Wavering Destiny

Chapter 26: Enchanted

"Shh! Do you think she's still asleep?" Minako asked.

"Knowing Usagi? Definitely." Rei rolled her eyes.

Midday sunlight shone into Seiya's room, spilling over the bed where Usagi was still asleep.

Minako crept closer, one hand over her mouth to keep from giggling. "Seiya's bed is huge," she whispered.

"No kidding," Rei muttered. "Ten people could fit in it."

Usagi was sleeping on her stomach, snuggled into one of the pillows and looking way too comfortable for someone who was supposed to be getting ready for a party.

Minako leaned over her. "Usagi," she cooed. "Time to wake up."

Usagi only mumbled something and burrowed deeper into the pillow.

Rei folded her arms. "This is ridiculous. She's going to sleep through the whole thing."

"Maybe we should tickle her."

"Or maybe we should be normal and shake her shoulder."

Minako sighed. "Fine, boring way first." She reached out and gently shook Usagi's shoulder. "Usagi, come on. Wake up."

Usagi shifted, then reached out suddenly and caught Minako by the arm, pulling her down against the bed.

"Seiya..." Usagi mumbled, still half-asleep. "I love you..."

Minako froze.

Rei's eyes widened. She slapped a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh.

"Rei!" Minako whispered desperately. "Help me!"

Rei took one look at Minako trapped beside a sleeping Usagi and lost it completely. She bent over, shoulders shaking.

"This isn't funny!" Minako hissed, trying to wiggle free.

Usagi only held on tighter and nuzzled sleepily against her arm.

"Oh, this is very funny."

"Rei!"

Still snickering, Rei leaned over the bed and took a deep breath. "Usagi!"

Usagi's eyes flew open. She blinked twice, then realized who she was holding.

"Minako!" Usagi shrieked, scrambling back. "Rei! What are you two doing in here? This is Seiya's room!"

That only made them laugh harder.

Minako rolled onto her back, clutching her stomach, while Rei leaned against the bedpost with one hand over her mouth.

Usagi sat up, face burning. "What is going on?"

"We came to wake you up," Minako managed between laughs. "You weren't in your room, so we figured you'd be here."

"Of course she'd be here."

Usagi grabbed the nearest pillow and hugged it to her chest. "That doesn't mean you can just sneak in!"

"We knocked," Rei said.

"You just didn't answer," Minako added.

"That is not better!"

Rei reached across the bed and grabbed Usagi's hand. "Come on. You can't sleep all day. We have a party to get ready for, remember?"

"The party?" Usagi blinked. Then her eyes widened. "Oh no. That's today!"

***

Hey! Seiya!"

There was only one person with such a distinct, whispery voice.