You Don't Remember How I Feel By Doug Helm and "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl Those characters that are original and the story "You Don't Remember How I Feel" are copyrighted (c) 1999 by Douglas Helm & Will Wolfshohl. This fanfic and hundreds of other Sailor Moon fanfics reside in "Tuxedo" Will's SM Fanfics Archive at http://members.xoom.com/questails/gateway.htm and http://rivendell.fortunecity.com/traveller/861/ Send comments to: Douglas "Candle Light Author" Helm (dhelm@log.on.ca) or "Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl (wwolfshohl@logicon.com) Chapter 4 - Settling In When the alarm clock rung that morning, Misako groaned before reaching over and shutting it off. She couldn't though and she knew it. She had responsibilities for more than herself now. Tossing Usagi's arm off, without worrying about waking her sister, she swung her legs out of bed and stretched. Yawning expansively, Misako heaved her new bulk off of the bed. "I think I need to go on a diet. I feel so heavy." "You look fine to me, Endymion," Usagi murmured. When Misako looked over her shoulder, she noticed that Usagi was staring at her, eyes half-lidded, a little smile upon her lips. "Get up," Misako ordered, "Unless you want me to cook." "Iie," Usagi replied, "I'll get up." But even after a short time, it appeared that Usagi had all but fallen back to sleep. Misako thought to herself as she headed to the bathroom. What had seemed like a complete mystery to her the day before was now becoming second nature. After using the toilet and then washing, Misako discovered something new. She stared at the mirror for a long time trying to figure out why her face appeared so different. Then it struck her. Misako mused to herself, Of course she did. The knowledge was there; she just hadn't noticed it. Her new memories told her she had better get going; she had things to do. Upon leaving the bathroom, Misako noted that Usagi was curled up fast asleep. But the thought was tender. Following an impulse, Misako walked over and bending down, gently kissed Usagi's cheek. "Hmmm..." "Get up, Serenity," Misako rumbled softly. "Five more minutes, Mom," Usagi mumbled out. Misako thought as she dressed in a causal pair of pants and a light, pale yellow shirt. Certainly, the switch had not improved Usagi's sloth-like sleeping habits. After one more attempt at rousing her sister, Misako slipped quietly from the room and walked down to where the girls were sleeping. She gave a little start as something ran into her. Looking down, she saw a very sleepy looking Serenity stumble backwards and plop onto the ground. "Gomen, Miko-chan," Misako apologized as she helped the little girl up, "What are you doing up?" "Potty," Serenity mumbled sleepily out. It was obvious, however, when Misako lifted the toddler up to hug her that it was too late for the potty. Little Serenity yawned while resting her head against Misako's strong shoulder. One tiny hand gripped the ears of her favorite stuffed bunny. "Don't go back to sleep. We'll get you changed and then we'll get you breakfast," Misako remarked softly. Serenity's tummy seemed to like that plan because it gurgled hungrily. ****** Some time later, Misako and little Serenity looked in on Endymion who was still fast asleep. "Lazy, ne?" Misako asked. "Hai!" Serenity agreed, "I hungwy, Daddy." "Go wake up your onee," Misako instructed while setting Serenity down on the floor. The toddler padded over to the bed quickly and, with some effort, climbed onto it. "'Sagi!" Serenity called, "'Sagi, wake up!" "Go 'way," Endymion grumbled out as he pulled the covers tightly around his shoulders. "Wake up, 'Sagi!" she called again while giving Endymion a push. He grumbled something unintelligible before rolling over to his stomach and pulling the pillow over his head. Serenity gave Misako a curious look before turning back to Endymion. Carefully the little girl stood on the bed and turning around, plopped herself down so she was sitting on Endymion's back. "WAKE UP, SWEEPYHEAD!" she shouted. Endymion almost exploded upwards, sending the toddler toppling from her perch. It looked almost as if Endymion was going to do physical harm to Serenity when he noticed Misako standing in the doorway. "I wanna sleep, Daddy!" "WE have things to do today, Mesume," Misako replied, "It's time to get up." Endymion sighed, gave Serenity a dirty look, and got out of bed. As Endymion wandered into the bathroom, Serenity followed him like a shadow. Although Endymion was grumpy when he first woke up, his spirits