College Life Part 5: Love bytes -- The big night by Greenbeans Disclaimers: Okay, this is a self-indulgent, romantic episode with a strong possibility for kissing, hugging, hand-holding, dancing, etc. (*NO* sex, baka!) If that makes you want to go retch, sorry, catch up with the story in part 6, 'cause this one's so sweet it may give you cavities. Their are some references to events in Tim Nolan's "Obligations" in this one. Parts of the ball scene were obviously inspired by the ending of "Awakenings". This is done *WITH* his permission. Thanks a lot Tim :) Comments, thoughts, complaints, compliments, ramblings, and flames are all accepted. But the latter two stand a serious chance of being printed out and turned into rat cage lining. All characters are property of their respective holders. I belong to myself, thank you, and have a nice day :) No one has yet to make it past my defenses to take my computer away. Heh, heh. Let the story continue... ********** Saturday morning ********** The evil sun creeped slowly in through the window to stare me in the face. I took comfort in the thought that the days were getting shorter and the sun would be rising later. Or at least I'd have to be up for class before the sun had a chance to get to me. The Starlight Ball is this evening. My roommates are going. Haruka and Michiru are going. And to my extreme annoyance, I am going. It still aggravated me in how they had managed to work everything out just like they wanted it. That wasn't good planning skills, it was a blasted conspiracy with the highest powers you cared to believe in. The phone rang and I had this sinking feeling that it was going to be Haruka. It was. "Busy?" "Yes, I was sleeping quite soundly, thank you," I growled irritability. She was quickly convincing me that hooking the phone up to my computer and letting *it* answer her calls would be a good idea... "Liar. Michiru wants to get together with you this morning so you can get ready. Don't forget to bring your clothes with you." I could always unplug the phone cord from the wall... "I'll be by in a half hour to pick you up." Maybe change my phone number... *Click* Or I could move to some third world nation that doesn't have reliable phone service... ***** True to her word, as Haruka always is, she was there in a half hour to pick me up. I protested once again. This time for having to miss Saturday morning cartoons go do girlish nonsense with Michiru. She waved off my complaints saying, "Beans, you aren't missing much when compared to what we have in Japan. Besides, if it makes Michiru happy for me to bring you to her, I will." (Get the feeling that Haruka is a bouncer for Michiru? At least Beans isn't going to insist on walking like Ami did ;) I growled once more and crawled into her car. I got the front seat for once (yea!). Then I realized something. "Are we going to your apartment?" I asked. She nodded. "Michiru made me clean it up yesterday so that we could have company over." "Oh," I said. I was actually surprised that I was getting to come over. I would have never wagered on this day coming, for them to reveal themselves like this. I had always been curious to see what their apartment looks like. When we got there, I realized that 'apartment' may be the wrong for it. Calling it a small house would have been more accurate. It had a well maintained yard full of trees and bushes and plenty of large windows. Haruka pulled her car into the open garage. I got out, with dress in tow, and took a quick scan of my surrounding. The garage was big enough for several cars. It also held a racing motorcycle I'd never seen before. There was a workbench and a tall tool chest. The walls held your basic gardening tools. The walls were lined with framed posters of various racing heroes, mostly F-1 drivers. I recognized some of them, since my father was a racing fiend, and would always have a race on tv. "Do you follow the racing circuit?" She asked. "Me? No, but my father does," I took a closer look at one of the posters. To my surprise it was signed by the driver. My dad would kill to have this. Haruka noticed my interest. "They're all signed by the drivers," she said. I looked in awe. There had to be at least a dozen framed posters in here. "Come on, Michiru's waiting to do evil things to you," she opened the door into the house before I could get a look at all the posters. We slipped our shoes off at the door and proceeded in. The garage lead into the kitchen. It was tactfully done in a light sky blue. On the stove was a tea kettle. The fridge held it's share of magnets. The magnets held up a couple of pictures of people I'd assume were their friends since they were in the pictures also. There was also a picture that was obviously done by a child hanging there. In shaky hiragana it said "I love you!" I didn't have a chance to ask who did the picture because Haruka continued to lead me further into the house. Past the small dining room, which was actually just an extension of the kitchen, into the living room. From here I could truly appreciate the beauty of the yard. The room basked in warm sunlight that the large picture windows allowed to spill in. Michiru came into the room from the hallway. "I heard you pull up. Hello Beans, did you remember to bring your dress?" I held up the garment that I had slung over my shoulder. "Good, come with me into the back bathroom and we'll get started." ***** (At this point, I'll spare the reader from all the gory details of Michiru's makeover, 'cause, well, I have a good idea of what she'd do, but I find that the