Fighting For Your Love
A/N: Hello everyone! Before all, let me make some things clear. From now on girls would use different kinds of names. I'm not sure about how it really works in Japanese (well, except for '-san' means really polite or formal address to a person :)) I will use '–san' when Usagi addresses to Haruka and Michiru in public, and '–chan' (as this suffix means they are on friendly terms) when they are alone. And if I get things right, no using honorific suffixes at all means persons are really close, that's why Haruka and Michiru address to each other just by their first names, and the diminutives show that they are even closer than that. If someone may help me with this stuff please correct me where I'm wrong :)
And this chapter is long again. Seriously, I can't help it! As I told my friend, I split the chapters to make them shorter by all means but as I start working on the halves… they grow bigger again. *sigh* Hopefully you don't mind ;) Oh, and let's add a bit of drama to the story, shall we?
Anyway, on with the chapter, please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I still don't own Sailor Moon :)
Chapter 7. I Can't Sleep Alone
* * *
A slight, barely audible knock on the door woke Michiru up. She instinctively held Haruka closer and lifted her head to see what was going on. The aqua-haired girl flipped the switch that controlled the furthest night-lamp, and a familiar golden-haired head shimmered in the dim light. An all confused moonlight princess shuffled her feet at the door not daring to make her way into the master bedroom.
"Guys, are you sleeping?" she called in a whisper, making Michiru chuckle. Yes sure, like lamps always turn on automatically when Usagi enters a room.
"It's alright, Usagi-chan, come on in", Michiru called softly sitting up in the bed. Her sleeping lover just stirred a bit at the sound of her voice and blindly groped after her hand to hold it even in her sleep.
The sea goddess adjusted the cover pulling it up a bit to cover Haruka's shoulders and tenderly brushed a few wild sandy locks away from the face of the sleeping beauty. Michi could never get tired of watching that lovely relaxed face; in sleep her beloved Ruka looked all peaceful like a child yet graceful like the charming woman who she was for sure.
'I love you so much, Ruka…'
"Is anything wrong?" Michiru asked the timid girl kindly and pulled her legs closer to the chest so that the princess could sit down on the bed beside her.
"I'm sorry", Usagi said quietly fiddling about with her fingers, "I couldn't sleep. I thought I was so tired but when you two went away I just lay there… and couldn't fall asleep. Although God knows how much I wanna sleep right now. It's just being in the new place and being alone in that huge room… it feels kind of uneasy. So I wondered if…"
"My, my, our little Koneko is here, what a surprise! Am I still dreaming?" the sleep-hoarse voice of Haruka startled them, and the girls turned their gazes to a smirking blonde who rubbed her eyes and then propped herself up on her right arm. "Tell us you changed your mind, will you?"
The cover slid down the tomboy's body at the movement, and Usagi's face flushed all of a sudden because she realized that Haruka slept absolutely naked. Her greedy eyes involuntarily slid down the taller girl's tanned and toned body to the line where the rest was hidden beneath the cover. The golden blonde swallowed. Haruka was so… beautiful, and so… hot. 'You still have the chance to reacquaint yourself with this perfect sensual body. Just please stop drooling', her inner voice reminded, this time it was too agreeing with her desires. Well, that inner voice was sexually hungry too, perhaps. And Haruka was really… really hot.
The princess's navy-blue eyes deliberately, slowly, voraciously traveled back all the way up… where they met with the laughing emeralds of the wind senshi. That girl… she definitely knew what the smaller girl was thinking about.
Usagi licked her lips, cleared her throat and glanced away earning a husky chuckle from Haruka that sent shivers down her spine.
"Sorry for waking you up too, Haruka-san", she smiled apologetically and looked down in confusion. "I couldn't sleep alone there, and I thought… maybe one of you could hold me a little… or just lie beside me…" her voice trailed off, "until I'm asleep…"
The tomboy reached out and grazed the princess's cheek with her thumb but before she could say anything Michiru was already getting out from under the blanket. Stroking the loose golden hair of Usagi Michiru smiled softly at the girl and then turned to Haruka.
"Ruka, I'll take care of Usagi-chan, alright?" she leaned in and softly kissed the dumbfounded blonde on the lips running her fingers through the girl's unruly sandy tresses. "Go back to sleep, love, I'll be back soon."
The taller girl didn't even get a chance to protest or agree before both the other girls were out of the room.
The wind senshi groaned in frustration and fell back to her pillow grasping the sheets of the bed with both hands in irritation. Turning to her side and looking at the pillow where Michiru slept only minutes ago Haruka softly caressed the empty spot sensing the familiar fresh scent of her beloved girl, then grabbed the poor pillow and flopped it onto her face muffling a loud growl of discontent.
…
The slightest creak of the door made the chattering Michiru and Usagi look up and find Haruka in the doorframe, a challenging smirk etched on her handsome face.
The aqua-haired girl smiled knowingly at her lover's behavior. Of course she knew Haruka would follow her. The blonde always did. Even if Michiru asked her not to.
The ocean senshi loved her sandy blonde even more for that.
But while the appearance of the wind senshi was expected by one of the girls, for the other it was definitely a surprise. Usagi smiled at Haruka somewhat questioningly.
What was even more surprising, the tomboy wore a decent white T-shirt and light-grey shorts when she walked in, and the princess appreciated this kind of caring very much. Usagi's smile became warm and friendly.
The sandy blonde gracefully walked to the opposite side of the bed from the one Michiru took and looked smirking at the princess.
"Scoot over!" she commanded with a hint of strictness.