soared considerably when Misako allowed him and Serenity to go and wake up their mother. Endymion, unlike his wife, was fighting the changes that were going on inside of him. He had started telling Serenity that Usagi wasn't Mommy but he noticed that the little girl had started to sniffle so he quickly changed the subject. Yes, his two big daughters might have put him into a five year old girl's body, but it was one that had mischief in mind as was shown by Endymion's choice of wake up methods, Tabasco sauce courtesy of Luna-P. ****** The Aino's (Hiroshi, Minako, and Kimeko) arrived around two o'clock that afternoon. Endymion, serving out his sentence of confinement for the Tabasco sauce incident and later placing chili powder in Usagi's tea, was finally permitted to leave his room. This, however, did carry a stiff warning to behave or else. Kimeko, after greeting the Royal Family, picked Serenity up and marched off down the hallway as if she were by herself. "Minako-chan, did the temperature just drop?" Usagi asked. "Gomen nasai, Serenity-chan," Minako said as she walked down the hallway towards the living room, "Kimeko's just a little upset with me today." When Usagi cocked an eyebrow inquisitively, Minako continued, "Kimeko wanted to go to a party she heard about and we won't let her go." She took a seat on the couch and Hiroshi took up a seat beside his wife while the Royals found places for themselves. "I wouldn't think Kimeko would go to a party, Hiro-san," Misako mused. She realized that meant the Black Moon Family War was over two years in the future. She didn't want to live through that, not again. "She just wants to see Trevor," Hiroshi growled, "He's older than she is." Minako giggled while shaking her head., "It's puppy love, Hiro-chan. Didn't you ever fall for somebody older than you when you were younger?" "I married you, ne?" Hiroshi answered. He chuckled as Minako gave him a look that promised retribution. "Do you think it's only puppy love?" Minako gave her husband a slightly exasperated expression. "Hai. I had a talk with Trevor. He's a nice enough kid. I told you about it. And Kami-sama have mercy if Masao thinks Trevor's a danger to his imouto. He's almost as bad as you are." "I'll go see if I can cheer her up. It's a nice sunny day. We're going to have good food, and Small Lady has only mildly exasperated Serenity," Misako observed as she rose to her feet, "I'll be back in a little bit." It didn't take long for Misako to find Kimeko. The young teen was trying to play catch with Serenity. The little girl's lack of coordination made that difficult but she was still enjoying herself. On the other hand, Endymion seemed to be sulking while he leaned against a tree. "Daddy!" Serenity called out while throwing the ball towards Misako. "Good throw!" Misako congratulated her "daughter" while tossing the ball to Kimeko. "You mad at us?" "Gomen nasai, Your Majesty," the young teen replied then pouted, "It just seems so unfair." "Nani?" "Oh... Mom won't let me go to this party. She thinks I'm like a little kid. I told her there would be adults there and stuff." "Like Trevor?" Misako inquired. She had to chase after the wild pitch that Serenity had made before adding, "How old is he anyway?" "Trevor-sempai? Sixteen and a half, I think maybe seventeen," Kimeko replied, "He's not as scruffy looking as Dad thinks he is, Your Majesty. Especially in gym shorts." Misako almost thought she could hear the sigh of dreamy pleasure in Kimeko's voice. "He doesn't even notice me though." Suddenly Kimeko turned to fully face, Misako and asked, "Endymion-sama, how do you like get a guy to notice you?" "I am a guy," Misako stated with a hit of amusement, "And a happily married one. Besides, I don't think I'd want to attract a guy." Kimeko blushed while taking on a sheepish expression. "But if I were a girl..." "YOU ARE A GIRL!!!" Endymion suddenly piped up from his position, "Don't be so baka, Misako!" "Small Lady, that isn't a very nice thing to say about your imouto," Kimeko admonished gently, "Misako's very smart." "She's not Misako, Kimeko-chan," Endymion explained while walking over to the small group, "THIS is Serenity." He pointed to little Serenity. "SHE," he said while jabbing a finger at Misako, "is Misako. I'M really King Endymion." It was so simple. Why couldn't the grownups understand? "Oh, that's right!" Kimeko replied, her eyes starting to twinkle with amusement, "Sakuya told me about this! Gomen, Your Majesty." "Small Lady," Misako growled out, "I thought you were told to behave." "I