After one last flash the pictures by the tree are all done. No one moves yet due to the big group hug that Minako started up. Even though Haruka tried to distance herself from all the physical contact, her and Usagi end up right against each other. In the middle of the hugging girls, big blue eyes of the Moon Senshi met the deep wild blue eyes of the Wind Senshi in front of her. As the others moved away and continue to talk about other memories Haruka nearly gasped when Usagi suddenly lean over to hug her.
Michiru smiles seeing that Usagi is no longer avoiding Ruka, when her cell phone begin to ring interrupting the embrace. That's only a half hour, he's early. "Here, allow me." I say taking the cell from Haruka's pocket. "You two wait here."
Did Michiru just tell me to stay in Haruka arms? I look up and smile. "Sorry I been acting weird, it's not your fault. You are great to everyone here. Please forgive me." I take a deep breath with all the courage I have, then stand on my tip toes. Shes so tall! And with a blush give her a small peck on the cheek.
My eyes go wide when I feel Usagi soft lips kiss my cheek, before she goes rushing to the front door with the rest. Wait that's right, the door bell rang. Is she going nuts? First she avoids me, then kisses me. I guess she got me back for before. I barely noticed the door bell go off, but I do hear the sound of the stampeding girls they must have the food. I don't hesitate to move out of the way, talk about dinner rush.
I begin to set plates on the table and notice my lover with arms folded watching me. "Ruka." I give her a kiss. "Dinner will be all set up in no time, you should sit and relax." I hand the cell phone to her. "Someone else called while I was speaking to Darien, your father is a very nice man."
Michi walks away before I can say anything, when I look at my phone it does show my dad called me not long ago. I better check on whats going on, I walk up the steps to the attic sitting at the top step and calling him. "Hey dad."
"Hey Haruka dear, your girlfriend sounds like a fine young lady. You have good taste in people, I taught you well. Just wanted to let you know that Thorn is coming to see you soon, along with the others. I feel it's important family stays close especially over the holidays, it means a lot to have all my girls together."
"Sure dad, I will make sure arrangements are made. I look forward to seeing all of you here. There are many events that will be going on and plenty to tell you about my races that sound even better in person. Don't work too hard ok? Bye." So Michi really did talk to him... I look down the steps and I see her smiling up at me.
Being careful of the broken step, I walk up to Haruka. "Your a lot like your dad, I can tell just by talking to him. I hope that your not angry with me, its just the lines switched automatically to him when I hung up with Darien and we only had a short conversation." There is a worried expression on Michiru's face.
"It's fine Michi, thanks. He said I had good taste in girls." Haruka with a slight blush.
Michiru giggles at Haruka's embarrassment. "Well please thank him for me. Speaking of taste, we should get to the table. Both our plates of food await us, we wouldn't want them to get cold." Saying that, I take Ruka hand and walk to the dining room.
The table is loaded with what smells like a great meal. I can see a big golden brown turkey and just beside it a big bowl of dressing with steam still coming from the bowl as if just cooked. There's another large bowl of potatoes with a puddle of melted butter on top and a bit of cheese sprinkled on too. Not far from it, there is a bowl of sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows, a slight dark crust as if fresh made over a camp fire. Further back on the table there is a container of mixed vegetables, with sweet corn, carrots and green beans.
Minako smiles brightly, as she watches Michiru talking to Haruka. They don't know it but they are now under the mistletoe that she put up there just for them. "Hey guys look up!"
"Hmm?" I look with Michiru to see the Mistletoe, I fell for a trap and here I always swear to watch for that damn. When I shift my eyes back down to see Michiru smiling at me, she wraps her arms around my waist and pulls me in for a long deep kiss.
Minako squeals and takes a picture. "They make such a good couple!" She sighs wistfully. "I hope to find that kind of love one day."
I wont let my Ruka leave my arms so quickly, I relish her warmth so much. I warmly whisper into her ear. "I love you Ruka." I take her hand and we walk to the table, I am happy as I sit down beside her and start loading our plates with the delicious looking food.
Both Michi and I take a big bite of yams, with the melted marshmallows. Idly thinking looking around, Minako's place could use some repairs but is still a beautiful historic home. It has a very nice feel with it's small country looking kitchen and the living room/dining room area is the largest space she has down here. She has some old furniture that her and Makato fixed up as good as new. There's a coffee table I gave her and then a television on the wall, underneath she has pictures of her parents and other family members and some of her friends. The shelf underneath is full of CDs, her PlayStation four that we all got Minako for her birthday, her collection of pictures from her favorite boy bands she hopes to meet, along with her dance pictures. You can tell she's full of big dreams...
