Shall We Dance
Co-written by: Eternal Angel and Mehgth
stargazing12@hotmail.com, hime_serenity_chan@yahoo.com
Rated: PG

AN:  Hehe- this has to be the most sickening innocent
thingy that I have ever written... although it did
help to have Kirei my Love overseeing the content! 
Hehe- So, enjoy Minna-chan!  And A Merry Belated
Christmas, and HAPPY EMSiT Day!!!!


Snowflakes glistening with crystalized corners were
falling softly out the parlor window.  A warm fire
danced in the grate, and she could feel the warmth of
Christmas slowly spinning it's way towards them, and
she couldn't help but wish to celebrate it with her
friends.  She always enjoyed the season, and company
would have made the season so much better.  She
sighed, wondering what to do...

"A buffet?" She muttered silently to herself, tapping
the pencil on the notepad full of scribbled out ideas,
as the dark haired child watched her aqua-haired mama
frown and pout.  

She giggled and bounded over to lean her little chin
over her shoulder.  "Whatcha doing Michiru-Mama?"

Michiru turned to the child and smiled.  "I'm trying
to figure out what to do this Christmas..."

The child's eyes widened at the thought of a rowdy
Christmas filled with laughter and joy ... and lots of
presents for her ... Hotaru leapt in front of Michiru
in her excitement and she worried her bottom lip
trying to think of what would be the most fun.  Her
thoughts echoed aloud, and exuberantly she called out,
"How about ... a ..." she frowned, trying to think up
something nice to do.  "A.... dance!!   A BALL!  What
about that Michiru-Mama?"

Michiru grinned.  "Not a bad idea ... not so bad at
all ..."

***

Usagi smiled at the doorman as he opened the door to
her apartment for her.  The snow outside had drizzled
a soft carpet onto the ground.  It was captivating -
as she stood and opened her mailbox ... she fumbled
with her mittens and then secured the mail and headed
towards the elevator as she pressed the distinct
button with the number five on it.  

In the elevator, she began to glance through the
different letters.  She muttered under her breath,
"Bill ... Bill ... Win 10,000 yen ... Bill ... Bill
...." her eyes lit up at the sign of a personal
envelope!  She eyed it, wondering if Christmas cards
would come this soon ... it was still another three
weeks.  They usually came filtering in a week before
.... 

She opened it cautiously and her eyes glazed over when
she read the words: "Christmas party" and "costume"
... another sheet of paper was tucked in with the
card, "Fairy-Tale Princess" she frowned.  What in the
world...?

***

Haruka waltzed into the living room.  "Hello love."
She bent down to give Michiru a peck on the cheek. 
"How was your day?"

"Detailed."

Quirking an eyebrow, Haruka turned to her partner with
a questioning expression, "Detailed?"

Michiru nodded a gleam in her eyes.  Just then a
bundle of dark-haired energy bounded into Haruka's
lap.  "Haruka-poppa!  We're having a Christmas party!"

Bouncing the little one on her knee Haruka drawled
out, "We are eh?"

"Hai!  Michiru-mama said so!"  The little one crowed
triumphantly clapping her hands in glee.

With a sardonic smile Haruka turned to Michiru. "And
just when was Mama going to mention this party to
Poppa eh?"

"Anou... I was going to soon... honest!"  Michiru
winked.  "Besides won't it be nice to have a little
life brought into this quiet place?  I've invited a
bunch of people...  It'll be wonderful Haruka!"

"Well I can't argue with that now can I?" Haruka
sighed in defeat, but a suspicious twinkle lit in the
corner of her eye.  Hotaru leapt up and threw her
little arms around both her parent's and then ran up
the stairs belting out loudly:

"HOORAY!  CHRISTMAS!"

***

Mamoru shoved open the door and tripped over the
package lying at his feet.  Sprawled on the floor, he
shook his head and struggled to regain his dignity as
he rose to his feet.  Tightly closing the door he
turned to the offensive mail.  Ripping open the brown
paper he found some brightly wrapped paper packages. 
"Motoki... you shouldn't have." He mused and set the
box aside to be opened later.  

He sat back against his door and leafed through the
rest of his mail.  Mostly bills... until he came
across a gold-embroidered envelope.  "Tenoh?  I don't
know a Tenoh..." he slipped his finger in the crevice
and pulled open the envelope.  An invitation to some
costume/Christmas party fell into his lap and Mamoru
quickly scanned over the details.  Then he noticed the
small card tucked in the bottom corner of the
envelope.  "Fairy-Tale Prince," it read.

***

Winter swept the streets as blankets of pure whiteness
covered them.  She was so entranced by the beauty of
it, that she paid no attention to the bitter cold wind
that tore against her cheek and face and lingering at
any other parts of her body that stood exposed to the
open air.  It was exhilarating - the days had become
so short, and the sun had parted from the sky already,
revealing the partially hidden moon from beneath the
thick gray clouds.

She sighed at her tendency to drift away while she
turned her gaze away from the sky, and carefully made
her way up the icy paved path of the walkway leading
to the enormous mansion.  Her heart tittered with
nervousness, for she couldn't help but wonder of the
possibilities yet to come.

