Title: 'Boogiemen, Dragons, and Tricksters' ~ Possibly a working title,
not really sure yet.
Author: Ayrki
Email: ayrki@yahoo.com
Beta: Nope, I've not found one of these elusive creatures yet.
Series: Sailormoon
Genre: Romance, as fluffy and sugary as you can get. Well, that's what I am going for anyway.
Chapter or Part: First of I don't know how many, it was supposed to be a short story of about ten pages, but I am beginning to doubt if I can write short stories. They all turn into monsters. ^_^
Disclaimer: No! No! No! It wasn't me! You can't prove a bloody thing, you can't. Oh, oops. *sheepish grin* Not that kinda disclaimer, my bad. I don't own 'em. I just get the plot as I am sure this is the only one like this out there so far.
Summary: Okay, so it is supposed to be a short ten or so page Christmas fic. This is being written in response to a challenge proposed by Matthias (AKA MysticMew) on the Stars In Love yahoo group. All that the challenge called for was a story of about ten pages that had Minaru content either mainly or minorly. It just has to be in there. So, it's a fluffy little shoujo ai involving Minako and Hotaru.
Timeline: It's confusing, abstract, and downright impossible to figure out. With that said, this story takes place in the Inner senshi and Hotaru's last year of high school. After the defeat of Galaxia, Hotaru aged enough so that she is about a year, year and a half younger than the Inner soldiers. This takes place very close to Christmas as it is a Christmas fic. But you already figured that one out, huh? ^_^
Author's notes: Minaru, you ask? Well, you can find the answer of that on the yahoo group Stars In Love (I'll get anybody the link if they want). Okay, I'll be nice, it basically is the short way of saying Minako and Hotaru. A Minaru story is one that has the romantic relationship of Aino Minako and Tomoe Hotaru, a bit of an odd concept, huh? But it actually works once you think about it. Anyway, if you are interested in the pairing and like it then we would love to have you on the group. Okay, shameless promotion done. Tell me what you think of this as feedback is always greatly appreciated. Good, bad, indifferent? Should I hang up my quill permanently? Criticism wanted.well, at least tell me where I made a mistake.
Oh, and please remember that this is not beta-read as I do not have one and I probably missed out on a few things in my excitement of getting this done. All I've got is my little brother that I torture with reading this to or making him read it himself. That, and a homicidal, violent Muse that keeps the worst hours, either that or she lives on the other side of the world.
~~~~~
'It's actually quite extraordinary how different cultures so far from each other and so different in so many ways manage to run parallel to one another. In every culture there is a type of 'boogieman' that only children can see, he terrorizes them and sometimes he is believed to be a demon who hunts them. The boogieman might take the shape of a 'bathroom monster' for some; in these cases he is a harmful being that only frightens the child. In others, he may be named 'Der Kindistod' or 'Child Death', a horrific demon who murdered sick children. Another similarity that most, if not all, cultures share is the existence of dragons; if you look hard enough it is possible to discover the winged, fire breathing beasts. Of course, not all types of dragons share these qualities. Besides dragons and boogiemen, cultures also have tricksters; each one has one in a different form. In parts of Africa it was Hare who was the trickster, and in Native American myths the trickster was some times Raven or Coyote. In Norse mythology Loki took up the mischief making while, as in ancient Britain Puck was he who played the jokes.
Boogiemen, dragons, and tricksters. But we know that is not all cultures have in common; no, there are ghosts, angels, magick, and faeries. However, is that really all that cultures have in common? No, many cultures share the same holidays, New Year's, Halloween, Valentine's Day, and birthdays.How Sure, they are not celebrated in the same manner; for most cultures Halloween is completely different in its celebration. Some dress up in costumes to mock the spirits, while others dress up so that the ghosts and ghouls will not know them from the real goblins. But, it is a day of the supernatural, and is celebrated as a remembrance of the creatures we disguise ourselves as. Today, however, less and less cultures celebrate this day as we become a more scientific world and forget our magickal pasts. We created magick to explain what our logic could not; now what was once a miracle is science.
One holiday widely celebrated today is Christmas. In many places with many cultures Christmas has become about the glamour and the gifts. It is about getting a new toy and the fantastic decorations of which have nothing to do with the day's original beginnings. Christmas is not even the true name of the holiday. Christmas was named for a man who died on a cross. That is not what the day is supposed to be about, as is they actually believe that he was born in August as that is when the star would have been seen in Bethlehem. But I'm getting off topic, sorry about that, I tend to go off on tangents and philosophies has become one of my loves. In the northern hemisphere it was called 'Winter Solstice' or 'Mid-winter', while in the southern hemisphere it was called 'Summer Solstice' or 'Mid-Summer'. Either way it was celebrated, relatively mind you, the same. It involved the giving of gifts, but the holiday was more about being with family and celebrating the joy of life and living. Far too often, people place monetary and materialistic meanings on this 'Winter (or Summer) Solstice.' That is usually when the Gods- or deities, or whatever you want to call the- step in and decide to teach we mere mortals about the true meaning of 'Christmas'. And so ever year, about the 25 of December, the world begins their preparations of this day of celebration. Some cultures set out shoes to be filled will goodies, while others hang stockings from the fireplace. In most cultures there is a belief that a good spirit will bring prizes and gifts to each home, some call him St. Nicholas, others Kris Kringle, and others (the one we most know) call him Santa Claus.
I remember once, when I was in my second year of primary school, learning of the real Saint Nicholas who would put gifts and treats into the shoes of poor children who's families were too poor to afford anything special for the Solstice. I can't remember where in the world it was; I just remember that it was Eastern Europe, Austria or perhaps Holland.I really can't remember. Yeah, it was that long ago.well, not really.
It is really amazing, we all think that we are so different and have nothing in common with those halfway around the world, or even next-door neighbours for that matter. But when one takes the time to really think about it and actually look at the other cultures, it is easy to see that maybe, just maybe, we are not so different. And maybe one day when we all realize this, maybe things won't be so bad in the world. Something to look forward to, hmmm?'
~~~~~
Sighing contently, the girl -no, young woman- sat back in the chair in which she currently occupied in the Minato District Library. Black hair, as dark as midnight, grown out just enough to touch the shoulder was tucked out of the way behind her right ear as she leaned back over her paper and signed her name with a flourish: 'Tomoe Hotaru'. Checking back over the paper one last time, she slipped it into a folder sporting two photographs: one of a white tiger cub ready to pounce upon an unsuspecting mother. The other was of four women, all rather young; though, many still thought that the tallest with ruffled blond hair was male. It was a happy picture, at first glance one would think that it was a small, close family: a handsome and charming-looking man, an elegant and beautiful woman, a grinning and cheerful child of about eight years old, and a mysterious but striking woman, whom one would assume to be an aunt or very close friend. They were a close family, though not related by blood; and none would know from looking at the picture that each was a seasoned warrior that had sacrificed herself for the world many times over. But they didn't need to know that, those that needed to knew.
Gathering the rest of her things, Tomoe Hotaru stood and slipped them into her bag. With a shy smile to the friendly librarian, who had noticed the young violet-eyed girl on many occasions, the girl left the warm sanctuary of the library. Out on the steps of the library, Hotaru pulled her gloves on and tightened her coat about her. With that done, she descended the shovelled steps and walked off down the abandoned streets of the Minato District. As she wandered through the snow-blanketed streets aimlessly, her thoughts wandered, just as she. Christmas had almost arrived, perhaps another week or two. They had a Christmas party planned, all had agreed and looked forward to it. Though, Hotaru spoke of it less than the others; most times her thoughts were elsewhere. With her family, her original family.
It had been years since they had celebrated a Christmas together, even before she had died and been reborn to be raised by her fellow Outer soldiers. Once her mother and elder sister had died in the fire from the lab explosion there was very little celebration in the Tomoe home. Instead, her possessed father had cultivated and aided the evil presence in her until the demon finally took control of her completely. When that happened she had consumed her best friend's -her first friend in so many years- heart crystal, then the creature took complete control. Shaking her head to expel the melancholy thoughts, Hotaru glanced around. She was in a residential area at the moment; from where she walked on the sidewalk she was able to see into many of the homes. Families putting up last minute decorations or sitting down to dinner was what she saw. This invoked a new string of memories, namely one of before that horrific accident. She remembered the first Christmas in which she received her first lamp; her mother had given it to her. Since that day, she had a love of them and collected them simply because they brought about happy memories.
