Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Try to Resist ❯ Chapter 8
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Serenitas 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.15.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 517 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.15.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 517 | Status: Completed
And here we have what might be the final chapter in 'Try to resist,' possibly the most sarcastic thing I've ever written and I've loved every single minute of it. I never thought I'd be grateful for insomnia, but I am! Go figure. Please let me know at the end of this chapter if I should write an epilogue. To those who've given me their emails, thank you! I'll be emailing you all soon to make sure I copied them down right! I'm still hoping to get more, but if not then that's ok too! I will keep up my writing when I'm in Japan, believe me so please keep looking here and on my websites for new stuff from me! I hope people will want to read it! Standard disclaimers here. No flames. Read and review but be kind.
The following week was agonizing torture for everyone who waited anxiously for the following Friday night. Things moved so slowly and in some cases time seemed to be going backwards, to the point where Minako screamed at Setsuna accusing her of meddling with time and making their wait longer. She had been so wired over the past week that she had found herself on the business end of Haruka's space sword with Setsuna's Garnet Orb held up to her throat with Michiru threatened her. She had been considerably subdued since then. Tension mounted as Usagi avoided both the café and the arcade, her friends not even seeing her at school as she hid from them, the bets in the arcade nearing four thousand dollars, Motoki praying he won this pot for then he could take Minako out in style. It had come as a shock to him to discover he had fallen for the hyperactive, mischievous blond girl. He now understood the strange twinkle Mamoru would get in is eye when he talked of Usagi, his little hellcat. Practically the entire town had made plans to be in the Mixer and Makoto wondered how the hell they all were going to fit in there. She had been dying to know about Usagi's secret hobby for years, all the senshi knowing she had it, but no one, not even Luna could tell what it was. The whole Tsukino family seemed to have a vow of silence about it, and not even the most persistent whining or pumping for information could get them to spill.
Mamoru was convinced he hadn't slept in weeks, not since Minako had begun this idiotic and imbecilic plan to get them together. (A.N - I celebrated 1 month of insomnia last night. Yippee me.) He had often taken great pleasure in thinking of ways to torture and irritate the petite blonde, and now when he closed his eyes he relived, in vivid detail, those hungry kisses he had shared with her. Desire shot through him. He remembered how disappointed she had looked when he told her he had finally run out of insults for her. She'd never willingly give up, he knew that because she was as stubborn as an ornery mule. So all he could do was wait, convinced time had damn near stopped and blowing up at Setsuna. He had gotten clobbered on the head quite severely with the Garnet Orb as Time's Guardian got fed up with being accused and told them that the next person who accused her of meddling with the timeline would get the Garnet Orb and Haruka's Space Sword shoved where the sun didn't shine. No one really said anything to Setsuna after that statement, fear overcoming their persistent desire to know why it was taking so damned long.
"So, you going tomorrow night?" Motoki asked conversationally, leaning over the counter to Mamoru who stared, as usual, into a coffee cup. "You gonna drink that or wait for it to tell you your future?"
Mamoru sighed and looked up at him. "Of course I'm going tomorrow night. I don't care if a thousand youma's come tangoing down the street and ask me to dance, I'm going."
Motoki's lips quirked up in a smile as he pictured the thousand tangoing youmas. "Well practically everyone is going to be there. The pot just keeps going higher and I'm hoping to cash in."
"Do you have any idea why she chose the Mixer?" Mamoru shook his head. "What the hell is going on there that we don't know about?"
"Probably a great deal." Motoki admitted. "We always go to the Jive to hang out, we never go to the Mixer, hell we never even consider it. Everyone goes to the Jive."
"So of course she'd go where no one would know her or recognize her." Mamoru nodded. "Makes sense."
"What are you planning to wear?" Motoki eyed him. "If you say that damn pink shirt or green jacket I'll have to kill you."
"What the hell is wrong with that outfit?"
