Standard disclaimers: Sailor Moon doesn't belong to me. Sailor Moon belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha Comics, Mixx Comics, Toei animation, Pioneer and a bunch of other companies I'm probably forgetting (sorry).
Chapter Three: Picnic
"Diana? Diana!"
She quickly turned around, coming out of her reverie. Small Lady Princess Serenity was running down the corridor towards her.
"I was calling you, but you seemed not to hear me," she said breathlessly as she caught up to Diana.
"I'm sorry, Small Lady, I was lost in my thoughts..."
The pink haired girl giggled. "Daydreaming, were we? About anything, or anyone, in particular?"
Diana blushed. "I-I wasn't--"
Small Lady laughed again and took Diana's arm in her own. They strolled down the walkway together. "Silly, I was only teasing you. But, it did look like you were enjoying yourself last night. I noticed you and Peruru spent a lot of time together." She cast her a sidelong glace. "Although, you seemed to get off on the wrong foot. You were rather rude last night."
Diana sighed. "I know I was. I've already apologized to him."
"I see. Well, in that case, what are your plans for today?"
"I have studies with Mother. Then, I thought I'd work my way through the rest of that novel I've been hammering away at for the past week."
"I have a better idea. Helios and I are having a picnic over in the park today. How about coming with us?"
"Oh, I'm not sure, Small Lady. I wouldn't want to intrude..."
"You wouldn't be. And besides, Peruru is coming along. It's too nice a day out to waste it on book reading."
She glanced outside, between the columns surrounding the walkway along the outside of the palace. It was a beautiful day. The sun was warm and felt good in contrast with the cool spring air. The sakura were in full bloom and their petals drifted along in the breeze. Diana felt herself reluctantly giving in. "Alright. I'll come with you."
Small Lady grinned and threw her arms around Diana, hugging her enthusiastically. She stepped back and looked at her friend. "Thank you, Diana. We'll come get you then, after your studies are over."
***
Diana sat on the thin blanket that Small Lady had brought with her and carefully placed on the grass underneath the shade of a tree. She closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of the variety of flowers in bloom, the scent of spring. This was her favorite time of the year, the time of rebirth. Although, this year, even the arrival of spring had not cleared away all of winter's gloom.
"You should be careful holding your breath that long."
Startled, Diana gasped and her eyes opened wide to reveal Peruru sitting on the blanket next to her. She gave him a mock frown. "And you should be careful not to sneak up on people. That's not a very nice habit, you know."
Peruru chuckled in response. He pulled out a flute and began to play a tune. A few stray blossoms that had been caught in a nearby breeze stilled suddenly and hovered in the air, motionless. Peruru closed his eyes and continued to play. The petals seemed to float along to the music. Diana tentatively reached up and felt the petals dance against her palm. She smiled in wonder at the magic that Peruru created with his flute. Suddenly the music stopped causing the petals to fall abruptly, a few landing in Diana's hand. She looked over at Peruru. He was gazing across the park at Small Lady being pushed on a swing by Helios. She laughed as Helios pushed her higher into the air.
"She's happy, isn't she?" he asked, still observing Small Lady.
Diana sighed softly. "Yes, very." She watched him as he watched Small Lady. I wish I knew what to say to him.
After a few moments of silence, he turned towards Diana, giving her a tremulous smile. "I'm glad," he whispered.
Peruru, you are stronger than I could ever be, she thought. Diana looked down as she unclenched her hand, letting the crushed flower petals fall into her lap.
AN: Please let me know what you thought. I really appreciate reviews because it let's me know if people are actually interested in this....thanks!
serena b