it. Why the hell didn't you tell me you were coming in for this shoot with that particular band?”

 

“I tired. Every time I would utter one syllable of Chad's name out my mouth you would magically have to get off the phone.”

 

“I…I so what! You could have just blurted it out like you do everything else. You can't weasel your way out of this. You did this on purpose so I'd have to see him, which was the last thing I wanted today or any other day.”

 

“While I'm not saying I did do that but what if I did? Is that so bad? He wanted to talk to you that's a good thing right?”

 

“Wrong. We have nothing left to say, so stop trying to push us together.”

 

“Fine but for what it's worth I think you should hear him out. Maybe he wants to say he's sorry. You know kiss and make up.”

 

“Yeah and maybe I want to throw up. Look don't pull some shit like this again. You jeopardized my job not to mention my sanity. This wasn't funny.” Rei pushed up from the table. “I assume you can catch the plan by yourself, I have to get back to work.”

 

Mina's hand flashed out and grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. “Okay…I'm sorry. Scouts honor I won't involve your job again.”

 

“Great thanks.” Rei said dryly. “What about staying out of my love life?”

 

“Mmmm, okay I promise to stay of that too. Just promise me you'll do some thinking. Some hard thinking on what's always stopping you from being with Chad. There's no reason for you two not to be together except pride. Just maybe…it's time for you to get some closure to this one way or the other and you can't do that by lying to yourself. Maybe you should set the truth free and see where it will lead you.”

 

Rei looked at the serious woman for a minute before lightly yanking her arm free. “Fine I promise to think. Look I really do have to go. Have a safe trip.” Rei walked away with out a look back, frowning and muttering under her breath. “I hate when she says anything that makes any sense…shit.”

 

Amara/Darien/Michelle - NY

Amara hated New York…well maybe that was to strong of a word to describe what she felt, either way she didn't like the place. She had come here quite a few times over the years for business and to visit Serena and preferred her relative quite city of Springfield Illinois over it every time. While she wasn't here to see Serena she was here to visit a very special person. She had gotten the call Friday from Michelle and flown down the next day. Now she found herself sitting in a plush restaurant on 5th Avenue having a late dinner with her ex-lover. They sat listening to the quiet violin music playing in the background and enjoyed the expensive meal. Amara waited until the last note played before addressing Michelle.

 

“So…what's the real reason you took this job?”

 

Michelle looked up, slowly putting her fork down, her head cocked to the side while a playful smile danced around her mouth. “I told you it was a wonderful opportunity to do a tenor ship with the New York orchestra.”

 

“Yeah it is…but it's also one you could have done right out of college why now?”

 

“Fine you caught me. Will you believe I did it to be closer to you?”

 

Amara almost snorted but a smile finally did crack her face. “No I don't, even as much as I sometimes wish you would but let's be serious.” The smile was gone as quick as it had come. “This has to do with Serena doesn't it?”

 

Michelle held the twinkle in her eye a moment longer before sighing and lowering her lashes. When she looked up she too was serious. “You're correct the waters are troubled.”

 

“How so?” Amara leaned forward intensely listening.

 

“The waves are very turbulent. I feel change coming, confusion. All in all I feel a lot of uncertainty, which frightens me the most. This time there is no enemy or goal that we have to reach…just a rippling sea of uncertainty.”

 

“Have you looked in your mirror?”

 

“Of course.” Michelle stalled for time by sipping her cup of tea. “It worries me more then the waves. I've seen some disturbing images about a couple of us.”

 

“The scouts? Who?”

 

“Well….Lita, Ami and of course the most disturbing one was about Serena.”

 

“Was that just because Serena was in it or was it extra troubling all on its own.”

 

“The latter.” Michelle caught her friends' eye and held it. “It had nothing to do with Serena being in it…the trouble was the fact that she wasn't in it. All of the rest of us were there, in a picture filled with color…yet devoid of it. It was truly creepy and every time I see it I break out in goose bumps. It was like the picture wasn't complete…nothing was complete because Serena wasn't there.”

 

Amara reached out and grabbed Michelle's hand that was crushing a thick linen napkin. “That is creepy the thought of no Serena…but she's here…right here with us.”

 

Michelle gave a tepid smile and squeezed Amara's hand before she withdrew her own. “I know. So to answer your original question I did come for Serena. I figured one of us outers should be close to her and with my mirror I may recognize a potential threat more quickly. With that said I also came for New York's excellent orchestra.” Now the sparkle was back in her eye. “Last but not least I did come here for you too. After all when trouble is close there is no other place I'd rather be then at your side.”

Amara grinned and sat back in her chair. “Well in that case I might learn to like New York after all.” They both grinned comfortable with the causal flirting that had no real intent, until suddenly both pair of eyes snapped to the entrance of the restaurant.

