Chapter 4

Snow crunches under their feet as they walk out of pizza planet. They all feel the sharp chill of the night air, it's a big difference in the temperature from earlier in the day. As they all get in the car, Michiru starts up the engine and quickly turns up the heat. She can hear Usagi's teeth chattering from the back seat. Haruka isn't bothered by the cold at all and Ami is shivering a little but not complaining. I back out carefully and begin driving to Minako's home, many cars sped by us. I swear some people drive like maniacs at least my stomach feels better... I cant help but wonder, if that man was just Ruka's friend what was he doing calling her sweetness? I sigh, sometimes I wish that she would open up more to me or give some kind of clue. I know she is not one who gives out trust easily and she makes getting to know her so very difficult... Suddenly I feel a warm hand on mine.

My right arm is in agony, even with Akira's help the fast moving in the fight has me aching. The most important part though is they didn't get a hand on Michi... For that I would have ended all their lives with no regret. I lift my left hand to gently rub and squeeze her hand, she's brought out feelings and sensations in me that I had long locked away and considered impossible to feel again.

I'd kiss Haruka if I wasn't driving. Its so foolish of me to even begin to get jealous, she may not say it in words but I know in my heart that she loves me. I remind myself to focus and watch the holiday traffic carefully before driving up then parking carefully in Minako's drive way

Usagi points upwards excitedly. "Hey look guys! Minako is waving to us! Shes so happy to see us... But what is that on her head?"

As Ami and the others got out of that car to look, Ami looked up at window with confusion. "I am not sure but it almost looks like a cone on her head, I think?"

As Haruka moved to help Michiru with the boxes from the trunk she can't help but wonder why in the heck Minako is in the attic in such cold winter weather. Worried for her friend, she walks a bit closer before shouting to check on her. "HEY YOU OK IN THERE?"

Shaking from head to toe, I cup my hands around my mouth "N-N-NO I'M ST-STUCK IN MY ATTIC!" Rubbing my arms I am so cold. My body feels stiff.

"HANG ON, I WILL GET YOU OUT!" Jogging up to the door, Michi is not far behind me carrying the boxes with Ami. "It's locked tight. Please hand me a hair pin Usagi." Usagi quickly runs over pulling one out of her buns, she must have moved quick she wasn't there a second ago. I take off my gloves I begin to pick the lock.

I set down the box and watch Haruka work, while Ami is beginning to shiver more and Usagi is huddling close to Haruka too. She probably feels Ruka's warmth, that's why shes not complaining. A cold breeze blows and I fold my arms to try and keep some of my warmth, this day has been anything but boring.

"Got it" Opening the door only to see stars and not because I got hit hard or anything. I walked right into a streamer of Christmas decorations, bright sparkling stars. Sometimes being so tall isn't that great, moving it off and jogging up the steps the loud creaking isn't encouraging. CRUNCH. I look at the now broken step my shoe went through, I pull myself out quickly getting up the rest of the steps ok. I pull out my Swiss Army knife, picking at the lock. If the rest of the house is like those steps then were in for a hell of an evening.

The door opens with a long squeaking noise to reveal Minako standing with a big yellow stuffed squid hat on her head, an ugly grey Christmas sweater that has a picture of a deer on it upchucking Christmas candy, a pair of feather trimmed flared jeans, mitts on her hands that say cold as fuck with banana slippers on her feet. Haruka and the others couldn't help but stop and stare, at a loss for why anyone would own anything like that let alone make it in the first place.

Minako is shivering furiously. "th-th-this is ALL I had to keep warm! Usagi don't you even dar-"

To late, a flash is seen and a click is heard as Usagi takes a picture while laughing and passing her a blanket.

Ami almost can't believe what she sees and lifts the box she dropped while quickly moving out of the way, Michiru is silently laughing as she goes to turn on the kettle in Minako's kitchen in case she wants a warm drink. She knows those clothes are worse then any fashion crime shes ever seen but still feels bad for her frozen friend. Meanwhile poor Haruka is busy taking off the knob when she looks up to ask a question, only to see her friend has started to strip the silly clothes off, pretty much in front of her,when she pulled the pants off to adjust her red skirt she gave a fine view of whats underneath.

Whoa, I look quickly down. No I did not just see her white panties under her sparkling red Christmas dress. I try to focus on Usagi who is too cold to stay on the stairs any longer, who is now on her way to the living room. While I try to focus on taking the knob right off, I think every woman is beautiful in one way or another and we are both girls but phew. Suddenly it's hot in here, damn it. Then I hear Minako walking over to me and see her with the blanket over her shoulders.