Although Setsuna, who also helped with the party, was
very charitable in helping her pick out her costume,
she was unable to find out who she was partnered with.
 Her mouth tilted into a sweet smile when she thought
of how romantic this party was based on.  Every guest
was matched with another, they only had to find their
match.  She was somewhat disappointed that she didn't
yet know who her prince was, although she found
holding the aura of mystery was very mystical.

Entering, the doorman smiled at her, asking for her
coat.  She slowly slipped it off, and the soft breeze
from the slightly jarred door caused her to shudder,
due to the non-wintery material of the dress.  

Silk wrapped with a thousand tiny beads glimmered on
the skirt, and the modest-cut bodice was decorated
with six golden rings splayed across her breasts to
accent them sensually.  Puffed sleeves rested on the
bottom of her shoulder, which left her arms bare, and
a circlet of golden beads adorned her wrist.  

She wore her hair up in her customary buns with two
pearl barrettes placed above either side of her
forehead.  The back of the dress dipped down to show a
generous portion of her creamy back, and a long sash
wrapped around her waist and was tied into a large bow
that's ends drifted down to the hem of the dress.  The
skirt was bell-like and matching slippers completed
her ensemble.  The dress made her feel like a princess
waiting for her prince to come… 

Speaking of her prince…

'And where might my prince be?' she couldn't help but
wonder as she stifled back a giggle at the next
thought as she continued walking, 'I wonder if he
would be wearing tights.'

At the thought, Peter Pan walked by … tights and all. 
She sniffled back laughter as she stopped at the
entrance of the ballroom.  

Almost everyone was paired up happily, enjoying the
presence of their partners.  Everyone except possibly
'Jane' who acted as if she didn't know 'Tarzan' who
was … beating on his chest?  She shook her head as her
mind began to wonder who her partner was; how he was
like … Dark haired, deep eyes, beautiful smile.  She
let out a sigh - how romantic it would be if her
partner turned out to be her one true love, showering
her with sweet words and kisses …

And then she saw him, clad in a beautiful armored
prince outfit that she found admirable.  Her heart
sped up, and her senses felt drugged.  He was … wow …
she couldn't help but feel something deep inside of
her that she never ever knew existed, begin to emerge
from deep inside of her.

'There's my prince,' she couldn't help but think.  'My
prince …'

Gathering up her courage, she walked up to him and
smiled.

This was going to be a very nice night.

***

Mamoru entered the hall.  He felt ridiculous.  If only
Motoki hadn't talked him into coming to this gig.  And
oh Kami-sama!  Mamoru chanced a look at Motoki who was
currently beating his fists on his bare stomach and
screaming "AHHHUHHHHAHHHH!!!!" Like Tarzan.  Reika
dressed as "Jane" smacked him on the arm and blinked
embarrassed.  Chuckling Motoki turned back to her and
smiled at his girlfriend.  Mamoru turned away from the
scene and shuffled over towards the doorway.

Sighing he glanced down at his watch.  Six o'clock. 
Well hells bells... six hours before he could leave. 
Christmas Eve just shouldn't be spent like this.  He
walked by a mirror, well he had to admit.  He did look
damned good.

The black armor suit he'd found last minute in the
costume shop, looked like it had been made for him. 
Silver shoulder pads protruded from the sides and a
long black cape with a red interior was draped over
them.  Metal armor pads hung around his torso and off
of his hips, and they rode down his legs.  Long,
black, leather boots reached to the middle of his
thighs and a sword hung from his side.  He cracked a
smile at his complexion.  A lock of his ebony hair
fell over the front of his iced-blue eyes and he
shrugged as he took a step backwards.  Well here he
was dressed as a prince.  Now he had to go and rescue
his princess.

Sighing he leaned back against the wall.  He chanced a
look across the room at Motoki.  Oh dear... Mamoru
made a hasty retreat back towards the entrance more. 
Maybe he could even sneak out...  But no.  There was
supposedly someone waiting here for him.  'All so
terribly romantic.  Gimme a break.'  Mamoru ran a hand
through his hair and looked towards the entrance.

His jaw dropped to the floor as he caught sight of the
golden enchantress.  Her hair was fastened into some
kind of balls on the top of her head.  Pearl barrettes
were clipped above her bangs and her crystal blue eyes
gazed in front of her.  And the dress?  Sugoi!  The
long white dress hugged her slender figure.  A golden
embroidered bodice enhanced her curves, and puffy
sleeves rested on her petite shoulders.  The dress was
tight until it reached her waist and then it fell
loosely the rest of the way.  Folds and folds of
beautiful white silk.  

A delighted smile lit her rosy lips and Mamoru watched
as she began walking purposefully in his direction.

She was his princess.  

Suddenly her eyes lifted and met his own.  Mamoru
gulped and stared back into her crystal blue orbs. 
Then he realized that she was almost there.

...And then she smiled...

She walked up to him, her eyes gleaming with an awing
look.  "Hi," she said, her grin large, "I guess you're
my Prince."

Her words hung in the air as he glanced at her, eyes
gleaming.  She had an aura of innocence, and he
couldn't help but be captivated by it ... She was so
pure ... But what was he?  A symbol of darkness?  She-
frightened him.  Gulping, he turned to her and nodded
to acknowledge her presence, "Yep.  Nice to see you
Odango Atama."