imagination can fill in the details a lot better. Instead, I will throw out some of the things that were heard being said at this torturing...) Bean's voice: "Geez, I've seen major department stores with less cosmetics." Michiru's: "It's my hobby to collect them. Now sit down." Haruka's: [Snickering] "I'd rather fix cars than hair." M: "Will you please hold still, Beans? Haruka, pass me the brush." H: "Sure, heh, at least it's not *me*!" M: "You're next." H: "No way, I can dress myself. My tux is all set!" M: "Are you sure?" [Footsteps leaving room] B: "Ouch, I should just cut my hair off short like Haruka's...." M: "Don't you dare --" H: "Michiru! You know where my bow tie is?" M: "Try here in the bathroom." [Footsteps back into room] H: "Ech, what have you guys been doing in here? It stinks." B: "You're telling me...." [Footsteps leaving room] H: "Hey, what's it doing under the bed?" M: "Tuxedo Haruka." [Said sweetly] H: [Coughing, presumably into fist] "Er, yeah, last night." B: "I don't *even* want to know...." M: "Now this shade would look good on you." B: "I wouldn't know." M: "Or perhaps this." B: "Haruka, help me! Michiru's got all this *goop* and she wants to put it on *me*." H: "Why do you think I'm hiding out here? Learn to fight your own battles." B: "Some friend you are!" ***** (We skip ahead several hours...) I came out of their bathroom a different woman. Well, I certainly looked different. I felt different, odd, uncomfortable, the list goes on. Upon entering the living room, Haruka began cat calling me, whistling and all. My cheeks became fiery hot. She really *didn't* have to tease me at this moment. "That you Beans?" Haruka asked from the couch. She was already dressed in her tux and had been reading a racing magazine. "Looks like you've worked another miracle, love," she said to Michiru, who was dressed and looking as stunning as ever. I should have been offended, but I just wasn't in the mood to take her to task. It had been a struggle for both of us. My opinion of Michiru jumped up several notches today. She had the patience of a saint to have endured me. I know that Haruka would have knocked me out at the start, then done her evil things if she was the one doing it. But Michiru was calm, understanding, and explained everything fully as she did it. Can we say 'natural borne beautician'? Just another talent to throw onto the pile of ones she has already. Haruka got up from the couch to take one of Michiru's hands. "You look absolutely wonderful," she kissed her hand gently. I should have been embarrassed at this display of affection. But I wasn't. It was so natural for them. It was truly romantic and had a total 'rightness' about it. "Ready to go?" Haruka pulled away still keeping a hold of her hand loosely. "Yes," she smiled prettily. "We're meeting Andy in front of the student union, right?" "Yep," she lead the way to the garage. I got the back seat as usual. The drive to the school was a quick one. We spotted Andy waiting outside the main doors for us. We got out of the car to go to him. Haruka and Michiru were behind me, gently pushing me forward. Much in the same way that a cow is gently motivated by a cattle prod. "Beans, you look like a girl!" He exclaimed. "Oh, that's not what I meant, er, you look great dressed like that. Uh, in a dress and all..." He gave up. Haruka had slapped herself on the forehead while Michiru sighed. I actually kind of felt sorry for him. But not too much considering that this *wasn't* my idea. "Let's go to dinner," Haruka prompted once everyone had gotten over Andy's jilted start. We sat together in the backseat. He was dressed in a suit and tie. Not as formal as Haruka's tux, but still looking sharp. I noticed that Haruka kept on sneaking glances at us in the rearview mirror while she drove. Finally, when Andy was looking away, I stuck my tongue out at her. She eyebrow twitched, then grinned broadly. Dinner was almost uneventful. Haruka had gotten us reservations at one of the nicer restaurants in town. Andy's bad luck began when he almost spilled a glass of water on me while trying to pass the bread. Things didn't get any better when the main course came and it was on fire. He tried to blow it out, but instead set the cloth in the bread basket on fire. Michiru managed to get everything put out before the fire department had to be called. I sighed to myself. Haruka had done her eyebrow twitch thing several times already with no end in sight. Michiru continued to smile and sip her wine. Oh, thank goodness he hadn't opted to join Haruka and Michiru in the bottle they'd gotten. I wouldn't want to see him intoxicated. We left dinner shortly before the ball was to start. Their was valet parking for the vehicles. I was surprised when Haruka handed the keys to her car over easily. She's the type that would go park her car herself to make sure nothing happened to it. Haruka offered her arm to Michiru who took hold of it lightly while laughing. Their evening was just beginning. Andy followed her lead and offered me his arm. I went along because it was expected, but I still wasn't enthused. I was surprised again when I discovered that it was a live band playing music for the ball. String ensemble at that! I could have let myself be pulled away by the music. Andy tugged lightly on my arm. "Want to dance?" I nodded and we went out onto the floor. The partners in crime were already out dancing. They were quite good. Too bad some of their skill hadn't rubbed off on Andy. I kept a tight smile on my face during the mauling of my feet. We danced several sets together