(Hotaru)
Those families in the windows were lucky, I mused. They don't know the true horror that exist, they haven't had to die for the world, or loose their entire family just so that they could achieve their destiny. Not that I didn't have a wonderful family, Haruka-papa is the best that I could hope for, and Michiru-mama is as compassionate as any mother twice her age with much more experience. And Setsuna-mama is truly wonderful, always there to help me along and answer my questions, no matter what I asked. Though I looked but a few years younger than my fellow outer senshi, I still called them by the names that I had as a reborn child. Just as they still called me 'hime-chan', their nickname for me. They had raised me, and I still see them as my guardians and family. They were the best family that I could have asked for: caring, compassionate, protective, understanding, and always willing to sate my curiosity as a child. Even today, I still go to them if I had a question.well, that is, if I wasn't shy about the subject. In matters of the heart, I rivalled Ami in shyness and nervousness, though I don't 'head for the hills' when a love letter crosses my path. No, but it tends to be a close battle, I smile a little wryly at this thought. Most of this came from not having very many experiences in the past from which to draw from. The other senshi had the benefit of past loves to help them in romantic adventures, but as they lived them, I had slept on. Waiting for the day in which I would be awakened to fulfil my duty.
Chuckling ruefully, I again expelled the melancholy thoughts. This was one of the reasons I both loved and dreaded the season; so many memories were dredged up by the holidays. Looking up at the sky, I felt as feather soft snowflakes touched my face and melt away. I couldn't -and didn't even attempt to- stop the smile from spreading across my features. Ever since I was a small child, I had been utterly enthralled with snow. I loved it and would wait each year just for it to come again, I especially loved the first snowfall; there was just something about it that I couldn't put my finger on it. I paused in the park, which I had found myself in, after leaving my thoughts and simply stood letting the snow fall about me. I don't know how much later, but soon a voice broke through, calling my name. Though I wasn't thinking about particularly anything, I hadn't heard the young woman approach.
Looking to my left, saw Aino Minako wave and walk towards me, calling out, "Konbanwa, Hotaru-chan."
Smiling, I waved back and waited for my friend to close the distance between us. It's rather ironic, and a little symbolic when you think about it; Minako had closed another distance between us, between the inner senshi and I. It was because of her that I have become so comfortable around them. It is because of her efforts that I have begun to socialise, though nothing like her. This thought brought smile to my face again, there would never be a day when anybody could match Minako for socialising, of that I was positive. Finally, I broke the silence, "Good Evening to you, Minako- chan." I turned towards my blond-haired friend; again, as every time I look at her, I am struck by her beauty. I don't know how she says single or has failed to find the one meant for her. You would think that she would have half the population lined up at her door for dates. Then again, she usually did. "And how are you this evening?"
She thought for a moment, the tip of her tongue just visible out of the corner of her mouth. Something that she did whenever she thought about something seriously, it was a trait that I, for some reason I still haven't figured out, find utterly adorable. Smiling, she answered, "Well, I don't really know as it is only 5:15, that is hardly the evening."
Trying to suppress a grin, and failing miserably I might add, I told her "Ah, but it was you who said 'Good Evening' first."
The smile grew, if that was even possible, "True, but you can ask me in a little bit how I am this evening. 'Til then you will just have to give me time to figure it out."
I rolled my eyes, I had long since gotten used to her antics, "Right, and how long does it take to figure out how you are?" Her only response was to stick her tongue out at me. I grinned, and without speaking we both turned and walked deeper into the park as the sun set for the day. We had learned each other's movements and long since became synchronised in our actions; in the occasional battles, we worked extraordinarily as a team, something that the others had commented on once or twice. I honestly didn't notice it for a while. Five minutes later found us by the lake that had frozen over and had been made into a makeshift ice-skating rink. Brushing off the bench under a large oak tree, we both took a seat and watched as the snow fell. "Figured out how you are this evening, yet?" I asked, concealing my grin.
I felt the look that she gave me and gave up hiding my smile. She finally answered me, "You are a brat."
Turning, I feigned deep hurt. Holding both hands to my chest, over my heart, I exclaimed, "Brat? Me? Nay, never I. Thou hurtest thy to the core when thee suggesteth that thy is a brat.eth." I added the last part as an after thought, during my dramatics I managed to remain the pretence of being hurt and extremely serious.
Minako, however, had not. She had instantly dissolved in to a fit of giggles at my antics, which had been my goal all along. "Oh, Hotaru-chan," she managed to gasp in-between laugher. "If only people saw this side of you, I'd bet you would have all kinds of attention." She grin and fell into another fit of laughter."
I smiled and told her, "I am only like this around you. I don't really know why, I've never been this goofy -for want of a better word- before. I don't think I was like this even before the Lab." Narrowing my eyes at her, I leaned forward a little and said in a lower voice, "I think you must be rubbing off on me.and maybe you are the only one I want noticing me." The last part was whispered. I don't really know what happened next, maybe I was just in an odd mood because of the snow, or maybe I was giddy from acting so silly. All I do know is that for a moment our eyes met and Minako's laughter died down, but the smile remained. Silence settled around us, not an oppressive one, quite the contrary in fact, but instead a calm, comfortable one. Happiness and joy radiated from Minako's blue eyes, I could get lost in them so easily; actually, I did. I felt myself moving closer to the older girl, not really sure of my intent, I do know that she moved closer to me too. Centimetres apart, I still didn't know what I was doing, all that I did know was that it felt right. Being here with Minako felt right.
I felt a hand softly touch -no caress- my cheek, then I realised that it was Minako's hand; she whispered, as if afraid to break the spell, "You really are beautiful, you know."
Blushing furiously, I dropped my head, unconsciously leaning into her hand. For her to say that I was beautiful.I looked back up, shyly and just as quietly, I murmured, "Not nearly as you." I glanced back down, then, finally making a decision I shifted and let my head rest on the older girls shoulder. She easily settled her arm around me, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for her to do. I slipped my arms around her waist and didn't bother to even try and stop the content smile from spreading.
(Minako)
I don't what it is about the Christmas season that brings me such mixed feelings. Maybe it is because I see all of the happy people around with their family without a care in the world. That reminds me of what they don't know, of what I have had to sacrifice myself for. Then I think of everything I have gone through since I was thirteen, yeah, that was probably it. I didn't want to go home yet, for some reason. And for another reason, I couldn't explain, I wandered toward a park that we, the senshi, have frequented on many occasions. Soon though, I learned why I was drawn to the park: the little Raven was there, watching the snow fall. I stood there, watching her, as I reflected on our relationship that had developed in the year and half since the defeat of Galaxia. Hotaru had grown at an accelerated rate until she was looked like she was about a year or two younger than the rest of the senshi. She was now in the same grade as the rest, excluding Haruka-san, Michiru-san, and Setsuna-san, of course. That meant that she was in her twelfth and last year of school before university. But that was still a few months away.
Chibiusa had long since returned to her own time, and after defeating Galaxia Hotaru had seemed to withdraw into herself. Rather, she tried to, but I did my best and proved to be quite stubborn. It took a lot, and I mean a lot, but soon I had Hotaru laughing and smiling more often and interacting with many more people than before. I don't mean to claim all responsibility for her change, never. But I think it helped that I was always there giving her a push to enter into the conversation and to actually have fun. It was hard work, some days it seemed as if she thought that she had no right to be happy or have fun. I can remember once when she actually said some thing to that effect. It stunned me for sure. I had never thought that maybe she thought that she wasn't allowed to have fun, as if it were some unspoken taboo. Well, needless to say, that idea didn't stick with her for too long.
In the months following her enrolment to Juuban High School with the rest of us last year, she began to make casual friends. I think that it helped that almost all of us senshi went to the same school. I mean, kids certainly couldn't, and wouldn't, even attempt to pick on her with Haruka, and Makoto for that matter, always around. That and most of our classmates think along the lines of 'cool by association', meaning that Hotaru was always around Haruka and Michiru, and the rest of us who became popular in our own right, and so she must be cool if she was around them and us. Well, that's just a theory, but you can see why I leave the theorising to Ami-chan, Setsuna-san, and Hotaru. I just tend to be able to understand people, and once they realised that she was actually a really nice and interesting person, they were far kinder to her than her Mugen Gakuen classmates. Even the ones that now went to our school accepted her, maybe it helped that she didn't use her healing abilities. After a moment I decided that it was more of Haruka's and Makoto's doing, I grinned at the thought. Even just one of them alone was intimidating enough, but when they team up.well, lets just say bullying wasn't much of a problem.