"It should have been arrested by the fashion police for being hopelessly out of date and a total eyesore! If she does say yes to you, PLEASE let her dress you!"
"Oh bugger off Motoki." Mamoru grumbled.
Motoki's eyes widened. "Sweet mother of the Goddess...you're talking like her! You've got it BAD!"
Mamoru didn't deny it anymore. It was pointless and he didn't want to fight anymore. He hoped she said yes so he could spend the rest of eternity making up with her. "So what do you recommend I wear?"
"The famous Tuxedo Kamen asking me for fashion tips!" Motoki chortled. "I never thought I'd see the day!"
"He did?" The voice of Haruka asked.
"Have you been eavesdropping? Not an attractive thing to do." Mamoru scowled at her.
Haruka slid onto a stool. "Damn. Being unattractive to you haunts me so." She sighed melodramatically. "You need fashion help and finally have enough sense to ask for it. THANK YOU GODDESS!" she raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Motoki can I get a cola?"
Motoki nodded. "Sure thing. No tea today?"
Haruka shrugged. "One can only drink so much tea before one goes insane." (A.N - Believe me I know! My grandmother was a Brit and she LIVED off tea and forced me to drink it whether I wanted to or not…how I hated 'daily teatime!' apologies to any Brit's who read this…no offence!) She turned to Mamoru. "So you need to know what to wear on Friday night. Well I happen to know what Koneko-chan finds sexy and appealing in a man."
"How would you know that?" Mamoru eyed her, not trusting her.
"Because once when she was shopping with Michi and myself, she was eyeing the guys and Michiru asked her what she found sexy and attractive in a man." Haruka answered blithely.
"So then tell me."
Haruka shook her head. "No way. For this I'm going to have to show you. Unless it's wearing a tuxedo, you need all the help you can get."
Motoki nodded solemly. "I agree. So, let's go!"
Haruka stood. "To the Outer Senshi Mobile!" she pointed to the door then shrugged as Mamoru and Motoki eyed her with shock. "A girl has to have a little fun once in awhile, doesn't she?"
"If I try on any pants promise me you won't come in the changing room."
"I promise nothing." Haruka replied, humour in her eyes.
Usagi was torn with nervousness as Friday approached. She had never been nervous about going to the Mixer on their amateur night, never nervous about getting up on stage. The night was about poets and singers and actors and artists. It was the one night where one could do what they wished and wouldn't get TOO much scorn thrown at them. The Mixer was for artistic types and Usagi knew no one who went there, not even Michiru. It had been her secret, but was such a relief to finally perform in public. Now the place, her place, would be filled to the gills with people she knew. She hoped and prayed she wouldn't make a fool of herself. Closing her eyes and trying to find a calm centre, she failed. Opening her eyes she decided she should finish this biology test she was taking.
"Look!" Makoto nudged Ami. "It's the great invisible Usagi of the north!"
Ami's hands covered her mouth. "It is, isn't it? Could it be? The rarest specimen of them all!"
Minako wasn't as circumspect. "Tsukino Usagi!" she shrieked, causing Usagi to jump. "Where the HELL have you been hiding for the past week and a half?"
"Shut up Minako," Usagi grumbled. "They can hear you on the moon."
"Well you're from there so you should know." Minako replied. "So, answer the question, where have you been?"
"Just…around." Usagi replied, her eyes dancing from side to side, seeking escape.
"Resistance is futile." Makoto's eyes lit up as she advanced on her cowering friend.
Usagi loved her friends to death, they were as loyal as the day was long, devoted to her and faithful, backing her totally. Until they wanted information, then they banded against her and advanced like a pack of wolves on injured prey, and Usagi right now was the hunted. "Um…I have somewhere to be." She nodded.
Makoto shook her head. "You don't think we're buying THAT story do you?"
