Disclaimer: Omnipotent voice, "Haruka & Michiru, you two are just so awesome that I've decided to have you star in your own manga and anime. The production is still in its preliminary stages, so in the meantime, please just bear with the fanfics, ne?" Just kidding, there's no Omnipotent voice (is there?). Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon still belongs to Takeuchi Naoko-sensei, Toei, Bandai, Kodansha, etc. But... how come we are doing all the work (and for free too)?

Fashion anyone?

Retaliation

Plan C: H & M


"That was so sweet," Haruka was pleasantly awakened by a gentle kiss gracing her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked into the deep, blue eyes of Michiru as the elegant woman greeted her again, this time on her lips, breathing the word "ohayo" silently into the racer's mouth.

"Mmmmm..." she purred happily pulling Michiru back in bed. "You're sweet."

The Senshi of Embrace giggled and tried her best to stop her amorous tormentor from disrobing her. "I just got dressed."

"You can't be dressed when you're coming into the shower with me," Haruka was slowly but fully waking up. If she was going to be rewarded for something, she needed to make sure that she was in her most optimal physical state to accept that reward. But what was she getting rewarded for? "Tell me, what was so sweet again?"

Michiru had given up trying to stop Haruka, deciding that by now her carefully planned outfit was too wrinkled anyway. "The flowers, of course."

"Flowers?" Haruka stopped all movement. "What flowers?"

"Those," Michiru gestured towards their dresser where half a dozen full-bloom blue beauty waterlilies, sending off a pleasant scent across the master bedroom, floated innocently on the surface of a flat, sphere vase. "They're perfect. Arigatou."

"But I didn't give them to you." Haruka was completely alert now. She jumped out of the bed and walked over to examine the waterlilies suspiciously. "Why did you think they were from me?"

Michiru was equally confused and offered the note next to the vase to Haruka. "This was the card that came with it."

"To the Most Beautiful Violinist. With love, H."

Haruka squinted her eyes, trying to scrutinize the penmanship. Unfortunately, the florist's fancy but standard cursive masked the true identity of this elusive "H".

"An over-zealous fan?" Haruka contemplated, but then the piercing green eyes flared angrily as she recalled some recent events. "No, don't tell me-"

"No, Haruka, they're definitely not from Mamoru-san," Michiru took one look at her partner and knew exactly what the other was thinking. "And no, they can't be from Seiya either. He just went back to Kinmoku-sei, remember?"

"It better not be either of those two," Haruka gritted her teeth.

"And promise me you're not going to get jealous again," Michiru sighed. Maybe it was the Formula-1 racer's pride; Haruka always had a need to prove herself whenever she felt threatened by anything. When it came to jealousy, Haruka could not think of a better way to prove her worth than in the artful skill of bedroom activities, which was a mixed blessing for Michiru. As much as she enjoyed every moment of it, Michiru was, frankly, a bit worn out. The overly loved woman had to actually resort to afternoon naps to replenish much needed sleep... and that was only successful during afternoons when Haruka was not home. "You seem to be getting jealous more easily than usual."

"I do feel like I've been jealous a lot lately. Why is that?" Haruka wondered. She never doubted or distrusted Michiru once; she just simply could not stand it when others appreciated what was supposed to be hers and hers alone. "It's not fair."

"Ara, Haruka," Michiru blinked innocently. "I was actually quite jealous too when you and Seiya kissed."

"Let's not even go there."

Michiru suppressed her laughter and kindly change the subject before endangering Haruka to any long-term post-traumatic memories. "Besides, the card says 'H'. That's why I thought... I just assumed only you would know me well enough to send something so appropriate." Confusion flickered across Michiru's beautiful features causing Haruka to wince internally. She knew that as much as she was mad with jealousy, Michiru suffered the same degree in disappointment.

"I'm sorry that I'm not more of a romantic," Haruka held Michiru tightly to herself and planted a kiss in her fragrant hair. If Michiru was crushed, Haruka felt it even stronger. She cursed herself for not being more thoughtful about spoiling Michiru. "Apparently, someone is kicking my ass in that department."

"Haruka, these presents don't mean a thing to me if they're not from you," Michiru comforted her lover. "But you'll make it up to me, right?" she added teasingly without any true intention of seriousness.

"How about a full-body massage in the shower?" But the Senshi of Rebellion took Michiru very seriously and volunteered with a grin from ear to ear. On top of that, she decided that Michiru definitely deserved the best damn service she can possibly provide...

...though, it was hard to tell who made it up to whom as steam rose up in their bathroom.


"Haruka! What are you trying to do? Getting me fat so that I won't have any admirers?" That afternoon, Michiru laughed as she placed a four-pound ballotin of Godiva chocolate in front of the racer. "I know you feel guilty about not getting me flowers, but this is a little too much."

"Huh?" Haruka gazed blankly at the golden box. "Another present?"