Minako comes out holding red glass bottle with a fancy looking label on it. "Would anyone like to have some non-alcoholic wine? It came with the meal, I thought it might be something new to try." Seeing everyone nod, I carefully open the bottle and taking my time to carefully pour each person a glass.
"Thank you very much Minako, I am sure that we will enjoy it." Michiru takes a slow sip of the drink. "Mmm, very good. What do you think Ruka?"
I take a careful taste. "Hmm..." I nod. "It's great." Before taking a bite of turkey and another scoop of the sweet potatoes with marshmallows onto my plate.
"I'd like to make a toast to love and friendship!" Minako says as she raises her glass, the others follow toasting their wine glasses. "Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to everyone!"
Usagi is already nearly done eating. She happily exclaims. "This food is GREAT!"
Why am I not surprised that Ruka and Usagi are nearly done first. Michiru gives her lover a kiss and stops her from getting up. "I will take both our plates when finished, you relax."
Ami pours herself more ice water and adds a bit more gravy on her mashed potatoes. "You were right about the food Minako, this is very good. You picked a great catering service to make this. I hope it wasn't expensive."
"No not at all, Makato helped me pick the place. Her friend works there too, shes very nice and..."
RING RING RING!
Hearing her phone, Minako hops to her feet. "Oh! It's my cell phone, must of left it in the kitchen. You guys eat and enjoy! I wont be long." I say as I rush out to answer it, I quickly grab it off the counter an answer.
"Hello!"
"Hello Minako, my name is miss Cole. I am the secretary to your boss Mr Fuller and I am to inform you that you have been let go from your position. You will not get a bonus but you will get half of your wages payed to you. Have a good evening." Click. She has hung up immediately.
My cellphone hits the ground, slipping from my hands in shock. I cant help turning to look at the drawer of bills due soon. I really needed that job, badly. Did I do something wrong? Why would they fire me like that? My thoughts are interrupted by a Cheerful voice entering the kitchen.
Usagi puts her plate in the sink before pausing at the sight of her friend. "Is everything ok?" She ducks down to pick Minako's cellphone off the floor.
I see Usagi with her plate in one hand, my cellphone in the other. I take a deep breath. I can't tell them, after all it's the holidays. Jobs are all over and I don't want to ruin their fun. "I am fine, thanks for picking up my phone. Guess I am getting as Clumsy as you are! Don't forget to save room for dessert it will be great!"
"Hey I'm not THAT clumsy!" Usagi watched as she smiled and left but still couldn't help but feel worried. I can tell Minako was upset, following her to the dining room for dessert I sit beside her.
Sitting down back at the table, Minako grabs a plate of pie and forces herself to eat, the hunger she once had is gone. It's like there is now a big knot of stress in her stomach.
"Thanks Michi" I watch as she takes our plates to the kitchen. I take a moment to wipe my face with a napkin only to be surprised as I look to see those familiar concerned big blue eyes of Odango. Now whats going on? As everyone had finished their dinner, it was now just me Usagi and Minako at the table with an uncomfortable silence.
Michiru walks in setting a fresh pot of hot Christmas tea carefully on the table. "Dessert will be out soon." With one look though, I can tell it's become a little tense. Ami walks in, she sets down the saucers and utensils with fresh napkins. After a moments silence, I exchange an awkward look with Michiru. Uncertain of what the situation is, with a quick thought I decide to ask about the Christmas Market. It don't take long to get Usagi talking about all the goodies and decorations.
Haruka then stands up. "That reminds me..." She walks over to the cake container. "I don't cook but Michiru baked this Gingerbread latte, cake we have tried one like it before and thought it was perfect. So we hope everyone will enjoy it." She carries the cake to the table and after setting it down takes a moment to watch Ami put down the mugs and Michiru bring out the Apple pie and Mochi balls.
When Minako smelled her apple pie it snapped her out of her deep fearful thoughts. "Look at me sitting here, doing almost nothing and you and Michiru taking all the dishes and setting out dessert." Forcing a smile on her face. "I bet the Mochi balls and Taiyaki Makato made will be delicious" She watches as Ami brings out the last two trays of dessert, one with the Reeses stuffed cheesecake bars and the other with the smores poke brownies Rei made and left for everyone to enjoy, thanks to Makato's help of course...