Usagi trembled. "All will be revealed tomorrow night." She whispered. She didn't dare confess that she had begged, threatened and ordered Setsuna to slow down time. Setsuna had agreed to slow it to half time so Usagi could have more time to complete her project and Setsuna could get a few laughs out of it. She had already told Usagi that she was getting blamed for how slow time was going, but as long as it amused her because those were the memories she'd replay when she took up her solitary vigil once more.
"Tsukino Usagi!" Haruna's voice broke into the interrogation. "Come with me! I need to have a work with you."
Usagi's friends didn't dare argue with a teacher, and Usagi breathed a sigh of relied. "Arigatou Sensei." She bowed quickly. "Nani?"
Haruna shoved Usagi into an empty classroom. "Your biology score was abysmal Usagi, but I'm willing to let it slide since you have so much else on your mind, but Monday you take a make up exam."
Usagi nodded, eyeing her teacher suspiciously. "Why are you being so nice to me? You never make this offer."
"And I may never make it again." Haruna said grimly. "But I don't want you getting detention either today or tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day for you."
Usagi nodded. "It is." Her head snapped up. "How do you know about that?"
Haruna laughed. "Usagi, I'm in this for two hundred dollars now! I've been watching you and that gentleman, the one you refer to as "ass wipe" for weeks! I haven't been so amused in my entire life, though I don't approve of your vocabulary; I love the irony in this entire situation!"
"Is that why you've been giving me better grades?"
"Of course. I'm taking what I see in real life and bringing it to the classroom. If only you could be as creative in your studies as you are in insulting that man." Haruna shook her head. "You owe me for rescuing you from your little posse out there."
Usagi nodded. "What do you have in mind sensei?"
"Tell me what you are doing at the Mixer." Haruna's eyes lit up.
"Sorry sensei, you'll have to wait like everyone else." Usagi quickly slipped out of the room, convinced the world had gone mad.
"Damn it!" Haruna shook her head. "I thought for sure she'd cave. I can't wait that long!" In a remarkably Usagi-like wail, Haruna vented.
Friday. 2200 hours. Mamoru and the senshi and Motoki sat front and centre at the Mixer, wincing as he listened to another bad poet. Now he knew why no one ever came here. The audience was growing restless, waiting for the main event. Mamoru had had to brush off countless girls since coming in, his new look causing the Inners to stare at him with hearts in their eyes. Haruka and Motoki certainly knew what Usagi liked if what he was wearing was any indication. Haruka (and it had taken her hours) convinced him to go with black leather pants, and Motoki insisted that a red silk shirt would drive Usagi mad. His hair was tousled and roguishly styled, thanks to Michiru fussing over him. So here he sat, unused to wearing clothing like this but admitting that he'd wear a barrel if Usagi thought it was appealing. Another actor came on stage. "If he starts to mime he's a dead man." Mamoru whispered to Motoki.
The man started to mime and Mamoru half stood, Motoki pulling him back down. "Forgive him Mamoru, he knows not the idiocy of what he does."
"What is the damn time?" Minako burst out, unable to take any more.
"2215." Motoki replied.
"In normal time!" Minako growled.
"10:15!" Ami threw up her hands. "Honestly, listen to some of these monologues. I could do better and I don't do things like this!"
Minako pointed at Setsuna who looked gorgeous in a deep maroon sheath. "You screwed with time didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?" she shrieked, reaching for her throat. "Admit it!"
Setsuna sighed as she grabbed Minako and shook her. "You accuse me of that one more time Minako and I'm going to tie you up with bungee cord, hang you from the ceiling and use you for a punching bag!" (thanks to BenRG for the suggestion in your review)
Minako shook her head. "I don't believe you."
"Then believe this," Haruka growled. "If you don't sit down and shut up, I'm going to truss you up like a pig, paint you purple and drop you naked into a teenage boys bathroom with the words 'take me I'm cheap' written on your forehead!"
Minako sat down, Haruka finally having gotten through to her. A faint blush was on her cheeks as she winked at Haruka. "Does it have to be purple paint?"