am, Da... Misako," Endymion countered, "I'm not fibbin'." "'Sagi..." Serenity called out. When Endymion turned to face Serenity, the little girl threw the ball, "Pway!" Serenity directed when Endymion just stared at the ball he had barely managed to catch. Endymion thought, "You want me to play?" he asked. "Hai!" Serenity affirmed happily. ****** "Hot?" Serenity questioned as she looked towards her father. "Hai," Misako replied as she leaned away from the heat of the grill, "Very hot." "Ow..." Serenity remarked as she gave the barbecue a serious look. Misako couldn't help but smile down at her daughter. "Don't worry I'll be careful, Miko-chan." The little girl gave him a slightly curious look before turning and toddling away to find something else to do. "Here," Usagi said as she handed over a tin foil wrapped package. "What's this?" Misako asked as she carefully untied the package, "Vegetables, without carrots." She gave Usagi a mild look and stated, "Come on, Serenity, there has to be carrots in here too." "Yuck," Endymion squawked from where he was sitting on the lawn, "I hate carrots." "Well, you're gonna eat them, Small Lady, just like always," Misako replied. The little girl scrunched up his face in disgust. "I just wrapped those up, Endymion. I don't think there's room," Usagi hoped. "But you can wrap up another package... or I can," Misako countered. Usagi gave her a sour look before sighing and turning back towards the house. Then there were other things that had changed. She just wished that Usagi wasn't quite so gossipy with Minako. ****** After a delicious supper, Misako and Hiroshi retreated to the study while Usagi and Minako talked. Kimeko had taken it upon herself to entertain both Endymion and Serenity. The supper itself had gone fairly well, at least until Endymion had discovered that what he was eating was roasted carrots. Upon finding that out, the little girl had gone into over-dramatic death throes. They had only stopped when Usagi, with Misako in full agreement, declared that unless they were eaten, Endymion wouldn't be receiving any dessert. Misako sighed as she leaned back into the very comfortable easy chair in the study. Misako thought. Although both the King and Queen used it, it was Endymion that had used it the most. "The Ambassador from China requested that the meeting tomorrow be pushed up by half an hour," Hiroshi began as he took out a small PDA, "If there's no objections to that, Endymion-sama, I'll have it confirmed for 10:30 AM instead of 11:00." "Ambassador from China?" Misako asked, A tingle of excitement went through her body. Before Hiroshi could say anything more, she said, "That's fine, Hiro-san. Although Younger Mars will miss a good portion of the meeting." "Endymion-sama, I feel it's important enough to go with the earlier meeting time. Sliding this meeting to the left will give us some breathing room. Remember you're scheduled to attend a luncheon at a quarter after noon. Then, at two, we have the opening ceremonies for the Summit on Pacific Trade and Commerce. And then..." "Kami-sama, there's more?" Misako asked, her eyes going wide. "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I saved the easiest for last. At seven-thirty, we take the inspection tour of that new airport up north before it officially opens Wednesday." Misako thought, ****** "Finally," Usagi sighed as she pulled the door partially closed. "I never thought Small Lady would go to bed." She leaned against Misako who put a strong arm around her. "I hope tomorrow's better." "It will be, Serenity. Small Lady goes to school tomorrow," Misako assured as she guided a very tired looking Usagi into the master bedroom. "Come on, don't go to sleep on me. Just imagine how Kimeko feels." "She's younger than I am," Usagi pointed out as she flopped backwards onto the bed. After a moment, she pushed herself up on her elbows and added, "I feel sluggish, Miko-chan. I guess it'll take us a little while to get used to these bodies." "So... what do you have to do tomorrow?" "Senshi Council most of the morning, next a lunch with the Younger Senshi, and then Court the rest of the day." "So that's what Minako was belly-aching about?" "Hai! She wanted to go shopping instead." Even that once marvelous experience seemed like too much effort. With a long, low sigh, Usagi lowered her head to the bed. "If Small Lady hadn't taken that bath as well as she did, I don't know what I would have done." Pushing herself off of the bed, Usagi stood and reaching behind her undid her dress. With a quick movement that seemed long