Finally, I made my presence known; she didn't seem to know I was there, watching her. Wishing her a 'Good Evening', I closed the gap between us. She smiled in return, a smile that could melt anybody's heart. Well, mine anyway. I don't know when the little Raven had started to affect me like this; all that I knew was that I didn't care. She was quiet for a few more moments before she returned the greeting and asked me how I was doing. I pretended to think deeply before answered cheekily, that it was far too early in the evening to tell. She tried to suppress her smile, she really did but couldn't. After a short exchange that resulted in my sticking my tongue out and her rolling her eyes, we both turned and walked deeper into the park. I don't know when we did it, but we had learned to read each other's movements in a way that could rival even Haruka and Michiru's synchronicity. Maybe it was from all of the training that we did together, not that I really cared.
A little while later, we stopped walking, brushed the snow off a bench and sat down. After moment it was Hotaru who was cheeky as she asked if I'd figured out how I was. I fixed her with a look that would have made even the most iron willed person squirm, well, if they had been looking at me, which she was not. I finally, playfully, resorted to a plain and simply insult that wasn't meant; which we both knew.
I didn't expect the firefly's response though; playing mock hurt she pretended to be innocent and then wounded as she clutched her hands to her chest and proclaimed, in one of those old English accents, that I had hurt her. I couldn't keep in my laughter as she dramatically played the part, and well I add, but it was when she almost forgot the last 'eth' that I completely lost it. I laughed so hard that my sides ached, but I didn't care. She could make me laugh like no one else, as I finally managed to get a hold of some of my laughter I managed to tell her that if she cut loose like this then she'd have all kinds of people wanting to be with her. She smiled that smile and caused my heart to flutter, I half-hated that she could do that to me so easily and not even know. But, only half-hated mind you, and perhaps not even that much.
She told me, then, that she was only like this around me. I couldn't help but be both proud and elated that it was me that caused this, but when she leaned closer to me and said in a low voice that quickened my pulse, that maybe I was rubbing off on her. Then she added that maybe it was only me that she wanted to notice her, I found that my laughter had left me as my heart raced at her suggestion, but I was still smiling, rather grinning. Hotaru hadn't moved back to where she had been a moment ago; as I met her gaze I couldn't help but be pulled in. Her violet eyes were so expressive; they say that the eyes are the window to the soul. Well, if that is so then Tomoe Hotaru has one of the most beautiful souls I have ever seen, but I already knew that. In her eyes I could see joy, laughter, and happiness, but I could also see a wisdom that came only from centuries as a senshi. I could also see a pain that had not yet been erased from her heart, the loss of her family and innocence. There was also something else there that I could really identify.
Instead of leaning back into her former position, Hotaru moved a little closer, as did I. I don't know what she intended, or even what I intended. All I knew was that it felt right to have her close. I reached up with my left hand, the backs of my gloved fingers touching her cheek, tracing her jaw lightly. As if afraid to break the spell, I kept my voice quiet as I told her that she was beautiful. And I meant it; I had never spoken truer words. Snowflakes were scattered intermittently through her now shoulder- length hair that she had decided to grow out, giving her an exotic look. Her violet eyes sparkled with mirth and seemed to hold mysteries that mankind would never learn, as if they weren't worth of them. Only one person would be. Where these thoughts came from, I didn't know but Hotaru blushed a cute shade of red and glanced down, leaning into my hand. Again, my heart skipped a few beats and fluttered.
I barely heard her whisper, "Not nearly as you," because I was far too wrapped up in the fact that she had just moved completely over to rest her head on my shoulder. I couldn't stop the goofy grin from spreading as I settled my arm across her shoulders and pulled her a little closer. I didn't think it was possible, but I think the grin got even bigger as she slipped her arms around my waist. I let my left hand drop to lie in my lap, then I let it come to rest on Hotaru's forearm, my thumb idly stroking her arm. Stupid thumb, it was as if it had a mind of it's own as it sure wasn't listening to me.
I let my head come to rest on her's as we sat there simply enjoying each other's company and the embrace. A little while later, I managed to win the battle with the rebellious thumb and brought my had up to brush Hotaru's hair away from her forehead, where I planted a soft kiss. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was falling for the little firefly, and I was falling hard.
~~~~~
(Haruka)
It was 6:30, supper was almost ready, and Hotaru wasn't home yet. I knew that she was going to the library after school; she has been doing that a lot, not that we mind. But if memory serves me right, the Library closes at 5:30 or 6 o'clock. I stopped in mid-pace, she probably stopped by the Crown Arcade Centre, yes, that was probably it. But why, then, had I resumed my pacing? Hearing a melodic chuckle I stop and turn to see Michiru watching me, a small smile half-hidden behind her hand. She leaned on the door jam -that was usually my trick- and continued to watch me, who knows how long she had been there. "You know, she is probably with someone, perhaps one of the Inners?"
I gave a half-grunt, which could be taken as an agreement or a disagreement and resumed pacing and looking up at the large clock. I heard her laugh, the sound that tends to make my knees turn to jelly, and move closer to me. A light hand stopped me in my tracks; "If you don't stop that pacing you will wear a patch in the carpet. And I happen to like the carpet, so if you don't mind: stop." I considered ignoring her request. Really! Okay, so it was for about.eh, half or even a third of a nano-second. And I think she knew it.
Sighing, I stop and turn towards her. Oh, yeah, she knew alright. I could see it in her eyes as she laughed at me, but not in an insulting way. Just in the way of finding something a lover does as amusing or endearing, Michiru has a few of those traits. That thought causes a small smile to appear and I make no attempt to stop it.
Seeing the smile, and probably guessing the general area of my thoughts Michiru simply shook her head and stepped closer to slip her arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I draped my arms casually around her, my hands coming to rest easily on her hips. I looked back over at the clock, 6:43 and still no Hotaru. I heard and felt Michiru laugh, "You know, you are really adorable when you play the worried parent."
When I don't reply and still watch as the lethargic second hand tick away, Michiru stood on her toes to gain a few extra centimetres. I soon found out what she was up to: ever so softly, Michiru was trailing feather-light kisses along my jaw line. Something she knew I couldn't resist. I turned away from the clock to fix my lover with a penetrating gaze, which she unflinchingly returned. I knew she saw the telltale twitch as I tried to suppress the smile unsuccessfully, she simply smiled in return. I dropped my head the last few centimetres separating us and touch my lips to her's oh so softly. Soft and gentle at first then deepened as mouths part and tongues dance and caress, the kiss full of love and passion. I slid one hand away from her waist and brought it up to cup her cheek and then thread through her hair as I loose myself completely in the kiss. I don't think either of us heard Setsuna's sigh or mutter as she poked her head into the living room to ask if Hotaru had come home yet.
I finally have to admit defeat and pull away as the need for oxygen becomes far to great to ignore any longer. Keeping my eyes closed I rested my forehead upon Michiru's and try to quail my pounding heart and calm my breath. In a whisper I ask, "Why do you have to always steal my breath?"
I finally open my eyes to meet hers as she answers, "Because you are the thief of my heart, dear love of mine." I smile and let my hand fall from her hair only to gather her closer and hold her to me, her head above my heart.
"I love you," I whisper hoarsely.
"I know, love, I know," Michiru murmured, her lips brushing against my throat. I don't know how long we stood there, but soon I looked up as I heard the click of the front door. A moment later a snowy Hotaru poked her head into the living room, her cheeks flushed and rosy, presumably from the cold. She gave Michiru and I a smile and waved before retreating back into the coatroom to remove her coat and gloves, after a moment I could hear her as she ascended the stairs to her room on the second floor. Pulling out of the embrace, Michiru kissed me lightly on the cheek and told me to go talk to my 'daughter'.
I pulled her back to me and placed a lingering kiss on her lips before I turn and walk off to find my daughter, leaving behind a rather stunned Michiru. I grin as I follow Hotaru up the stairs. I've still got it.
~~~~~
(Hotaru)
I was sitting on my bed after just changing out of my half damp uniform when I heard the soft knock. I wondered for a moment which one it would be, after a moment I decided upon my 'papa', "Come in, Haruka-papa," I call, and smile as she smiled sheepishly at me as she walked in.
"I guess I'm getting predictable, huh?" Haruka asked, the sheepish smile still in place.
I grinned, "A little. But that's alright, you're allowed to be protective of me."
"Good," she growled, "'Cause I'll always be."