Haruka half rose from her chair as Michiru pulled her back down and signalled the waiter to bring another drink.
The lights dimmed and people drew in their breath. 10:30. At last. The emcee came onstage. "And now ladies and gentlemen, I've been informed that our increased crowd here tonight is here for one very special lady who graces our stage often. Without further ado or delay since I see how impatient this crowd at the front table is getting, here is Tsukino Usagi in all her talented glory!"
Applause filled the Mixer politely, no one expecting too much from Usagi. The lights went out and stayed out for a moment, the only light from the candles. Usagi's voice echoed through the dark. "I want everyone to know that what I am about to do, I wrote myself. I did everything myself to the last detail, and while I know no one is expecting me to be that good, I may surprise you. This is for my greatest enemy, the ass wipe in the front row who torments and tortures me to the point of madness. This is the damn answer you've been waiting for half wit, and I don't want to hear any arguments about it once I'm done. My answer if final. Thank you all for coming."
"That doesn't sound good Mamoru." Motoki whispered.
Minako's eyes were wide. Had Usagi changed her mind? She hadn't said more than three words to them for the past week. Her thoughts were cut short as a Usagi's voice once more came through the dark. "Under a lover's sky, going to be with you and no one's going to be around, if you think that you won't fall then just wait until, 'till the sun goes down…"
The house lights came up, temporarily blinding everyone as the music rose in harmony and Usagi's voice rose. Jaws dropped at the sight of her. For this night Usagi had let her hair down, literally. It cascaded down her back and to the floor in a golden-silver wave. She was in a midriff revealing baby tee shirt that showed her killer figure and a gorgeous black miniskirt. She looked breathtaking, dressed in red and white. She appeared the symbol of purity and innocence. "Underneath the starlight, starlight, there's a magical feeling so right, feel it steal your heart tonight." She walked to the end of the stage and dipped to her knees, making eye contact with Mamoru whose jaw hung open still. "You can try to resist, try to hide from my kiss but you, don't you know that you can't fight the moonlight. Deep in the dark, you surrender your heart, but you know, don't you know that you, can't fight the moonlight…no, you can't fight it. It's gonna get to your heart."
She pointed at him winked and smiled. "There's no escape from love, once the gentle breeze weaves itself upon your heart. No matter what you think, there's no way to know 'till you're in my arms. Underneath the starlight, starlight, we'll get lost in the rhythm so right, feel it steal your heart tonight…" she sang her heart out on that stage, captivating everyone, mystifying her friends who were dumbstruck with awe. Michiru smiled gently as she held her hands clasped together, watching the talent Usagi had hidden for so long. Minako had her head cupped in her hands, a dreamy smile on her face as she listened, unable to believe that voice was her best friends'. Rei and Makoto shared smiles as they glared at any man who called out crude comments to her. Motoki had to remind Mamoru to resume breathing when his face turned blue from shock. Nothing could take his eyes off the vision on stage. Setsuna smiled enigmatically, being the only one who had known about Usagi's secret, the only one Usagi had ever trusted to tell. Haruka eyed Usagi appreciatively before smiling and closing her eyes, letting the music wash over her. Truly her princess was talented as she had always known. Haruna sat back in her chair, stunned by her worst student who had the most gorgeous voice she'd ever heard.
"…you can't fight the moonlight…no, you can't fight it…it's gonna get to your heart." Usagi's voice dropped as she finished her song and took a bow to the thunderous applause that filled the Mixer. Standing upright, she saw pride on the faces of her friends, and love on Mamoru's face as he applauded with all his might. Walking over to the edge of the stage, smiling inwardly at the intake of breath that filled the Mixer, she took his hand, looked him in the eye, nodded and smiled.