practiced, she had it removed before sighing. "Much better! I think I'll have a shower... Iie, a nice long hot bath." She stretched, trying to loosen her tired muscles. "I... I think I'll take a shower first," Misako said as she pulled her eyes away from the lithe form of Usagi. With some effort, she got up and walked to the bathroom. ****** The next morning, Misako was congratulating Serenity for a partial success on using the potty. The little girl had managed to get to, and onto the small toilet; however, wearing diapers and a set of bunny pajamas even with the trap door defeated the purpose. Feeling some pride at the child finally managing a small success, Misako decided to call it a success. Just as she was about to change Serenity's diaper, the Royal Suite was, as Usagi put it later, invaded by two Senshi. One was Younger Jupiter, the other was Chibi-Venus. One was rather perky, good humored, and looked ready to take on the day. The other was looking like a grim veteran headed back the front lines. Much to Misako's, and even Usagi's, surprise, it was Younger Jupiter who was the perky one. "Ohayo, Your Majesties, Your Highness. I think it'll be a nice day today," Younger Jupiter greeted with a bow. "Ohayo, Your Majesties, Your Highness," Chibi-Venus repeated. As was custom, Chibi-Venus took Misako to get dressed for the day. "What should I put her in?" she asked Misako before heading to Misako's bedroom. "A clean diaper for a starter," Misako answered, "And maybe that dress with the leaves on it." "Okay, Princess Misako, you heard your otou-san. Let's go get you dressed." Serenity nodded and started a discussion with her young guardian. Walking over to Usagi's door, Younger Jupiter entered the bedroom with a smile and a small gleam of anticipation. "Small Lady, time to get up," Younger Jupiter announced. There was a grumbled reply. "Small Lady, time to get up!" Endymion snuggled deeper into the covers. "Five seconds, Small Lady," "Go 'way!" Endymion said peevishly. Usagi had lost interest in this battle. She knew Younger Jupiter would do her duty and get Small Lady up on time for school. Misako though, being able to tell which were her memories and which were her father's, continued to watch knowing what was going to happen and yet not believing it. Younger Jupiter calmly walked over to the bed and pulled the covers off. Endymion rolled to his stomach, grabbed the pillow, and pulled it over his head. "Small Lady, last warning." Endymion stuck his rear up in the general direction of Younger Jupiter and passed gas. Misako decided she didn't want to watch what was coming next. She also wanted to see what was bothering Kimeko. The young girl was looking so serious. As she walked away, howls of protest started to shatter the air of the Royal Suite as Younger Jupiter began the task of undressing, washing, and redressing the Crown Princess for her day in kindergarten. ****** "Come on, Miko-chan." Misako heard as she entered Misako's bedroom, "Don't be so stubborn." Kimeko gave Serenity a pleading look. "You'll make me look bad." "Look bad to whom?" Misako asked. Kimeko gave a start and whirled around before turning back so she could watch Serenity. "Gomen, Kimeko-san," Misako said, "I didn't mean to startle you." "Endymion-sama, you think I do a good job of taking care of Misako 'n' stuff, ne?" "Hai!" Misako said with confidence, "I think you have a great deal to teach her." "You really think so?" Kimeko asked while looking over her shoulder at Misako. Misako smiled and walked over to where Serenity lay on the change table. "Hai, I know so. Now, young lady, what's your problem?" "No diaper," Serenity said with firm voice, "Me big girl, no diaper." "But Miko-chan, you have to wear them." "Iie, Iie, Iie!" Serenity reiterated while shaking her head. It was with grim determination that Misako took the diaper from Kimeko. By the end of the operation, Misako's and Chibi-Venus' ears were ringing. Serenity was diapered but looking less than pleased about it. "I can do the rest, Endymion-sama, domo arigato for the help," Chibi-Venus said as she picked Serenity up and carried the little girl over to the bed. Misako sighed and walked from the room, wondering if Sakuya ever had problems like this with Atsuko. ****** The first part of the morning passed fairly smoothly after that. After a scrumptious breakfast, Endymion and Chibi-Venus headed off to the Palace School while Younger Jupiter remained with Serenity and Misako. Usagi gave each of them a hug before she left for the Senshi Council meeting. Soon, Younger Neptune