Searching for a Cat (Luna/Artemis) 12/31 late am

[Artemis]

Artemis still laughed nervously at Luna’s frustrated look. Artemis did not doubt Luna’s ability to handle situations to the best of her abilities. He just needed the background information before he ended up talking to one of the Senshi, particularly Minako or the Queen. He was glad to hear that the girls have discussed it with each other and are taking the information seriously. When Luna mentioned Lucan jealousy crept in his mind as he heard, Luna’s tone change from frustration to respect. He did not know this man but Luna made a compelling point for Artemis to meet him. Artemis resolved that he would respect this Lucan but would keep himself distant. The pause was not typical of Luna, so the jealousy was replaced with concern. He knew Luna was fearful, as he was, if something were to happen to the girls.

“Luna, I know that is a scary thought that anyone can sneak in and hurt the girls. Unfortunately it has been a reality since the girls became Senshi, now they are all in the spot light. I am sure we will do all that we can to protect the Queen and the Senshi. It sounds like this Lucan is a creditable professional. I am sorry to give the impression that I was accusing you of not advising the girls. Even though you did not know how to deal with Mamoru-san betrayal and the emergence of the Shitennou, you handled it all the same. Are there suitors after Usagi-chan?”

Artemis tried not to let his feelings for Luna show. It seemed like it was natural to hear her scolding, directing, and bantering with him. She is so adorable when she is frustrated with me. If only I was the reliable cat she deserves, but she likes this Lucan. His attention snapped back into the conversation when Luna mentioned it was December 31.

“Yes Luna I did notice some decorating but you know I need a friend to help me keep my head straight. Oh yes the New Years Eve ball where partners dance and eventually kiss. It will be hard to keep up with the girls there. Are you planning to go?”

I want you to be happy Luna. I care so much about you but I always do stupid things. You deserve only the best even if it means it isn’t me.

[Luna]

Luna nodded and murmured, “The girls can handle a lot of things. I had been assuming that they would be able to keep themselves safe. I mean look at all of the things they’ve faced before, but I think differently now. There is just so many things that they aren’t use to even thinking about, much less handling. I don’t think they would be able to survive a bullet even as a senshi and car bombs. Artemis apparently Usagi’s car was blown up by a car bomb even before she became a queen. It’s a lot to worry about, but you are right, Lucan knows what he is doing ... he’s going to talk to the girls tomorrow. Usagi, Lucan, and I are going to try to convince them that they need protection for their own safety. I think it’ll go well, as I told Usagi the girls are smart. They will understand, they might not be happy but they will understand.”

She sat up straighter and smiled at Artemis’s assurance that she had done well. His approval always meant the world to her. If he thought she had done well despite the fact that she hadn’t been sure how to handle the situation then she felt a lot better. At the mention of the suitors however she frowned and flicked her tail in irritation. “I wouldn’t exactly call the suitors, or at least any suitors that were going to get anywhere near Usagi. It’s a crowd of people right outside the palace gates, I’m sure they are still there now if you wanted to go see them. I wouldn’t though, they are rather shocking and distasteful ... not all of them are even here for Usagi, some of them are here for the senshi as well.”

Luna shook her head once more and teasingly said, “You really are hopeless aren’t you? You’d get yourself into all sorts of trouble if it weren’t for me you know ...” She ignored the reminder that people tended to kiss at a New Years Eve ball, not having the patience to deal with thoughts like that so soon after dealing with her previous conversation with Usagi about how sexually frustrated she was. It was only kissing right? No need to worry about that ... she hoped.

When Artemis asked her if she were planning on going, Luna took on a wistful expression. It would be fun; the dresses, the guests, the entertainment, the chance to share that New Year’s Eve kiss with someone special, and just about everything there was guaranteed to be fun ... but she was currently a cat. It was easy enough to navigate around people milling around the palace, but she remembered going into that dinner with the delegates a few days ago. She could have been stepped on in that chaos and a party would be that much worse. People would be drinking and having fun, she doubted very much that they would take the time to make sure they weren’t stepping on a small black cat while they were doing so. If only they could become human for the night ... but it wasn’t likely, it was just a party after all.