And that ends this chapter! Aren't I a stinker? Should I write an epilogue to let everyone know what happens? The song Usagi sang is "Can't fight the Moonlight by Leann Rimes." I love that song!! I'm still collecting emails if people want me to email them when I'm in Japan…two days to go…argh! Nerves! Please read and review but be kind! Reviews keep me going, and will especially over the next few weeks! I'm hoping people will want me to email them! Let me know if you're interested in the epilogue I have in mind or should I leave off here? Enjoy! Don't forget to check out my websites!
Ja!
The following week was agonizing torture for everyone who waited anxiously for the following Friday night. Things moved so slowly and in some cases time seemed to be going backwards, to the point where Minako screamed at Setsuna accusing her of meddling with time and making their wait longer. She had been so wired over the past week that she had found herself on the business end of Haruka's space sword with Setsuna's Garnet Orb held up to her throat with Michiru threatened her. She had been considerably subdued since then. Tension mounted as Usagi avoided both the café and the arcade, her friends not even seeing her at school as she hid from them, the bets in the arcade nearing four thousand dollars, Motoki praying he won this pot for then he could take Minako out in style. It had come as a shock to him to discover he had fallen for the hyperactive, mischievous blond girl. He now understood the strange twinkle Mamoru would get in is eye when he talked of Usagi, his little hellcat. Practically the entire town had made plans to be in the Mixer and Makoto wondered how the hell they all were going to fit in there. She had been dying to know about Usagi's secret hobby for years, all the senshi knowing she had it, but no one, not even Luna could tell what it was. The whole Tsukino family seemed to have a vow of silence about it, and not even the most persistent whining or pumping for information could get them to spill.
Mamoru was convinced he hadn't slept in weeks, not since Minako had begun this idiotic and imbecilic plan to get them together. (A.N - I celebrated 1 month of insomnia last night. Yippee me.) He had often taken great pleasure in thinking of ways to torture and irritate the petite blonde, and now when he closed his eyes he relived, in vivid detail, those hungry kisses he had shared with her. Desire shot through him. He remembered how disappointed she had looked when he told her he had finally run out of insults for her. She'd never willingly give up, he knew that because she was as stubborn as an ornery mule. So all he could do was wait, convinced time had damn near stopped and blowing up at Setsuna. He had gotten clobbered on the head quite severely with the Garnet Orb as Time's Guardian got fed up with being accused and told them that the next person who accused her of meddling with the timeline would get the Garnet Orb and Haruka's Space Sword shoved where the sun didn't shine. No one really said anything to Setsuna after that statement, fear overcoming their persistent desire to know why it was taking so damned long.
"So, you going tomorrow night?" Motoki asked conversationally, leaning over the counter to Mamoru who stared, as usual, into a coffee cup. "You gonna drink that or wait for it to tell you your future?"
Mamoru sighed and looked up at him. "Of course I'm going tomorrow night. I don't care if a thousand youma's come tangoing down the street and ask me to dance, I'm going."
Motoki's lips quirked up in a smile as he pictured the thousand tangoing youmas. "Well practically everyone is going to be there. The pot just keeps going higher and I'm hoping to cash in."
"Do you have any idea why she chose the Mixer?" Mamoru shook his head. "What the hell is going on there that we don't know about?"
"Probably a great deal." Motoki admitted. "We always go to the Jive to hang out, we never go to the Mixer, hell we never even consider it. Everyone goes to the Jive."
"So of course she'd go where no one would know her or recognize her." Mamoru nodded. "Makes sense."
"What are you planning to wear?" Motoki eyed him. "If you say that damn pink shirt or green jacket I'll have to kill you."
"What the hell is wrong with that outfit?"
"It should have been arrested by the fashion police for being hopelessly out of date and a total eyesore! If she does say yes to you, PLEASE let her dress you!"
"Oh bugger off Motoki." Mamoru grumbled.
Motoki's eyes widened. "Sweet mother of the Goddess...you're talking like her! You've got it BAD!"
Mamoru didn't deny it anymore. It was pointless and he didn't want to fight anymore. He hoped she said yes so he could spend the rest of eternity making up with her. "So what do you recommend I wear?"