Usagi's mouth is watering just the sight and smell of all the treats on the table. Wiping the drool just before it hits the saucer in front of her she excitedly declares. "I am going to try everything!" She waits just a little longer, wiggling as if she's sitting on pins and needles. Once Michiru is finished pouring the Christmas tea named Santa's Secret, Usagi along with the others all dive into the treats.
"MMM! This is all so good!" Usagi is delighted with the desert. Ami laughs on seeing her face. "You have chocolate all over your, here." With a smile Ami hands her more napkins before she continues eating her slice of the cake Michiru made. Usagi says with embarrassment. "I cant help it, I'm too busy tasting everything." There's a large BURP. "Oops, excuse me!" Says a blushing Usagi, as she looks at the half eaten piece of apple pie in front of her she notices the purple in it for the first time. "There's no purple in apples, what is that?"
Minako was very happy to see how much Usagi liked her Apple pie recipe, when she saw her sudden pause at the second piece. With a smile she pointed to the pie tin. "Guess you noticed the new stuff I added. You see while I was making the pie, I realized there was not enough filling so I used a can of filling my friend gave me that she didn't want. I figured why waste it? The label said it was a good source of something, no Idea of what. I just put the cover on it and then put it in the oven quick, because my fave band came on the tv and it was the top five count down. I had to watch those hotties."
The others all had no thank you size pieces of the Apple pie on their plates, knowing how Minako cooks. Hearing Usagi's comment they looked down at their plates seeing the purple mixed with the apple, then at Haruka who has never tried her cooking. Yet in the face of uncertainty she clearly decided why not and despite the warning looks on the other faces she took tiny spoonful and ate some. "Hmm it don't taste awful, but that's not plum. That's prune and it is a very good source of fiber." Seeing the questioning look on Usagi face. "In other words Odango, that pies gonna make you..." But before she could finish her sentence, Usagi's stomach was already making the loud gassy bubbling noises of a happy digestive system. She quickly excused herself before Haruka could finish her explanation.
Minako couldn't help but to laugh with the others as she took another bite of her brownie. I can't help but feel a little better with all these treats here I guess its true chocolate cures everything! I see Michiru set down the whip cream and vanilla fudge swirl Ice cream and chocolate sauce, cant forget these important items.
We all begin to help ourselves and quickly end up chatting about our hopes and the new year resolution's for 2021 that we all hope to keep. Haruka is more quiet and seems to enjoy listening and eating her ice cream, all she says about the new year is that it will mean she will be extremely busy with her racing and that she may barely see any of us unless a Youma comes up...
Ami her arms loaded with a heap of plates, opens the kitchen door only to be sprayed in the face with warm soapy lavender scented water. "OHHHHH!" Hearing Ami cry out, we all rush up behind her only to also end up soaked as well. The washing machine is out of control, it's soaking the entire wipes suds off her face only to have a mix of wet panties and socks hurled at her while the rest of us get hit with flying shirts. Poor Ami ends up pulling a red bra off her head. She stares at it blankly for a moment before commenting. "This really should be hand washed..."
Usagi comes out, slipping on the soapy water on the floor. "WHOA" and ends up knocking everyone down on Ami and an already angry and wet Haruka. Ami blushes slightly as she realizes where her head has landed, right on Haruka chest. Meanwhile Usagi is on Minako legs and half pinning Michiru to the floor. "Owwww... Whats with all the soap and water?" Usagi whines.
"Usagi get off my legs!" There's a mix of muffled cursing as the girls struggle. "Sorry Minako!" Haruka, using her good arm, lifts Minako and Michiru off easily. She manages to hide her pained expression as she scrambles quickly to her feet and careful of the slippery and soapy floor heads to the wild washer in the kitchen without a word. After a few quiet but wet minutes, the water stops completely and everyone hears a few bangs and other loud noises come from the kitchen.
I hope Haruka is alright, I open the kitchen door to see her finish up with the washer. "Good work Ruka love." Kissing her lips softly. "You better be alright, your to sit right down while the rest of us clean up and no arguing." Michiru says firmly but with a touch a worry.
"Alright Michi." I don't feel like arguing in this mess and my right arm is killing me, all I want to do right now is sit and dry off. The water didn't even cool off this temper of mine. When Michi and I walked in to the dining room the others had already started to use towels and a mop to clean up all the water and the whole house smells like a freshly cleaned laundromat. I take a seat in the lazy day chair that Michi just finished covering with a soft towel for me.