 

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Darien considered his self lucky to be escorting a beautiful woman to dinner as early as 8pm. He'd only stayed late at the hospital to do some case workups for early next week that he wanted done and out of the way. Now he was escorting Candy the lawyer on a nice elegant date. Yes her name was Candy Beaumont and she was one of the top and youngest federal fraud lawyers in New York. Luckily for her she was called Ms. Beaumont while in court and lucky for him he'd be calling her Candy tonight in-between the sheets.

 

They were halfway to their table when Darien's eyes snapped to the right to find that he had also been noticed. He had to admit that both pairs of eyes surprised him, though the aqua colored pair more then the gold. What was she doing here? He managed not to miss a step as they were sat down and he quickly ordered a bottle of wine. He glanced through the menu with half an eye and listened to Candy with half an ear as his mind wondered to the two Scouts seated not far from him. He wasn't surprised they could sense each other. The older they became the more energy and power they possessed. He'd known before he turned that he would either see a scout of a new enemy. No regular human would have a power level strong enough to bother him across the room.

 

While he still had his menu for cover he frowned behind it. What were Amara and Michelle doing in New York? Amara sometimes visited but her trips were always planned. Serena usually knew which meant he usually knew. Nor could he think of any reason Michelle should be half way around the country even if it was only a friendly visit to see Amara, why were they here instead of Illinois? Darien didn't like the questions and knew he wouldn't like the answers even more. Those two together with such a serious look in their eyes usually meant trouble. While those two looking serious in New York had to mean the trouble had something to do with Serena. He gave a sigh and flashed a false smile to Candy as they ordered. Of course he had no choice but to find out what had brought the two secretive outer Scouts to his city. After ordering he excused his self saying that he had two important people that he had to say hello to before their dinner came.

 

He made his way, slowly through the dinner floor aware that he turned a few ladies heads but not caring. They were not the women he sought. He caught Michelle's eye as Amara's back was to him and for a moment he thought he saw a nameless emotion flash across her eyes before she gave a cool nod to Amara to alert her to his presence. They stood as he reached their table. He grabbed Michelle's hand and brought it to his lips. “It's good to see you though I didn't expect it.”

 

“Likewise.”

 

He turned and reached for Amara's hand but she was to quick pumping his hand in a firm handshake while narrowing her eyes at him. Darien just laughed “I'm sorry Amara…I just can't get the image of you and that bridesmaid dress out of my head…it keeps me up at night.” He teased.

 

“You should forget it…you'll live longer.”

“You're probably right.” He grinned then nodded to the extra seat he was standing in front of. “Do you two mind if I take a seat…just for a few minutes?”

 

“Of course not Darien.” Michelle answered as they sat down.

 

Darien knew the only way to get answers from the two would be to be blunt. He turned to Amara first.

“Why are you here?”

 

Amara shrugged as if she didn't have a care in the world. “Michelle asked me to meet her.”

 

Darien head swiveled around. “I definitely want to know why you're here.”

 

“I live here now…well at least for the next year. I took a tenor ship with the New Your orchestra.”

 

“Really…well another surprise not that I mind.”

 

“I'm sure Michelle doesn't care if you mind or not. I know I don't. Anyway I flew down to welcome her in.”

 

“Nothing more then that?”

 

“Nothing more.” Michelle answered for them both.

 

Darien wasn't buying the bull they were selling. “If that was the case, why didn't you let me know you were coming? I would have been more then happy to take you out tonight.”

 

“Would you really?” Michelle answered sweetly and inclined her head to Candy who was taking a sip of her wine.

 

Darien acknowledged her nod and answered it with a nonchalant shrug of his own “Yes I would. You know it's always business before pleasure with me. I would have made time for you.” Though he appeared calm his words came out more clipped then he'd intended. For some reason her assumption that he'd rather play with some chick of the week then be involved with what ever trouble was brewing irked him.

 

“But Michelle's here just for pleasure, she didn't want to bother you and I take any chance to see her that I can.”

 

Darien barely glanced at Amara so intent was he on the other outer. “Tell me what's going on…it's Serena isn't it? There's no other reason for you two to be in New York.”

 

Michelle tore her eyes from him and gave Amara a look. As always they communicated with no words and both stood at the same time.

 

“Well it's been nice seeing you…but we have to go.”

 

Darien let them take one step before he spoke up. “Aren't we past this? All these secrets between our ranks…we all want what's best for her.”

 

Amara didn't even bother to look back, her hands stuck in her pants pocket. Telling him anything was pointless as far as she was concerned…after all they had nothing to go on…nothing to tell.

 

Michelle did glance back at him her eyes the tiniest bit sad. “We all have secrets Darien. Don't worry when there's something for you to know we'll tell you. Until then there's nothing to worry about. I'm sure I'll see you again soon but for now don't you think you should get back to your date? She's starting to look a little impatient.” With that the two women who were different as night and day but the same when it came to their duty as soldiers walked away.