Her eyes widened and she could feel the anger build up
within her.  Who did he think he was coming in here
and insulting her?!   "Don't call me Odanga Atama!!!"

Blinking he chuckled back at her.  "You've got spunk
eh?  I'm Chiba Mamoru.  It's nice to meet you Odango
Atama." He grinned lewdly, extending himself in a
mock-bow.

His eyes glimmered at her, their beautiful rugged
deepths captivated her.  she felt lost... that was
until she heard that phrase again.  "Odango Atama ..."
shaking her head, she couldn't figure out why he was
so frustrating!   Why couldn't they just look into
each other's eyes and fall deep in love and sprinkle
each other with kisses?

Her firey eyes gazed up at him, their burning depths
gazed at his eyes with such undeniable passion as she
said in a chilling calm tone, "My name is not Odango
Atama.  It's Tsukino Usagi.  But of course a man with
such stupidity wouldn't know anything ... would he?"

Mamoru gazed down into the depths of the firey-ice
blue blue eyes and quirked a grin.  Lazily he drawled
out; "Whatever you say Odango Atama." Loving the way
her pert little nose turned up in indignation he
winked and was rewarded with a furious scowl.

"My name is not Odango Atama!  It's Usagi!!  Get that
through your head Mamoru-baka!"  

Taken aback, Mamoru's grin widened.  Well the little
chit had spirit now did she?  "Okay Odango Atama, may
I have this dance?" Mamoru raised his hand and waited
for her to take his own.

She hesitated, not knowing what to answer.  She turned
her head to the side, and watched as everyone went
onto the dance floor.  Dancing couldn't hurt ... could
it?  Numbly, she nodded an agreement as he quickly
swept her into his arms and onto the dance floor ....
Mamoru was entranced.  He had one of the loveliest
girls in his arms and she was all his for the evening.
 He marveled at how well they fit, like two pieces in
a puzzle almost.  The dance switched to a slower
waltz, and he pulled her closer against him.

She shuddered softly, his warmth enclosing her in.  It
felt so right ... so wonderful.  She snuggled in
deeper, falling into his arms as she took in a deep
intake of breath, smelling the soft fragrances of
roses ... 

She sighed contently

Mamoru looked down at the lavish beauty held in his
arms.  His gaze chanced on her lips.  Soft and full,
all he could think about was what would they taste
like?  

Usagi gazed into his eyes.  Their was a hardness in
them, but she noticed that he was not chancing to look
into her eyes.  No he was focused on something else. 
Her eyes followed his cheekbones down to his slightly
parted lips.  They looked hard and inviting. 
Unconsciously she leaned her head closer to his.

He began leaning in and... the music ended. Mamoru and
Usagi quickly shoved away from each other.  Mamoru ran
a hand through his hair nervously.  Usagi messed with
her dress.  They both avoided eye contact.

Nervously, Mamoru cleared his throat, "So Odango
Atama, who invited you?"

“Haruka- she’s my cousin, did you know?”

 "Really?  Michiru invited me - she's my cousin also."
 He bit back, finding it ironic.

Usagi's eyes brightened. "Honto?  You're *the*
Mamoru-kun?" 

He blinked a few times.  "Erm.  Hai?"

She let out a laugh, "And to think I heard only good
things about you!  Never has Michiru been so wrong..."

Her infectious laugh could only cause Mamoru to join
in, and his deep chuckle mingled with her spirited
giggle.  "Well, my dear Odango, I regret to inform you
that my cousin either forgot to mention you at all, or
you're not important enough to discuss."

Her laughter stopped as she glared at him, "I don't
care whether or not she has mentioned me to you or
not, because god knows i'm not important enough for
you."  she bit back sharply as she turned around and
stalk away, only pausing for a brief moment.  "And
it's Usagi, not Odango.  I wouldn't be caught dead
being your dumpling"

Quickly grasping her wrist he pulled her back towards
him.  "No wait!  Don't go Usagi-san."

She stared at him, surprised as he held her with a
possessive grip.  Easing away from him, she let out a
sad smile, "I wanna stay ... it's just that..." 
'...I'm afraid...' she couldn't bring herself to say
the rest as she slowly walked away from him, falling
lost within the crowd.
 
Without wasting a moment Mamoru ran after her. 
Catching sight of the golden 'odangos' he was growing
to adore so much, he trudged on through the crowd.  He
upset a woman dressed as some sort of Egyptian Queen
or something.

"Mamoru?" 

He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the woman
who called out his name.  "REI?!"

Mamoru certainly didn't expect to be confronted with
his ex-fiance at this little get-together.  But why
not now, his evening was already beginning to be more
and more miserable.  If only he had that little
sparkle left, and her name was Odango-no... her name
was Usagi.  Rabbit... his little rabbit... Usako.

"Yoo-hoo!  Mamoru." 

Blinking he turned towards her.  "Uh, hai?"

She smirked.  "There, I lost you again.  Well I was
just saying that it's nice to see you again."

Nodding he answered politely, "You too Rei, um, I uh,
got to get going here quick..."