Usagi obeyed, letting the taller girl lie down and moved closer to Michiru who smiled teasingly and wrapped her arm around the back of the princess instantly. Haruka gave her aqua-haired lover a challenging gaze and hiding her grin pressed her body to Usagi's back embracing the girl from behind and softly rubbing her stomach.
The golden blonde buried her face in the chest of the ocean lady, covered Haruka's hand with hers and sighed contently.
"Thank you, guys, this is so much better. Good night, Michiru-san. Good night, Haruka-san."
She closed her eyes and smiled. All of them remained silent until the girl peacefully drifted into a deep sleep.
A few minutes passed in silence before the sandy-haired head rose up from the pillow and stared at waiting and smirking Michiru.
"There's no way I was gonna leave you here alone. You should've known that." Haruka muttered quietly.
Michiru couldn't help but giggle and instantly muffled herself covering her lips with her hand.
"Oh, Ruka, don't worry about me, I wouldn't be alone at all, Usagi-chan's here", she whispered teasingly, pretending she had no idea what the taller girl meant. "I'm sure she'd hold me if I was scared."
"Ha-ha, very funny, Michi… thank you." Haruka's grumbling didn't sound very amused.
"Shhh, quiet, Usagi-chan is asleep now."
"You could've at least asked me if I wanted to go", the teal-eyed girl went on speaking in whisper and ever so slowly pulled her hand out of Usagi's grip, careful not to awake the golden-haired girl.
Michiru teasingly smiled and rubbed the blonde's cheek tenderly.
"I knew you would come here, my dear Ruka. At least, I hoped you would, and I'm glad you did." With this Michiru kissed the tips of her fingers and softly pressed them to Haruka's lips sending an indirect kiss like that. This small action momentarily appeased the boiling wind senshi, and she kissed those delicate fingers with a playful smile.
"Look at us, Michi, we're all here in her room again. What was the point of this entire moving from one bedroom to another? She could've stayed sleeping in our bed as well."
"True. But, Ruka, you were so playful back there that I thought she wouldn't get any sleep had she stayed there with us."
The tomboy grinned wide admitting the rightness of her lover, and Michiru ruffled Haruka's hair affectionately before tenderly looking at Usagi.
"Look at her, love, she's sleeping like a baby. So innocent…" Haruka choked with silent laughter, 'Koneko? Innocent? Oh yeeees!' "… so lovely and serene… Do you think we could adopt her?"
The sandy blonde chuckled. That girl… Haruka could never get satiated of her lover's outstanding personality.
"Michi, it's illegal to have sex with your own children, even with adopted ones. Don't ruin our fun before it even started."
"Look who's talking", Michiru giggled softly. "Wasn't it you who was so unsure about keeping that 'fun', just a little while ago?"
"Hush you, woman. Can't a girl have her weak spots?" Haruka grumbled trying to hide her confusion and earned a long loving look from Michiru.
"I love you, Ruka", a tender palm softly touched the warm smooth cheek of the sandy blonde who leaned into the touch and closed her eyes enjoying it. "Sleep well."
"Sweet dreams, Michi. I love you too." Her arm wrapped around the Michiru's waist over Usagi's body and lingered there for the rest of the night.
* * *
She had slept really, really well. Usagi couldn't even remember when she felt so good last time waking up in the morning. Her whole body felt relaxed and sweetly weak.
Not opening her eyes the girl stretched with delight and let out a soft pleased moan.
She didn't hit anyone. And there was no one who held her.
Her navy-blue eyes fluttered open. Right, just like she suspected her bed was empty. Probably Haruka and Michiru left her side earlier. The girl chuckled and shrugged.
'Well, I guess it's their family tradition…' she thought recalling the morning when she woke up after spending the night with Haruka once in the past and didn't find the blonde beside her. Hopefully this time won't be so full of painful misunderstandings. Not with Michiru around.
After luxuriating in a warm fluffy bed for a little while Usagi took a quick shower and checked the master bedroom but seeing no one there she went downstairs in hope to find her elder friends.
Muffled noises were coming out from the kitchen, and Usagi grinned wide thinking about walking in on the couple. Although soft clinking and tinkling of the kitchen utensils assured her that the couple was most likely just cooking some breakfast.
Leaning at the doorframe the golden-haired girl decided to listen a bit before joining the merry company. She smiled and began identifying the voices.
"Michiru!" Yes, that was obviously the sandy blonde. And the laughter rang clear in her voice.
"Oh no, look what you've done, Haruka!" this is Michiru, sounding reproachful and yet mirthful. "I almost burned the omelet because of you!"
"Almost doesn't count", Haruka retorted easily. Usagi almost could picture how the sandy blonde hugged Michiru and lovingly looked down into her eyes. "And it happened not for the first time, love, you could've gotten used to it already."
Usagi easily pictured that playful arrogant smirk on the lips of the wind senshi and involuntarily smiled too.
"Oh? You could've stopped distracting me with kisses when I'm cooking." Michiru's giggles sounded happy. Judging from the new sounds, the girl was dicing vegetables for the salad now or something like that. 'Those two are really… really in love', the princess thought with a tender smile. 'I doubt they need someone else. But I'm happy they offered such an honor to me even if I don't understand why.'
"Nah, you know I can't help it. But you could've at least not respond, then it wouldn't take that long, and the omelet would've been saved on time."
Now they were both laughing.
"Shame on you, Haruka", Michiru's voice sounded softly even through her muffled laughter. "You know perfectly well that it's impossible for me to not respond to your kisses. You always make me lose control, wind."
"The same with me, so… Hey, I'm sure that your meal is still very tasty, love, don't worry about it", Haruka said warmly.