 

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Darien continued to sit at the table another moment willing his irritation away. Damn them for being so stubborn and always thinking they knew best. When would they realize that they were not the only one's who could protect Serena. Shaking his head he stood up and cleared his face before turning to head back to his table. Candy gave him a bright smile and he returned a fake one and regretted that he wouldn't be saying her name in his bed tonight. He no longer had a taste for sweets.

 

Ami/Taiki - Toyko

Ami was walking slowly back towards the hospital not happy at all. It should have been the opposite since she had a least three things to be really happy about. First she was home, the place that she had grown up. The move had been hectic but her mother had been great in helping them find a quaint apartment not to far from the hospital. They would save up for their wedding and a house and probably buy one not to long after they married. It suited Ami, as she was rarely home anyway. Then she had this wonderful prefect job a head resident in the children's department. Answering to only one person above her and the experience was invaluable. She'd only been on the job three weeks but already she found it challenging and enjoyed ever minute of it. Last though it shouldn't be least was the fact she was getting married to a successful doctor who was nice and kind and who….who was not someone else.

 

“Ohhh, blah.” Ami covered her face and plopped, yes plopped onto the nearest bench. She had a headache and was glad it was her shift split meaning she had a full hour an a half left before she had to be back. Nothing was like it should be. Instead of being glad to be home she found that it did nothing to clam her nerves…in fact it made them worse. So many places she went reminded her of her youth with lead to thinking about him. She was refusing to even think his name…and while she knew it was childish and silly she couldn't help it. After all she never had believed in superstition and she knew thinking about him or even saying his name out loud would not make him suddenly appear. Nevertheless it seemed that around every corner his ghost awaited, memories of them together or them as a group constantly assaulted her. So the ghost of him who must not be named stopped her from enjoying her return to her childhood home.

 

While she had been telling the truth about loving her job, for the first time in a long time she wasn't sure of herself…she wasn't sure if she could make the cut. It didn't help that her mind was so conflicted about trying not the think of him that she wasn't focusing as she should. Add to it the stress and confusion of her impending wedding…which still had yet to be planned, and the worry over Serena, who by all accounts was handling the little cruise mishap way better then Ami was, her nerves where strung out. Then her job was proving to pose another problem that she had not previously thought would be an ensue…her mother.

 

Her mother was the one person above her that she answered to and no Ami didn't have to deal with people thinking she got her position through nepotism, they all respected her and treated her as a competent doctor. In fact it was just the opposite. Because she was her mother's daughter and because her reputation preceded her, she was held to very high standards, especially by her mother. Her mother hadn't said anything and outside of the hospital she was wonderful but Ami knew she could tell something was wrong. It was almost as if she was waiting on her to slip up at work so she could have a reason to ask her what was wrong. A reason to bring up the taboo subject they were both pretending to ignore. The sad thing was if Ami didn't get her head screwed on right and fast she knew she'd easily present her mother with the opportunity she was looking for.

 

Then there was the last great joy or should she say headache in her life….her fiancé. She had just come from having lunch…or half a lunch with Todd. At first she had thought it would be a wonderful idea, since they rarely saw each other during the day unless it was in the sterile halls of the hospital. So Ami had gladly agreed to share lunch with him and thought that walking the three blocks to the cafes would be a good way to clear her head. They had sat down ordered and instead of really “talking” Todd had started in on “work” chit chat. While Ami loved a good science or medical debate she wanted a lunch with her fiancé, one of the few they could share to include outside subjects. Art, politics heck even the weather would have been better then discussing their work. However, she could understand his excitement. His position was a dream come true too….but did they have nothing between them but work?

 

Ami frowned and squinted her eyes against the sun's harmful UV's as she glanced up in thought. Then to top it off barely ten minutes after they'd received their food he had received a page. Wrapping the rest of his sandwich in several napkins he had thrown some money on the table, mumbled an apology and took off. The unsettling thing was Ami couldn't discern if she was upset about the discarded lunch or relieved that it was over? She had blushed as she realized her mind was heading for the “relieved” notion and finishing her lunch quietly she'd reflected that he hadn't even took the time to give her a peck on check as he ran by.

 

Not that she'd wanted him to…right? After all when had she craved much less thought public displays of affection were acceptable? Besides right now she was having enough trouble with their private displays of affection as it was. Despite her best efforts she found herself shying away from his touch, dodging his French kisses. The worst had been when she gotten back to Hong Kong after the cruise. In his pleasure of getting his position along with their five day separation he had been really happy to see her. They'd had fuki…her favorite plum wine to celebrate and while it made Ami sleepy it had made him…how should she put it amorous.