I couldn't help but laugh, who needed those huge families when you have people like this? Taking my invitation to sit down, Haruka sat at my desk chair, turning it backwards so that she could rest her arms upon the backrest. "Haruka-papa." I began hesitantly. Sensing that I was breaching a subject I was shy about Haruka allowed me to take my time, of which I was grateful for. "When.when did you realise.that you were in love with Michiru-mama?" Well, I managed to get that out alright, it was a bit rushed at the end, but I think she knew what I said.
Yeah, judging from the smile on her face, she knew. The smile shifted to one of mischief that meant only trouble, "So, who's the lucky guy?"
"Haruka-papa!" I exclaimed, even though we both knew I knew what she would do. It was a game we played, one that neither of us tired of.
"Well, what else am I supposed to think? You normally don't ask about love, you're almost as shy as Ami in that department." She said, idly turning her chair side to side. I dropped my shoulders and fixed her with a look that asked her to simply answer the question. "Well, you're no fun," she muttered and then added in a normal voice, "I can't really say. Honestly, I mean, I ran away from it enough. Both my destiny and my feelings." I remembered Haruka-papa telling me as a child about how as much as we tried we could not escape our destiny, it was destined and would come to be, one way or the other. "I was young, foolish, and scared; but it was actually my love for Michiru that led me to accept my destiny. I pushed her away continually and it took almost loosing her to realise that I cared for her. It was later in our battles as senshi that I realised the full extent of my feelings."
"Oh," I murmured, that didn't really help.
"I guess the thing is, is that it was a gradual thing, I didn't see it coming a mile away, nor did I see her returning them. But it took a bit and I soon realised that she was not just a friend, but so much more." Haruka unfolded her arms and shrugged as she added, "From there the real work began: finding out if Michiru felt the same way. And you know the rest." Haruka let me think about what she had said, now that I thought about it, she had given me a lot to think about. She interrupted my thoughts, "But we can continue this later." I looked up at her, a little confused, "Now, we have dinner waiting for us."
"Oh, right, I'd forgotten about that," I murmured as I stood, still rather deep in thought.
As we walked down the stairs, Haruka again broke into my thoughts, "So, where were you anyway?"
"Hmm? Oh, with Minako." I said as I walked passed her, not noticing that she had stopped. I also did not see notice her thoughtful expression, maybe if I had I would have seen 'the wheels turning'.
~~~~~
(Minako)
As Hotaru and I sat on that bench so much became clearer to me, why I was always happy around her, why I wanted to spend so much time with her, why I had not found that connection with any of the guys I had dated in the last few years. I glanced down at the little firefly; she chose that moment to look up. I felt the urge to throw caution to the wind and tell her now, but could I really do that to her? What if she didn't return my feelings? I couldn't do that to her, to put her in such a difficult position.
As I wrestled with my thoughts and emotions, I didn't notice that Hotaru had shifted just enough to stretch up to softly kiss my cheek. Noticing that I looked back down at her, she smiled up at me. I tried, I really did, to push and quell the urge, but her smile was my undoing. I leaned forward to close the distance; I could feel Hotaru's breath on my lips as I hesitated just once more. I threw caution to the wind and closed the gap.
"BZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!" The blaring sound startled me so bad that I jumped quite a few centimetres in the air; the problem was I was on the edge of my bed and fell off. I lay there in a groaning heap for a few moments as Artemis turned off that horrible mechanical contraption. Then, his white furry face appeared over the edge of the bed to peer at me quizzically. "Minako, are you alright?" my guardian asked, concern lacing his voice.
I think, however, that my reply just served to worry him more. "One more lousy second!!! Is that too much to ask!?!" I half-growled half-yelled at the ceiling. Much quieter, I murmured my frustration causing old speech mannerisms to reappear, "So close, so bloody close."
"Minako?" Artemis asked cautiously, as if afraid to provoke me.
Signing, I sat up, untangled my legs from my bed sheets and pulled myself back up onto my bed. "Sorry about that," I told him. "It was one of those dreams that you really don't want to be woken up from," I glanced at my guardian, "You know the kind, the ones where you get to the really good part and wake up."
He smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I know those ones. Annoying aren't they?" He laughed as I flopped onto my back and gave a frustrated sigh that spoke better than words. "But you can ignore that for now, you need to get ready for school."
I was ready to protest at the injustice of having to go to school when I remembered that Hotaru went to the same school as I, and I would see her. That caused me to bolt upright and dash toward the bathroom. Behind me, I heard and ignored as my guardian's muttered, "That, is the most I have ever seen her excited for school. Must be a cute boy."
(Hotaru)
I waited for the others to arrive in our usual meeting place, just under a large cherry blossom tree on the front lawn of the high school. Some days I walked with them to school, but today Haruka-papa had to run by the track and had dropped me off at school, though a bit early. I sat under the tree on a bench and had a blank sheet of paper and pen on my lap. A few students were milling about, but they would leave me be as they knew I tended to prefer to be alone. Closing my eyes, I cleared my mind to let a new topic come to mind.
I didn't hear the soft footsteps approach me from behind, but I did feel the person lean down and whisper in my ear, "Looking for your inspiration?" I jumped and turned to the grinning face of Minako.
"Kami-sama, Minako-chan! You startled me, I didn't hear you approach." I glared at her with mock sternness and pretended to be annoyed even though my stomach was currently preforming circus tricks.
She smiled even bigger, "Gomen, Hotaru-chan, I didn't mean to startle you." She then leaned closer and kissed me softly on the cheek. Switching sides of the bench and sitting next to me she asked, "Forgive me?" Her expression one of sincerity, even though we both knew that she had planned to startle me.
I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Always, Minako, always." We both smiled and just watched the other until Minako broke the silence, "Your muse leave you?"
I nodded and looked back at the blank paper. "Yeah, she's being ornery again." I got a thoughtful look on in my eyes and added, "Actually, quite like a certain blond I know."
Minako glared at me, gave me a playful push, and said, "Brat." Instead of saying denying it, I simply grinned.
Giving up on finding any inspiration to write, I slid the still blank sheet of paper back into my folder and placed that into my bag. I had recently discovered my love of writing when our English and Language Arts and teacher had started us on short prose about any general subject. It could be something as simple as Usagi's mismatching socks, or it could make a comment on human nature. Each week since the beginning of the year we were to hand in a small paper; it didn't have to be long at all, maybe a few pages, maybe more. Length or subject didn't really matter; the point was to be writing and to be learning how to write comfortably in the language- at least half of them had to be in English.
I soon found that I was writing almost one paper a day, I discovered writing to be a much easier way of expressing my thoughts as it didn't involve having to speak them aloud. Because I was writing them so much, Minako had jokingly suggested that I had a muse watching over me. What she didn't know was about a third of my work was either inspired or managed to connect to her, so I suppose, in a way, she was my muse. I looked back at Minako when she asked, "So, are you bringing a date to the Christmas party?"
I shook my head, "Iie, I can't think of anybody I would want to be there that isn't already going to come." After a moment, I -reluctantly- asked, "Are you bringing a date?
She smiled, "Iie. One: I can't think of anybody, and two: it kind of seems like just a group thing, you know?" I nodded in agreement, then I noticed her eyes light up as she got an idea. "I've got a fantastic idea."
I waited for a moment and then realised that she was waiting for me to reply, "Oh?" I asked, deliberately not playing into her hand.
She just half-glared at me for a moment, then stayed quiet for another, as if trying to weigh an idea; then, almost hesitantly, "Why don't.we go together." For some reason I sensed that she was nervous about something.
Unable to resist, I pointed out with a smile, "You know, the party is at my house so I don't really need a date." She glanced down though, almost as if disappointed. I reached over and touched her shoulder, "But I would still be very happy to go with you." Seeing the happiness at such a simple statement caused my stomach to once again preform aerial tricks. 'Why do you affect me like this?' I asked myself, half-confused. Then, I realised how close our bodies were. My mind whirled, my stomach flip-flopped, and my pulse raced. We slowly each inched forward, not really knowing that we did, my eyes sought out Minako's blue ones and asked a silent question. My eyes began to close as we neared and shoved every thought out of my head except those of Minako.
Then, a familiar voice shattered everything, and caused me to be startled out of my wits for the second time this morning. "Mina-can, Hotaru-chan!" Usagi called and waved as she, Ami, and Makoto approached. As I held a hand over my heart in an attempt to slow it, I heard Minako giggle softly, "Not your day, huh?" I just met her eyes and smiled weakly. She stood and offered a hand to help be up, almost shyly I took it and then we walked over to the others. Neither of us noticed that it took us a moment or two to let go, not that we really cared. The others, however, did notice and exchanged glances that neither Minako nor I caught.