arrived and Misako was able to take Serenity out for a walk, outside the Palace grounds. Misako, trying to get back some of her old energy, walked until Serenity simply sat down and refused to walk any further. Of course, the toddler was extremely vexed at not being able to play in the dirt, or that she wasn't allowed to run off with other children she saw. It was still a very enjoyable morning although by the time they got back to the Palace, Serenity was quite ready to run around again, which she did to the distress of her father. Misako felt like she'd like to sleep again. "I'm out of shape," Misako muttered to herself as she winced. Younger Jupiter just smiled and suggested, "Your Majesty might want to take a shower before his next appointment." "Hmmm... hai, arigato, that sounds good," Misako replied, "So who'll look after Misako while I'm at these meetings?" "Younger Mars is assigned to you for the rest of the day although Younger Neptune will stay with you until Younger Mars arrives this morning. I will stay with Her Highness for the rest of the morning. Younger Saturn will relieve me until Chibi-Venus gets out of school." Misako mused then, Misako was tempted to ask Sakuya to go easier on Kimeko but decided that it wouldn't be the wisest of decisions. ****** Misako tried hard not to slouch in her chair as the speaker continued to drone on, and on. Misako thought, The Ambassador from China should had told her how her day would have gone. While pleasant enough and interesting to listen to, the Ambassador had been smoking the worst smelling cigar she had ever smelt, or her father had ever smelt. The luncheon was not so interesting and the portions were quite small. she thought at her stomach as it rumbled its protest at being empty. Misako thought. After having given a ten-minute prepared speech on trade around the Pacific Rim, she'd sat back and listened. While the subject matter itself could have been potentially interesting, the dry unemotional way it was presented killed any interest that Misako might have had. Out of sheer desperation, Misako decided to try something. She pretended she was actually Endymion, that she had never once been Misako. Much to her surprise there was a difference. Her posture straightened to, her features changed from bored to mild interest, and her eyes didn't seem to be glazed over. As one newspaper reporter would remark, "It was if a switch had been flicked on." And after reading the remark, Misako dubbed it her "Otou-pilot". ****** "I'm home!" Misako called out as she slipped off her shoes and sighed with immense relief. "Konnichiwa Your Majesty," Kimeko said as she came out of Misako's bedroom. Serenity hurried past her guardian and ran to greet her father. She giggled with delight as she swept her up. "Daddy! Pway with me?" "Can Daddy rest first?" Misako asked. Serenity shook her head. "Well let me change out of my clothes. These are not suitable for playing." She was wearing her lavender tuxedo. Putting Serenity down, who darted away, Misako turned her attention back to Kimeko. "Arigato for watching them, Kimeko-san. Was Small Lady any trouble?" "Iie, although she's been confined to her room. She was like sent home with a note from Mizuno-sensei." When Misako frowned slightly, Kimeko produced the note. "I'll just go see what Miko-chan's up to," Kimeko said and went to look for her young charge. After quickly reading over the note, Misako walked over to Usagi's door and opened it. Endymion was sitting by the window, chin in one hand, a deep scowl on his face. He still looked cute. When the door opened, he turned around. "Young lady," Misako began without any greeting, "Do you want to explain this note to me?" "You can read, ne?" Endymion asked sulkily although Endymion discovered to his dismay that he no longer could. "Look, Misako, I know you're just gonna punish me so let's get it over with. That's what you want, to get even, ne?" Endymion asked, "Usagi was gonna do it the other day but she couldn't. Well, here's your chance!" Misako sighed and shut the door. She walked over and sat down on the bed while holding her hand out to Endymion. After a moment, Endymion came over and allowed himself to be lifted onto her lap. "Just between you and me, Miko-chan, I think putting the classes' pet mongoose in the sensei's desk drawer was pretty funny." Misako snickered. Hana had helped too but he wouldn't squeal on his friend. "But that wasn't very nice." "I know," Endymion replied, "But Sensei kept sayin' I was a girl." Misako ran her hand gently along one of the