Her eyes widened.  "Sure, sure.  Just a minute though,
I want you to meet someone."

"Well I uh-"  Rei didn't give him time to finish, she
linked her arm in his and then led him over towards
the punch.  Smiling one of her dazzling smiles at him
she turned towards a fair-haired man in a toga with
green leaves placed in his hair.

Abandoning Mamoru's side, Rei reached out for the
other man's hand and smiled up at him.  "Jadeite, this
is my friend Chiba Mamoru.  Mamoru, this is my
fiancée: Jadeite."  Rei smiled from one to the other. 
Jadeite made the first move and tipped his head. 
Mamoru assumed that that was what he considered a bow.
 He mimicked Jadeite, then turned towards Rei.

"Rei, you're just like I remembered you.  Jadeite it
was nice meeting you...  I hope you two have a lovely
life together."  He spun on his heel and walked away
seething.  It was just like Rei to pull something like
that over him.

But it didn't matter - she didn't matter.  All that
mattered was the golden haired angel that ... he
nearly fell over at the sight.  There she was, dancing
closely with another man! 

Growling he started marching forward when he felt
another arm on his shoulder.  Angrily spinning around
he was faced with his cousin.  "Oh.  Michiru."

Smiling she replied, "I thought it was you Mamoru. 
Are you enjoying the party?  Haruka and I are going to
play soon.  Ne... you haven't seen Hotaru-chan
anywhere have you?  We seem to have lost-  oh there
she is!  Arigatou Kami-sama!"  Michiru started off
when she felt an arm around hers.  Blinking she looked
up.  "Hai?"

"Did you invite Rei here?"  He ground out.

"Iie.  I think Haruka did."

"But you knew she was here?"

"Hai.  Mamoru, you've got to get over it.  Just leave
it be.  She has a new fiancée.  Let it go."

Chuckling sardonically he replied.  "Oh I have dear
cousin.  It's just she hasn't seemed to."

Michiru gave him a pitied look and then quickly
hurried away hastily calling a farewell as she chased
after the young child decked out in violet velvet. 
Mamoru groaned as he rolled his eyes.  Suddenly he
caught sight of his princess again, and he pushed all
the nasty thoughts of Rei aside and set off with a
determined expression on his face.

***

She heard a voice call out his name, as she couldn't
help but peer behind her, to see the dark figure stop
as a raven-haired Cleopatra appeared ....

She sighed, brushing her hair out of her face with a
sigh.  It figures - she just knew ... Shaking her
head, she bumped into a white-haired man dressed in...
LEAVES???

"Kombanwa."  He bowed to her and his violet eyes
captured her gaze.

She watched him, and horribly embarrassed, she
giggled.  Looking back, she turned to see Mamoru
talking to the girl who seemingly pounced at him. 
Sighing, she smiled up at him, "I hope you didn't pay
your tailor too much for that erm- interesting
outfit."

Chuckling he held out his hand.  "No... I picked them
from the trees myself.  You like?"  He turned around
in a circle and fixed his gaze back on her grinning. 
"Would you like to dance koishii hime?" He held out
his hand, shrugging she placed her own dainty one into
his own.  Grinning he pulled her into his arms and
spun around.

Surprised, she watched as his violet eyes peered at
her wonderously as she turned back to Mamoru who still
continued to talk to Cleopatra.  'I don't need him to
have fun,' And with that she tightened her grasp.

The man led her away and they danced on the floor of
the dance hall.  Feeling awkward Usagi started a
conversation.  "Ne, what are you supposed to be
anyways?"

The other man chuckled.  "Haven't you ever read the
Christain's bible?"  At Usagi's headshake he continued
on.  "Oh, well that would explain it.  I'm supposed to
be Adam and I'm hiding from my partner, who is Eve."

Giggling she asked the dreaded question.  "Why?"

In a grave tone he answered.  "She'll make me go back
in the closet with all those cows when we get home..."
 Deciding to turn to happier things he finished.  "But
that doesn't matter now.  I'm quite happy to be
dancing with you koishii hime."

Usagi nodded.  "It's nice to dance with you too uh-"

"Demando."

"Demando-san."  She rewarded him with a sparkling
smile and then she felt a hand on her arm. 

A woman clad in a dress composed of leaves and brush
jerked Usagi out of Demando’s arms and began screaming
wildly.  “DEMANDO YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO COME OUT OF
THAT CLOSET AGAIN!  I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THIS!
 TO ME?  THE ALMIGHTY EVIL MAD SCIENTIST?!?  HOW DARE
YOU MAKE SUCH A FOOL OF ME!!!”  Seething the psycho
turned to Usagi.  “AND YOU!  WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE
DOING WITH MY DATE?!?!?”

Usagi blinked a few times, “Erm, I was just going to
dance with Deman-“ 

"Don't talk back!!  I don't need to hear this!!" 
Rubbing her forehead, she took deep breaths and
sighed.  "But then again, I can't blame you, he is a
very attractive man ... but unavailable... so see ya
sweetie, he's mine."  WIth that she jerked the white
haired man away who gave her a "HELP ME" look.

