Kiwi: Heya! Gomen, it's another flashback chapter, but I figure you should know at least a little bit about the events leading up to where they are. Next chapter I'll get around to figuring out all the ages for you, I promise, but it's late now. I just want to thank the people that have reviewed, I really don't think I'm that good, but you guys are giving me more confidence. And can I have a vote as to if you think I should have Hotaru and Yaten together through most of the fic, or have them separated by the Outers and/or other circumstances? Again, arigatou minna-san!

The next morning Hotaru dressed in an outfit she had kept at Yaten's house. She couldn't help but remember the day that they'd decided she should start keeping at least one spare change of clothes at his house. Nearly two months ago, was it?

***Flashback***

It was exactly six months, three weeks since the fateful night that Hotaru and Yaten had shared their first kiss, and they had successfully managed to hid their relationship from the rest of the senshi up to that point. But today, Yaten had decided, and Hotaru agreed, that it was finally time the truth came out. They were both more then a bit apprehensive as they stood in front of the senshi, knowing the Outers' views of the Three Lights. Hotaru managed to resist the urge to hold onto Yaten for reassurance, although she couldn't help but stand close to him, and he could sense she was frightened. Of course she would be, it was her family that disapproved of him and his brothers so. But it was also her family that had allowed, no, forced her to stay with him, and that, in Yaten's mind, was a glimmer of hope. "We... we asked you all here to... today, be...because..." Hotaru stammered, her voice becoming more nervous with every word.
"We feel we need to tell you all something." Yaten's voice was strong and unafraid. Seiya and Taiki hid smiles as they saw all the confused looks the rest of the senshi were giving the couple. Of course they knew what it was about, the day Hotaru had started coming over they had tortured Yaten until he'd told the whole story. Hotaru took the time he spoke to glance at the Outers. Bad move. They were given some hint by her closeness to him, and she was receiving near death glares from all three. She automatically clutched Yaten's hand, out of fear, and the action gave what they had intended to tell everyone away. "Oh I'm so happy for you guys, Hotaru-san! Yaten-san!" Came Usagi's cheerful voice, a voice that almost always made Hotaru want to slap the odango-haired princess. As they were being congratulated by the Inners, something that almost had Hotaru liking them for a moment, she heard Yaten's voice in her ear, "Why'd we have to tell them again?" Hotaru remembered the argument Seiya had given them, which had her agreeing. It was the right thing to do, informing the Inner Senshi, and besides, they at least aught to know, so they wouldn't ever be taken by surprise and sidetracked on the battlefield (Kiwi: Ok, gomen, but I'm not partial to the Inners, can ya' tell?). "Look at Haruka-papa," was all Hotaru could say, for she couldn't seem to look away herself. He did, and grimaced. "Maybe they won't kill you?" He suggested kindly, his grip on her hand tightening a bit. "You're right, they won't, they'll do worse," she couldn't help but whine just a little as she watched Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna stand and start to walk over to them, all three looking to kill. "Hime, how could you?" Haruka's voice was much harsher then normal, when speaking to her hime. "Haruka-papa, just because they've come from a different galaxy doesn't mean they're bad."
"We know they aren't 'bad,' per say. But still, hime, they're outsiders. We won't ever be able to trust them completely." Even Michiru's voice held more then a hint of anger.
"Michiru-mama, you treat me as if I'm a babe unable to take care of herself and make her own decisions."
"That's because you haven't proven yourself completely, until then, you'll still be a child in our eyes."
"I'm eighteen, the Senshi of Death, and one of the most powerful, and I haven't 'fully proven myself'?" Hotaru's voice suddenly flashed cold and dangerous, although it was too low for anyone but Yaten to hear, and he couldn't help but smile a little, for even though the young woman at his side seemed so fragile, he knew that far from the truth. A stronger fighter then himself, and a stronger spirit. But he could find one fault with her, something that maybe the other Outers had meant by 'fully proven,' she was still too cold to most people. A cruel past made her who she was, a cold solder who could kill almost anyone at the drop of a hat without a second thought. "Come, Hotaru, we're leaving," Haruka's command shook him to the present, but not as much as the realization that he may never be allowed to see his love again. "Hotaru?" Both he and Setsuna had called her name at the same time, and as he looked down at her he saw how torn she was. "Go with them," he bent down and whispered in her ear, and watched her leave with her family.

***End Flashback***

It had been in the conversation a little before the confrontation of that day. "Hotaru, you coming?" Yaten urged from the doorway. "Hai, hai, chotto matte," she replied, zipping up the knee high high-heeled black boots and walking over to meet him. The Three Lights had decided upon going out for breakfast, in honor of her bravery, despite her strong protests. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful, now let's go." He said, and followed her out the door.