before Michiru switched to dance with Andy. That left me with Haruka. "You're doing great, but you're feet are going to be sore in the morning," she said while leading me in a waltz. "Why am I even dancing with *you*?" She smiled at my sarcasm. "Michiru thought that you could use a change of pace and I'm *not* a bad dancer." The music then changed pace to a slow dance. Haruka pulled me closer to her. I'd caught a glance of Michiru with her head on Andy's shoulder. "It's alright," Haruka whispered into my ear before gently pushing my head against her shoulder. After the first several seconds of shock, [jitter, jitter] I got over it and actually enjoyed the dance. I would never have expected to find myself dancing like this with Haruka. "Sports bra?" I asked softly after I rediscovered the use of my tongue. Haruka could shatter the nerves of a practiced brain surgeon. I felt her chuckling under my ear. "Yep, my favorite." We continued to dance until the end of the set. Haruka escorted me over to the refreshments table. "You're a very good dance partner," she said softly before we met up the Michiru and Andy. "You are too," I replied, still somewhat stunned. She smiled down at me with a gentle look on her face. "Michiru won't be jealous. You should try dancing a set with her," she recommended. Somehow, the idea just didn't appeal to me. We met up with the others and were enjoying a cup of punch when a well dressed fellow joined our knot of people. "This -- you aren't Michiru Kaioh, are you?" "I am," Michiru answered. "Then you must be Haruka Ten'ou. It is certainly an honor to meet you both. To find you both at such a lower class event," he continued on, disregarding both Andy and myself as unimportant. That was fine with me since I really didn't have much use for upper-class snobs anywise. "The conductor tonight is a friend of mine. Would you consider playing a set or two?" He asked. "Actually, we just came for a quite evening," Haruka said, about to leave the crust in the dust. "We'd love to," Michiru answered. Haruka gave her an odd look, then nodded. "Excellent! Let's go talk with him now," the man lead them off to go speak with the conductor. "That certainly was strange," Andy commented after witnessing the exchange. "As far as they're concerned: anything is possible," I replied dryly. I knew that they had talent. I should have caught on sooner that talent like that wouldn't have been passed up. I kicked myself mentally. I'd have to pay more attention in the future. Over on the stage the conductor had stopped the music. He spoke with the gentleman for a few moments, then nodded vigorously. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have an unexpected treat for this evening. Michiru Kaioh, world renown violinist, and Haruka Ten'ou will be playing the next few pieces for us." Everyone broke out applauding. Apparently, everyone knew something that Andy and I had both missed. Haruka sat down at the piano off to the side and began to play the first notes. Michiru leaned into her borrowed instrument and began to play. They were as good as ever, but it was cake for them. This was nothing more than an over-glorified practice. In fact, I recognized the song they were playing from their practice last Sunday. "Let's dance," Andy grabbed up my hand and spun me onto the floor. It was fun. With them backing us up, Andy's dancing ability seemed to have improved quite a bit. Everyone was enjoying the music. They finished this song, but didn't launch immediately into the next one. "We'd like to dedicate this song to Beans and Andy," Michiru spoke clearly above everyone else. Everyone followed her gaze to us. We both were bright red at the focus being shifted from them to us. "Come on, you two!" Haruka called from the piano. "I'll play you something lively," she then began to play a fast paced tune. Michiru joined her once past the opening movement. We really didn't have a choice, everyone was watching us. Andy smiled slightly, then began to swing me about. We weren't that bad at all. There were applause after the piece. I prefer to think that they were meant for the players and not the entertainment. They played one more song after that one before giving the spotlight back to the band. Haruka spoke with the conductor briefly before rejoining us. We all sat out for a few sets. Michiru had gone off somewhere. Haruka explained to us that she needed to be alone right after performing to unwind, but she'd be back before long. Upon Michiru's return, the song being played ended conveniently. "You two know how to tango, right?" Haruka asked while leading the way out onto the floor. "Um, not really," Andy answered. "It's easy," she said while taking up Michiru's hand. "Just do what we do," Michiru finished. The song began. (Okay, the specific song I have in mind for this scene is called "New Wave Heroines." It's tango-ish with violin and piano. Obviously a 'Haruka and Michiru' song. Very cool ;) Haruka took the lead with Andy following her example. I actually knew what I was doing, so I helped him out some. At least, I thought I knew what I was doing. Haruka lead everyone into a spin and I somehow found myself dancing with HER again. "What are you *doing*?! I don't remember the tango involving the trade off of partners like a hoe down!" She winked at me. "Play along Beans. The fun's just started." She wasn't as gentle with me this time as she was earlier in the evening. She flung me about like a rag doll. Luckily, I've dance with many enthusiastic farm boys before, or else I would have been seriously shaken. Haruka