When Usagi finally walked into the kitchen she saw an idyllic picture: Michiru was slicing bread now, and Haruka just stood hugging her from behind and kissing her hair now and then, the teal eyes twinkle mischievously at the look on the busy girl.
"Why, good morning, Usagi-chan!" Michiru looked up and greeted the girl cheerfully. "You're up early today. I was about to ask Haruka to wake you up, though. The breakfast is almost ready." With this Michiru gave a playful blaming look to Haruka who innocently gazed back with a silly grin.
"Good morning", Usagi slightly bowed and smiled, "Michiru-san, Haruka-san."
"Good morning, Koneko", Haruka left Michiru's side and walked closer to the golden blonde. "And please don't '-san' us, we're not in public, okay?"
Usagi's smile grew wider. It was really nice to feel a bit closer to these amazing people.
"Thank you, Haruka-chan."
The tomboy leaned in, obviously wanting to greet their princess with a kiss but the girl quickly threw her arms around the taller girl and buried her face in the Haruka's chest making the wind senshi chuckle with amusement. The sandy blonde hugged her back and placed the kiss on the top of the golden-haired head instead of her lips.
"Charming… child", Michiru murmured under her breath watching the girls and a sly smile graced her lips.
Meanwhile Usagi finally unlocked her arms from Haruka's back and rising on her tiptoes, gently kissed the taller blonde on the cheek earning a playful eye-roll from the latter.
Still smiling wide she walked to Michiru and motioned to kiss her cheek too in greeting. But the ocean senshi was faster of course and she tilted her head to the side a little, so that Usagi's lips landed on the half of her mouth accurately.
A soft blush slowly crept on the Usagi's cheeks making her look even more appetizing to both of her guardians.
"Well…" Michiru started meaningfully.
The princess swallowed and her gaze quickly flittered to the table in the center of the room giving her a chance to escape the awkward situation.
"Ah breakfast!!!" she happily yelped and clapped her hands, making Haruka wince and smile, shaking her head. "It looks delicious! You're a genius, Michiru-s… chan."
"And breakfast it is, alright", Michiru gave up. Both Haruka and she laughed at Usagi's antics watching the eagerness of the golden-haired girl to start having the meal right away.
…
When all of them finished their breakfast that turned out to be very delicious despite Michiru's worries about the over-cooked omelet, Usagi asked Haruka to drive her home because she expected Mamoru to be back home already.
Before they left the house Michiru came closer to Usagi and wrapped her arms around her waist, resting her chin on the ivory-skinned shoulder of the smaller girl.
"Usagi-chan, it seems that you didn't come up with your final decision on the matter of our 'meetings' so far. If you're confused or unsure now you don't have to give us the answer right away. Take your time to think thoroughly about our offer. Of course I'd love it if you said 'yes' but… no pressure. Call me or Haruka when you make a decision, alright? Do you have our numbers?"
"Umm… not really", Usagi blushed softly with embarrassment. Of course it was obvious that she couldn't fool a smart girl who Michiru was for sure with her evading behavior at the breakfast but… she tried anyway. Now she felt very grateful that both of the girls proved to be very understanding and didn't press or interrogate her. A quiet sigh escaped the girl's lips when Michiru let her go and walked over to Haruka to hug her waist and lean into her broad shoulder. "It's weird but I know only your home number, that one, in the city, and… well, your communicators. If you still use them." Usagi smirked.
They didn't fight for a long time now, and there was no need to use communicators. To be honest, the moonlight princess had no idea where her own one was but she was sure that Luna took a good care of that.
Both of the senshi shook their heads and smiled at each other.
"Well, Koneko, you really should give us your number because we don't pick up when an incoming call has unknown number…" Haruka grinned wide and got a playful hit on her arm from her aqua-haired lover.
"Ruka!" Michiru chastised softly making the tall blonde grin even wider.
"Ok, ok, I don't pick up unknown calls. There are so many gir… hem, fans who try to get in touch with me", both Usagi and Michiru rolled their eyes at the brashness of Haruka. "So… yeah, just better give us your number and let's go already. We don't want Mamoru-san to suspect anything bad going on here, do we?"
She winked at the princess and kissed Michiru on the forehead earning giggles from both parties. Grabbing her wallet and her keys, the tomboy quickly punched the keys on her cell-phone as Usagi dictated her number and then pulled the smaller blonde by the waist to follow her outside.
Usagi barely had the chance to thank and wave goodbye to Michiru who stood there smiling kindly, all graceful and exquisite. The pure perfection itself.
…
When she came home finally Mamoru was already there, sleeping soundly. His clothes' items were scattered around, and that was the sign of a… yeah, a party that went very well, perhaps.
Usagi smiled talking a glance at his calm, relaxed face and quickly picked up all the things before placing them where they should be.
Then she sat at the bed and stroked Mamoru's raven hair enjoying the forgotten feeling of its wiriness that spoke of his manliness. Usagi couldn't help but recall the soft silky feeling of Michiru's curls under her fingers. It was so different. She felt that warm sensation in the pit of her stomach again and mentally scolded herself for wanting another girl while grazing her man.
The dark-blue eyes opened with difficulty and groggily blinked at her. She smiled at her boyfriend switching the whole of her attention towards him.
"Usa… baby…" he closed his eyes and embraced her waist with one arm. "I'll… later… hmgmm" with this babbling he slipped back to his sleep almost immediately.
"It's ok, Mamo-chan", the girl smiled at how cozy his hand rested on her stomach, "sleep tight, dear."
Feeling warm inside at the sight of his unguarded face and so familiar lips that now looked soft and mild, Usagi decided to lie down for a while and spend some time with her boyfriend.