 

“Ami…you look so pretty tonight.” His arm pulled her tighter against his side as they sat on the couch. “You know I really missed you while you were gone.”

 

“I missed you …to.” Ami stammered out. Wondering if it was from the drink or the uneasy feeling she was getting from being pressed so close to him.

 

He buried his nose in her hair running his hand up and down her arm. “I really missed you at night…I had no one to hold after a long hard day.

 

“I'm sorry” Again she didn't know if it was the drink or the fact that she really was sorry that she had been in someone else's warm embrace while he had been here alone thinking of her.

 

“Don't be sorry. We doctors know sorry is an empty word. We should just make up for lost time…lots of lost time…I don't know why we've waited so long anyway. It's perfectly natural.”

 

To late Ami's brain comprehended his intent and before she knew it he was pressing her back on the couch, his sweet smelling lips trying to latch on to hers.

 

“What…maybe we…” She didn't get the rest out as he slipped his tongue past her teeth. He wasn't rough as he kissed her, just a little sloppy and he took her protest and twitching for her mounting excitement…which it wasn't and continued his “romancing”. Finally she had gotten her mouth free again. “I though we were going to wait…you know how I feel about this.”

 

“Amiiii…we're both respectable and…and successful adults…that…can…can have a physical relationship, we are engaged after all.”

 

Ami frowned at his stammering as he kissed down her neck and tried to figure out a way to get his hand in her blouse without taking the time to unbutton it. She vaguely recognized his increased lack of coherency was due to his arousal which had made all his blood rush south, away from his already dulled fuki brain.

 

“Yes but we decided…to wait since we'll be married so…hhhh!” She gasped as his hand had indeed found a way into her blouse despite the buttons, to grasp her left breast. While he took her sound to be excitement it was in reality dismay as her body ran cold at his intimate touch and another's face and flashes of her in explicit acts flooded her mind.

 

“Please…” She was going to say stop when he reclaimed her mouth, again he mistook her meaning for encouragement and started to move one hand down south. Ami begin to buck in earnest as she truly began to feel sick in several ways. He took it as his cue to hurry his journey to between her legs. He found her and stroking her with his thumb and Ami went shock still…for five seconds before in a panic she used her strength against him.

 

“No!” Pushing she rolled him over the floor and there's nothing like hard wood connecting to ones head to bring the blood back to a man's brain tissue. She saw the confusion and questions in his eyes and tried to explain. “No…I…just…I think I'm going to be sick.” With that she had rolled to her feet hurrying to the bathroom where she had not fakeed her throw up sounds.

 

Yes that had not ended well. The next morning she had reiterated her desire to wait for her wedding night. Luckily he'd been embarrassed and had not protested in the least. The incident had left her feeling horrible. She hadn't found his touch revolting before the trip…now…well she didn't even want to think about it. With their current schedules she didn't have to. They rarely saw each other plus being exhausted tended to put a damper on any romantic thoughts. Tilting her head back down she attempted to blink away the sunspots watching as people went by. She figured it was time she headed back so she could take a nap in one of the hospital cots.

 

“What the-?” Ami blinked frantically and stood up. Her heart speed up and she found it hard to breathe. She thought…she thought across the campus yard she'd seen a face…but it couldn't be. She took a step forward bumping into a girl who also wasn't paying attention. Mumbling a hurried apology she squinted trying to get a better look.

 

She had only seen a long ponytail and the right profile of a face of the figure heading into the administration building. She needed to know if that was him and almost started to jog over before planting her feet. No, she'd just end up looking like an idiot when she approached some stranger. There was no way he could be here…right? She was so focused on the male figure that she almost failed to notice the woman walking up the stairs in front of him. Trista…there was no mistaking that hair. There was no reason to believe that Trista and the man behind her were together yet still Ami wished her telepathic abilities were as advanced as Serena. She sorely wanted to ask Trista to turn around and confirm the man was not the man Ami thought he was.

 

She could always call Trista later and ask….but she knew she wouldn't. Ami hated to look like a fool above almost anything else. Forcing her eyes away from the figure disappearing through the doors she turned away and starting walking towards the hospital.

 

There was no way she would call the serious woman who she greatly admired just to ask an insane question; had Taiki the starlight and her recent lover been walking behind her this afternoon?

 

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Taiki followed behind Trista into the main administration building. He felt a prick of power run through his consciousness but ignored it. It was probably left over residue from Trista. He got the feeling that the protector of time was not to happy with him. Then again he really didn't know since she had the face of a die hard poker player.

 

He admitted he had been a little tricky setting up the meeting with her by going through the president of the college instead of her office since she was the Dean of the College of Sciences but he'd learned the element of surprise could go a long way. To bad he'd forgotten Trista didn't surprise easily.

