Wavering Destiny

Chapter 6: A Song For You

As they neared Rei and Makoto, Usagi became suddenly aware of Seiya's hand still holding hers. Heat crept into her face. Before they could see, she slipped her fingers free and put a little space between them.

"I just don't want them getting the wrong idea," she muttered under her breath.

"You know, most girls would have killed to hold hands with me in public when I was part of the Three Lights."

"Dream on," Usagi whispered back.

"I will."

Usagi blushed. "What's that supposed to mean? And there's nothing going on between us!"

"If you say so, Odango."

Usagi ignored her. Then tried to ignore her heart beating too fast again.

They emerged from the maze to find Rei waiting with her hands on her hips, and Makoto studying a nearby climbing floral vine.

"It's about time!" Rei complained.

Usagi frowned. "Rei! If you hadn't taken off without me, this wouldn't have happened!"

"Me? What's that supposed to mean? If you had just followed me like I told you to...!"

"You just left me there, Rei!" Usagi stuck out her tongue.

"You are so immature."

Seiya sweatdropped. "Let's head in and see what Taiki and Yaten are up to," she suggested, interrupting the squabble.

Usagi turned away from Rei childishly. "Sounds good."

"Yeah. Just don't get lost again," Rei instigated with a sly smile.

"Why you-" Usagi started, but she felt Makoto put a hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, Usagi, let's see what Ami and Taiki doing," she offered.

Back inside, two maids in black-and-white uniforms passed by, arms full of linens. "Good morning, Fighter," one said politely.

Seiya dipped her head in a greeting.

"Will we see Princess Kakyuu again soon?" asked Makoto.

"Maybe later," Seiya said. "She's busy getting everything ready for the celebration next week."

"Celebration?" Usagi perked up. "Like, a party?"

"Yes. We're celebrating one year of our return to Kinmoku after the war," Seiya explained. "The palace was luckier than most places. I can't say the same for the rest of our planet, especially here in Tankei, the capital."

"I see," said Rei.

"Is there going to be lots of yummy food?" Usagi asked. Her mouth watered as she imagined different kinds of foreign dishes.

Seiya chuckled. "Yes, of course there will be. Our chefs are prepping hard. You guys should stay for the party, it's going to be a lot of fun. The midnight fireworks are my favorite."

"Fireworks?" Usagi echoed.

"It does sound like fun," Makoto agreed.

Ami and Taiki appeared in the hall ahead, mid-conversation.

"You were holding back," Ami was saying.

"Only at first."

Ami laughed softly. "I noticed."

"Ami!" Usagi called, catching up to her friend. "How was the library?"

Ami blinked and turned. "Usagi! Sorry, I didn't see you there." She smiled. "It was amazing. Taiki was showing me some history texts."