Stirring at her movement near him Mamoru let out an incoherent yet content sound and his lips curved in a small smile. Tenderness flushed in the girl's heart, and she slowly touched his lips with hers enjoying their familiarity and warmth.
When Usagi turned around and pressed her back to Mamoru's chest he blindly embraced her and buried his face in her neck from behind.
"I love you, Usako…" he murmured incoherently. "Forgive me… I was such… a… umhm"
He didn't finish his speech but it was enough to make the girl's heart flutter with hope and love again.
"Mamo-chan…" she sighed touched. "I love you too…"
She remained lying there awake, pondering on what happened yesterday and how. The images of both beautiful and caring Michiru and sexy and wild Haruka were filling her mind, and for a second Usagi felt ashamed for thinking about her so-close-to-become-her-probable-lovers while being hugged and loved (since Mamoru said it… for the first time in the long period of their crumbling relations) by her boyfriend.
The night spent at the Outers' changed something inside of the girl. Was it a good thing or a bad thing was yet to be found out.
Now that Mamoru was so sweet again the princess hesitantly but still brushed the idea of having an affair with those lovely guardians of hers off.
If her boyfriend finally copes with his work and searches for her company more from now on… she will be there. Just like it always was. She will be with her beloved Mamo-chan.
And as for Haruka and Michiru… well, as Haruka stated, even if in another context, they are friends and they still will be. Probably the three of them could spend more time together, though. Their company was so refreshing… and the girl's soul melted at the sight of those two loving each other so tenderly and strongly.
Come on, three of them didn't do anything really bad yesterday. Those kisses don't count.
Usagi's heart fluttered at the memory of the avaricious lips of Haruka… and at the soft touch of Michiru's lips, the girl blushed and slightly shook her head. No, those kisses don't count. She will be faithful and true to Mamoru. That's how it should be. That's how it will be.
…
Usagi didn't regret her decision during the next following days. Of course Mamoru was still very busy with his work but at least he embraced his girlfriend while falling asleep even if they still didn't have sex, he called her from his work several times… even if they were just short talks, mostly to check if she was doing fine in her university or at home.
Things looked and felt better now but there was one thing that bothered the golden-haired girl. Even though Mamoru seemed to become more caring and attentive to her, it was time after time that Usagi couldn't catch his eyes. And he didn't say he loved her anymore, after that one time when he was dozy and tipsy.
But as always Usagi hoped and believed that they just needed a little bit more time to straighten everything in their relationship out. Overall it was going very well. Or, at least, she thought so.
…
Four days passed by, and there still was no call from Usagi. It wasn't that Michiru or Haruka counted the days but it was obvious that… time was passing by, and there was still no answer from the girl. Which was an answer by itself but the senshi didn't want to rush things. Maybe their princess just needed more time.
Haruka let out a quiet sigh. She stirred on the couch in the living room of their city house and honestly tried to concentrate on reading a racing magazine. It was very, very interesting and captivating magazine but the taller girl didn't remember a thing of what she's been reading for a good hour by now. Her thoughts were rambling around all this time, and it felt frustrating to not be able to concentrate on what she wanted.
Soft giggles made the tomboy curiously look up, her fingers still twirling random sandy locks as the girl used to do it when she was deep in thoughts, and met a pair of laughing sapphires directed at her.
Haruka grinned back distractedly and raised her eyebrows in a silent question.
"Oh, Ruka, spill it." Michiru's laughter sounded teasing.
The blonde only shrugged noncommittally and pretended being very interested in the magazine that was spread on her knees.
"I don't know what you're talking about", she tried her best to sound convincing. Hah, like her Michiru would buy it. She never would, and both of them knew that.
"Of course, and your staring at that poor page for good ten minutes by now is probably just a new fashion of a speed-reading. Ruka…" the sea goddess gave her lover a long and slightly mocking gaze making the wind senshi raise her hands up in surrender.
"Fine. But I don't get, honestly, why you need to ask a question if you know the answer already?"
Michiru shrugged and sweetly smiled.
"It's… fun. Moreover, I love talking to you. And discussing things to make them clear. So, let's talk?" the aqua-haired girl left her spot by the window where she was working on a sketch of another drawing for her future exhibition and walked over to sit down beside Haruka on the couch. The latter instantly tossed the magazine away and grinned to the other girl. They entwined their fingers and smiled looking at that simple yet convincing sign of their affection.
"How do you think, will she go for it?" Haruka asked out of the blue, linking her free arm around her lover's waist.
Michiru smiled mysteriously, her eyes twinkling. The ocean lady knew that her impatient lover also looked forward eagerly to that kind of relationship even if she stated the opposite. Haruka's attitude gave her concern away.
"Tell me, Ruka… how would you feel and act if you happened to spend a lovely evening with someone you liked, or let's make it even bigger, someone you wanted? Someone who's not me, Ruka." Michiru quickly added the last line, seeing a mischievous look of the sparkling teal eyes, which was replaced with a confused frown as soon as the taller girl heard her words. "Imagine you did that, and then you had to come home to someone you love. To me, for example. How would you act?"
Haruka's brows knitted and several sandy bangs fell upon her eyes that were narrowed and guarded now.
"Michi, the question itself is a pure absurd to me. All those 'if', 'someone else', you as 'for example'… I definitely don't like the way it's going. Are you trying to tell me something?"
Michiru laughed heartily watching the cute frowning blonde in front of her and brushed her sandy hair back affectionately.
"Oh Ruka, you're so overly concerned. I know you wouldn't do that to me, just… please answer as if it happened. Just in theory."
Haruka shrugged and tightened her grip on her lover's waist.