 

He'd made sure to get to the café where their lunch meeting was to take place before her. As the greeter had showed her to the table her only reaction at seeing him had been a raised right eyebrow.

 

Sitting, they had stared at each other in silence, Trista seeming content to wait him out for as long as it took. Telling his self it was to late to chicken out he'd cleared his throat and spoke.

 

“I know this is a shock-.”

 

“Not really. I saw the last name…but it just didn't make sense that it would be you”

 

“Yes…I realize I probably should have contacted you directly.”

 

“Yes you should have.” Trista couldn't stop the clipped tone.

 

“Please if you'll give me a chance to explain, I'm positive that you'll see me being here is in both our best interests-.” She held up a hand to stop him.

 

“I'm really hungry, why don't we order and eat first before we talk about anything that could ruin my appetite.” She gave him a faint smile and he faintly returned it. They orderrd and when the food came talked about any subject except why he was here.

 

Trista had tried to keep the subject on his home planet. She had always been curious about it. So while she peppered him with interesting but light questions she watched as he became slightly impatient to talk about the real issue.

 

Taiki had wasted no time as the waiter had cleared their plates. “I won't waste your time or mine. I really would like this position as an advance physics professor at the university. Of course the paperwork I showed the president is fake but I assure you my qualifications are real and more then adequate…”

 

He was again cut off as she waved her hand dismissively the barest hint of annoyance in her jade green eyes. “Your qualifications aren't in question. What is in question is your motive for being here. I'd like a direct and truthful explanation if you please.”

 

Taiki nodded ready to get down to business. “Here's the deal. I'm not sure how much you know…about the cruise.” She arched her brow again in response. “Anyway I realized that I still have strong feelings for Ami. Feelings that I want to peruse. Some things that happened…led me to assume she has strong feelings for me also.”

 

Silence graced the table as Trista took a sip of her water to sooth her suddenly dry throat before speaking. “I was under the impression that Ami is still very much engaged, despite what may have gone on during the cruise. I am curious as to how you know she's back in Tokyo?”

 

“I have my ways.”

 

“I see. So you want my help in disrupting Ami's life?”

 

“No! Of course not. I don't plan on forcing anything on her. I just want to give her a choice. Let her know that things can be different if that's what she wants. I would never seek to hurt her.”

 

“We often don't seek what we find. Why did you pick the college?”

 

“Well, I figured if I had to be on Earth I might as well be doing something I love. After all I can't chase Ami 24 hours a day.”

 

“Speaking of time…your Princess…what of your duties to her?”

 

Taiki stiffened at the implied neglect. “My princess is fully aware of my intentions and wishes me well. She advises that I tread carefully and not try to force my feelings on Ami which I would never do. Also, I will be making frequent routine trips home to attend to my many duties. The time difference of our planets will allow that to work out perfectly.”

 

“What of the other starlights? Will they make an appearance too?”

 

“This has nothing to do with them. Honestly they think I'm a fool. They have no intention of coming back to earth that I know of. Bbesides someone must be there to insure our princess safety.” Taiki hoped he'd pulled that lie off convincingly.

 

“I see. So you want me to give you this position so you can have a legitimate reason for being on Earth and therefore near Ami.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“And if I refuse?”

 

“Well, I could go over you to the president or find an occupation somewhere else. It really doesn't matter since I'm multi-talented. I guess you refusing won't really matter. I'm not asking for your or anyone else's blessing in my pursuit. I won't rest easy at night until I know I gave me and Ami a fair shot at being together. You can't stop me.”

 

Trista stared him in the eye for a long moment before reaching into her purse and pulling out a few bills to put on the table.

 

“Please let me pay for lunch.” Taiki said automatically, forever being the gentleman.

 

“Not necessary.” Trista stood and he followed suit. “It's on the university…seeing as how you're now a new professor.” She gave him a smile that he returned with great relief. “Follow me back to campus and I'll get you the necessary paperwork.”

 

They had walked back in distracted silence, both lost in their own thoughts. He was glad she hadn't grilled him more about Seiya and Yaten. He wouldn't do anything to interfere with their plans as long as they did the same for him. Following her into the office he half listened as she requested some forms for him then gave him instructions.

 

“Taiki, complete these and have them back to this office in two days. Here's my card, once you turn them in call my office to set up an appointment with me, so we can go over your schedule and general lesson plan. I have to run I have several things to attend to. I'll see you soon.” With another tepid smile in his direction she departed.

 

Trista took long fast strides across the campus back to her building. She believed Taiki's reason for coming. She could see it in his eyes as he talked about Ami. What she didn't believe was that his co-starlights did not plan to make an appearance also. She was now very glad that Michelle had gone to New York. The first call she would be making from her office would be to both outers.