Michiru realized from the baffled look on her partner's face that this elaborate token was, once again, not Haruka's doing. "Who's sending me these things if it's not you?" she wondered aloud. The couple opened the box together and picked up the golden card inside.

"I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Yours, H."

Haruka's heart sank. This was too much.

"I'm watching my figure for the upcoming Asia tour," Michiru white-lied. Seeing Haruka's expression reminded her that Haruka could be very sensitive sometime too. "I'll give it to Usagi-tachi tomorrow."

"Don't!" To Michiru's surprise, the blonde stopped her lover, eyeing the truffles as if making a difficult decision, No point in letting such high quality chocolate go to waste. She grabbed the box with one hand and took her lover's hand in the other, then proceeded to head upstairs. "I didn't get to have dessert after lunch."


As she prepared for bed, Michiru brushed back her aqua tresses behind her ears to examine a pair of seashell-shaped sterling silver earrings in the mirror. They were her latest present from "H", after just finding out who "H" was.

I should tell Haruka too, the Senshi of Sea smiled at her reflection and looked down tenderly at the newest note.

Haruka emerged from the bathroom and snuck up behind Michiru. She was about to wrap her arms around her lover when she paused halfway as she read over Michiru's shoulder the final note.

"I love you dearly. xoxo, H."

Who the hell is pulling this? Haruka thought angrily. And why was Michiru actually happy about it?

Fortunately, after her first two strikes, Haruka finally learned to be prepared and had a counterattack for this one that she was sure would melt Michiru to the core. The blonde walked to the dresser and quietly pulled out a small velvet box from the depths of an old (but clean) sock drawer and stuffed it into her pocket. It was supposed to be her anniversary present to Michiru, and she had originally planned to surprise her lover at their favorite French restaurant with the whole candlelight burning, champagne bubbling, and (what better way to Michiru's heart?) violin playing exhibition in the background. Now... she decided that she would just have to skip the frou-frou-ness of it all.

"Michiru, I have something for you," she drew the other into her arms. "Close your eyes."

"Haruka, you don't need to get me anything," Michiru relaxed against Haruka's warmth, closing her eyes automatically, not because Haruka told her to, but to savor the sensation of their intimacy.

"I was going to give this to you on our anniversary, but I just can't wait anymore."

"Actually," Michiru knew where this was going but decided that it was time to share the piece of information she had just learned and reveal "H's" true identity. "Haruka, the presents, they are for-"

"I love you," Haruka whispered into Michiru's ear without letting her finish.

Michiru's lips curled up in a smile swallowing the rest of her intended sentence. She had wanted to tell Haruka whom those presents were from, what they were for. But her jealous lover was all too cute. Maybe I'll just wait a little while longer. She will find out soon, the violinist reconsidered. Until then, I'm enjoying this Haruka too much.

"Let's get married!" The blonde suddenly proposed.

"We are married," Michiru reminded her spouse by bringing Haruka's left hand to her lips, kissing the wedding band.

"Let's do it again. We'll renew our vows. Isn't that a popular thing to do overseas anyway?" Haruka didn't care. She held the velvet box in front of Michiru's closed eyes and opened it ever so slowly. "Look now."

Michiru gasped.

Haruka had been holding Michiru from behind, and never saw the aqua-haired beauty's shocked expression, but she felt Michiru's chest raise slightly against her arms, and smiled with satisfaction. Michiru lifted one hand to cover her mouth while the fingers of her other hand habitually entwined with Haruka's for emotional support. Inside the velvet box were a pair of Harry Winston platinum HW rings, each with a brilliant, sparkling diamond solitaire resting separately on settings carved out in the letters "H" and "W" - or what was supposed to be a "W". Haruka had specifically requested the boutique, paying almost twice the original amount, to reverse the "W" so that it became an "M" setting.

When Michiru lifted out the rings, she realized that they were each attached to a simple platinum chain. The small yet thoughtful (not to mention, expensive) detail provided the option for the couple to either stack the rings on top of their current wedding bands or to wear them as pendants.

"Haruka..." Michiru was completely speechless for a few moments.

"Can't let my guard down now that I have so much competition," Haruka joked as she kissed the smooth skin on her partner's neck.

"You can be very romantic too, when you want to." Michiru finally turned around and gazed at Haruka lovingly, thoroughly touched by the sweet gesture. She instinctively unclasped the necklace with the M ring, but Haruka stopped her.

"That one's for me," she said simply before securing the necklace with the H ring around Michiru's graceful neck. "Now, you're tagged."

The violinist was on the verge of joyful tears as she did the same for Haruka. "So are you."


Haruka woke up in a great mood the next morning. She even got out of bed before Michiru when she smelled Setsuna making brunch downstairs.

"Sugoi," Setsuna was shocked to see Haruka on a Sunday before noon... especially before Michiru... especially after all the noises last night. "What's going on here? Where's Michiru?"

"She's a little tired, so I'm going to bring breakfast to her in bed," Haruka decided to let Setsuna's mini insult sly. She even decided to return the ill deed with a pleasant compliment. "Nice bracelet. Is that new?"