"Wow, Mereidith sure is protective over him isn't
she?"  She glanced up into deep green eyes.  "Although
I can see why he would risk the chance of the closet
once again to have a dance with you.  My name is
Antonio Banderas."  He held out his hands, "If you
don't mind, I would like this next dance..."

Usagi hesitated, then smiling up at the man, nodded
and allowed herself to be swiftly drawn across the
polished dance floor. It was a wonderful dance, but
something was missing.  Yes, he was a nice man (Mehg:
AND SEXY!!!) to be pressed against, and equally built
like... like who?  What on earth was she thinking? 
"Am I going insane?"

Chuckling the big strong muscular man looked down at
the tiny little princess.  “I don’t know are you?”

“Oh I’m terribly sorry.  I think I’d like some fresh
air Mr. Banderas.”  Usagi untangled her arms from his,
and walked off in the general direction of fresh air.

***

He followed her as she walked onto the balcony,
advancing on her quickly as he grabbed her arm.  "What
do you think you're doing?"  He sneered at her, as she
stared at him in surprise.

Glaring at his offending hand, she met his chilled
gaze and stared back just as icily.  “I’m going for
some fresh air.”  She muttered wrenching her arm from
his grasp, and sauntering out onto the balcony.

"What do you want?"  she responded as he stared at her
grimly.  

"What were you doing in there?  Letting those men
touch you?!"  his eyes blazed onto her with so much
firey passion and jealousy that she was stunned by it.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?"  His arms
tightened around her as his lips focused on hers they
were so close ...

Gathering his senses he pulled back and reluctantly he
returned his arms to rest back against his sides.  His
hands itched to hold her, and he rudely shoved them
deep into his pockets.  “I’m your date for this party
Usako.”

Blinking she stared up and blue met blue.  “Why did
you call me that?”

"Call you what?"  He had asked her, perpluxed by her
words.

Staring intently she met his gaze.  “Oh nevermind.”

Mamoru nodded slightly and then turned her towards
him.  He took her hand and kissed it softly.  "Can we
start over Princess?"  He asked in a husky whisper.  

Usagi gulped and then unable to resist closed her eyes
and whispered back, "Hai.  I'd like that."  

Mamoru held his hand so she could link her's to his
and said, "Ready to go back in?"  

Sending a crooked smile his way she accepted by
placing her dainty gloved hand into his own.  "Okay. 
But this time I want some food!"

With a deep chuckle he agreed, "What milady wants,
milady shall have..." Together they made their way
back into the chaotic room.

Spotting the food Mamoru steered her over to the
spacious dining hall.  The hall was decked out
gloriously for the lavish feast that was spread on the
tables lining the walls.  Two-four person tables
littered the center of the room, and couples and
four-somes alike were enjoying all the cuisine left
for their taking.  Usagi's eyes glittered and she
pulled Mamoru towards the first table, like a large
dog pulls the little old lady walking it.

He watched as she picked out the food, poking at it to
make sure it was dead and then eating it as if there
was no tomorrow.  He had never met a girl like her
before, he couldn't help but wonder if she could feel
this connection also.  He then laughed at his
silliness.  He was a man, and men don't believe in
connections ...

Usagi swallowed another riceball.  "Or chu fonna geat
dat?"  She indicated to Mamoru's half-eaten plate. 
Without waiting for an answer Usagi's chopsticks
captured a piece of chicken and a contented smile
spread across her face.  It was wonderful being with
her Mamo-chan... WAIT!  Hold it just a second Usagi my
girl!  Where on earth did you come up with that
ridiculous name?  You just met the man this evening...
Breathe deep.  And don't let him know anything!  Usagi
stuffed another rice ball in her mouth and then gulped
down another cup of tea.

He shook his head, "Eat?  naw, I think you ate enough
for the both of us already Odango Atama."

"ARRG!  Don't call me that Mamoru-baka!"

"What?? It fits!  An odango head .... an odango body!"

Seething she pushed her now empty plate in front of
her then stood up and walked away.

He watched her leave and felt like slapping himself in
the head.  Damnit, he did it again didn't he?  He
shook his head, at his idiocy as he stared at her,
watching her walk away, her hips swaying about.

'Yeah right, an odango body? More like perfection.' 
He couldn't help but scold at himself, as he became
fully aware at the fact that he wasn't the only one
staring at his partner.

He seethed.  He'd be damned before he let anyone else
have her.  That was a promise he intended fully to
keep.

Usagi clambered through the crowd and placed herself
in the back of the room.  How could he be-be-be so
MALE!  Gritting her teeth she tossed her hair back and
sighed.  He seemed so nice too.  They were having such
a good time.  Baka.  "MAMORU NO BAKA!"  She shrieked
in anger.  Then gasped in horror when she heard a
growingly familiar chuckle.

"Mamoru no baka?"  He asked with a raised eyebrow as
she turned around to see him.  "I'm glad you hold such
a wonderful perspective about me, makes me have all
these warm and fuzzy feelings inside."  With that she
glared at him.  

"I don't want to talk to you about any warm and fuzzy
feelings you might be getting from these emotional
outbreaks I have towards you," she said sternly with a
groan.  "Emotional outbreaks.  Go figure, I never had
any before I met you ... and now I'm having them every
five minutes!  You are a horrible egotistical man, do
you know that?"