She frowned sadly and murmured, “It probably wouldn’t be a good idea ... I wouldn’t want to get stepped on.”

[Artemis]

Artemis was happy to see his words of encouragement helped Luna. He was glad to see her again and even if she did not see me the same way. He nodded as she mentioned that they were planning on having a meeting about the whole situation. The way she mentioned Lucan stuck the jealousy cord in Artemis again. He resolved to not let it show but Luna’s sad tone stopped the cord. He could see her eyes sparkle as she was thinking about something but when she said she’d better not because she did not want to be stepped on. Artemis thought about that for a few minuets and wondered out loud.

“What if we were not on the dance floor but near the upper balcony? Sure we aren’t human but we can still look at the stars….and…watch the girls.”

He blushed at the fact he just spouted out his thoughts. He did not figure she would go for it but it was an idea all the same. Artemis you idiot she probably would not go with you at all.

[Luna]

Luna blinked in surprise, not having expected Artemis to find a way that they might could enjoy the party as well. She briefly thought about the different ballrooms, trying to decide if it would be possible. A night staring at the stars might not be quite as exciting as being able to actually go to the party, but it had its own charm ... it would be nice to share the last night of the year with someone special.

She purred softly and smiled brightly, “I would love to Artemis ... “

[Artemis]

Artemis blinked as she purred and agreed to his idea. He was aware that it was not often he had brilliant ideas. He was sorry he could not think of a way for them to join the party, but this was an agreeable alternative. Did she really just agree with something I suggested? Did she really purr? Am I really seeing a smile on her face? Oh please tell me this is not just a dream. Artemis smiled back at Luna as if his dream was actually real.

"I am glad you like my idea Luna. I wish there was a way we could attend but if we can't then sharing the night with you will be more than enough for me, unless you would rather be near Lucan which I would understand and honor your wish."

Artemis would do anything to preserve the smile on her face. The last part of his statement hurt but it was the truth. He wanted Luna to be happy no matter how he felt about it.

[Luna]

The first part of Artemis’s sentence made Luna smile all the brighter, her heart fluttering just a little at the thought that being with her was more then enough for him. However, his next words confused her. Why would she want to be near Lucan? He was an interesting enough to talk to of course and she now respected his wisdom in a great many things, but why would she want to spend her night with him?

“Why would I want to be with Lucan, Artemis? He’ll be keeping an eye on Usagi, which means he’ll be in the center of everything. I’ve just finished telling you that we’d get stepped on if we tried to interact with the actual party. Weren’t you listening to me?”

[Artemis]

Artemis smiled at Luna's perplexed look. He did not know how to explain it to her. She was so wonderful but she was not always keen to stuble changes in voice as he was.

"Please forgive my overly protective mind. You spoke highly of Lucan earlier I know you usually don't unless you respect him. A part of me thought you could possibly be fond of him."

Artemis knew it sounded irrational but it was how his mind worked. He did not have any reason to suspect this Lucan of harming Luna or the Senshi. He just wanted to clear up the confusion as best as he could. He gave the cute I-am-sorry look with his eyes radiating tenderness.

[Luna]

Luna simply stared at Artemis as if he had lost his mind. Fond of Lucan, surely he wasn’t suggesting that she was interested in Lucan as anything but a professional was he? She giggled just a little before saying, “Artemis don’t be silly. I respect Lucan, he’s a very smart man ... especially about his profession. I didn’t say I was interested in him and I seriously doubt he’d return the feelings even if I were.”

With that she leaped off her chair and headed toward the door, pausing long enough to glance back and say, “I said I would love to watch the stars with you and I meant it ...”

[Artemis]

Artemis looked spell-bound as he stayed in the chair. He did not know what to say or do at that moment. He was at a loss but his heart was soaring. Oh is this really happening? Luna actually wanting to spend time with a silly man like me? Could this be true? Do we get a romantic night? Once he noticed Luna going to the door. He found his voice as he jumped down.

"I will be counting the hours until we meet to watch the stars. Farewell guardian of my heart."

He gently rubbed against Luna and walked out.