"Ee," Setsuna admitted. "It was a gift."

"Really?" Haruka nudged the green-haired woman, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Is it from a secret admirer? Are you keeping things from Michiru and me?"

"Actually," Setsuna smirked, "it was from a mysterious 'H'."

Haruka's eyes widened. "'H'?"

"So were the chocolates. And the flowers too," Setsuna indicated to the four-pound Godiva box and the blossoming spider chrysanthemums she just placed on the dining table, but Haruka was already running back upstairs. Setsuna rolled her eyes, I was going to explain....


"Michiru, that 'H'... he's been two-timing you!" Haruka shook Michiru's sleeping form.

"Haruka," Michiru whined throwing back the covers, slightly disoriented. "How come you can't wake me nicely like I do with you?"

"Warui na," Haruka apologized. "But this is important. Setsuna also received a set of the same presents you got!"

"I know," Michiru tried to explain, "That's because the presents were actually from-"

But Haruka did not listen; she dragged the barely clad Michiru down the stairs to show her the hard evidence. Even though this "H" provided no threat whatsoever to her relationship with Michiru, it still pissed the hell out of her to know the deceitful cheater was trying to woo both Michiru and Setsuna at the same time.

"Look!" Haruka pointed to the flowers and chocolates. "This bastard has obviously done some research on you two. He knows that you love waterlilies and Setsuna's birth flower is the chrysanthemum. How sneaky of him!"

"Haruka," Michiru tried to calm down the Senshi of - now Turbulent - Sky. "Listen."

"And the same corny notes!" Haruka went on in disbelief. "Except one of Setsuna's says, 'To the Most Talented Designer' rather than your 'Most Beautiful Violinist.'"

"Shhhh!" Michiru hushed.

Just then an amused Senshi of Revolution and a pouting Senshi of Destruction sauntered into the living room carrying a freshly adorned strawberry shortcake.

Haruka quickly composed herself and decided not to display a scene in front the underage Hotaru by acting - well, only half acting - interested in the cake. "Ooooh, awesome cake! What's the occasion?" To her surprise, her daughter remained silent with displeasure written all over her pale face. "What's with the sour face, Hime-chan?"

"Do you know what today is?" Hotaru asked Haruka coldly.

Haruka's mind drew a blank. All of their birthdays were months away, nor was it exactly her anniversary with Michiru yet.

Setsuna took the opportunity to repay Haruka's earlier nudge, "Today is Mother's Day, you know."

Mother's Day?

Realization hit like thunder.

Mother's Day... Oh! "H", then the presents must be... from Hotaru! Haruka thought with relief and smile warmly at her daughter... only to be met with looks that Sailorsaturn was known for sending chills down her enemies' spines.

Uh-oh.

"Of course! H...for Hotaru," Haruka tried to play it off cool by pinching Hotaru's cheeks. "Aren't you just the perfect little angel, na?"

"I didn't know that angel and bastard have the same meanings." The young girl snapped her face away and looked pointedly at Haruka. "Would that be in Japanese or in English?"

"Did you make this delicious-looking cake all by yourself too?" Haruka pretended not to notice the hostility and attempted to grab for a piece of strawberry shortcake cake instead. "Let's dig in, shall we?"

"Nice try," Michiru gave Haruka's hand a painless slap as punishment from Hotaru. "Haruka-'papa'."

"This is 'H's' way of showing appreciation on Mother's Day," Setsuna moved the dessert further away from Haruka, "so it's only for us."

Haruka gave Hotaru her best puppy-dog eyes. "Well, at least Father's Day is only a month away. Hime-chan, you know that lemon pies are my favorites, right?" The two older women could both very well be having PMS, but surely her daughter couldn't resist her charm...

Hotaru crossed her tiny arms and looked at the adults smugly "Since Haruka-papa is a woman, we don't celebrate Father's Day in this house, right?"

O-shimai


Ichigo's Notes: I don't think I can come up with any other & M that actually makes any real sense, so there probably won't be more additions to this particularly bizarre series (my favorite victim also deserves a break). Feel free to let me know if you have any creative suggestions though. I should never say never.

Since there seems to be a lot of Haruka father-daughter stories with Hotaru out there, I thought I'd write a Michiru mother-daughter one with Hotaru to balance things out... but as I got into Haruka & Michiru moments, Hotaru barely made any presence... ooops! I'm also a week late publishing this fic... ooops again.

Sei-so-san, I'm glad that your loyalty to Cal is so evident. As an alum myself, I was hoping that UC Berkeley students would have picked up my inside jokes. After all, it was StanFURD (Usagi's words, not mine)... ducks from Stanford students' flames Go Bears, indeed: )

PTV-san, you're asking the Michiru Justice Seeker to write a make-Michiru-jealous story?... Great idea! I can't promise, but I'll try... though I much, much rather have things the other way around. ; )