The ocean crashes to the beach shore under a dark starry sky. I can taste the salt in the air. A woman is calling to me but not just any woman, I know that voice, it's Neptune reaching for me. Her beautiful form has no flaws, her sad eyes are looking right at my soul. NO LEAVE ME ALONE! No more... No...

The scent of pinesol fills my nose and sun light hits me hard as I open my eyes, I am soaked in sweat from that dream...

"Haruka are you alright? I thought I heard you shouting, your soaking wet, did you have a nightmare?" Touching her face gently I move her bangs from her eyes. "Take it easy. I ordered breakfast, speaking of food though you need groceries but we can do that together later if you want?"

"It's no big deal, it was just a nightmare." I catch Hailey's hand and pull her to me. "You keep doing all this and you will spoil me." My stomach don't take long to wake up with a growl for food. "Breakfast sounds good to me, how long did I sleep in?" I look at the clock, it's 10AM damn, didn't mean to knock out like that.

"You needed a good rest Haruka." I watch as she sits up and slowly stretches out her back and legs. She then wraps her arm around me and huskily whispers in my ear that if I didn't have to watch for when our breakfast arrived she'd take me with her. I feel my cheeks burn as I blush, watching her half naked form walk to the bathroom.

Walking in I take off my shorts and get in the shower splashing water on my face, its refreshing. As the water flows over me I think about those dreams, surely they will stop soon. I will not go back to Michiru, I will make my own destiny. I wash off quickly and get out, grabbing a towel and drying off under the bathroom fan. I grab my fresh clothes that I picked yesterday I put on my thick blue jeans, my black shirt with my planet symbol in shining gold on it and my navy blue hoodie with gold coloured zipper and galaxy design on it.

I see Haruka come out of the bathroom and I nearly drop the teapot I am holding, she looks so amazing, you can tell that the outfit shes wearing suits her and she looks so attractive. I feel my cheeks heat up as I try to focus on the hot tea I am pouring into the cup.

"I ordered us the breakfast feast, there is pancakes and fruit salad with bacon eggs, home fries and sausage. I remembered all your favorites Haruka." I feel shivers run down my back as I feel her wrap her arms around me, just before turning me around to kiss me sweetly.

"This looks delicious." Before I sit down, I pull out Hailey's chair first. "Here, have a seat." We start to eat, the food is still fresh and hot. She ordered it from our favorite place, I am surprised she still remembers it. When I look up from my half eaten stack of pancakes I notice her look of concern at my arm. "I took my splint off, they said it was ok by today, so I can drive you anywhere".

"Well lets start by going to my place so I can shower and change my clothes". As thoughts of last night fill my mind my hunger fades, I feel nervous and push my food around my plate. When I think of all the kissing we have done and the moments of intimacy that were only stopped by a near tragedy with those young girls and then the exhaustion afterwards which Haruka won't give me details on...

I better ask now but when I open my mouth only a burp comes out which makes Haruka laugh lightly as she herself belches while spooning more fruit salad on to her plate. My cheeks feel on fire and knowing she just broke up with her girlfriend less then a week ago don't help.

I finish my last bite of eggs and bacon and notice that Hailey isn't eating her breakfast, our eyes meet. I know her well, she's got questions and I can't blame her. I would too in her situation, things in my life are never not complicated, at least Hailey understands that.

I don't care that I can't tell her I am a Sailor Scout, with our busy lives and careers we tend to agree on keeping things simple and not complicated. Right now it just feels good to have someone so familiar near me that I can trust. Destiny really means nothing if the other person isn't really in it and I am done with the closet. People either accept me or they don't.

I get up, walk over to Hailey and take her hand in mine. "How would you feel about continuing on where we left off? We know each other well and we still get along fine."

My heart is pounding at the speed of lightning, Haruka and I back together? Never thought she'd want that. Looking in her eyes I can see shes not kidding and it feels so good to be with her. "Yes, being with you has made me so happy, I have missed you so much lover." I lean in to answer her passionate kiss.

Hmm, "I can clean this and we don't have to go anywhere." I pull her against me tracing patterns on her back gently with my fingers. "I mean, why bother hurrying out into that freezing weather when we have a warm bed right here?" I trail open kisses down her neck.

