Title: Fancy the Moonlight

Theme: Set #1, Theme #29 -- Moon

Genre: Romance/Drama/Shoujo-ai

Pairing: Ruri x Hari

Word Count: 837

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Hari's not the only one who goes crazy during the full moon; she's just the only one who drags me along for the ride.

The loveliest faces are to be seen by moonlight, when one sees half with the eye and half with the fancy. -- Persian proverb
"I'll be going now, Ruri."

An impish smirk is painted on her face and I shake my head at my own weakness for it. It looks like I won't be sleeping tonight...

"I guess I'll come and watch this time," I mutter as I get out of bed.

Her jade eyes light up and she stifles a giggle, I bet she knew I'd come along if she continued to nag me. She can be downright pushy if she really wants something.

As we make our way down the hallways, I notice Menoumaru giving me a knowing look as we pass his quarters.

She always goes; he knew one day I'd follow.

Hari's not the only one who goes crazy during the full moon; she's just the only one who drags me along for the ride. Every month when it comes around, she can't resist the pull of the moon- its demands for insanity bearing down on her, driving her to do things she wouldn't dare to otherwise.

She told me once it was traditional in her family, but I never pressed for details. Our lives before coming under Menoumaru's care isn't something we often talk of. There's no need to bring up pointless depressing thoughts when we can live in the present.

She crosses the fields, going to the same spot she always has. It's the clearing in the trees, near the lake, where the moon's reflection illuminates her from the water's surface. That's where she'll perform.

I've seen her do this once before- a dance: wild and exotic, enticing and alluring. Menoumaru joked that it was a ritual, a display to lure in a dumbfounded mate.

I laughed it off at the time, but now I have half the mind to believe him.

The dance from before seemed lost and sporadic, like a newborn taking its first steps; but this time- it's focused and precise, a wonder to behold. She's clearly been practicing it, perfecting the movements; and a lump rises in my throat when I realize why.

"You weren't supposed to see it yet!"

Her words from that night I saw her dance this way before ring out in my ears. I can remember clearly how I complained to Menoumaru as we headed back to the yashiki, not yet understanding what this dance was for.

"Sheesh, what the hell's her problem? It's not like I was making fun of her or something..."

"She doesn't want you to see it until it's perfect. Who knows- perhaps it's a dance to lure in a mate," Menoumaru replied, his laughter at his own joke echoing down the hallways.

Now, under the pale moonlight, everything is as clear as day. This dance, this insanity, this moon-spawned creation was done all for me.

Spinning and twirling, not a step out of place, Hari's smile beckons to me. It's a dance for two, her eyes tell me. Just take my hand, her lips mouth to me across the field and her rhythmic movements elaborate, You'll know the steps right away. Trust me.

And perhaps it's because that damned full moon, but that insane reasoning makes perfect sense tonight.

Drawn not by motion, but by the outstretched hand- I stand to meet her. Fingers intertwine, bodies press against each other, and together we dance. Dance like the two fools we are out under the moon.

And like she said, it's a dance best with two. Like she promised, I somehow know the steps.

"Ruri, do you understand now?"

Her breath rustles against my hair as she takes me for another turn.

"Yes," I manage to reply, no other coherent words able to be spoken.

"Good."

And before I even know what's happening, she pulls us both into the lake's cool water. The moonbeams sinking even into the deepest depths, giving me just enough light to see that same impish smile grace her lips before they press against mine.

We return very late, our ru qun's soaked and all the craziness out of our system for now. As I expected, I can see Menoumaru's lounging about out front waiting for us.

"It is said that you can't fish for the moon in the water…" He speaks, amusement laced in his tone.

Before I can snap back for him to mind his own damn business, Hari cuts in.

"We were dancing with it instead."

He stands languidly and stretches, giving us both a gentle smile.

"It sounds beautiful."

We know then he understands and accepts. All done so casually, just like he always is about these things.

I nod my head in agreement.

Yes, it was beautiful. Beautiful like Hari's pale skin under the moonlight. Beautiful like seeing her purple hair sprawled out in the grass by the lakeside. Beautiful like this crazy love she's gone and dragged me into.

I've always said Hari's not the only one who goes crazy during the full moon; she's just the only one who drags me along for the ride.

And this time, I'm glad she did.