He let out a sloppy grin, "Always nice to expose you
to something new."

She let out an exasperated groan then squealed in
surprise when he clasped her hands and pulled her
close to him.  "Let me go you insolent- irreputable-
stup- GYAHHH!"  She finished when Mamoru pulled her
closer.  

"Come on Odango Atama.  One dance."

She frowned.  One dance.  Her heart beated faster, as
she felt his arms tighten around her already, sweeping
her away onto the dance floor.  "I ... okay," she said
shyly as his arms wrapped around her.

Mamoru grinned down at her and tightened his hand
around her waist.  "You know Odango- you're not shaped
like an Odango at all!"  A little form in Mamoru's
self-conscious began beating a mallet onto his head. 
'HOW LAME WAS THAT???' It screamed as it continued
it's thrashing.  

To his amazement, she giggled.  "Hai, I told you so-
Baka."  Smiling back into his eyes, she squeezed his
hand a little and laughed merrily.  "This is so much
fun, I feel like a real princess!" 

Mamoru waggled his eyebrows.  "And I my lady, am your
dashing prince ne?"

Giggling she replied.  "Oh I don't know..."
brightening she finished, "I know!  You can be the
footman!"

"FOOTMAN?!?!"

"You're right, a footman is too high of a status for
you ... you're a .... a ... FROG!"  She grinned, then
her expression grew a bit wary when she noticed the
glint in his eyes.

"A frog you say?  One that turns into a prince after
he recieved a kiss from his princess?"  His voice was
soft as he leaned over her.  "Lets try out that
theory." his lips whispered, hovering over her own and
with that statement, his lips assulted her own.

Her eyes opened wide, then closed as she began to
enjoy his kiss.  Her heart pounded, reason and logic
told her to pull away, and run for the hills. 'You
barely know him!'  'Ohhhhh... but this feels soooo
good...'  Grinning she reached her hand up to lean
against his chest, and gave into the kiss.  

His lips moved across her own softly, and her senses
spun as the kiss deepened.
 
“Well Mamoru, looks like you got over us real quick
ne?”   Usagi’s head jerked upward and she turned to
meet the voice.   

Mamoru gulped loudly and still holding onto Usagi
gritted out an obligatory introduction.  “Usagi, this
is Hino Rei, an uh- friend of mine.”

Rei looked from one to the other and then held out her
hand.  Usagi pushed Mamoru away and shook it firmly. 
“So good to meet you Hino-san.”  

Rei smirked, “Oh please, call me Rei- I’m sure Mamoru
has told you all about us ne?” She asked raising an
eyebrow.  

Usagi’s eyes widened and she threw an accused look
towards Mamoru.  “No.  I’m sorry Rei, but Mamoru-san
and I haven’t known each other long.” She finished
with a blush.

“Oh really?  Well that’s not what I gathered.  Well,
It was nice to meet you Usagi-san.  Mamoru.” Rei leant
up and gave Mamoru a firm kiss and then winked at
Usagi as she sashayed away.

“Usa-“

“I don’t want to have anything to do with you!”  She
exclaimed throwing her hands up when he tried to pull
her towards him.  “You disgust me, you- you PIG!” 
Mamoru watched with dismay as his princess took off
running in the opposite direction.   

“BAKA!” His inner voice screamed at him.  He stood
there for a full fifteen minutes recounting the scene
over and over, and during that time, Umino- dressed as
Peter Pan had pretended to fly off a chair, much to
his date: Naru’s embarrassment who was dressed as
Wendy.  He broke his wrist and Haruka dressed in a
black tuxedo with a half faced mask and messy hair
came over to inspect things.  

“Mamoru?”  

Mamoru was jerked out of his trance due to the
familiar voice and he turned to listen to them. 
“Mamoru, how are you liking the party?”  

Mamoru tried to smile for the benefit of his host and
answered, “It’s an excellent crush, as usual Haruka. 
I wouldn’t expect anything less with Michi’s
planning.” He finished with a wink. 

Haruka grinned and she bowed slightly.  “Michiru is
something ne?  But, I wanted to see you because she
has been entreating me all night to say hello before
we play together, and she wants to be sure that you
will attend.  We have assigned seating, and you and
your partner are in one of the first tables.”

“Oh yeah, you’re Usak-gi’s cousin aren’t you?”  Haruka
raised an eyebrow, but nodded politely.  

“I am.  Have been all of her life.”  She finished with
a smile.  “By the way, where is she?”  

“Well, you see, um- uh- well-“ Mamoru hedged.  

Haruka threw back her head and laughed at the obvious
discomfort that Mamoru was exhibiting.  “That’s okay,
just as long as I don’t find her beneath my
floorboards- and oh!  Is that the time?”  She
exclaimed as the clock struck eleven.  “Michiru is
going to have my head!  Be sure to come Mamoru- don’t
let me get into any more trouble eh?”  

“Hai!” Mamoru nodded with a laugh, and watched as
Haruka fairly ran to meet Michiru.  Mamoru shook his
head and started to walk away.  Yes, Michi could be a
*bit* demanding at times…  Mamoru was still chuckling
when he found Usagi.  She was dancing with another guy
again!  

