Wavering Destiny

Chapter 10: Fearless

As far as characters go, I'm basically going off of the anime. I've only read the manga once, and that was years ago. I really like the relationship between Minako & Rei in PGSM (the live action) so I sort of incorporated that into here as well.

This chapter was inspired by the song "Fearless" by Taylor Swift. I listened to it the entire time I wrote this chapter.

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The brewing storm was relentless.

Usagi breathed in, catching that cherry-spice scent of Seiya. She wished the storm would stop, or the lights would come back on at least.

"How are you doing?" Seiya's voice was smooth.

"Better," she admitted. Usagi had settled down now, despite the thunder. Could it be because of Seiya? I'm really glad she's here with me. I feel so calm right now...

The lights flickered, then illuminated the store. Usagi blinked, allowing her eyes to adjust.

"The power has returned. We apologize for the inconvenience," a saleswoman announced over the intercom. Sighs of relief and joy whispered throughout the boutique.

Usagi lifted her head from Seiya's chest. Their eyes met.

"See? I told you it was going to be okay."

Usagi nodded and pulled away. "Thank you."

"No problem, Odango." Seiya patted one of her hair buns playfully.

***

Minako was still holding Yaten's hand when the lights came back on.

"Oh hey, they're back!" Minako didn't know if she could take it any longer. Being so close to Yaten in the dark... Anything could happen.

"Yeah, they are," Yaten stated obviously. They met each other's gaze and both looked away.

That moment in the dark kept repaying in Minako's head. She couldn't quite find the right words now, and wondered if Yaten - cool as she looked - felt anything like this.

"Um, I guess I'd better finish trying these on," Minako blabbed uneasily. "I've gotta find something to wear to that celebration don't I?"

Yaten turned to the heap of clothes and pulled out a strapless orange dress. The ruffles at the bottom swayed, the glittery bodice shone under the lights. She held it up in front of Minako. "Here, wear this one. I can see you in it."

Minako accepted the dress. "Okay...thanks." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "What are you gonna wear to the party?" She thought of the light blue tux back when she was in the Three Lights.

"You'll find out." Yaten gave her a knowing smile.

Minako's stomach did a quick turn. Did Yaten even know how easily she could throw her off balance?

Footsteps approached suddenly. "Minako, you good?" came Rei's voice from around the corner.

Without warning, Yaten ducked inside Minako's stall, pulling the curtain closed just as a pair of heels appeared on the other side.

Minako's heart jumped as Yaten stepped in, suddenly close enough that their shoulders brushed. She clamped down on a giggle before it escaped.

Wordlessly, Yaten touched a finger lightly to Minako's lips, amusement glinting in her green eyes.