"In theory? Let me think… If I wanted a person, even loving you. Hmm, afterwards I would feel guilty and confused, perhaps. Yes, it would be pretty much that, I think."
"Good. And…? What would you do to me considering you're feeling guilty and confused?" Michiru definitely knew where she was going. The blonde shrugged again, this time she looked uncertain.
"Well, most likely, I would pay more attention to you and try to right myself in your eyes, oh and I would try my best not to let you know there was someone else on my mind. Only… it's silly, Michiru, I… would never want to hurt you."
"Fortunately then, we're talking now not about you or me but about Usagi-chan." Michiru said quietly.
"Ah, got it. She won't call, will she?" Haruka's face lit up with realization before she blurted out without thinking "Oh shoot, we should've had sex right then! If she never comes back, sex could be our consolation prize at least."
"Oh that was cute, thanks so much, Ruka", Michiru snickered at her agitated lover. "But I think we have to wait some more and see how things turn out to be. I mean she accepted the whole idea, didn't she?"
"It could be just alcohol." Haruka shrugged smirking.
Michiru rolled her eyes.
"Oh yes? And what about your irresistible charm?" She said in a teasing manner.
"And my irresistible charm, yes, why not?" The sea goddess's mocking tone didn't discourage the sandy blonde even a bit. The warm arms of Haruka slid up along Michiru's back and softly massaged the sides of her neck earning a silent content moan from her lover. "I wonder though, why is this pretty aqua-curled girl still able to stand my oh so irresistible charm?" her voice gained that familiar sexy huskiness Michiru loved to hear.
Coiling the taller girl's neck with her arms Michiru brought her lips up to Haruka's and tenderly smiling whispered, "What makes you think she is?"
Soon they both were lost in the world where passion, love and tenderness lived and fused together. The world where no one else mattered. Because there was no one but the two them. A beautiful placid world of their own.
* * *
'Oh what's wrong with me and Fridays, huh? Why do I feel all nervous and agitated when Friday comes closer? It has nothing to do with me… anymore, does it?'
Usagi was dragging herself slowly from the university. She was almost home, thinking about why she hadn't let go the idea of calling the Outers, yet. It was so obvious that she should have. Well, a girl can have dreams, can't she?
Thank God it was Thursday today. Mamoru called her twice already to ask when she'd be home. Maybe he was planning a surprise or something? Usagi smiled wide and let out a happy sigh. Life was so good now!
The girl almost flew up the stairs to the apartment she and Mamoru were sharing. Quickly kicking her shoes off, the golden-haired princess rushed into the living room and stopped there in awe.
Mamoru was all dressed up and looked very attractive. Usagi smiled wide in anticipation of something good. Perhaps he wanted to take her out, to some posh restaurant judging from this beautiful suit and this snow-white shirt… he looked awesome. Friday will be tomorrow already and since he promised to spend the whole weekend with her maybe… maybe he decided to not wait for it and just to start their date today?
Mamoru finally acknowledged her presence when he met her sparkling with joy blue eyes in the mirror's reflection and turned around to receive a tight hug from his girlfriend.
Taking Usagi's hands off him Mamoru kissed her hands and guiltily looked into her eyes.
"Hello, honey, I'm so glad you're finally home. I thought that we'd spend the evening together but…" he looked away and something inside of Usagi cracked. It suddenly didn't look like they were gonna have a romantic dinner. With his dark-blue eyes downcast Mamoru gripped the girl's hands stronger and finally muttered. "Look, baby, I don't know how to tell you this. I know… I promised to spend this weekend with you but you see… there was an emergency, and I must come back to work even now, let alone work hard this weekend. Please don't get angry with me. I… I promise that…" he was silenced by the small hand of the girl that she pressed against his lips.
"It's ok", Usagi said quietly, "don't make promises that you can't keep. It doesn't suit you, Mamoru."
She looked disappointed and even a bit hurt, Mamoru couldn't come up with anything to alleviate that expression on her face.
"You're angry…" he sighed outwardly and rubbed her back softly. "Usako, sweetheart, tell me how I can make it up to you, and I will."
"You will?" her beautiful eyes lit up with hope again. That girl… she was incredible.
"Yes." He smiled seeing that quick change of his girlfriend's mood.
"And I can ask…" she looked at him in expectation which the young man hurried to fulfill.
"Anything that you want."
"Anything?" The golden-haired beauty shone at her boyfriend making him guess what exactly she had in mind.
"Absolutely. Of course if it's within my power to give it to you." Mamoru joked.
"Oh yes, it is, it surely is." Usagi happily nuzzled on his chest. "Then… I want…" she brought her lips closer to his ear. "I want you. You're looking so sexy in this suit now… Make love to me, Mamo-chan, would you?"
Something changed in Mamoru's face when he heard her saying that, but Usagi didn't notice that because she was kissing his neck, already feeling how his strong arms make their way around her waist.
All of a sudden his phone let out a loud ring making the couple startle. With an exaggerated groan, Mamoru made a show of reluctant dragging the noisy thing out of his pocket, and looking in askance at Usagi, who saw a short ID of whoever was calling.
"Do you really need to answer this call?" she asked in a seductive whisper, her lips tracing his jaw-line. "Can you… like, call back later?"
Mamoru looked at the name again and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Usako, this is an important call. I've been waiting for it for this whole week. Give me a second, and we'll…" he had already flipped his phone open and gestured to Usagi to stop kissing and distracting him.
She didn't get to hear anything but Mamoru's short answers.
"Yes… yes… Yes, I remember… Sure. I will be there… Yes, see you."
The guy flipped the phone closed and pocketed it back before reaching out his hands and softly cupping the golden blonde's face.