 

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Seiya/Yaten/ Serena - NY

“So we're really going to do this?” Yaten flicked Seiya a bored glance that belied his interest in the answer.

 

“Yep…if you want to back out say so now…we go one in less then fifth-teen minutes.”

 

“I'm cool. Besides I figured someone should be with while you make an idiot of your self.”

 

Seiya scowled leaning back in the deep cushions of the waiting room sofa. “Why is it I'm an idiot but I didn't see you running after Taiki chaperoning him.”

 

“Yeah, he's an idiot to chasing after an engaged woman. The difference is I don't trust you not to do anything dangerous. Besides you're going after a more high profile target. You've got to know they are going to be all over you when they find out. It will be a miracle if you spend any time with her.”

 

“That's why your here to run interference.”

 

“Yeah that and keep you alive. I never should have promised the princess that I'd bring you home in one piece.”

 

“I'm not worried about them it's getting past Serena that I really have to worry about.”

 

“Seiya you have a long list of problems. Anyway why do I have to be the one to run the Chicago office?”

 

“Because I can't waste my time else where while Serena is here. Please we have to make it look legitimate.”

 

“Sure. I actually don't mind the gig so much. I have a knack for show business anyway.”

 

Now Seiya got a wistful if bitter smile on his face. “Yeah, funny even with all the drama and chaos I enjoyed our time as the three lights.”

 

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Serena was had proclaimed this Saturday and R & R day. Rest and relaxation. So she scolded herself for dusting her collection of cat figurines instead of sitting on her butt. After all she deserved it. She had pumped out everything but the last chapter of her latest romance book in less then two months. She would finish the last chapter on Monday then take another week to read through the whole thing and proof it as best she could before shipping it to her editor. She had to admit she was in a good mood today. The closing of a book always cheered her up like the muse on her shoulder was no longer cracking its whip.

 

Suddenly Serena giggled out loud and started dancing around the room with her duster twirling in the air. She was prone to giddy girly moods when she was in her house where no one else could see. Besides today was a good day. Luna who didn't have a problem getting R & R on a daily basis sat up from where she lay on the back of the couch before jumping down to join Serena in her fun. The cat ran through her legs as she twirled and Serena was hard pressed to understand if the cat was trying to dance with her, or trip her for its own amusement. After one near stumble Serena dropped the duster and scooped the cat up before jumping over the back of the couch to land on its soft cushions while Luna hung on for dear life.

 

Giggling Serena soothed the cat's hair and slowly sat up. “That's what you get Luna, I'm clumsy enough I don't need you making it worse.

 

Luna rolled her eyes and wiggled out of her guardians grasp only to go back to her previous spot, while Serena stretched out and grabbed the remote from the coffee table. Flicking through the channels she thought about her long week. It had started out with lunch with Michelle on Monday. Serena had been surprised but happy about her moving to New York, it was a great opportunity. She was a little peeved that she hadn't known in advance but then again why should she have? Her friends didn't have to tell her every move they made before they made it. She sure didn't check with them before she went on a tour or anything else for that matter. Then she'd had lunch with Rei on Wednesday. She couldn't help but notice that her friend had been a little preoccupied. She'd asked her about it but Rei had put her off only saying it had to do with work. Serena knew how hard Rei was working for that promotion and wished her luck. If anyone deserved it she did.

 

Speaking of jobs it was still hard to believe that she had found a career that she loved, was good at, and allowed her the flexibility she craved. She was happy wasn't she? Before any melancholy thoughts could enter her mind she focused on finding a brainless TV show to distract herself. She figured MTV was good for that, plus she could catch up on celebrity gossip. MTV's TRL, total request live was on, so she settled in to watch the ending of a Tina Marie video.

 

“I wonder whose today's guest is? I haven't watched this in ages.” Pondering out loud as she absentmindedly played with Luna's tail. It wasn't so much even the words that the announcer spoke but the faces of the two people who ran out on stage amid cheers and claps that made her gasp.

 

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Seiya felt the cheers of the crowd warm his blood as he stood just off stage waiting for his queue. He knew he was doing the right thing in coming for Serena and if he could help a few people reach their dream while he tried to win her heart then all the better. Their queue was given and he and Yaten ran out on stage, flashing their smiles waving and slapping hands. Was she watching? Probably not… she probably had better things to do. It didn't matter though, sooner then later he'd make his presence known. After a couple of well placed jokes and comments they settled down for the interview.

 

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“So the Starlights are back minus one.” Carson Daly asked.

 

“Yeah, Taiki has his eye on another prize while well be looking for talent.”

 

“Ahh, I see you want to get right to business, well go ahead Seiya and tell everyone what has brought you guys out of hiding?”

 

“Well, me and Yaten are back with our own talent agency. This time we want to put others in front of the lights.”

 

“Will this be a strictly singing agency?”

