Haruka playfully poked the ashes with a twig. He was roasting pigeons for dinner. For the first time in his life, he was losing control. Emotions never before felt were surging -- exhilarating and enlivening yet frightening and vulnerable at the same time.
His mentor Renatus has always emphasized the power of emotions, how it could be exploited to his leverage. In war, morality is an unnecessary accessory; all that matters is the will to survive and succeed. Hence, it is of utmost importance he is in absolute control of his mind and body; he has to execute his mission swiftly, effectively and efficiently.
Of all time, why now? All his life, he wanted nothing more but be officially commissioned as Sailor Uranus, to be a source of pride and honor for his people. Now, he is beginning to have doubts. Is this what he really wanted? He had always felt alone; come now, a woman who made him feel anew, to be the very best he could be! With her, he embraced each moment full of gratitude, driven by inspiration. Granted she is mutually attracted to him (for the sake of argument), but will she still feel the same at the revelation of his true sexuality? Haruka sighed. Are the gods mocking or simply testing him?
"Fantastic Aroma." An angelic voice whispered on his ear.
Haruka jolted. He was not aware Michiru had already arrived. She was seated beside him, smiling at him. How long has she been here! She was glowingly refreshed. Her eyes were sparkling with content; she was renewed in every way. Her intoxicating scent charged the atmosphere. Haruka was dazzled, he could not take his eyes off her. He distractedly reached for his knife.
Michiru's lovely face turned to horror. Puzzled, he turned toward the direction of her eyes. His hands were bleeding! He dumbfoldedly grasped the knife at its sharp edge quite tightly.
Haruka dropped the blade, quickly walked away, and wrapped a piece of cloth on his hand. The water nymph followed.
"The wound might get infected." She took his hand with care and removed the cloth. Water gushed from a drinking pouch made of animal skin. She gently washing his wound. Throughout, he could feel a surge of heat that eases his pain. It was as if Michiru herself was emanating her energy to expedite the healing. Afterward, she applied some herbal leaves.
"It was fortunate there were some medicinal plants along" his aqua haired nurse shared. Satisfied with the dressing, she shifted her focus to his face. "You should really be careful next time." Her eyes were full of concern.
He was keenly observing her every move. The display of care was sincere and genuine. She really does care for him. He was pleased.
With a finality, she gradually and affectionate kissed his hand. A brief moment that seemed forever.
His eyes widened. Was he being treated like a child?
"My people believe love is the supreme remedy for all forms of maladies. A kiss is the ultimate expression of love."
'Can she read minds, too?' Haruka thought. "Ah, thanks," he uttered in the lowest voice. Effort to conceal his embarrassment and discomfort were in vain. He was unused to being seen vulnerable, less be tendered by someone else. He had to admit, he did enjoy it. He could not protest, especially the kiss. It was intimate yet non-invading. It was as if time froze; eternity within a split second. There was so much love. It was electrifying. If only it could last more. If only it could be more often like this...
Haruka wiggled his fingers, testing the integrity of the bandage.
Meanwhile, Michiru was quietly settling aside some improvised bags. One of which contained the medicinal leaves that she used on Haruka.
"What are those?"
"Ah, This you know. The other two are fruits, twigs and dry leaves."
Haruka was impressed with Michiru's instinct. She was a certified damsel in distress during their fist encounter. He never expected she could anticipate such needs as food and fire fuel, let alone the means to acquire them. These are fundamental needs in survival, along with water. She is not just a pretty face to parade, there is definitely more beneath those seemingly prudent manners. Not only has she gained his admiration, but gradually his respect, too.
"We have come this far yet we do not even know each other's name. My name is...is..." Haruka staggered.
"Sangre." Michiru finished his statement.
"Actually, sangre is my title. I am a warrior. Just like knights are referred to as sir." Haruka added a matter of factly.
"Well, my name is..."
Sensing hesitation, Michiru stroke his cheek. Her eyes full of affection. "You can trust me."
It was all the enticement he needed. He was firm not to evade the issue anymore. One way or the other, they had to live out the Uranian ideals, even if he had to bare his soul. Let the tempest come in full rage, he shall welcome with open arms, steadfast throughout! He will win a best friend (at the very least) in the end.
"You know, I have been thinking. People have always attach labels on me just because I am a sangre. I do not want you to see me that way, but as the person as I am. Do you understand what I mean?" Lost with words, he Haruka looked desperate. He was never been good with self-expression to begin with.
"Yes, I do." Michiru lamented. Of privilege birth too, she could very much relate to his predicament.
"So, I propose we name each other. A new beginning, devoid of false connotation and expectations."
Michiru nodded.
"So what does my lady propose to name his humble servant?" Haruka teased.
After some thought...
"Valiant...Valiant, for the display of unprecedented hero's valor on what suppose to have been my demise."
"Valiant, I like it!"
"And me?"
"Amethyst. Elegant and exquisite like a gem. Though seemingly fragile, lies of uncanny strength and fortitude. Rather than shatter during freefall, restitutes with full force and keep on rolling to it destination."
Michiru was amazed with his sensitivity. Despite his distant and rough ways, he had a soft heart within. She could feel the pain he desperately hides in a temperate, if not stoic, composure. They are definitely beginning to share a deeper bond. She only wished it to last forever.
Michiru held of what resembles to be seams of her attire, her stance was in preparation for the accustomed courtesy obeisance. Out of the blue, Haruka set forward his closed fist with his littlest finger protruding while his injured hand was neatly hidden behind him.
"Friends forever!" Accompanied with a devilish grin.
Michiru felt amusingly childish yet conformed. He was becoming finally comfortable. Who was she to oppose?
She imitated his gesture, and their fingers twisted.
"Friends forever!"
Both further sealed their fates, deeper than ever.