Meeting her shining eyes he let her go and groaning took a few steps away from her, frowning at his thoughts.
"I-I… Usako, honey…" Mamoru obviously didn't know how to say what he had to say now. "I have to go back to work right now… but I'll do whatever you want as soon as I'm done with that entire emergency thing, ok?" he couldn't believe that he actually dared to say it aloud, and judging from the look on Usagi's face she was hurt and shocked to say the least. Her beautiful eyes instantly filled with tears.
He tried to embrace her again but Usagi pushed his arms away and quickly ran to the bathroom, slamming the door locked after her.
"Damn you, Mamoru…" she hissed through the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Honey, open the door, let me in!" Mamoru called from behind the door.
Usagi stubbornly shook her head without a word, only her muffled sobs could be heard reverberating between the empty tiled bathroom.
"Usako…" the man didn't give up, "please, open the door. Look, I'm sorry. Come out of there, let's…" he faltered not sure what exactly he wanted to say, and the girl noticed his hesitation.
"Let's what, Mamoru?" Usagi cried. "Let's make love now, you wanted to say? Out of pity? God how… how dare you!" Her burst of anger faded and the last words she was whispering again. "I thought you loved me… You were so caring these days, I thought it meant something. But… you're the same. And all that meant nothing. Just a sop to make me feel better… it was so lame, but I believed it was something more. I wanted to believe it was…"
"Come on, Usako", he persuaded her gently, "don't be such a silly girl. Let me in, let's talk."
"Talk to the devil", the girl snarled in a low voice so that he couldn't hear her.
She heard his phone ring again, Mamoru answered it albeit shortly, and the golden-blonde bitterly smiled. He will go there, anyway. She knew he had to. What's the point of this fight then, if he is to go and do his job anyway?
Usagi pushed aside her urge to wail, closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to calm herself down. Well then, she needed to make a call too. But first she had to get rid of Mamoru right now.
…
The door of the bathroom opened unexpectedly. Mamoru barely caught to move away from Usagi's way when she wordlessly walked past him and started rummaging in her bag searching for her cell-phone.
"What are you doing, Usako?" the guy asked, worry and concern lacing his voice. He was smart enough to not go and touch the girl right now.
Usagi looked at him evenly like she was surprised that he dared to speak to her at all. In this moment she resembled the queen she would be in the future, very much. Mamoru swallowed audibly. He wasn't a weak man at all but when his Usako was like this… he had no idea how to ever over-power her.
"I need my cell-phone. Did you see it by any chance?" she asked calmly.
"No, I didn't. Who are you going to call to?" his eyes narrowed, and his tone caused a small irritated crease appear on the princess's forehead.
"Friends", she replied curtly. Seeing his frown Usagi decided to explain things a bit. "I figured that if you're not going to be at home for the weekend I also don't want to stay in these empty rooms, so I'd rather go and have some fun with my friends. I hope you don't have any problems with that, Mamoru?" she didn't wait for his response but kept on speaking, not really sure whether it was a good idea to tell her boyfriend where she wanted to go. "Besides, Haruka-san and Michiru-san were very kind when I visited them last time. Maybe I'll pay another visit to them. Ah, here it is!" she finally found and grabbed her cell-phone and stared at Mamoru in expectation, his frown never left his face.
"Usako…" he started carefully, "don't get me wrong but… isn't it too often for random visits to those two? I mean they are probably very busy with their… social lives or something. Why don't you call your closer friends like Rei-chan or Minako-chan? You have more in common with them, don't you?"
A slight mocking smirk made its way onto Usagi's lips. She wanted to tell him… to tell him that he had no right to pick friends for her; that he has just ruined his chance to have her faithful and true in their relationship; that he… has just fallen in her eyes. Fallen really, really low.
Maybe she needed just a valid reason to appease her consciousness and let it accept a very luring offer of the elder couple. Maybe she would regret it in the end, but her anger and frustration didn't let her think clear right now. Usagi wasn't seeking revenge, she just wanted to be… desired, loveable even if for a little bit. Is it too much to ask for a bit of love from someone who was supposed to become her husband in time? The girl smiled bitterly to herself. Did she really still believe that he would ever propose to her?
However, Mamoru's behavior now was that last straw that broke the camel's back.
All she wanted in her life was just to be happy with her boyfriend, to create a family and just live her small comfortable life. That was all she ever wanted, and she tried hard to make her dream come true. But despite her efforts… Mamoru apparently can't or doesn't want to make her happy now. Well… she will be happy on her own then. Even without him.
But outwardly she gave him a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes, and slowly replied, "I don't know why you dislike Haruka-san and Michiru-san so much, Mamo-chan, but there is much I could learn from them. You are obviously busy with your work now, and I suspect you will be busy for a longer while. In the meantime I don't want to turn into a cry-baby or some kind of a dog that waits for her master to come home. I will pay more attention to my studies so that I can get a nice job in the future, and I will try to learn as many things as I can from that well-educated, noble and artful couple we both know the Outers are. If… if they are busy, I will go to my closer friends as you put it but first I'll try… I'll try to become someone better, to grow in some ways… maybe then you will respect me more, or… will need my company more."
He obviously wanted to protest, to tell her another lie that he needed her company already but her cold and resolute look didn't let him utter another untrue word so he nodded and asked quietly, "Do you need a ride there? I could…"
The princess shook her head.
"I don't know when I go there, so… But thank you anyway. Now I trust you should be going, someone's really demanding your attention." She said hearing his phone ringing for the third time.
"I'm sorry, Usako", with this he hovered for a moment watching his girlfriend's frozen figure. He felt that this unfamiliar attitude of hers really made him respect her more, but there were still other matters that he had to, and was willing to, take care about right now, so he muttered another 'I'm sorry' and left their apartment.