I bend down and hug Haruka. "Your my hero but trust me, you don't want to get me started on where that junk is from. Your so lucky that you can stay warm when its so cold." I take the knob from her. "Thanks so much, I am so sorry about all this trouble this place... I know it needs repairs." I better put this away until I can get it fixed.

I wait till she leaves, shaking my head in 's forgotten to tie the string in her dress, when she bent down to hug me she gave me a distracting view of her red bra and small cleavage. I wipe the sweat from my forehead thinking to myself, I am not going to be the one to tell her either. The slight cold breeze from the attic right now is exactly what I need, I lean on the wall and recall how my dad warned my about how bad the effects of hormones could get,that it will have your attention everywhere whether your interested or 's no big deal though, all that matters to me is Michi. No one is as beautiful as her. I look at the steps suspiciously, they better not break when I go to walk back down.

As Ami turns up the heating blanket for Minako she asks. "Are you warming up alright? Here drink more warm tea."

I take a moment to sip the tea before answering. "Yes I am ok, thanks to all of you! But I wont let this ruin everyone's fun. By the way, where did Haruka go?" I look around trying to spot her before seeing her through the doorway to the living room, she is in the entrance by the wall. Leaning silently till Michiru goes to her, takes her hand and has her sit in the lazy day chair. I see her whisper into Haruka's ear.

Michiru laughs a little." Alright Haruka." She gives her a soft pillow for her arm then she walks over to Minako. "Would you like me too tie your dress strings for you?" I flush with embarrassment. "Don't worry about tying it too neat, this stuff happens."

I take off the heating blanket and turn it off. "Thanks again for the help guys but its time to have some fun! I have so much planned first lets start with a game! I will go get everything we need." Before the others could say a word I was off to my bedroom down the hall.

This chair plus Michiru gentle massage on my head with her soft touch is starting to make it harder to stay awake, my lids feel heavy I close my eyes. She has me feeling so relaxed...

I hear a soft snore, looking up from my studying my newest textbook I see Haruka has fallen asleep beside Michiru. She looks distracted, shes clearly thinking intently. "Michiru, I hate to interrupt but you may want to look at Haruka."

"Hmm? My thoughts have been busy thinking about that so called gentlemen my mother wants me to meet and if there's a way to get out of it." When I look down I smile at the peacefully sleeping Haruka beside me. I giggle a little at her sleepy expression. "Its alright Ami she needs rest, it's been quite a day. We can always wake her later when dinner arrives." I lean over to whisper in my Ruka's ear. "I love you."

While carrying a pile of balloons from my room for the game, I cant help but worry about Haruka. With her being hurt I don't think she can play much in the way of games, I don't want her to feel left I enter the living room I see Usagi there already, she's all excited half bouncing in her seat. Then I hear a soft snore, it looks like the person I was worried for is fast asleep?!

After one last gentle kiss to Ruka I get up and walk over to Minako, its clear she's worried about Haruka. "No worries, it's has been quite a day. She needs her rest. We four can play, also can you imagine Haruka playing? She'd knock all of us over." I cant help giggling at the thought.

"Your right Michiru I cant believe I forgot how strong she is! The game is called Santa belly bust. This is how it's played, first we all put a balloon under our shirts, well for me its a dress and did that already. Next everyone puts their hands behind their back, then we bump in to each other till the gut aka your balloon busts. The last one is the winner, they get the present on the table and will be the Santa to hand out gifts tonight ok? GO!"

My game is going great, we all run in to each other laughing. The noise don't bother Haruka a bit, she even has a small smile on her face as she sleeps. Were jumping all over the place picking our targets, mine is Michiru who so far has been gracefully fast, as for Usagi shes after me! And so is Ami too. "Uh oh! Hey no fair!"

"We are going to get you Minako!" Me and Ami she jumps behind Michiru and Ami and I both bump in to her instead. With us hitting her Michiru's balloon is the first to pop, out of the game she goes and walks to stand by Haruka. We all get back to jumping all over, the three of us bumping in to each other and hoping we get the other out. I cant help laughing. "This is so much fun!"

Calculating my moves as best as I can, I carefully watch Usagi and Minako dodging the others attacks just in time, then I quickly bump into Minako popping her balloon and knocking her out of the game.