Mamoru watched for a full three seconds as Usagi
smiled and laughed with the unknown partner wearing a
medieval suit of armor and vest with a large “L”
inscribed onto it.  Seething he stomped over to the
two and rudely tapped the silver-haired man on the
shoulder.  “Ahem.” He barked.  

“MAMORU-BAKA!  What are you doing?!”  Usagi demanded. 


“I’d like to cut in Sir.”  Kunzite raised an eyebrow
and then nodded curtly.  His sword bumped against
Usagi’s leg as he exited and met with Minako, who was
dressed in a large green gown with two crowns perched
on her head.  She smiled and embraced him warmly and
they began to dance with the music.

“I don’t want to speak to you.” She hissed glaring up
at him.

Mamoru grinned and then leaned down to whisper in her
ear, “Well that’s too bad, because I think you need to
listen.”  She gasped and tried to pull away but he
held her tight.  “At least listen to my side of the
story Usako.”  

“Don’t call me that!”  She growled, but relaxed
slightly.  Mamoru grinned and effortlessly swung her
around to the accompanying waltz.

“Rei is my ex-fiancée.  She and I, well I thought we
were really close, but three days before our wedding,
Rei called it off.  She took a trip to Hawaii; she
told me that she just couldn’t see us together.  I was
so upset when she came over to talk to us earlier
Usako.  I knew she would try and cause a rift between
us.  I’m sorry she upset you.”  He finished with a
long sigh.

“She’s not your girlfriend anymore?”  She asked with a
timid feeling of hope fluttering in her heart.

"No."  he smiled and her heart wept with joy.  Her
arms tightened around him, and then he tipped her head
up, and fiercely molded her lips to his, right there
on the dance-floor!  Couples stopped dancing and had
lined up to applaud.  Usagi and Mamoru pulled away and
stared at each other in disbelief and then met the
amused happy expressions of their audience, and Mamoru
gave a long-exaggerated bow, while Usagi copied his
movements and executed a graceful curtsy.

The room exploded with applause and that was when
their hosts chose to enter the room.  Michire was
dressed in a stunning dress- made to look like a
night-gown, her hair was down around her shoulders and
large diamond drops shone from her ears.  She had one
hand resting on Haruka's and the other was holding her
violin.   

"Good evening Minna!"  Haruka called for attention. 
The entire group adjusted their attention to the tall
blonde and the stunning aqua-haired woman.  Haruka
lifted her mask, while they talked and Hotaru pranced
around in front of her parents, while Setsuna stood
slightly off to the side dressed in a warm flowing
purple velvet gown, with all of her glorious dark
emerald hair secured in a bun.  Hotaru grinned and
twirled around in her matching dress.  

"Hotaru-chan." Michiru softly admonished, and
instantly the little girl was still, and smiled
impishly up at her Michiru-mama.  

"Oops.  Gomen nasai." 

"It's okay Hotaru-chan." Haruka winked, then turned
once more.  "Minna Michiru and I are ready to play for
you, if you would like to enter the dining room, we'll
give you all an impromptu Christmas concert."  The
room exploded with applause, and demurely, Haruka
escorted Michiru into the dining area, with Setsuna
pushing Hotaru in front of her.  The many assorted
males offered their arms to their matching females,
and the entire ensemble moved into the dining room to
watch the private concert from the two famous
musicians.

Mamoru led Usagi to their table and he seated her
softly.  Haruka took up her place on the piano stool,
and began with a soft Beethoven symphony to warm up. 
Michiru echoed her with her violin, and everyone began
to clap happily.  The concert progressed, with many
beautiful songs and the soft gentle strums of the
music carried joy and peace to the ears of the room. 
One-by-one couples stood to dance, and they swayed, or
waltzed silently to the beautiful music.

"Mamo-chan..." Usagi's breath exhaled and she pressed
a kiss against the warm skin of his neck.  A shiver
ran down Mamoru's body and he tightened his hold on
the perfect body fitted onto his own.

"Usako... I love you."  Usagi's eyes shone with
happiness, and she raised her head and met his eyes.

"Mamo-chan... I knew you would!"  She giggled,
snuggling into his arms.  

"NANI!?"  He demanded, shaking her slightly. 

She chuckled and then kissed him softly.  "Aishiteru
Chiba Mamoru, aishiteru."  Mamoru's heart melted and
in that moment he knew that he was going to spend the
rest of his life with this soft, gentle creature in
his arms.

"Usako... how would you like to get out of here?"  He
whispered daringly.

"Hai." She answered without hesitation.  He carefully
steered her through the other couples towards the door
and then hurriedly they slipped on their coats.  They
laughed like school-girls as they slipped across the
lawn towards Mamoru's shiny red sportscar.    

"This is your car?"  She asked with wide eyes.

Mamoru chuckled and then answered with a suave voice,
"Ever hear of Chiba Global Communications?"  Her eyes
bugged out even more and she nodded mutely staring at
Mamoru.  "Thought it was merely a coincidence ne?" 
She gulped in response and then he took her back into
his arms.  When their eyes met, they joined their lips
amongst the swirling snowflakes outside.  

