Period of Transition
Chapter I
Focus: Chibiusa/Hotaru.
Timeline: Parallel Universe. Takes place before To Love the Light.
Summary: Hotaru and Chibiusa have each other on their minds, but it's difficult to ignore that voice calling for more.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bishoujo Sensei Sailormoon or any of the recognizable characters in this fiction. Direct all fan-love to Takeuchi Naoko.
When does one learn? That special word, capable of changing all around you and disrupting that delicate flow of unfamiliarity? I had never thought that such a rare and hidden word would slip so constantly into my mind and beg to be sounded. Since when did such an urge arise and conquer my days and nights? I've always been an impersonal character, talked only when talked to, and unwilling to contribute to the soul searching of others. Their words seemed so distant from my world and, by the time I realized that my wish was to sing along in unison, their voices had faded far away. Everyone had settled into a group to call their own and I had early forced myself from the masses. Years rose and fell quickly and I learned to sit comfortably in the silence, living schools days as the one not easily approached.
Why? Nothing that day had betrayed the coming of her innocent words, the offer of her hand of friendship, so why did both occur? Pity came as an immediate suspect, but she seemed to be one unaffected by such feelings. Her first words were pure, a genuine question about my state of being, and her form did not sway when I provided no answer. She tried several times more to get me involved, but retreated when the teacher entered the room.
"Talk to you later," with a smile and a wave.
I was surprised. Knowing now that I was not interested in playing, why would she invite me for another round? I dismissed the words as a customary parting and turned my focus to the teacher ahead. However, I remember performing poorly on the test that day.
As promised, she returned to me, filled with life and speech. Her smile was unwavering and she tried again to strike up a conversation. One-sided it was, but that did not stop her from babbling enthusiastically and exposing the workings of her mind. I remember the tinge of relief that rushed through me when, upon the bell's call, she returned to her seat without a guarantee of return.
The next morning, just before the start of class. I found her waiting near my desk. Her persistence was a bother but for some reason I could not bring myself to turn her away. I could not turn away someone who threw herself at my mercy for the sake of a few words. She was the first person in years to do so.
For a while, our days continued in this fashion―her talking endlessly while I listened―until I finally made a contribution. I don't remember how long it took for me to do so, but I do remember how she smiled. An off-handed comment had escaped my lips and the sincerity radiating from hers upturned caught me completely off-guard. Her joy was infectious.
From that point on, I looked forward to our encounters.
The rest of the school year flew by and I met a new wave of faces with the coming of spring.
She was not among them.
I tried not to think too much about it.
It was weird, entering my new classroom without that familiar petite figure standing by my designated seat. I hadn't wanted to, but I had grown accustomed to the sight, her company, and I reasoned that because we were no longer in the same class, she had no obligation to meet me.
I was satisfied with this conclusion. That's why I was so surprised to see her at the end of the day. She had been standing outside my classroom, waiting for me, and she was not shy of that fact. She greeted me in that usual cheerful manner of hers and my reply carried a cautious tone. Whether or not she caught it was never addressed, but she quickly latched herself to my arm and started to share vacation stories.
We lapsed into our previous relationship but a nagging voice kept at the back of my head.
"Chibiusa-chan." We were walking down the hall and she looked up in response, always the attentive listener. "Why do you still stick around me? We're not in the same class anymore and I'm sure you have your own duties, responsibilities to tend to. You're the class rep this year again, aren't you?"
She smiled and her fingers interlaced mine, effectively stopping me in my tracks. I was startled by how warm her hand was and perhaps lost myself in the sensation for just a moment. "Is that what you've been thinking this entire time, Hotaru-senpai? I didn't approach you that day because of some class presidential duty. I went up to you because you interested me, and well..."
I remember distinctly how nervous her laughter had been, how red was the shade that adorned her cheeks. Nonetheless, she kept her eyes forward and her voice soft as she said to me:
"I think you're beautiful."
Thinking back on it now, that was probably the moment I fell in love with her.
Note: Four-part fluff fic! Needs better summary. There's not much to this one except that I wanted to write something that came... well, before To Love the Light. Obviously. That fic was something of a new experience for me, writing characters who have already gotten together, so I wanted a story explaining how without having to actually start from the very beginning. ...Or I could've just been in a mood for fluff. Is there a problem? :eyes: Go jump in a pit. Full of snakes.
So... I actually completed this thing some time ago and have half of it hidden somewhere in the depths of my hard drive. Just give me a day or two to edit the next chapter, and a week or so to stop being so lazy and type the rest. Just a request though: If you happen to like this enough to fave it or whatnot, do leave some feedback. I can handle it if you just read and never return, but don't list it as a favourite and not review. I realize I sound a little... yeah, but it's all for the sake of keeping my sanity. You all want me to stay sane, right? :nervous laugh: Well, regardless of whether you review or not, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and join me for the next.
Written: May 2007 - October 2007.