"Nice one Ami, Good luck Usagi, you will need it!" Minako calls out as she walks over to have a seat on the couch to watch them.

"Gee thanks Minako!" I see Ami smiling at me we get ready for the next round of our balloon battle, waiting to hear the signal to start. "Go!" We both start, moving around bumping our balloon tummies and laughing. It's so good to see her smile, but I will still get her!

Our friends were cheering us on and laughing, this I admit is quite fun. Usagi and I must of decided to make our move at the same time, as we slam into each other at almost the same time. My balloon pops and I see Usagi lose her balance, landing on the lap of the sleeping Haruka.

I feel the sudden weight on my lap and open my eyes. I see the very flushed face of Odango, I look at the balloon belly she has. I laugh along with the others. "Looks like you won the battle." I kiss her hand. "Now go get your prize."

Quickly I get off Haruka's lap, my face feels redder then the Christmas shirt I have on! I hurry over to pick up my gift, trying to not think about Haruka, opening it I see a huge teddy bear made of yummy dark chocolate. When I set my prize down on the table a thought hits me what if I like her...

I walk over to Usagi, who looks distracted and is just gazing at the big chocolate bear in the box. "I knew you would love it!" As I set my hand on her shoulder she jumps. "Are you ok?"

I turn to look at her. "You know I LOVE chocolate Minako! It's so cute too. I can't wait to try it. I am just fine, I was thinking about Darien is all. With him being gone for the whole holiday and longer, he never even told me when I'd see him again..."

I hug Usagi. "Don't worry about it, things will work out. I am sure he will call you when he can. For now you have your friends with you. Trust me if you add us plus your own family, I can promise all that will have you so busy that before you know it he will call but for now lets go decorate the tree!"

When Usagi and I walk back in to the living room Ami and Michiru are untangling lights, Haruka was busy checking out my fake snow white coloured Christmas tree. She is straightening out the branches with her left hand, I know she has a sharp eye and will spot anything amiss. I will be unpacking ornaments. "Hey Usagi. Why don't you give Haruka a hand, the lower branches would be easier for you." She nods, walking over to help with the tree but still looking worried.

After undoing another knot Michiru looks at the piles of Christmas lights on her and Ami and giggles. "I think you and I are becoming tangled in the lights too."

Ami laughs. "I believe your right Michiru." She continues untangling the strings of lights. "I believe some of mine are also in that knot with yours."

After a moment of checking Michiru agrees. "Yes it looks like we need a new plan to do this. Don't worry Ami, I will find the end of your lights somewhere in this."

Usagi stays kneeling on the ground by the tree, she won't dare look at Haruka. The confusion with her feelings is making her heart hurt, that and her mind is so full of thoughts about Haruka and Darien. It's worse then trying to study for school even.

Haruka, always one to do a job right, is focused on making sure the branches of the fake tree look right. Even with just the use of her left hand, it don't stop her from making the branches look perfect but one look down to check her work and she notices just how close Odango is.

I look at Usagi, why in the name of god is she looking at the floor so much. I take a second look myself, no mess, so what is it? I scratch the back of my head thinking, I have finished all my work here and it was a piece of cake. Though looking at Michi and Ami, they have their own battle to deal with, the lights are spread all over and I can see why Minako asked them for help. There's no way I'd have the patience to sit there and do that. As I turn back to ask Odango if there was something wrong, my phone starts ringing. I notice Michiru watching me as I step outside to answer it.

As I carefully unpack the last of the ornaments I ask her. "Hey Michiru is Haruka alright?"

"Yes Minako, she is just talking to someone. It's personal for her she hasn't told me who it is but I don't mind... Ah Ha! Ami we have done it! We untangled ourselves along with the lights."

Ami laughs, letting the subject drop. "Yes we make a good team. Now we can plug them in and get started testing them..." With that said, both of the girls started gathering up the lights.

Out on the porch under the winter moonlight Haruka is talking quietly on her cellphone, she does not want to mix her family life and her life as Senshi. "Hey dad hows everything going at the bridge?" She smiles, hearing the familiar warmth in dad's voice. "That's great." She answers with an embarrassed laugh. "You know, It's been years since you called me that... I'm looking forward to your visit very much. I love you too. Goodnight. Bye." I put my phone away thinking about how my dad knows I'm not one for feelings but I try my best for him. I take a moment to look around. It's so nice out here in the quiet winter air. Some people have their lights up and with the fresh snow it's so beautiful. Suddenly I feel gentle arms going around me, I smile. "Hey Michi."