"The famous Tuxedo Kamen asking me for fashion tips!" Motoki chortled. "I never thought I'd see the day!"
"He did?" The voice of Haruka asked.
"Have you been eavesdropping? Not an attractive thing to do." Mamoru scowled at her.
Haruka slid onto a stool. "Damn. Being unattractive to you haunts me so." She sighed melodramatically. "You need fashion help and finally have enough sense to ask for it. THANK YOU GODDESS!" she raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Motoki can I get a cola?"
Motoki nodded. "Sure thing. No tea today?"
Haruka shrugged. "One can only drink so much tea before one goes insane." (A.N - Believe me I know! My grandmother was a Brit and she LIVED off tea and forced me to drink it whether I wanted to or not…how I hated 'daily teatime!' apologies to any Brit's who read this…no offence!) She turned to Mamoru. "So you need to know what to wear on Friday night. Well I happen to know what Koneko-chan finds sexy and appealing in a man."
"How would you know that?" Mamoru eyed her, not trusting her.
"Because once when she was shopping with Michi and myself, she was eyeing the guys and Michiru asked her what she found sexy and attractive in a man." Haruka answered blithely.
"So then tell me."
Haruka shook her head. "No way. For this I'm going to have to show you. Unless it's wearing a tuxedo, you need all the help you can get."
Motoki nodded solemly. "I agree. So, let's go!"
Haruka stood. "To the Outer Senshi Mobile!" she pointed to the door then shrugged as Mamoru and Motoki eyed her with shock. "A girl has to have a little fun once in awhile, doesn't she?"
"If I try on any pants promise me you won't come in the changing room."
"I promise nothing." Haruka replied, humour in her eyes.
Usagi was torn with nervousness as Friday approached. She had never been nervous about going to the Mixer on their amateur night, never nervous about getting up on stage. The night was about poets and singers and actors and artists. It was the one night where one could do what they wished and wouldn't get TOO much scorn thrown at them. The Mixer was for artistic types and Usagi knew no one who went there, not even Michiru. It had been her secret, but was such a relief to finally perform in public. Now the place, her place, would be filled to the gills with people she knew. She hoped and prayed she wouldn't make a fool of herself. Closing her eyes and trying to find a calm centre, she failed. Opening her eyes she decided she should finish this biology test she was taking.
"Look!" Makoto nudged Ami. "It's the great invisible Usagi of the north!"
Ami's hands covered her mouth. "It is, isn't it? Could it be? The rarest specimen of them all!"
Minako wasn't as circumspect. "Tsukino Usagi!" she shrieked, causing Usagi to jump. "Where the HELL have you been hiding for the past week and a half?"
"Shut up Minako," Usagi grumbled. "They can hear you on the moon."
"Well you're from there so you should know." Minako replied. "So, answer the question, where have you been?"
"Just…around." Usagi replied, her eyes dancing from side to side, seeking escape.
"Resistance is futile." Makoto's eyes lit up as she advanced on her cowering friend.
Usagi loved her friends to death, they were as loyal as the day was long, devoted to her and faithful, backing her totally. Until they wanted information, then they banded against her and advanced like a pack of wolves on injured prey, and Usagi right now was the hunted. "Um…I have somewhere to be." She nodded.
Makoto shook her head. "You don't think we're buying THAT story do you?"
Usagi trembled. "All will be revealed tomorrow night." She whispered. She didn't dare confess that she had begged, threatened and ordered Setsuna to slow down time. Setsuna had agreed to slow it to half time so Usagi could have more time to complete her project and Setsuna could get a few laughs out of it. She had already told Usagi that she was getting blamed for how slow time was going, but as long as it amused her because those were the memories she'd replay when she took up her solitary vigil once more.
"Tsukino Usagi!" Haruna's voice broke into the interrogation. "Come with me! I need to have a work with you."