I hand a towel to Haruka and kiss her in front of our friends. Right now I'm just happy that she and I are together. Its hard to feel secure when we really never know when peace will end or if one of us may end up possibly killed in battle. We made our promises that no matter what happens, the other would carry on. I brush Ruka's hair from her eyes and hand her yet another warm towel. She really got drenched, her wet shirt is sticking right to her, not leaving much to the imagination and its those thoughts that are distracting me from the terrible ones.
I feel myself blush. Sometimes Michiru is so affectionate to me and other times, with her other friends from the circle her mother approves of, she acts different and distant unless I dress like more of a guy. Then she stays close to me and the others tell her how jealous they are that she has such a great boyfriend. Sometimes she whispers to me that one day we will shock them with the truth but then nothing more is said. Shaking the thoughts from my mind I focus on the present, I remember one of my racing friends has a washer and dryer on sale for cheap. I pull out my thankfully dry cell phone and I get up to go to the kitchen to make the call and to ensure the washer has actually stopped leaking.
Ami wrings out the towel into the bucket, but pauses wondering what Haruka is doing? Straightening out her clothes, she gets up off the floor. The others look questioningly at Michiru who shrugs slightly. "I am not sure but why not enjoy the rest of the party. A little water wont stop us from having a good time, right Minako?"
"Yeah... Right..." I know Haruka looked pretty pissed and the others now just finished cleaning my floor and have seen that my home needs more repairs then I can hope to pay for. With no job there's no hope in me being able to afford to fix much of anything. I force a smile. "Well I will go finish those dishes, you guys have done enough for me!" Walking into the kitchen, I bump right into Haruka.
Haruka abruptly says. "I made a call and a guy I know is giving away a washer and dryer set he has for free. I have made arrangements for them to be delivered to you tomorrow afternoon. Make sure your here."
Overwhelmed at the thought of it Minako asks. "Haruka, how can I ever thank you for doing something so sweet for me! Your the best!" She hugs her tight. "I will be sure that I am here. Oops, your arm. Sorry!"
"Don't thank me, it's a favor I did for a friend that wanted to get rid of an extra washer and dryer."
Ami walks into the kitchen, throwing out the dirty napkins. "I know you said you would clean the rest Minako, but I'd like to help you. I don't mind moving around after eating such a big meal. It keeps me awake." She begins to wash the saucers.
"Thanks Ami! Hows your studying going? You must really be ahead in school work now!"
"My studying is just fine, but I am doing it because of my grandfather. He arrives near Christmas. To be honest lately I have been getting headaches when I read, whether its my book, cellphone or laptop I begin to get a migraine."
As I finish drying the walls I turn to Ami with concern. "Oh man, you should go get your eyes checked. They have a great place at the mall, it's free too this month since its the holidays. I read on the sign they have a specials on pairs of glasses too, in case you need them."
"I may take your suggestion on getting checked." She keeps drying the dishes and puts them away. "I just hope that with the diagnosis, it won't take long for the migraines to go away."
Smiling gratefully Minako hugs Ami. "Thanks again for the help, I hope everything goes well for you and that the pain stops. Now lets go enjoy the presents!" I hold the door for Ami as we leave the kitchen.
"I cant wait to open presents!" I see Minako and Ami come in to the room, Michiru is organizing the presents under the tree for me, since I won the game I hand them out this year which is EVEN more fun because it's better to give then receive.
"I can tell your excited, here is the Santa hat Usagi. Don't forget to wear it, after all you won it." The gifts are all organized and everything is ready to hand out, with gift boxes clearly labelled for each person so after they open their gift they can set it in their container and not worry about things getting lost or forgotten.
"That's SO great! I cant wait to hand out all the gifts to everyone!" Kneeling by the gifts under the tree I watch as everyone comes to gather around. Michiru sits between Haruka and Ami on the couch while Minako chooses the lazy day chair. "Ok here we go, first gift is for you Minako!"
"Oh! thank you! A superstar scarf, I love it. Thanks Ami! It's a beautiful red with silver stars." I set it carefully in my gift box right away.
Ami smiles warmly at her. "Your very welcome Minako, I am so glad you like it. As soon as I saw the scarf, I knew it would be perfect for you."
It feels so good playing the role of Sailor Santa! "Here you guys." As I hand out more while setting mine aside, I can wait a little longer, though I am SO excited.
Michiru took it and gently lifted lid off the beautifully wrapped box. "Oh my, perfume. It's lovely." She sprayed a little on her wrist. "Mmm, it smells so good." The starfish shaped bottle was an ocean blue colour that sparkled in the light.