"Hey Ruka, is everything alright? I hope I didn't disturb you."

"No you didn't, I am doing just fine. That short nap turns out to be just what I truly needed." I quickly change the subject. "What brings you out here in the cold?"

I gently turn my Ruka to face me. "Your out here. That's why, well that and we got the lights on the tree. It's all lit up, you should come see."

I kiss Michi deeply before answering. "I'd like that. I hope I didn't keep the others waiting for too long but the call was important to me." I open the door, before waving her forward. "You first."

"They can wait a moment." She says, gently pushing the door closed. I pull Ruka into my arms and enjoy her warm luscious lips.

Just when I am cooled off Michi has me hot all over again as she holds me close and no wonder. I can feel her shiver against me, shes not wearing her jacket and I am. "Come on. We need to get you inside, your going to catch cold"

She giggles before answering. "That's not why I shivered Ruka, you keep me plenty warm. But we should go inside, before they think we eloped." She says with a teasing grin before being interrupted by Haruka's phone going off.

Haruka quickly answers the call. "Hey I will be there Monday, ok bye." She rushed through the conversation to get it over with.

Michiru asks with concern. "Is everything ok Ruka?" All she does is nod to me before opening the door. "Please talk to me." She insists at Haruka's silence.

Haruka looks uncomfortable. "Michi, all it was is a woman confirming an appointment for my arm. They want to check on it in a few days to see if I can start therapy." I half lied, but I was just not ready to reveal everything I was dealing with. The reason I don't talk around the others when my calls dad is sometimes he talks about my mom. He's been keeping track of whats happening and last week he told me she will be getting out soon. Probably before Christmas. It has me on edge. She used to hit me like a sick game for fun and torment me to test how much her "weak daughter" could take before falling.

Haruka has fallen silent and is visibly tensing. "Ruka!" I call her name as I take hold of her. "Your going to hurt you arm tensing like that. Calm down my love, I know you hate doctors but if you want we can go together and if they hurt you then I will drown them both. Ok?"

I shake myself free of the memories. "Thanks Michi" It's all I can think to say as we walk back into the living room. The snow white coloured tree looks terrific, with lights twinkling and reflecting off the ornaments. The others are quick to wave and greet us as we walk in while the Christmas music plays in the background. It looks like they have just started.

Minako puts another trinket on the tree then waves to Haruka and Michiru when she spots them. "Hey you two, come help!"

"Haruka and I would be honored to." Michiru answers with a smile, pausing to help Ruka take off her coat before walking up to the tree. "Oh these blue jingling bells look rather nice." She says picking one up. "I see you have put in some new years fire works too Minako. They are very nice." She says with approval.

Hands in my pockets, I watch everyone at the tree. It don't take me long to spot Usagi hiding behind it, Ami is neatly placing the silver with blue snowflake ornaments on the tree. Michiru I think notices like I do that Usagi has Ami passing her the Ornaments and isn't leaving her spot at the very back. I walk in front of the tree and pick a shining gold ornament, searching for the right spot to place it.

Ami hands me another Ornament, I can tell she thinks I am acting crazy. As I hang the red ornament with the silver stars at the bottom branch I think to myself that at least back here I am not near Haruka. She belongs with Michiru, I need to forget whatever thought that came to me. I have been kneeling so long my legs fell asleep, as I try to rub some feeling back into them I notice Michiru is beside me. Shes smiling warmly as she sets another bulb on the tree.

"You decorated the back of the tree very well Usagi, don't worry Haruka will get the high branches for you." Usagi nods to me with a slight blush and walks away heading to the washroom. It's not like her to be so quiet...

Minako gently sets a box on the table "I have all the decorations we made right here. Making this Sailor Scout tree was a great Idea." She smiles brightly at everyone.

Michiru meanwhile is watching as Haruka finishes decorating the top of the to answer Minako she says."They look beautifully done Minako, though I believe we may have a problem. For reasons unknown Usagi has become unusually silent."

Ami agrees. "Michiru is right, she would not move from behind the tree. I had to hand her the Ornaments even." She picks up another decoration and adds it to the tree. "I am rather concerned."

Minako smiles at the others reassuringly. "I am sure she's fine!" She turns to go down the hall. "I will go talk to her just to be sure!"