Usagi stared glazedly at the spot where he was just a second ago, her heart painfully throbbing in her chest. Her blurring vision stopped at the cell-phone in her hand, and she grasped it tighter before falling to her knees and finally letting herself cry out everything she wanted.
…
"Usagi-chan called me today. She asked when we could have the next… session." Michiru giggled hugging her lover and comfortably nestling her head to the girl's chest.
Haruka chuckled and kissed the top of the aqua-haired head.
"Looks like we convinced her, love, doesn't it? But there's that thing… why did she call you, not me?"
Michiru looked up in surprise and snickered at the cute concerned frown her lover sported. Seeing that, the sea goddess couldn't help but tease the willful blonde.
"I can't believe we're on that topic again! Come on, maybe she just likes me better. Sometimes you may be so bold, Ruka. Or maybe it's that Usagi-chan feels more comfortable with me around." The outward mischievous smirk of Michiru told Haruka there was something more than that. And that's what made her feel nervous.
"Michiru, it's harsh…" Haruka pouted looking even more adorable. "Speaking of Koneko and you, should I be jealous? You two seem to be on the very good terms by now, aren't you?"
The ocean senshi didn't deny anything; she only smiled mysteriously and pressed her body closer against the strong tall wind senshi. "Ruka, you're really sweet when you sound like this… do you know it?" her soft lips showered Haruka's neck with small kisses.
"Ah, it means I really should have been jealous by now. No, Michi, promise me you'll always choose me over anyone else." Haruka demanded, all of a sudden feeling strangely unsure again. She hated this state, and she hated the fact that it took just one word, just one kiss from her beloved Michi to make her feel safe and self-assured again. Yes that's how simple it was. And exactly for this reason, she hated it.
"Why, do you still need promises?" Michiru asked innocently.
"Just promise me that." The tomboy's hands clenched, her voice was even and demanding.
"My silly beloved Haruka, I hardly could suspect this uncertainty in you", Haruka motioned to protest but Michiru placed her fingertips onto her lover's lips, finally taking mercy upon her. "Honey, you know I love you. You are and will be the only one for me. I promise with my heart I will always love you, and only you. Please trust me. Why can't you let it go?"
"Because you keep teasing me like that! It's killing me, Michiru. I'm serious. Please stop." There, finally she said it. If Michi was willing to keep this game up Haruka could tell for sure that she herself would do anything and everything to hold their princess at the distance. Just in case. Michiru was too dear and too important for her to share her even with someone who Haruka trusted.
"I'm sorry, Ruka", Michiru guiltily looked into the teal eyes and brushed some sandy locks back from the forehead of her stubborn lover before pulling her down for a sweet kiss. "It's just that you look so cute when I do that… it's hard to stop, you know. I'd give a lot just to see those lovely pouts and frowns again and again for they tell me how much you really care about me. Because you know it's near to impossible to figure what you think when you're in your usual state. You are a very mysterious person, Tenou-san."
Haruka chuckled accepting the smaller girl's explanations and apologies and even feeling flattered. Her frown dissipated, and the teal eyes shimmered with mischief again, lips curving in a sexy grin.
"Well, I guess I must prove you how much I love you then…" she leaned closer and captured Michiru's lips in a long sensual kiss that started another journey to a dreamland for the two of them.
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A/N: Heh, please don't kill me. I know, I know there should be sex already, and believe me, in the original version it was there… like, in the third chapter. But as I started filling the skeleton of the plot with details, that third or so chapter became by now… well, the next one actually :) Don't kill me people or you won't get to read those sexy scenes I planned. But hey, at least, now the whole thing looks more 'real', more… believable, doesn't it?
And now it's time to reply to all those kind reviews I got for the last chapter. I was pleasantly surprised to get so many of them, to be honest, and I felt so warm inside reading all those sweet words you sent me. Thank you all very-very much! Your support and attention means a lot to me!
Unlove You – yes, Haruka had to set some rules because she's got really nervous. I believe her love to Michiru is something that she treasures very much, so it's understandable if she wants to create some kind of a 'fire escape' for the future. I can easily understand how captivating the Seiya/Usagi pairing is, so no wonder you're so much into it (I was too, and I'm sure I will be again… maybe I'll write one more story about S/U, who knows) ;)) But then again, you have my sincere gratitude for staying with my story and reading it, even if you don't have a real interest in it :) Probably you are right… everyone loves that cute Usagi. And she deserves happiness, doesn't she? :) Once more, thank you for being here, for reviewing. I appreciate it very much. Take care.