Author: Ayrki
Email: ayrki@yahoo.com
Beta: Nope, I've not found one of these elusive creatures yet.
Series: Sailormoon
Genre: Romance, as fluffy and sugary as you can get. Well, that's what I am going for anyway.
Chapter or Part: First of I don't know how many, it was supposed to be a short story of about ten pages, but I am beginning to doubt if I can write short stories. They all turn into monsters. ^_^
Disclaimer: No! No! No! It wasn't me! You can't prove a bloody thing, you can't. Oh, oops. *sheepish grin* Not that kinda disclaimer, my bad. I don't own 'em. I just get the plot as I am sure this is the only one like this out there so far.
Summary: Okay, so it is supposed to be a short ten or so page Christmas fic. This is being written in response to a challenge proposed by Matthias (AKA MysticMew) on the Stars In Love yahoo group. All that the challenge called for was a story of about ten pages that had Minaru content either mainly or minorly. It just has to be in there. So, it's a fluffy little shoujo ai involving Minako and Hotaru.
Timeline: It's confusing, abstract, and downright impossible to figure out. With that said, this story takes place in the Inner senshi and Hotaru's last year of high school. After the defeat of Galaxia, Hotaru aged enough so that she is about a year, year and a half younger than the Inner soldiers. This takes place very close to Christmas as it is a Christmas fic. But you already figured that one out, huh? ^_^
Author's notes: Minaru, you ask? Well, you can find the answer of that on the yahoo group Stars In Love (I'll get anybody the link if they want). Okay, I'll be nice, it basically is the short way of saying Minako and Hotaru. A Minaru story is one that has the romantic relationship of Aino Minako and Tomoe Hotaru, a bit of an odd concept, huh? But it actually works once you think about it. Anyway, if you are interested in the pairing and like it then we would love to have you on the group. Okay, shameless promotion done. Tell me what you think of this as feedback is always greatly appreciated. Good, bad, indifferent? Should I hang up my quill permanently? Criticism wanted.well, at least tell me where I made a mistake.
Oh, and please remember that this is not beta-read as I do not have one and I probably missed out on a few things in my excitement of getting this done. All I've got is my little brother that I torture with reading this to or making him read it himself. That, and a homicidal, violent Muse that keeps the worst hours, either that or she lives on the other side of the world.
~~~~~
'It's actually quite extraordinary how different cultures so far from each other and so different in so many ways manage to run parallel to one another. In every culture there is a type of 'boogieman' that only children can see, he terrorizes them and sometimes he is believed to be a demon who hunts them. The boogieman might take the shape of a 'bathroom monster' for some; in these cases he is a harmful being that only frightens the child. In others, he may be named 'Der Kindistod' or 'Child Death', a horrific demon who murdered sick children. Another similarity that most, if not all, cultures share is the existence of dragons; if you look hard enough it is possible to discover the winged, fire breathing beasts. Of course, not all types of dragons share these qualities. Besides dragons and boogiemen, cultures also have tricksters; each one has one in a different form. In parts of Africa it was Hare who was the trickster, and in Native American myths the trickster was some times Raven or Coyote. In Norse mythology Loki took up the mischief making while, as in ancient Britain Puck was he who played the jokes.
Boogiemen, dragons, and tricksters. But we know that is not all cultures have in common; no, there are ghosts, angels, magick, and faeries. However, is that really all that cultures have in common? No, many cultures share the same holidays, New Year's, Halloween, Valentine's Day, and birthdays.How Sure, they are not celebrated in the same manner; for most cultures Halloween is completely different in its celebration. Some dress up in costumes to mock the spirits, while others dress up so that the ghosts and ghouls will not know them from the real goblins. But, it is a day of the supernatural, and is celebrated as a remembrance of the creatures we disguise ourselves as. Today, however, less and less cultures celebrate this day as we become a more scientific world and forget our magickal pasts. We created magick to explain what our logic could not; now what was once a miracle is science.
One holiday widely celebrated today is Christmas. In many places with many cultures Christmas has become about the glamour and the gifts. It is about getting a new toy and the fantastic decorations of which have nothing to do with the day's original beginnings. Christmas is not even the true name of the holiday. Christmas was named for a man who died on a cross. That is not what the day is supposed to be about, as is they actually believe that he was born in August as that is when the star would have been seen in Bethlehem. But I'm getting off topic, sorry about that, I tend to go off on tangents and philosophies has become one of my loves. In the northern hemisphere it was called 'Winter Solstice' or 'Mid-winter', while in the southern hemisphere it was called 'Summer Solstice' or 'Mid-Summer'. Either way it was celebrated, relatively mind you, the same. It involved the giving of gifts, but the holiday was more about being with family and celebrating the joy of life and living. Far too often, people place monetary and materialistic meanings on this 'Winter (or Summer) Solstice.' That is usually when the Gods- or deities, or whatever you want to call the- step in and decide to teach we mere mortals about the true meaning of 'Christmas'. And so ever year, about the 25 of December, the world begins their preparations of this day of celebration. Some cultures set out shoes to be filled will goodies, while others hang stockings from the fireplace. In most cultures there is a belief that a good spirit will bring prizes and gifts to each home, some call him St. Nicholas, others Kris Kringle, and others (the one we most know) call him Santa Claus.
I remember once, when I was in my second year of primary school, learning of the real Saint Nicholas who would put gifts and treats into the shoes of poor children who's families were too poor to afford anything special for the Solstice. I can't remember where in the world it was; I just remember that it was Eastern Europe, Austria or perhaps Holland.I really can't remember. Yeah, it was that long ago.well, not really.
It is really amazing, we all think that we are so different and have nothing in common with those halfway around the world, or even next-door neighbours for that matter. But when one takes the time to really think about it and actually look at the other cultures, it is easy to see that maybe, just maybe, we are not so different. And maybe one day when we all realize this, maybe things won't be so bad in the world. Something to look forward to, hmmm?'
~~~~~
Sighing contently, the girl -no, young woman- sat back in the chair in which she currently occupied in the Minato District Library. Black hair, as dark as midnight, grown out just enough to touch the shoulder was tucked out of the way behind her right ear as she leaned back over her paper and signed her name with a flourish: 'Tomoe Hotaru'. Checking back over the paper one last time, she slipped it into a folder sporting two photographs: one of a white tiger cub ready to pounce upon an unsuspecting mother. The other was of four women, all rather young; though, many still thought that the tallest with ruffled blond hair was male. It was a happy picture, at first glance one would think that it was a small, close family: a handsome and charming-looking man, an elegant and beautiful woman, a grinning and cheerful child of about eight years old, and a mysterious but striking woman, whom one would assume to be an aunt or very close friend. They were a close family, though not related by blood; and none would know from looking at the picture that each was a seasoned warrior that had sacrificed herself for the world many times over. But they didn't need to know that, those that needed to knew.
Gathering the rest of her things, Tomoe Hotaru stood and slipped them into her bag. With a shy smile to the friendly librarian, who had noticed the young violet-eyed girl on many occasions, the girl left the warm sanctuary of the library. Out on the steps of the library, Hotaru pulled her gloves on and tightened her coat about her. With that done, she descended the shovelled steps and walked off down the abandoned streets of the Minato District. As she wandered through the snow-blanketed streets aimlessly, her thoughts wandered, just as she. Christmas had almost arrived, perhaps another week or two. They had a Christmas party planned, all had agreed and looked forward to it. Though, Hotaru spoke of it less than the others; most times her thoughts were elsewhere. With her family, her original family.
It had been years since they had celebrated a Christmas together, even before she had died and been reborn to be raised by her fellow Outer soldiers. Once her mother and elder sister had died in the fire from the lab explosion there was very little celebration in the Tomoe home. Instead, her possessed father had cultivated and aided the evil presence in her until the demon finally took control of her completely. When that happened she had consumed her best friend's -her first friend in so many years- heart crystal, then the creature took complete control. Shaking her head to expel the melancholy thoughts, Hotaru glanced around. She was in a residential area at the moment; from where she walked on the sidewalk she was able to see into many of the homes. Families putting up last minute decorations or sitting down to dinner was what she saw. This invoked a new string of memories, namely one of before that horrific accident. She remembered the first Christmas in which she received her first lamp; her mother had given it to her. Since that day, she had a love of them and collected them simply because they brought about happy memories.