Usagi comes out to see all her friends staring at her, except for Haruka who is looking at her cell phone reading something. Confused at the attention she asks. "Um did I forget something is there toilet paper on my shoe?" She looks at her feet, nothing. Looking up again she asks with confusion. "Whats up guys?"

"We were all worried, you being so quiet is dangerous ya know." Minako puts her arm around Usagi warmly.

"And whats that supposed to mean!" Usagi pouts at Minako.

Ami gets up interrupting them or at least that's what she tries but they more or less ignore her.

Michiru sees Haruka texting on her phone barely paying attention to people around her, shes not sure whether to step in with Minako and Usagi or check on what Ruka is doing.

Michiru can see that something has angered Haruka, sitting beside her she touches her hand gently and having caught the distracted sandy blondes attention she asks. "Whats going on? If you want to talk about it, I mean..."

Frowning at her phone Haruka answers. "Michiru I received a text that was not meant for me but still... It's better for you to look, here." Haruka keeps the phone low between them and scrolls the screen up so she can show Michiru.

I lean close to Haruka and begin to read the text that upset her, I hope it's not that big a deal but I am wrong. I cant help but stare in a wordless shock for a few moments before murmuring. "That's a break up text to Usagi from Darien, but why was it sent to you."

Haruka keeps her voice low as she answers. "I don't have a clue, unless he's drunk. I texted him back and it shows he's still writing but last I checked Darien isn't a boozer. If this is real and he expects me to tell her for him Michi, I can't and won't." She says firmly with her hands clenched into fists and the sort intense look usually reserved for battle.

I take Haruka's hand and try to calm her. "I understand, I think it's real. There have been issues with him traveling and studying with others more then being with Usagi. If he felt like they needed to do this he should have done it before he left." I start rubbing her hand and try to soothe her, she doesn't need this kind of stress with her arm. Before Haruka can respond they are interrupted.

With excitement Minako points to the Christmas tree and yells across the room at them. "Hey Haruka! We agreed you should be first to put your Special decoration on the Sailor tree! Don't forget to make a wish." The others are looking on encouragingly.

I put my phone away and stand up. "Thanks, but..." Suddenly I feel Michiru squeeze my hand and looking at me meaningfully. "I agree with them too Ruka, go on." She smiles and nudges me forward. "Well, ok then." I say to myself. I pick out my gold coloured cross with the navy blue wind chyme's out of the box, it was hard to make and I had some help from Michi too. Looking at the tree, I see an easy spot that looks I need to say something so here goes. "I, Sailor Uranus, am honored to be the first to put my decoration on the tree." While reaching to hang it on the branch my cell vibrates again and I nearly drop it. I feel a little overwhelmed caught between text drama and Christmas expectations. I quickly close my eyes, make my wish and head out.

Minako and the other girls exchanged a confused look, seeing Haruka back away so fast and the formal speech wasn't what they were expecting. Minako tries to move past the awkward moment. "Well... that was great! Go on Usagi!" She waves encouragingly to her friend.

Usagi steps up to the tree excitedly. "I have faced a lot of fear, learned so much and became stronger but not alone. A lot is because all of you, my Sailor Scout team, My friends." My eyes begin to tear up as I hang up the big beautiful Crescent moon, it has roses sparkling and reflects the lights of the tree. "I love all of you so much!"

Ami wipes Usagi tears. "That was beautiful." She turns to the others. "I hope you all don't mind but I have made more then one decoration." Ami takes out a few photos. "I made a collection of all my favorites, they are of all of us. I learned a lot you see and I truly enjoyed it but what made me the happiest is us learning and growing together. The greatest blessing for me is our friendship and these pictures show that." The pictures are specially decorated and have the planet symbols. She hears everyone gasping in awe and talking about memories. She even made sure Haruka and Michiru's picture was on the tree, it's a recent pic she asked their permission to take of them by Haruka's motor bike.

Michiru smiles warmly at Ami. "They are all so gorgeous, I love the picture you took of Haruka and I. You have so many talents and are so very kind, we are proud to be your friend." My Haruka has snuck off to the kitchen, I need to finish here quick and see whats happened. Michiru takes out a beautiful pile of chain with many different shapes, everything from our transformation pens to moon cat paw prints with some crosses and planets of the solar system too. It take some work to hang it properly but they all help get it done.