Lord James Ares – Thank you very much, I enjoyed writing that chapter, and I still like most of it. Making Haruka jealous? Actually she is jealous, even in anime if I'm correct. Otherwise, I don't know where I got that idea *smirks* But to tell you truth I love seeing her as jealous person because it shows how much she cares about the girl she loves. And… it's fun to describe her when she gets nervous and acts a bit silly. Oh, so unlike canon her, isn't she? Thank you for your compliment ;) I hope you liked this chapter as well :)
Kuramo – wow! You're certainly a winner for the most detailed review for this chapter! I loved it, honestly :) thank you very much for your time and for those words you wrote. Actually you got a lot of things absolutely right. Yes, Haruka is scared but with Michiru she's got nothing to worry about. Michi would never let her down. At least, not yet :) We'll see. As you could see in this chapter she even played around a little to provoke Haruka's jealousy but she really cares about her lovely blonde, so I guess she won't do things like that anymore. Usagi might be more into Michiru? Hmm, it's an idea. But no, not really. It's just that Michiru's calmer and more… maternal I'd say, so I guess that's why Usagi seeks for her help and company. Oh, not only that of course! You're absolutely right, Michiru's really different, and she knows how to get her way but don't be mistaken, Haruka obeys Michi only because and only for the measure that she decides herself. Both of those girls are strong enough to stand for what they want. And Haruka really loves Michiru, that's why she does whatever she can to please her sea goddess. And yes again, Mamoru did… ahem, something :) Just like you could see in this chapter. He doesn't deserve Usagi? Probably. Oh, an underlying truth about Michiru and Usagi? Hmm… I'm not sure yet. Probably there's nothing like that but we'll find it out by the end of the story, won't we? ;) Domo arigatou gozaimasu :)
Squeaky Phantom – Wow, you sent the reviews for every chapter, it's so nice of you! Thanks a lot :) Well, I believe there are three more chapters for you to go and more discoveries to make, but you made me crack up with that constant 'What happens next?' It's kinda sweet you know. When I got your reviews I was like… 'Huh? Interaction between Usagi and Haruka? And poor Usagi? Where is Michiru then? What's going on here? I wrote about her, didn't I?' and only after that I noticed the numbers of the chapters you reviewed for :) Yeah, sometimes I'm so silly. But actually it was fun, thanks a lot :)) I hope you'll like the rest of the chapters that are there already ;) See you :)
anon. – well, before all, thank you for answering that question I happened to ask. I fully understand your point, and I agree that those three should have had sex already. *sigh* As I mentioned above, in the original version they did and they got there rather quickly :) But you hit the spot when you mentioned the need to build the relations. Moreover, the threesome doesn't mean only sex. Did I really say that? :) Okay, it has to mean that in this story but still… there's more than sex eventually (if you look back at the first chapter). Anyway, I promise that it will be there (and Haruka and Michiru already have sex, if anything :)). But since I'm not good at writing the lemons the story will be mostly about relationships. I'm sorry if I disappoint you. But thank you for reading it so far and liking it :) I hope you will like it as it keeps growing.
harucino – Thank you very much :) I hope you liked this chapter as well. See you next time… hopefully ;)
petiyaka – oh, you're so right! Thank you for saying that! Yes, I think Haruka goes like 'better safe than sorry', and you could see more of that in this chapter. Thanks so much for kind words, I'm happy to hear that you liked the couple as I pictured them so far. To be honest I enjoyed it very much writing the scenes for this chapter, in the bedroom and in the kitchen most of all. I hope you'll find them sweet too :) You're jealous? Why? :))) And I'm very grateful for your compliments! Take care :)
Rhinoa Lunar – Why thank you so much, Rhinoa! You really made my day by leaving such a sweet review. Your emotions could be easily felt through those lines, and you made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Well, as you know I love that pairing very much, so maybe that's where those funny things come from. It's so easy to picture them… so loving each other :) Oh, you even read the things for other reviewers? It's sweet :) I don't know why but it feels sweet :)) I hope you loved the scenes in this chapter too, at least some of them :) Hearty 'thank you' for your BIG compliment! Because I know how much you love another pairing in SM, so saying you loved the relations between someone else here… it speaks a lot to me *hugs*
WindChaser0001 - *smirks* Why, sorry for being evil ;)) And sorry for keeping being evil in this chapter. All that need to build some relations first, you know ;)) So, you also like the idea of the night with those two? ;)) Heh, hopefully I'll be able to describe that… ahem, action, more or less well :)) If I fail… let's just use our imagination, shall we? :)) Thank you for your compliment! Updating ;))
Reader458 – I'm so happy to have you back, my friend! Thank you for all these troubles you go through to help me with this story. Everyone, please meet Reader458, a really nice and smart guy, who happened to become my close friend :)) Thank you, dear, for beta reading and for all those ideas of yours that help me make this story look more believable :) I can't express the depth of my gratitude to you for everything you do for me. I'm happy that you liked that chapter. Me? Evil? Just a little… more :)) Well, sure Haruka had to make some rules, she doesn't want to lose the love of her life. And yes, it's really ironic, what happens later. Things always get so complicated when it comes to feelings and hearts. It's unpredictable road, so one must be careful going there. And your guess was almost right ;)) Usagi did leave the girls in the morning, but as for Mamoru's 'fun'… we'll see what he had or hadn't on his night out ;)) Some of your questions were answered in this new chapter already, so we'll see what happens next I guess. *hugs* Oh and come on, Reader, it should be shorter! Don't laugh at me when I can't stop writing :)
lostinhersong – yay! How nice to have you back :) Welcome! I hope you had wonderful spring break :) It's strange though, schoolers here have just started their spring break. Things differ I guess :) Ahem, anyway, I'm happy to see you again. (*Words aside* I hope you will update your wonderful story soon, I'm so eager to know what happens there ;)) Thank you very much for reviewing my story again (it's ok that you didn't, I understand that real life always comes first, so no worries here), and it's always a pleasure to hear your opinion. And it's very important to me, because I know that you love Haruka/Michiru pairing and when you say you enjoy the story despite the premise that they are gonna have sex with someone else… it's like the best compliment to me ;)) Because I'm usually very jealous myself when my favorite couple prefers other people. But if you say it's alright in this story… then I must be sound quite convincing *smirks* Sorry, boosted ego :)) If serious, I'm very-very flattered to hear those words from you. Thank you very much *bows* I hope you liked the interaction between girls in this chapter as well? Dazzle you? Aww, you're sweet :)) I'll try my best :)
Well, that's all for now. Hopefully the next chapter won't be that long, and I'll post it sooner than this one :)) Until then, take care :)