***

"Where are they?!" Mehg dressed as Miyu wondered
whilst snuggling against Larva.  She glanced at the
clock in irritation.  "The end of our fic is almost
here and we *NEED* Usa and Mamo to accept the award
for "Best Couple"!"

CP rolled her eyes as she ran her hands onto the
japanese style school uniform that completed her
costume as Hikaru and a very good looking Lantis. 
"Sweetie, you know where they are, I mean, it was your
idea, remember?  You're the one that wrote that
part..."  

"SO NOT TRUE!  You were on your way to describe that
and I simply read your mind!  Larva, get her!"  Mehg
instructed with a cute little Miyu giggle.  Larva
obediently stuck out one of his hands, but then Mehg
tapped him on the arm, and he put his hand back where
it belonged, on her waist. ^^

Of course by then Lantis had clearly stepped in front
of the cherry pie with his hand on his sword.  Men and
their protective moments, got to love it.  CP tilted
her head and stuck her tongue out at Mehgth.  "You're
ruthless sweetie, just ruthless."

Mehg shrugged, "So?  Your point?  But- where the heck
are they?!  If they don't get up on that stage the
award is going to someone else!  And oh kami- LOOK!"

"Heeeeyyy!  Isn't that Mere-sama under that... bush? 
Wait..."  CP grabs the script from the unknown pocket
that also has her supply of mentos in it, "HEEEEYYY...
she isn't second place!  I thought Kunzite and Minako
were!"

"Oh dear." Mehg whispered, and CP looked up in time to
see Meredith grabbing the microphone.

"Can she really do that?"  Lantis asked, raising his
eyebrow.  CP tilted her head, "I guess... I mean, she
is the EMS... and... uhh.... GEM!  There are children
reading this fic, get your hands out of his cloak!"  

"Honestly," Mehg giggled as she pulled out a
clipboard.  "What kind of person do you think I am? 
Arigatou Larva."  She grinned and hugged her bishie. 
"See I just had to get my notes.  Darnit!  I knew it! 
She is *NOT* supposed to be up there, and Kami- were
they even supposed to be in the story?  Evil Mad
Scientist or not-- she should not be up there claiming
Usa and Mamo's title- demo- where the heck are they?!"
  

 "Ummm...." CP looked down at her notes again and
finally a lightbulb clicked on her mind.  "HEY!  I do
have something in here!  WHOA.... Hawaii?  ....wait,
my bad, I meant hotel... NANI?  Hotel?  Who in the
world wrote this in?"

"Hotel eh?" Mehg chuckled, "Well maybe they didn't
need our crown for best couple, they're doing some
crowning of their own!"

"...you don't think Kii did it do you?  I mean...
she's far too busy to do strange things like this...
right?"

"Okaa-sama?  Well... she might have..."  Mehg and CP
watched in horror as Meredith began an impromptu
speech, while Demando stood there uncomfortably in his
leaf. "....and to conclude my speech, thank you all
and here's to show that having triplets does NOTHING
to your figure!"  Meredith then took a firm hold of
Demando and began prancing around the stage. 

Of coures being yanked around didn't help Demando's
lack of clothing problems - maybe again, it did
because the next thing you knew a certain leaf hiding
a certain area slipped off and....

"Oy..." Larva whispered while shaking his head.  

"I know. I know." Mehg sympathized patting his hand. 
"Ne, ne, wanna find our own hotel Larva?"

CP whapped Mehgth, "You at least need to wait until
the story ends before you say that..."

"Why don't Larva and I just end it like Usa and Mamo,
I'll bet they sneaked off that balcony they were last
seen kissing on..."

"Uhhh... no, I have a better idea..."  CP smiled as
she took out a pen and a piece of paper in that
strange pocket with the mentos in it only to sloppily
write out "THE END" on it boldly and then admiring her
beautiful art skills.

Mehg and Larva and Lantis stood around CP admiring the
ending words then Mehg burst out laughing, "Okay okay,
that's a great idea- but first, *giggles* didn't the
leaf reveal a resemblence to a curly pig's tail?" 

CP sighed regretfully, "I didn't get to see... some
unknown guy was covering my eyes and muttering
something about how someone didn't do justice for
men...." CP poked at Lantis who shrugged.

Mehg grinned and winked to her friend, "That must be
why she locks him in her closet."  Mehg laughed and
then held up her arms.  "Larva."  Larva sighed and
then lifted Mehg up.  Mehg wound her arms around his
neck and exhaled happily.  "This is the liiiiife..."

CP raised her eyebrows as Mehgth and Larva seemingly
disappear... "Dear goodness, they're looking for a
hotel..."  She looked at Lantis for a second.  "Do you
wannnnnnaa?"

Lantis blinked at CP.

"Ohh!  I knew you did!"

Lantis coughed.

"Okay! Let's do it!"  CP jumped, "Let's go get Chinese
food."

Before Lantis could sweatdrop, CP was pulling him to
the exit as the sign sat on the floor reading out the
words:

 "THE END".



JYA JYA!  Feedback o kashite kudasai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Bye-bye  Send us Feedback PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

~Mehg and CP