Usagi's friends didn't dare argue with a teacher, and Usagi breathed a sigh of relied. "Arigatou Sensei." She bowed quickly. "Nani?"
Haruna shoved Usagi into an empty classroom. "Your biology score was abysmal Usagi, but I'm willing to let it slide since you have so much else on your mind, but Monday you take a make up exam."
Usagi nodded, eyeing her teacher suspiciously. "Why are you being so nice to me? You never make this offer."
"And I may never make it again." Haruna said grimly. "But I don't want you getting detention either today or tomorrow. Tomorrow is a big day for you."
Usagi nodded. "It is." Her head snapped up. "How do you know about that?"
Haruna laughed. "Usagi, I'm in this for two hundred dollars now! I've been watching you and that gentleman, the one you refer to as "ass wipe" for weeks! I haven't been so amused in my entire life, though I don't approve of your vocabulary; I love the irony in this entire situation!"
"Is that why you've been giving me better grades?"
"Of course. I'm taking what I see in real life and bringing it to the classroom. If only you could be as creative in your studies as you are in insulting that man." Haruna shook her head. "You owe me for rescuing you from your little posse out there."
Usagi nodded. "What do you have in mind sensei?"
"Tell me what you are doing at the Mixer." Haruna's eyes lit up.
"Sorry sensei, you'll have to wait like everyone else." Usagi quickly slipped out of the room, convinced the world had gone mad.
"Damn it!" Haruna shook her head. "I thought for sure she'd cave. I can't wait that long!" In a remarkably Usagi-like wail, Haruna vented.
Friday. 2200 hours. Mamoru and the senshi and Motoki sat front and centre at the Mixer, wincing as he listened to another bad poet. Now he knew why no one ever came here. The audience was growing restless, waiting for the main event. Mamoru had had to brush off countless girls since coming in, his new look causing the Inners to stare at him with hearts in their eyes. Haruka and Motoki certainly knew what Usagi liked if what he was wearing was any indication. Haruka (and it had taken her hours) convinced him to go with black leather pants, and Motoki insisted that a red silk shirt would drive Usagi mad. His hair was tousled and roguishly styled, thanks to Michiru fussing over him. So here he sat, unused to wearing clothing like this but admitting that he'd wear a barrel if Usagi thought it was appealing. Another actor came on stage. "If he starts to mime he's a dead man." Mamoru whispered to Motoki.
The man started to mime and Mamoru half stood, Motoki pulling him back down. "Forgive him Mamoru, he knows not the idiocy of what he does."
"What is the damn time?" Minako burst out, unable to take any more.
"2215." Motoki replied.
"In normal time!" Minako growled.
"10:15!" Ami threw up her hands. "Honestly, listen to some of these monologues. I could do better and I don't do things like this!"
Minako pointed at Setsuna who looked gorgeous in a deep maroon sheath. "You screwed with time didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?" she shrieked, reaching for her throat. "Admit it!"
Setsuna sighed as she grabbed Minako and shook her. "You accuse me of that one more time Minako and I'm going to tie you up with bungee cord, hang you from the ceiling and use you for a punching bag!" (thanks to BenRG for the suggestion in your review)
Minako shook her head. "I don't believe you."
"Then believe this," Haruka growled. "If you don't sit down and shut up, I'm going to truss you up like a pig, paint you purple and drop you naked into a teenage boys bathroom with the words 'take me I'm cheap' written on your forehead!"
Minako sat down, Haruka finally having gotten through to her. A faint blush was on her cheeks as she winked at Haruka. "Does it have to be purple paint?"
Haruka half rose from her chair as Michiru pulled her back down and signalled the waiter to bring another drink.
The lights dimmed and people drew in their breath. 10:30. At last. The emcee came onstage. "And now ladies and gentlemen, I've been informed that our increased crowd here tonight is here for one very special lady who graces our stage often. Without further ado or delay since I see how impatient this crowd at the front table is getting, here is Tsukino Usagi in all her talented glory!"