little girl's puffy pigtails. "You are a girl, and a very pretty and kawaii one too." Endymion felt pride wash over him at those words. "I think no dessert for two days will be enough punishment. You've already been confined to your room. Okay?" "'Kay," Endymion agreed. Despite his mood, he returned the hug that Misako gave him. "Don't worry, Dad," Misako explained softly, "I don't want to be you forever, I promise." ****** Usagi was awakened by the sound of singing. And whoever was singing was singing rather badly. Getting out of bed, she pulled on a robe and pushed her feet into a pair of slippers. She felt the reassuring presence of the link to the Ginzuishou. If she needed it to protect her family, she had access to its powers. Carefully opening the door, she noticed the singing was getting louder and out of the gloom staggered the form of Endymion, or rather Misako. The male bulk seemed to slide-shuffle forward while leaning against the wall. At some point, the song died into mumbles before being picked up again. "Endymion!" Usagi hissed as she came out into the hallway, "What on earth are you doing?" "Shhhh..." Misako admonished, "Can't wake S... Seren... what's her name." She gave a muted snicker before taking a step forward. "Come on, honey, let's dance!" Usagi easily stepped away from the grab that Misako made. It threw Misako off-balance and she toppled to the floor in a heap. "Oopsie..." After a moment, she started giggling. It sounded very strange to Usagi to hear her Endymion's deep bass voice giggling. "You're drunk!" Usagi declared. "'S right... good thing too. That tour was bor'ng." But the reception afterwards the Developers had treated her and Hiroshi to had been a blast. Misako hadn't really enjoyed the taste of alcohol but it would have been rude to refuse. Besides, she was an adult, and she knew her parents would have frowned severely upon her drinking. The image that thought conjured up caused another fit of giggles. The Endymion part of Misako knew that she could use this meeting to start negotiations for future projects. Soon enough, the taste wasn't too bad at all. In fact, it tasted wonderful. "Well, you can sleep in the guestroom, Mister," Usagi stated firmly, "I'm not letting a drunk into MY bed." "Good fer you. Misako doesn't wanna sweep 'ith her baka onee." Misako's lower lip came out into a pout, "Always gots to do what YOU want. Well, Misako go find someplace else." With difficulty, Misako pushed her heavy and inebriated bulk up and started stumbling towards the door to the Royal Suite. "Oh Endymion," Usagi said in sympathy, "Please don't go." Unsteadily, Misako turned and stared at Usagi for a moment before sighing. "I pr'mise to be good, 'Nee-chan. Don't get mad at me." Usagi's stern look softened and she walked up to her sister. Only mildly repulsed by her sister's foul breath, she helped Misako towards the guest bedroom. ****** Usagi sighed as she walked back towards the master bedroom. Pausing at the door, she walked down to Usagi's bedroom to check on the girls. Her already built up annoyance grew even more as she discovered that both children needed cleaning. Serenity needed her diaper changed but what goaded her for some reason was that Endymion had wet the bed. "Get out of those wet clothes, Small Lady," Usagi directed as she lifted up Serenity, "I'll be back in a second." With that, she left the room and a very ashamed looking Endymion. Endymion sighed as he started to get out of his soiled pajamas. He tried so hard to be a big girl. His mommy was so pretty and graceful. Giving his head a shake, Endymion snarled fiercely, "Kami-sama, I am a boy!" Walking into the bathroom, he set about cleaning up and to wait for Usagi to come back with some fresh clothes. By the time Usagi came back, minus Misako who she had put into her own bed, she was in a better frame of mind. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Mesume. I know it isn't your fault. Gomen." "That's okay, Mommy," Endymion replied, relief showing in his voice. "Where's Misako?" "She's gonna sleep in Mommy's bed. Why don't you spend the night in her bed. I have to change the sheets and you have school tomorrow." Endymion seemed reluctant. "Can't I sleep with you?" Endymion asked. "Iie," Usagi answered. When the little girl started to pout, she added, "Be a big girl and do what Mommy asks, please?" "Hai," Endymion squeaked. After receiving a hug and changing into a fresh set of underpants and pajamas, he went to sleep in Misako's room. End of Chapter 4 Coming next in Chapter 5 - Motorcycle Madness