"Anytime Michiru!" Oh boy, I watch as Ami begins to open my gift to her. This is all so great with everyone sharing and laughing together.
I open the gift carefully to not make a mess, its a very nice book all about the difference between myths and legends. "How interesting, thank you Usagi."
"Your welcome Ami!" I got so distracted watching everyone I nearly forgot I can open mine now, since I've handed out all the boxes. I open my gift from Haruka and Michiru. "GASP." There is a cute hat, scarf and mittens with bunnies on them, they are sooo soft and fluffy. Feeling something inside the hat I pause. "Oh?" I pull out new barrettes and lip gloss with a pink comb that were tucked inside the hat. "Thank you both sooo much!" I hug them both.
"Your welcome Odango, we saw those and thought you'd like them." Haruka says before looking down and opening her own gift, it's earrings and a necklace with my planet symbol on them. "Thanks Minako."
"Your welcome Haruka, glad you like them. I shopped all over to find them!"
We all are sharing what we plan to do at Christmas, Haruka didn't say much other then she and her dad were just going to hang out. Usagi was already trying out her new barrettes and pink comb along with the new nail polish that Minako had got her. Michiru is sitting close to Haruka who is looking at the retro special edition sports car book I got her.
I love all the gifts from our friends, Haruka and I did not give each other anything since we planned to do that alone later. I am looking at the bath spa set that Ami got me and the book of hairstyles to try that I got from Minako. when I hear the clock on the wall Chyme the time. It is getting very late, we help clean up the wrapping paper off the floor making sure our gifts were in our boxes. Ami has more studies, Usagi mother would begin to worry and Haruka has her pain medicine she needs to take. We gather up our things and begin to get dressed to leave, I help Ruka get her jacket on.
"The party was great Minako! I had a great time! The decorations and food were wonderful!" I pick up the blue box that has my name: Ami on it. Usagi has hers and when Michiru finishes dressing herself she picks up hers and goes to reach for Haruka's as well.
"Wait Michiru. Let me get dressed and give you a hand, I know that Haruka can't carry hers and I am happy to help." Minako pulls on her jacket, scarf hat, mitts and boots. Just standing by the old front door you can easily feel the sharp winter chill and almost see your breath before even going outside. The temperature has really dropped for sure!
"Thank you for helping Minako. Here allow me to get the door." I try to turn the knob but it's not moving well and it makes loud squeaky noises. As I try to open it once more I wonder if I am turning the knob the wrong way?
"Oh that. It sticks sometimes, even more so at night. I was hoping the oil, I read about that, would work to prevent it but I guess not. The lock still works good, though sometimes... Here, I know how to get it." I set Haruka's box down gently and move toward the door ahead of the others. "It just takes a strong jerk of the knob like this and there we go." I pick up Haruka's box. "Watch out for ice everyone with how cold it is I'm sure there's plenty of it!"
"Right. No problem. We got this Minako!" A few moments later. "Brrrrrr." It's sooooo ccccooollddd I should have worn thicker pants to the party that or my snow suit! I am already shivering as we all slowly walk to Haruka's sports car.
We hear the ice crunching under our feet. "Don't worry Usagi, we will be in Haruka's car in just a moment and I will start up the heat right away." Michiru says pulling out the keys. "Here, the trunk is open." I walk with Haruka, my arm around hers. I open the passenger side door to make sure she's safely inside, then walk around to get in the drivers side to start up the car and get the heat going. It shouldn't take long to warm up but will need a moment.
I get in the backseat with Ami and shiver while I close my door and put on my seat belt. "Thanks for all that fun Minako! It was so awesome. I had the best time ever!"
"Glad all of you had such a great time, it was so much fun to be with all of you! I can't wait to hang out again and don't worry Haruka I will make sure that I am home all afternoon. Thanks again, your an awesome Scout and friend!"
"We all thank you again Minako and your right my Haruka is awesome. We will see you again soon." I am relived to feel the heat kick in and hear everyone sigh in relief as all of us begin to warm up. "Have a good evening Minako!" I say waving goodbye as I put the car in reverse and slowly back out the driveway with a last beep of the horn...
I walk inside my home still half frozen, shutting the front door behind me. l look out the window as the car slowly disappears from my sight. I really wish that we could hang out again soon but unless I find a job I just can't. I close the curtain wiping tears of stress out of my eyes. It looks like I have a long night of job searching and applications to do...