Minako excitedly squeals. "That all looks so AWESOME! I can't wait to show you mine too." As Minako helps hang the last part of Michiru's chain she sees between the shapes it has waves like the sea in the colour of gold. She is amazed at the detail, it must have took so much time to do it transform pens almost look real! "Here comes mine" I quickly but gently unwrap it and take it out of the box. "This is the couple of shooting stars I made because being a scout despite it's challenges is my wish come true. I wouldn't want it any other way! I hang them all in special places on the tree.

While the others are all busy looking at the decoration of the tree,Michiru takes that opportunity to slip out to find Haruka. I walk quietly into the kitchen, there she is sitting at the table. If looks could kill, hers would be lethal. Her wild blue eyes were filled with pure anger. "Ruka take a breath and talk to me."

"That idiot keeps making weak excuses, he's saying he didn't have time to talk to her before he left. That right now his best way is phone or text, he even asked ME if I would do it and there's no damn way-" I stopped suddenly, seeing bun head coming to the kitchen and turned my gaze to my phone.

Michiru smoothly turns to greet Usagi with elegant composure. "Haruka and I were just getting water, tree decorating can be thirsty work. Did you need something?" I see Usagi glimpse at Haruka, her face flushed and she ducked out just as fast as she came in.

Seeing Usagi run off so quickly Haruka sighs in relief and frustration. "Good thing shes trying to avoid me. I don't know why and I don't care to find out." She says gruffly.

"Haruka I know that's a lie, you would not be bothered and reacting this way if that was true. We both don't want to see her get hurt." I hold her gently. "Things may be a bit of a mess right now but somehow they will improve." I hear Minako calling me in along with Haruka to unveil the top I crafted for the tree.

"You don't get it. He wants an answer whether I will or not. In about an hour or so he will call me, that bastard. I put my phone away angrily. "This should not be on me. It's his own fault for being so foolish." My anger has me so tense, the pain is going through my body until I feel soft gentle hands rubbing my shoulders yet again. "Michiru they are waiting for you. I can stay here. It doesn't matter, you worked hard to make that piece for the tree."

Michiru continues the circular motions on her shoulders. "You added ideas too Ruka. We all did and we are both being requested. If he calls allow me to answer the phone, please Haruka I have my ways. Trust in me my love." I whisper gently and she nods. I take her hand and we walk in to the living room but she won't go further then standing just beside the door to the kitchen. Across the room Usagi is sitting on a chair, Minako is beside our box all excited and Ami is in the middle of the room hands on her hips trying to figure out whats going on. All I can really do is shrug at her. Seeing them look expectantly at me I sigh. "Well with all our ideas together, I did some drawings and came up with I am sure will satisfy everyone's vision" I say lifting and carefully unwrapping the tree top ornament."

Minako along with the others are all amazed. "WOW!" Usagi in Michiru's hands was a big gold coloured metal heart with all our planet symbols engraved into it with a ribbon attached near the bottom for holding it on the ribbon is even coloured like our sailor uniforms and its all so shiny!

Michiru smiles with pride. "There's more. Wait till you light it up on the tree. She gently hands the heart to Ami. "Here, you go ahead." I say with a smile then I walk back to Haruka who is basically looking at the ceiling.

Ami smiles. "Thank you Michiru."I carefully climb the step ladder, lifted the ornament and tied it on to the Christmas tree. "Here you can plug it in Minako."

"Thanks Ami!" She plugs it carefully into the socket. They watch with surprise as the symbols on the heart light up, each planet colour is shown even one white like the moon. Minako shuts off the light to see even better. "Its perfect!"

We all are just amazed at what Michiru had made. Shes so talented! "OK everyone!" Minako pulls her camera off the shelf. "Gather around the tree, here's the Santa hat Usagi."

"Come on love" Michiru takes Haruka's hand. "It's a quick picture, I don't think you have anything contagious, so come on." We all are gathered around with Ruka in the middle, because she's the tallest.

Haruka shifts with a mix of awkwardness and discomfort. I am not used to being so close to everyone and I can easily tell Usagi isn't happy being so near to me. I stand as still and stiff as a board. Lets just hope that there isn't going to be that many photos.

This Santa hat Minako gave me is a little big. "Oof" Goes Usagi. Feeling it slide right over my eyes, I cant see a thing!

Minako turns the lights back on. "Ok everyone smile! And group hug! I set the camera everyone say scouts!"

I cant help but laugh at Odango. Cautiously I use my left hand to gently tug the hat up so she can see the camera as Minako kneels in front of all of us just before the bright flashes start.

SCOUTS!