 

“No, we'll also deal with models, of course that addition was my idea. I love to surround myself with pretty ladies.” Yaten flashed the crowd a smile and more then one female almost wet herself.

 

“Yaten's right nothing wrong with beautiful women but we'll be looking for both males and females with singing, or modeling talent. We'll have two locations one here in New York and the other in Chicago.

 

“Now as I understand it all of this has been hush, hush. I didn't even know who was coming on until right before the show. So tell us, what's the name of this place that's going to produce stars?”

 

“What else? Starlight's Production.”

 

 

Serena/Mina-Hollywood, CA

Serena sat there her eyes wide, her mouth open and her heart clutching shut. Words were her life yet she had none to express how she felt as she saw the image on T.V., heard the voice that had haunted her dreams…her nightmares…here in the flesh. Why…how more importantly why?

 

As if Luna could sense her unease the cat begin to rub against her hand. In this instance it did not calm her, but merely broke her paralysis. She bolted up off the couch and began pacing. Her shock and dread turning to anger with every step.

 

“Damn him! He can't come here….I can't….he just can't! Why is he doing this? Why can't he just leave me alone.”

Her enraged rant had Luna scattering, it didn't help that she was feeling so agitated that her energy had begin to flow the air pulsed making her cat figurines shake.

 

“Damn it….none of this would have happened if it wasn't for Mina. Why couldn't she just stay out my life.” Suddenly Serena stopped and reached out her mind. When she found the energy she was looking for she disappeared.

 

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Mina felt the energy before she stepped out the bathroom door it was so palpable. It took her longer then it should to recognize its owner, after all it was as rare as pigs flying when Serena was this mad.

 

“Serena what's wrong?” Mina said tucking the towel around her and entering the living room of the suite.

 

“What's wrong? I'll show you what's wrong.” Serena flicked her hand at the TV and it was instantly on. Not loosing eye contact she made the channels switch until it on MTV.

Mina was loath to take her eyes off the livid Serena, but finally did when the announcer stopped speaking and the person he was interviewing started. Her mouth dropped as the voice then the face clicked in her head. She had only taken one step forward in shock when the TV sparked, popped and the screen cracked. Mina stepped back turning confused eyes on her princess.

 

“Serena…that was Seiya?”

 

“Yes! Don't act like you don't know. You probably set the whole thing up. How dare you, what gives you the fucking right!”

 

“What? I...don't know what you're talking about? I have no clue why Seiya would be on TV.”

 

“You expect me to believe that? God why can't you just leave it alone!”

 

Mina was confused but she was quickly becoming upset to. What exactly was Serena accusing her of? What gave her the right to assume Mina knew anything about what was going on? And what the hell was going on!? “Look, I don't even know what's going on so stop accusing me. Why don't you calm done and explain to me why your freaking out. Oh and by the way it's good to see you to, considering I haven't heard a word from you in over a month.”

 

“Calm? I am calm.” A lamp levitated and crashed against the wall. “Here's what's going on. Seiya is on Earth, I assumed you could see but there I spelled it out for you. Not only is he on Earth but he's in New York City. That interview is live in Time's Square. Oh, but wait it gets better! He say's that he's started a worldwide talent agency, he and Yaten! Saying that as former Three Lights, they want to give raw talent a chance. Did you get all that Mina? Cause the point I want you to get is SEIYA IS ON EARTH!”

 

Mina mouth gaped for a moment, then sensing it was best to try and placate Serena she quietly said. “I'm sorry Serena but I had nothing to do with it.” Hysterical laughter filled the room and Mina looked up at Serena in concern.

 

“You had nothing to do with it? Are you fucking crazy? You had everything to do with it. You brought him back to Earth in the first place! Now he's back again to torture me.”

 

Mina smirked. “Think a little much of yourself don't you? How do you know he's come back for you?”

 

The remaining standing lamp in the room flew across the room with the same result. “This isn't funny this is my life we're talking about!”

 

All serious now, Mina balled her fists and shouted back. “I know so start living it! I was tired of seeing you walk around like a functioning zombie.”

 

“Mina…” Serena said in warning her tone low, her pink and red aura filling the room as the table and wall fixtures started to shake.

 

Mina felt the energy lashing at her and it wasn't friendly. She willed her own energies natural response to protect herself down, she would never fight Serena…but she wouldn't back down either. “He loves you!” Mina stumbled and clutched her towel as the very floor she was standing on shook. “And you love him!”

 

“I don't love him!” Serena screamed as Mina went sliding backward only stopping an inch before she hit the wall. “Damn it I do not love him anymore!” The hotel earthquake alarms started to go off. “I don't want him in my life, do you understand?!”

