AN: I wrote this for Sailor Moon monthly drabble challenges, so its based on the challenge "hanami". Now that I've experienced hanami for myself it makes me smile even more. I'm not sure who SM belongs to anymore, (Nakao Takeuchi?) but I know it isn't me. Enjoy!
The soft refrains of music and echoes of conversation followed Usagi as she wandered away from the party. Shadows grew as the sun set, and young boys from the local temple quickly hung painted lanterns in the trees.
She pulled her thin sweater around her shoulders as a cool breeze blew and a gentle smile touched her lips as cherry blossoms drifted downwards. This was it, the last day of the festivals, the final yozakura before school began. A final day of freedom.
Usagi's brow furrowed in contemplation as she walked further into the park. Tomorrow was the first day of school... her last first day of high school. One last year of classes and exams, of Ami forcing her to study. But then what? One last year of high school, and then ...? Oh she knew her distant future. Crystal Tokyo, Neo-queen Serenity, queen of the entire Earth... but that was a thousand years away. What about her immediate future? What about after high school? What would she do until it was time for her destiny?
"So serious Usako?"
Usagi spun around, startled out of her thoughts. She tripped, falling forward and was caught by strong arms. Her cheeks stained red as she looked up into the laughing eyes of her prince. "Oh Mamo-chan... you scared me!"
"You were thinking too hard Usako," he smiled as he set her back on her feet. "What's wrong?"
Usagi stared up into the eyes of the man she was destined to marry, and all thoughts of the future flew from her mind. She would be with her Mamoru, and that was what mattered. She grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Just thinking. But its not important."
He eyed her for a moment, before nodding slightly. "Good," he whispered, leaning down to capture her lips. She pressed back, all worries banished as she lost herself in the present. In a magical kiss beneath paper lanterns and cherry blossoms.