lead us into another spin. I expected to end up back in Andy's arms, but instead found myself in Michiru's. "Haruka tells me that you're a wonderful partner. So I wanted to try a dance with you," she smiled charmingly. At least she wasn't as rough. Haruka was correct in saying that Michiru was a skilled dancer, but I never *wanted* to dance with her! Michiru lead us into a spin and I finally ended up with Andy again. "You have some *odd* friends, Beans," he gasped. Dancing with Haruka had thoroughly winded him. At least he was dancing with the opposite sex the entire time. I wonder if he realizes that Haruka is a girl? "I can't believe I was dancing with a *guy*!" He exclaimed. Guess not. He must have missed all the scuttlebutt around school. I really should tell him. "Um, Andy, about Haruka," I began. "What about him?" He asked. The dance was almost over and I needed to tell him before Haruka could get to him. "Haruka's a girl," I said quickly. "Don't freak, just play it cool and she won't tease you about not knowing." "You mean I *didn't* just dance with a guy?" "Yep, she's most definitely female," I smiled. "Oh good! My male pride is spared!" He looked rather cute at that moment with the look of relief on his face. I laughed softly. "Did I say something funny?" He asked surprised. "No, Haruka's just done it again, that's all," she made me realize that there actually is a nice fellow beneath the geek exterior. The dance was over. We went over to the chairs lining the walls to sit and rest. Amazingly, Haruka and Michiru didn't come over to join us. We just sat and talked for what must have been hours. ***** The pair in question were watching the action below them from the second level that overlooked the first. None of the events they were watching were happening on the dance floor. Their attention was drawn to the wall where two shy people were finally getting to know each other. Haruka had a small smile of satisfaction on her face. "They make a good couple." "You sound like a parent passing approval on a someone she'd brought home," Michiru chided. "Just practicing. Do you realize that we're going to have to do this with Hotaru soon? She's growing up too fast." "That she is," Michiru agreed. "Someday... Someday, I want to have a child of my own." She whispered softly. It had always been part of her dream to have children. Raising Hotaru and Minako (from "Obligations") has made those feelings all the stronger. "Someday, love, we'll find our dreams. For now, let's be content with fulfilling the dreams of others," Haruka glanced down at her lovingly. Michiru sighed and laid her head up against her shoulder. ***** "Thank you for a wonderful evening," I said to Andy. *They* hadn't shown up again yet, but it didn't matter to me since I lived here. "I had a great time," he said shyly. We had learned a lot about each other tonight. I don't know if this will lead to anything more. For now, I was happy in where we were. I leaned over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. I then waved and ran up the stairs to the dorms. It had been a good night. ***** "There! I told you that she would kiss him," Michiru laughed. They had been watching the scene from the shadows of a tree out of ear shot. Haruka just shrugged. So she hadn't guessed right. "I think that the mirror told you that before hand," she accused teasingly. "Do you think so?" Michiru grabbed lightly onto the collar of Haruka's overcoat. "I do," she pulled Michiru up close to her. The pair recess further into the shadows where they could no longer be observed. (And the author successfully side steps a mushy scene =P) ********* End part 5 ********** Ah! Got it! This was actually a pretty tough one to do. I'd never really had a bad dating experience, so I had to gather horror stories from others. Besides, I'm not too good at the romantic stuff to begin with ;) For this fic I'm going with a Hotaru that's probably between 8-10 years old. I know it's not right, but her age is so messed up anywise, why not use it the way I want to in my fic? Minor author ranting: If my references to potato sacks and cattle prods haven't given it away yet, I am from a rural area. I'll state now that all cow jokes are fair game. You've been warned.... More minor author ranting: 'Y'all' *IS* a word!!! One more minor author ranting: Why don't they make keyboards with the number pad and arrow keys on the left side instead of right?! Grrrr.... Next episode: I've given in. Uranus and Neptune do get to make an appearance. Check out what happened that caused Uranus and Neptune to come out of retirement in "Who were those sailor suited super heroines?" I'd like to acknowledge some of my favorite fanfic authors whom I drew inspiration from: * Tim Nolan: "Awakening", "Obligations" Thank you for answering all of my outer Senshi questions =) * Jackie Chiang: "Senshi Kurai" I really liked this fic for being serious and still having fun! * Brett Handy: "Oh my God!!" Series Thanks for all the advice and encouragement you've given, mate! Check out his Oh My Goddess and Ranma fics at his website at: http://www.ozanime.com/darkwind/ * A Sailor Moon Romance: For posting this and providing me with plenty of fics to read ;) http://ctdnet.acns.nwu.edu/~aerdnahu/ Also: * My roommates: Who discovered that it's difficult for me to work on the computer when they're shooting me with disk guns. Thanks *a lot* guys =P * Aimee-chan: A special thanks to her for coming up with a lot of the evil things that happened in this part. It wouldn't have been nearly as good without her help :)