(Hotaru)
Those families in the windows were lucky, I mused. They don't know the true horror that exist, they haven't had to die for the world, or loose their entire family just so that they could achieve their destiny. Not that I didn't have a wonderful family, Haruka-papa is the best that I could hope for, and Michiru-mama is as compassionate as any mother twice her age with much more experience. And Setsuna-mama is truly wonderful, always there to help me along and answer my questions, no matter what I asked. Though I looked but a few years younger than my fellow outer senshi, I still called them by the names that I had as a reborn child. Just as they still called me 'hime-chan', their nickname for me. They had raised me, and I still see them as my guardians and family. They were the best family that I could have asked for: caring, compassionate, protective, understanding, and always willing to sate my curiosity as a child. Even today, I still go to them if I had a question.well, that is, if I wasn't shy about the subject. In matters of the heart, I rivalled Ami in shyness and nervousness, though I don't 'head for the hills' when a love letter crosses my path. No, but it tends to be a close battle, I smile a little wryly at this thought. Most of this came from not having very many experiences in the past from which to draw from. The other senshi had the benefit of past loves to help them in romantic adventures, but as they lived them, I had slept on. Waiting for the day in which I would be awakened to fulfil my duty.
Chuckling ruefully, I again expelled the melancholy thoughts. This was one of the reasons I both loved and dreaded the season; so many memories were dredged up by the holidays. Looking up at the sky, I felt as feather soft snowflakes touched my face and melt away. I couldn't -and didn't even attempt to- stop the smile from spreading across my features. Ever since I was a small child, I had been utterly enthralled with snow. I loved it and would wait each year just for it to come again, I especially loved the first snowfall; there was just something about it that I couldn't put my finger on it. I paused in the park, which I had found myself in, after leaving my thoughts and simply stood letting the snow fall about me. I don't know how much later, but soon a voice broke through, calling my name. Though I wasn't thinking about particularly anything, I hadn't heard the young woman approach.
Looking to my left, saw Aino Minako wave and walk towards me, calling out, "Konbanwa, Hotaru-chan."
Smiling, I waved back and waited for my friend to close the distance between us. It's rather ironic, and a little symbolic when you think about it; Minako had closed another distance between us, between the inner senshi and I. It was because of her that I have become so comfortable around them. It is because of her efforts that I have begun to socialise, though nothing like her. This thought brought smile to my face again, there would never be a day when anybody could match Minako for socialising, of that I was positive. Finally, I broke the silence, "Good Evening to you, Minako- chan." I turned towards my blond-haired friend; again, as every time I look at her, I am struck by her beauty. I don't know how she says single or has failed to find the one meant for her. You would think that she would have half the population lined up at her door for dates. Then again, she usually did. "And how are you this evening?"
She thought for a moment, the tip of her tongue just visible out of the corner of her mouth. Something that she did whenever she thought about something seriously, it was a trait that I, for some reason I still haven't figured out, find utterly adorable. Smiling, she answered, "Well, I don't really know as it is only 5:15, that is hardly the evening."
Trying to suppress a grin, and failing miserably I might add, I told her "Ah, but it was you who said 'Good Evening' first."
The smile grew, if that was even possible, "True, but you can ask me in a little bit how I am this evening. 'Til then you will just have to give me time to figure it out."
I rolled my eyes, I had long since gotten used to her antics, "Right, and how long does it take to figure out how you are?" Her only response was to stick her tongue out at me. I grinned, and without speaking we both turned and walked deeper into the park as the sun set for the day. We had learned each other's movements and long since became synchronised in our actions; in the occasional battles, we worked extraordinarily as a team, something that the others had commented on once or twice. I honestly didn't notice it for a while. Five minutes later found us by the lake that had frozen over and had been made into a makeshift ice-skating rink. Brushing off the bench under a large oak tree, we both took a seat and watched as the snow fell. "Figured out how you are this evening, yet?" I asked, concealing my grin.
I felt the look that she gave me and gave up hiding my smile. She finally answered me, "You are a brat."
Turning, I feigned deep hurt. Holding both hands to my chest, over my heart, I exclaimed, "Brat? Me? Nay, never I. Thou hurtest thy to the core when thee suggesteth that thy is a brat.eth." I added the last part as an after thought, during my dramatics I managed to remain the pretence of being hurt and extremely serious.
Minako, however, had not. She had instantly dissolved in to a fit of giggles at my antics, which had been my goal all along. "Oh, Hotaru-chan," she managed to gasp in-between laugher. "If only people saw this side of you, I'd bet you would have all kinds of attention." She grin and fell into another fit of laughter."
I smiled and told her, "I am only like this around you. I don't really know why, I've never been this goofy -for want of a better word- before. I don't think I was like this even before the Lab." Narrowing my eyes at her, I leaned forward a little and said in a lower voice, "I think you must be rubbing off on me.and maybe you are the only one I want noticing me." The last part was whispered. I don't really know what happened next, maybe I was just in an odd mood because of the snow, or maybe I was giddy from acting so silly. All I do know is that for a moment our eyes met and Minako's laughter died down, but the smile remained. Silence settled around us, not an oppressive one, quite the contrary in fact, but instead a calm, comfortable one. Happiness and joy radiated from Minako's blue eyes, I could get lost in them so easily; actually, I did. I felt myself moving closer to the older girl, not really sure of my intent, I do know that she moved closer to me too. Centimetres apart, I still didn't know what I was doing, all that I did know was that it felt right. Being here with Minako felt right.
I felt a hand softly touch -no caress- my cheek, then I realised that it was Minako's hand; she whispered, as if afraid to break the spell, "You really are beautiful, you know."
Blushing furiously, I dropped my head, unconsciously leaning into her hand. For her to say that I was beautiful.I looked back up, shyly and just as quietly, I murmured, "Not nearly as you." I glanced back down, then, finally making a decision I shifted and let my head rest on the older girls shoulder. She easily settled her arm around me, as if it were the most natural thing in the world for her to do. I slipped my arms around her waist and didn't bother to even try and stop the content smile from spreading.
(Minako)
I don't what it is about the Christmas season that brings me such mixed feelings. Maybe it is because I see all of the happy people around with their family without a care in the world. That reminds me of what they don't know, of what I have had to sacrifice myself for. Then I think of everything I have gone through since I was thirteen, yeah, that was probably it. I didn't want to go home yet, for some reason. And for another reason, I couldn't explain, I wandered toward a park that we, the senshi, have frequented on many occasions. Soon though, I learned why I was drawn to the park: the little Raven was there, watching the snow fall. I stood there, watching her, as I reflected on our relationship that had developed in the year and half since the defeat of Galaxia. Hotaru had grown at an accelerated rate until she was looked like she was about a year or two younger than the rest of the senshi. She was now in the same grade as the rest, excluding Haruka-san, Michiru-san, and Setsuna-san, of course. That meant that she was in her twelfth and last year of school before university. But that was still a few months away.
Chibiusa had long since returned to her own time, and after defeating Galaxia Hotaru had seemed to withdraw into herself. Rather, she tried to, but I did my best and proved to be quite stubborn. It took a lot, and I mean a lot, but soon I had Hotaru laughing and smiling more often and interacting with many more people than before. I don't mean to claim all responsibility for her change, never. But I think it helped that I was always there giving her a push to enter into the conversation and to actually have fun. It was hard work, some days it seemed as if she thought that she had no right to be happy or have fun. I can remember once when she actually said some thing to that effect. It stunned me for sure. I had never thought that maybe she thought that she wasn't allowed to have fun, as if it were some unspoken taboo. Well, needless to say, that idea didn't stick with her for too long.
In the months following her enrolment to Juuban High School with the rest of us last year, she began to make casual friends. I think that it helped that almost all of us senshi went to the same school. I mean, kids certainly couldn't, and wouldn't, even attempt to pick on her with Haruka, and Makoto for that matter, always around. That and most of our classmates think along the lines of 'cool by association', meaning that Hotaru was always around Haruka and Michiru, and the rest of us who became popular in our own right, and so she must be cool if she was around them and us. Well, that's just a theory, but you can see why I leave the theorising to Ami-chan, Setsuna-san, and Hotaru. I just tend to be able to understand people, and once they realised that she was actually a really nice and interesting person, they were far kinder to her than her Mugen Gakuen classmates. Even the ones that now went to our school accepted her, maybe it helped that she didn't use her healing abilities. After a moment I decided that it was more of Haruka's and Makoto's doing, I grinned at the thought. Even just one of them alone was intimidating enough, but when they team up.well, lets just say bullying wasn't much of a problem.