Applause filled the Mixer politely, no one expecting too much from Usagi. The lights went out and stayed out for a moment, the only light from the candles. Usagi's voice echoed through the dark. "I want everyone to know that what I am about to do, I wrote myself. I did everything myself to the last detail, and while I know no one is expecting me to be that good, I may surprise you. This is for my greatest enemy, the ass wipe in the front row who torments and tortures me to the point of madness. This is the damn answer you've been waiting for half wit, and I don't want to hear any arguments about it once I'm done. My answer if final. Thank you all for coming."
"That doesn't sound good Mamoru." Motoki whispered.
Minako's eyes were wide. Had Usagi changed her mind? She hadn't said more than three words to them for the past week. Her thoughts were cut short as a Usagi's voice once more came through the dark. "Under a lover's sky, going to be with you and no one's going to be around, if you think that you won't fall then just wait until, 'till the sun goes down…"
The house lights came up, temporarily blinding everyone as the music rose in harmony and Usagi's voice rose. Jaws dropped at the sight of her. For this night Usagi had let her hair down, literally. It cascaded down her back and to the floor in a golden-silver wave. She was in a midriff revealing baby tee shirt that showed her killer figure and a gorgeous black miniskirt. She looked breathtaking, dressed in red and white. She appeared the symbol of purity and innocence. "Underneath the starlight, starlight, there's a magical feeling so right, feel it steal your heart tonight." She walked to the end of the stage and dipped to her knees, making eye contact with Mamoru whose jaw hung open still. "You can try to resist, try to hide from my kiss but you, don't you know that you can't fight the moonlight. Deep in the dark, you surrender your heart, but you know, don't you know that you, can't fight the moonlight…no, you can't fight it. It's gonna get to your heart."
She pointed at him winked and smiled. "There's no escape from love, once the gentle breeze weaves itself upon your heart. No matter what you think, there's no way to know 'till you're in my arms. Underneath the starlight, starlight, we'll get lost in the rhythm so right, feel it steal your heart tonight…" she sang her heart out on that stage, captivating everyone, mystifying her friends who were dumbstruck with awe. Michiru smiled gently as she held her hands clasped together, watching the talent Usagi had hidden for so long. Minako had her head cupped in her hands, a dreamy smile on her face as she listened, unable to believe that voice was her best friends'. Rei and Makoto shared smiles as they glared at any man who called out crude comments to her. Motoki had to remind Mamoru to resume breathing when his face turned blue from shock. Nothing could take his eyes off the vision on stage. Setsuna smiled enigmatically, being the only one who had known about Usagi's secret, the only one Usagi had ever trusted to tell. Haruka eyed Usagi appreciatively before smiling and closing her eyes, letting the music wash over her. Truly her princess was talented as she had always known. Haruna sat back in her chair, stunned by her worst student who had the most gorgeous voice she'd ever heard.
"…you can't fight the moonlight…no, you can't fight it…it's gonna get to your heart." Usagi's voice dropped as she finished her song and took a bow to the thunderous applause that filled the Mixer. Standing upright, she saw pride on the faces of her friends, and love on Mamoru's face as he applauded with all his might. Walking over to the edge of the stage, smiling inwardly at the intake of breath that filled the Mixer, she took his hand, looked him in the eye, nodded and smiled.
And that ends this chapter! Aren't I a stinker? Should I write an epilogue to let everyone know what happens? The song Usagi sang is "Can't fight the Moonlight by Leann Rimes." I love that song!! I'm still collecting emails if people want me to email them when I'm in Japan…two days to go…argh! Nerves! Please read and review but be kind! Reviews keep me going, and will especially over the next few weeks! I'm hoping people will want me to email them! Let me know if you're interested in the epilogue I have in mind or should I leave off here? Enjoy! Don't forget to check out my websites!
Ja!