 

Mina eyes were wide and shocked while vaguely she heard the few people on this floor exit their rooms and head to the stairs. The lights were flickering on and off, causing the tastefully decorated emergency lights to blink on. One hand at her wildly beating heart, her other reaching out to Serena she took a hesitant step forward. “Serena…”

 

“No!” This time Mina did fly back into the wall, not extra hard but hard enough to make a point. She fell to her knees after impact. “Stay away from me and stay the fuck out of my life. I mean it Mina. You have no idea what you've done.” Serena said, herself shaking, hands balled, hair floating as her moon symbol blinked on and off her forehead like a neon sign. Emotions she couldn't name warred within her clouding her mind and judgment. She knew she had to leave soon or she wouldn't be responsible for her actions. “Don't interfere in my life again. If I'm about to get hit by a bus don't push me out the fucking way…” In a last show of rage everything that wasn't nailed to the walls including the furniture hovered in the air. “Just stay out of my damn life!”

 

Everything crashed to the floor and Mina winched at the sound blinking only to open her eyes…Serena was gone.

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Serena had transported to a bleak desolate place that fitted her mood. The pain and suffering in this place was tangible even as the very air seemed to comfort her. However in this state she didn't question where she was or how, falling to her knees, letting out the first chocked sob of hysteria, pain and fear all mixed into one, she fell to her side and curled up on the hard uneven surface and cried.

 

Cried for her disgust at lashing out at Mina

 

Cried for her misery

 

Cried for the desolation she felt

 

Cried for her bleeding heart

 

Cried for her soul

 

Cried for her fate…it's tragic past…it's painful present and its bleak future.

 

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Mina had sat on the floor for 15mins in shock, not having the will to move. Finally the knocking at the door roused her enough to get up. It was the hotel staff trying to account for all the guest they knew where in for the night. After assuring them she was fine despite her room having more damage then the rest of the hotel she agreed to get dressed and let them move her things down the hall to a empty suite.

She now sat in the middle of her bed, her knees pulled up, eyes watery but cheeks dry. It had been almost two hours since Serena had blown in and blown out. Mina felt…drained. Serena's rage, pain and fear had scared her more then the physical attack. She'd only seen Serena that upset once…on the day Seiya had left….now he was back. Mina wanted to crack a small smile but couldn't even manage that. Her face felt too brittle. Maybe Seiya wasn't so stubborn or stupid as she thought. He'd come back for her, Mina knew it, Serena knew it and anyone else would know it too. So maybe there was hope after all…hope of saving Serena from her self…because what would the world be without Serena? Her troubled thoughts were interrupted as her cell phone range. After the third ring she snatched it off the dresser looking at the caller ID.

 

“Andrew…”

 

“Mina are you alright?”

 

“What…yeah why wouldn't I be?”

 

“Why wouldn't you be…darn it Mina you could have at least called me to let me know you weren't hurt.”

 

“Huh?” How could he know about her confrontation with Serena?

 

“Don't deny it I saw it on the local news. They had a brief clip talking about the 4.0 earthquake that hit in California today. The news here happened to mention that the quake hit the hotel where local star Mina Aino was staying at.”

 

Mina let out a shaky laugh as she finally understood and as the fact that she'd been news worthy sunk in. “Oh that, yeah I'm fine, that was just me and Serena have an argument.”

 

“What?”

 

“Never mind….I'm fine. I'm told that a 4.0 isn't a huge deal out this way, so I didn't think to call. I'm glad you did though….I needed to hear your voice.”

 

“Really bad day?” He asked, letting her weird comment slide. The main thing was that she was safe.

 

“Yeah…you could say that, it was just a little rough, nothing major. Look I know it's late…I won't keep you. Thank you for checking up on me. You do know I love you Andrew….forever.”

 

Andrew wondered at the intensity in her voice but again let it go. “I love you to Mina…forever. Have a good night, I'll call you tomorrow. Don't let them work you to hard.”

 

“Okay…I won't. Same goes for you.” Mina disconnected as a single tear finally dropped. God she loved Andrew…couldn't see her life without him. Without him she'd be miserable, with him anything was possible. She picked up the phone to call Rei…everyone needed to be told Seiya was back. Even as she dialed she kept wondering was it so wrong for her to want Serena to have love?

 

AN: Okay next time I'll have some Sammy and Hotaru I have no clue how long this story will be but I'm thinking close to twenty chapters, but it really depends on how much I put in each one. Well I hope you enjoyed. Also, I made up those lyrics so their all mine! Seriously didn't feel like finding a song to fit LOL, so just started throwing some out their.

 

Okay NAME CHANGE, Ami's fiancé name is now Todd not Marc…I noticed that I had the guy at Rei's place named Mark and then Ami's Marc, So I changed it and from now on it will be Todd

Written by Deep Serenity

 

Also Mina did change her last name to Andrews but uses her maiden name for business purposes.