Finally, I made my presence known; she didn't seem to know I was there, watching her. Wishing her a 'Good Evening', I closed the gap between us. She smiled in return, a smile that could melt anybody's heart. Well, mine anyway. I don't know when the little Raven had started to affect me like this; all that I knew was that I didn't care. She was quiet for a few more moments before she returned the greeting and asked me how I was doing. I pretended to think deeply before answered cheekily, that it was far too early in the evening to tell. She tried to suppress her smile, she really did but couldn't. After a short exchange that resulted in my sticking my tongue out and her rolling her eyes, we both turned and walked deeper into the park. I don't know when we did it, but we had learned to read each other's movements in a way that could rival even Haruka and Michiru's synchronicity. Maybe it was from all of the training that we did together, not that I really cared.
A little while later, we stopped walking, brushed the snow off a bench and sat down. After moment it was Hotaru who was cheeky as she asked if I'd figured out how I was. I fixed her with a look that would have made even the most iron willed person squirm, well, if they had been looking at me, which she was not. I finally, playfully, resorted to a plain and simply insult that wasn't meant; which we both knew.
I didn't expect the firefly's response though; playing mock hurt she pretended to be innocent and then wounded as she clutched her hands to her chest and proclaimed, in one of those old English accents, that I had hurt her. I couldn't keep in my laughter as she dramatically played the part, and well I add, but it was when she almost forgot the last 'eth' that I completely lost it. I laughed so hard that my sides ached, but I didn't care. She could make me laugh like no one else, as I finally managed to get a hold of some of my laughter I managed to tell her that if she cut loose like this then she'd have all kinds of people wanting to be with her. She smiled that smile and caused my heart to flutter, I half-hated that she could do that to me so easily and not even know. But, only half-hated mind you, and perhaps not even that much.
She told me, then, that she was only like this around me. I couldn't help but be both proud and elated that it was me that caused this, but when she leaned closer to me and said in a low voice that quickened my pulse, that maybe I was rubbing off on her. Then she added that maybe it was only me that she wanted to notice her, I found that my laughter had left me as my heart raced at her suggestion, but I was still smiling, rather grinning. Hotaru hadn't moved back to where she had been a moment ago; as I met her gaze I couldn't help but be pulled in. Her violet eyes were so expressive; they say that the eyes are the window to the soul. Well, if that is so then Tomoe Hotaru has one of the most beautiful souls I have ever seen, but I already knew that. In her eyes I could see joy, laughter, and happiness, but I could also see a wisdom that came only from centuries as a senshi. I could also see a pain that had not yet been erased from her heart, the loss of her family and innocence. There was also something else there that I could really identify.
Instead of leaning back into her former position, Hotaru moved a little closer, as did I. I don't know what she intended, or even what I intended. All I knew was that it felt right to have her close. I reached up with my left hand, the backs of my gloved fingers touching her cheek, tracing her jaw lightly. As if afraid to break the spell, I kept my voice quiet as I told her that she was beautiful. And I meant it; I had never spoken truer words. Snowflakes were scattered intermittently through her now shoulder- length hair that she had decided to grow out, giving her an exotic look. Her violet eyes sparkled with mirth and seemed to hold mysteries that mankind would never learn, as if they weren't worth of them. Only one person would be. Where these thoughts came from, I didn't know but Hotaru blushed a cute shade of red and glanced down, leaning into my hand. Again, my heart skipped a few beats and fluttered.
I barely heard her whisper, "Not nearly as you," because I was far too wrapped up in the fact that she had just moved completely over to rest her head on my shoulder. I couldn't stop the goofy grin from spreading as I settled my arm across her shoulders and pulled her a little closer. I didn't think it was possible, but I think the grin got even bigger as she slipped her arms around my waist. I let my left hand drop to lie in my lap, then I let it come to rest on Hotaru's forearm, my thumb idly stroking her arm. Stupid thumb, it was as if it had a mind of it's own as it sure wasn't listening to me.
I let my head come to rest on her's as we sat there simply enjoying each other's company and the embrace. A little while later, I managed to win the battle with the rebellious thumb and brought my had up to brush Hotaru's hair away from her forehead, where I planted a soft kiss. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was falling for the little firefly, and I was falling hard.
~~~~~
(Haruka)
It was 6:30, supper was almost ready, and Hotaru wasn't home yet. I knew that she was going to the library after school; she has been doing that a lot, not that we mind. But if memory serves me right, the Library closes at 5:30 or 6 o'clock. I stopped in mid-pace, she probably stopped by the Crown Arcade Centre, yes, that was probably it. But why, then, had I resumed my pacing? Hearing a melodic chuckle I stop and turn to see Michiru watching me, a small smile half-hidden behind her hand. She leaned on the door jam -that was usually my trick- and continued to watch me, who knows how long she had been there. "You know, she is probably with someone, perhaps one of the Inners?"
I gave a half-grunt, which could be taken as an agreement or a disagreement and resumed pacing and looking up at the large clock. I heard her laugh, the sound that tends to make my knees turn to jelly, and move closer to me. A light hand stopped me in my tracks; "If you don't stop that pacing you will wear a patch in the carpet. And I happen to like the carpet, so if you don't mind: stop." I considered ignoring her request. Really! Okay, so it was for about.eh, half or even a third of a nano-second. And I think she knew it.
Sighing, I stop and turn towards her. Oh, yeah, she knew alright. I could see it in her eyes as she laughed at me, but not in an insulting way. Just in the way of finding something a lover does as amusing or endearing, Michiru has a few of those traits. That thought causes a small smile to appear and I make no attempt to stop it.
Seeing the smile, and probably guessing the general area of my thoughts Michiru simply shook her head and stepped closer to slip her arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I draped my arms casually around her, my hands coming to rest easily on her hips. I looked back over at the clock, 6:43 and still no Hotaru. I heard and felt Michiru laugh, "You know, you are really adorable when you play the worried parent."
When I don't reply and still watch as the lethargic second hand tick away, Michiru stood on her toes to gain a few extra centimetres. I soon found out what she was up to: ever so softly, Michiru was trailing feather-light kisses along my jaw line. Something she knew I couldn't resist. I turned away from the clock to fix my lover with a penetrating gaze, which she unflinchingly returned. I knew she saw the telltale twitch as I tried to suppress the smile unsuccessfully, she simply smiled in return. I dropped my head the last few centimetres separating us and touch my lips to her's oh so softly. Soft and gentle at first then deepened as mouths part and tongues dance and caress, the kiss full of love and passion. I slid one hand away from her waist and brought it up to cup her cheek and then thread through her hair as I loose myself completely in the kiss. I don't think either of us heard Setsuna's sigh or mutter as she poked her head into the living room to ask if Hotaru had come home yet.
I finally have to admit defeat and pull away as the need for oxygen becomes far to great to ignore any longer. Keeping my eyes closed I rested my forehead upon Michiru's and try to quail my pounding heart and calm my breath. In a whisper I ask, "Why do you have to always steal my breath?"
I finally open my eyes to meet hers as she answers, "Because you are the thief of my heart, dear love of mine." I smile and let my hand fall from her hair only to gather her closer and hold her to me, her head above my heart.
"I love you," I whisper hoarsely.
"I know, love, I know," Michiru murmured, her lips brushing against my throat. I don't know how long we stood there, but soon I looked up as I heard the click of the front door. A moment later a snowy Hotaru poked her head into the living room, her cheeks flushed and rosy, presumably from the cold. She gave Michiru and I a smile and waved before retreating back into the coatroom to remove her coat and gloves, after a moment I could hear her as she ascended the stairs to her room on the second floor. Pulling out of the embrace, Michiru kissed me lightly on the cheek and told me to go talk to my 'daughter'.
I pulled her back to me and placed a lingering kiss on her lips before I turn and walk off to find my daughter, leaving behind a rather stunned Michiru. I grin as I follow Hotaru up the stairs. I've still got it.
~~~~~
(Hotaru)
I was sitting on my bed after just changing out of my half damp uniform when I heard the soft knock. I wondered for a moment which one it would be, after a moment I decided upon my 'papa', "Come in, Haruka-papa," I call, and smile as she smiled sheepishly at me as she walked in.
"I guess I'm getting predictable, huh?" Haruka asked, the sheepish smile still in place.
I grinned, "A little. But that's alright, you're allowed to be protective of me."
"Good," she growled, "'Cause I'll always be."
I couldn't help but laugh, who needed those huge families when you have people like this? Taking my invitation to sit down, Haruka sat at my desk chair, turning it backwards so that she could rest her arms upon the backrest. "Haruka-papa." I began hesitantly. Sensing that I was breaching a subject I was shy about Haruka allowed me to take my time, of which I was grateful for. "When.when did you realise.that you were in love with Michiru-mama?" Well, I managed to get that out alright, it was a bit rushed at the end, but I think she knew what I said.
Yeah, judging from the smile on her face, she knew. The smile shifted to one of mischief that meant only trouble, "So, who's the lucky guy?"
"Haruka-papa!" I exclaimed, even though we both knew I knew what she would do. It was a game we played, one that neither of us tired of.
"Well, what else am I supposed to think? You normally don't ask about love, you're almost as shy as Ami in that department." She said, idly turning her chair side to side. I dropped my shoulders and fixed her with a look that asked her to simply answer the question. "Well, you're no fun," she muttered and then added in a normal voice, "I can't really say. Honestly, I mean, I ran away from it enough. Both my destiny and my feelings." I remembered Haruka-papa telling me as a child about how as much as we tried we could not escape our destiny, it was destined and would come to be, one way or the other. "I was young, foolish, and scared; but it was actually my love for Michiru that led me to accept my destiny. I pushed her away continually and it took almost loosing her to realise that I cared for her. It was later in our battles as senshi that I realised the full extent of my feelings."
"Oh," I murmured, that didn't really help.
"I guess the thing is, is that it was a gradual thing, I didn't see it coming a mile away, nor did I see her returning them. But it took a bit and I soon realised that she was not just a friend, but so much more." Haruka unfolded her arms and shrugged as she added, "From there the real work began: finding out if Michiru felt the same way. And you know the rest." Haruka let me think about what she had said, now that I thought about it, she had given me a lot to think about. She interrupted my thoughts, "But we can continue this later." I looked up at her, a little confused, "Now, we have dinner waiting for us."
"Oh, right, I'd forgotten about that," I murmured as I stood, still rather deep in thought.
As we walked down the stairs, Haruka again broke into my thoughts, "So, where were you anyway?"
"Hmm? Oh, with Minako." I said as I walked passed her, not noticing that she had stopped. I also did not see notice her thoughtful expression, maybe if I had I would have seen 'the wheels turning'.
~~~~~
(Minako)
As Hotaru and I sat on that bench so much became clearer to me, why I was always happy around her, why I wanted to spend so much time with her, why I had not found that connection with any of the guys I had dated in the last few years. I glanced down at the little firefly; she chose that moment to look up. I felt the urge to throw caution to the wind and tell her now, but could I really do that to her? What if she didn't return my feelings? I couldn't do that to her, to put her in such a difficult position.
As I wrestled with my thoughts and emotions, I didn't notice that Hotaru had shifted just enough to stretch up to softly kiss my cheek. Noticing that I looked back down at her, she smiled up at me. I tried, I really did, to push and quell the urge, but her smile was my undoing. I leaned forward to close the distance; I could feel Hotaru's breath on my lips as I hesitated just once more. I threw caution to the wind and closed the gap.
"BZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!" The blaring sound startled me so bad that I jumped quite a few centimetres in the air; the problem was I was on the edge of my bed and fell off. I lay there in a groaning heap for a few moments as Artemis turned off that horrible mechanical contraption. Then, his white furry face appeared over the edge of the bed to peer at me quizzically. "Minako, are you alright?" my guardian asked, concern lacing his voice.
I think, however, that my reply just served to worry him more. "One more lousy second!!! Is that too much to ask!?!" I half-growled half-yelled at the ceiling. Much quieter, I murmured my frustration causing old speech mannerisms to reappear, "So close, so bloody close."
"Minako?" Artemis asked cautiously, as if afraid to provoke me.
Signing, I sat up, untangled my legs from my bed sheets and pulled myself back up onto my bed. "Sorry about that," I told him. "It was one of those dreams that you really don't want to be woken up from," I glanced at my guardian, "You know the kind, the ones where you get to the really good part and wake up."
He smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I know those ones. Annoying aren't they?" He laughed as I flopped onto my back and gave a frustrated sigh that spoke better than words. "But you can ignore that for now, you need to get ready for school."
I was ready to protest at the injustice of having to go to school when I remembered that Hotaru went to the same school as I, and I would see her. That caused me to bolt upright and dash toward the bathroom. Behind me, I heard and ignored as my guardian's muttered, "That, is the most I have ever seen her excited for school. Must be a cute boy."
(Hotaru)
I waited for the others to arrive in our usual meeting place, just under a large cherry blossom tree on the front lawn of the high school. Some days I walked with them to school, but today Haruka-papa had to run by the track and had dropped me off at school, though a bit early. I sat under the tree on a bench and had a blank sheet of paper and pen on my lap. A few students were milling about, but they would leave me be as they knew I tended to prefer to be alone. Closing my eyes, I cleared my mind to let a new topic come to mind.
I didn't hear the soft footsteps approach me from behind, but I did feel the person lean down and whisper in my ear, "Looking for your inspiration?" I jumped and turned to the grinning face of Minako.
"Kami-sama, Minako-chan! You startled me, I didn't hear you approach." I glared at her with mock sternness and pretended to be annoyed even though my stomach was currently preforming circus tricks.
She smiled even bigger, "Gomen, Hotaru-chan, I didn't mean to startle you." She then leaned closer and kissed me softly on the cheek. Switching sides of the bench and sitting next to me she asked, "Forgive me?" Her expression one of sincerity, even though we both knew that she had planned to startle me.
I sighed and rolled my eyes, "Always, Minako, always." We both smiled and just watched the other until Minako broke the silence, "Your muse leave you?"
I nodded and looked back at the blank paper. "Yeah, she's being ornery again." I got a thoughtful look on in my eyes and added, "Actually, quite like a certain blond I know."
Minako glared at me, gave me a playful push, and said, "Brat." Instead of saying denying it, I simply grinned.
Giving up on finding any inspiration to write, I slid the still blank sheet of paper back into my folder and placed that into my bag. I had recently discovered my love of writing when our English and Language Arts and teacher had started us on short prose about any general subject. It could be something as simple as Usagi's mismatching socks, or it could make a comment on human nature. Each week since the beginning of the year we were to hand in a small paper; it didn't have to be long at all, maybe a few pages, maybe more. Length or subject didn't really matter; the point was to be writing and to be learning how to write comfortably in the language- at least half of them had to be in English.
I soon found that I was writing almost one paper a day, I discovered writing to be a much easier way of expressing my thoughts as it didn't involve having to speak them aloud. Because I was writing them so much, Minako had jokingly suggested that I had a muse watching over me. What she didn't know was about a third of my work was either inspired or managed to connect to her, so I suppose, in a way, she was my muse. I looked back at Minako when she asked, "So, are you bringing a date to the Christmas party?"
I shook my head, "Iie, I can't think of anybody I would want to be there that isn't already going to come." After a moment, I -reluctantly- asked, "Are you bringing a date?
She smiled, "Iie. One: I can't think of anybody, and two: it kind of seems like just a group thing, you know?" I nodded in agreement, then I noticed her eyes light up as she got an idea. "I've got a fantastic idea."
I waited for a moment and then realised that she was waiting for me to reply, "Oh?" I asked, deliberately not playing into her hand.
She just half-glared at me for a moment, then stayed quiet for another, as if trying to weigh an idea; then, almost hesitantly, "Why don't.we go together." For some reason I sensed that she was nervous about something.
Unable to resist, I pointed out with a smile, "You know, the party is at my house so I don't really need a date." She glanced down though, almost as if disappointed. I reached over and touched her shoulder, "But I would still be very happy to go with you." Seeing the happiness at such a simple statement caused my stomach to once again preform aerial tricks. 'Why do you affect me like this?' I asked myself, half-confused. Then, I realised how close our bodies were. My mind whirled, my stomach flip-flopped, and my pulse raced. We slowly each inched forward, not really knowing that we did, my eyes sought out Minako's blue ones and asked a silent question. My eyes began to close as we neared and shoved every thought out of my head except those of Minako.
Then, a familiar voice shattered everything, and caused me to be startled out of my wits for the second time this morning. "Mina-can, Hotaru-chan!" Usagi called and waved as she, Ami, and Makoto approached. As I held a hand over my heart in an attempt to slow it, I heard Minako giggle softly, "Not your day, huh?" I just met her eyes and smiled weakly. She stood and offered a hand to help be up, almost shyly I took it and then we walked over to the others. Neither of us noticed that it took us a moment or two to let go, not that we really cared. The others, however, did notice and exchanged glances that neither Minako nor I caught.