"Haruka Mmmm." My back arches and shivers from her hot touch, I feel her warm kisses and moans continue to escape me damn she knows my hot spots. "You are not one to waste time, neither am I but this means I am borrowing your clothes today when we go to get the tree later this afternoon and don't forget you need groceries."I french kiss her deeply and unzip her hoodie. "Very cool shirt, that's the symbol for Uranus in gold, looks like it suits you." I pull it off to feel her skin, so warm and soft.

"Ya it is."I pull her sweater off and throw it on the couch. "Since when are you into the planets?" I undo her bra and pull her right against me roughly. We both are in need of release, I kiss and nibble her neck making her moan with my touch as my fingertips explore the body they missed.

"Mmm don't you remember, I always was looking at astrology and the stars, they are amazing but not as much as you are. Mmm god Haruka how do you still remember all my sensitive points so well." I feel her remove the last piece of my clothing. "Mmm I like the beauty of the galaxy, always have I think it's so full of mmmmm amazing mysteries to seek out and ohhh Haruka if you keep doing that..."

I interrupt her with a deep kiss as I feel her take my pants off. "That's right, I nearly forgot about that but enough about space." I take her hand and lead her to my bedroom, I turn the light off and push her onto my king size bed...

"Usagi honey, how are you feeling? I brought you some fresh bandages and hot soup, you had me so worried last night. I am just glad you are alright." Usagi's mother set the tray down on the side table before picking up the first aid kit. "Please sit up so I can change those band aids before you eat."

I rub my eyes and slowly sit up stretching and I remember how the moonlight last night glowed through my window. I say nothing as I watch my mom carefully unwrap my arm and see her shock. There is not a mark left on my soft skin, she then checks my legs unwrapping them slowly her eyes growing wider then saucers.

Usagi's mother gently touches her arms then her legs, not one cut or mark is found on her daughters skin. It looks untouched, perfect. "Uhh... I don't believe this! It cant be true, no one can heal like that!" She blinks a few times, shocked speechless, Usagi looks just fine. It's like nothing happened yet last night when those girls brought her home with those bruises and bandages it looked like she had fought in a wrestling match!

"With good friends like mine I can and it's thanks to Haruka I wasn't hurt so bad, she's nice like I told you, she's so great!"I hope this stops my mom from yelling at Haruka from now on "Please can I go to the Christmas market? They have great rides there today and I know most my friends will be there!"

"Well since you seem to be alright, why not. Your to go no where else but there and then back here, no exceptions. Please finish your vegetable soup, soy milk and fruit before you go and I want you to call me in two hours, no excuses!" I take one more look at my daughter shes calmly gobbling her food she looks healthy, I can barely believe my eyes. I pick up the first aid kit and put it away in the drawer by her bed, just in case. I give her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you Usagi."

"I love you too mom, this soup is soooo good thank you!" I drink down my milk, quickly finish my fruit, hand the dishes to mom and get up to quickly get dressed. Today is when they have a lot of fun stuff to do, there is even some free food at the Christmas market, there is no way I am missing that!"...

I am in my new dress that I hate and my mom did my hair so tight I can't feel my scalp.I just was not fast enough for her, my hair is in a very tight bun with a sparkling snow flake in it, my dress is a thick dark navy blue silky material with silver trim that flowed long down to my ankles. The sleeves are short along with a low V neck. I am wearing my locket that Haruka gave me, I am hoping today goes fast so I can find her but even if I do what do I say?

The party announcer speaks up. "Presenting Theodore Maxwell The Third!"

I study him and he is clearly not my type at all, I can feel my mothers cold sharp stare at the back of my neck. I don't turn to face her, instead I try not to cringe at the feeling of Theodore's sweaty hand holding mine.

"Michiru, your a vision of perfection. I am Theodore but you may call me Theo." He takes her hand and kisses it. "I have my personal limo awaiting us outside, there is a rather grand amount of events surrounding the area of the Christmas Market, if you care too accompany me?"

"Well Theo, it is a pleasure to meet you. I heard today that many rather interesting events would take place so yes, I would like to accompany you." As he helps me put on my fur jacket all I want to do is tell him to go away. I reluctantly take his hand as we leave to go. I see my mother ready to greet the next guest fresh from their limo as we get into Theo's limo and to leave...

I check my wallet for my hotel keys. "Haruka are you sure you want me to stay here with you? Also remember those cool mood rings we used to wear years ago, I never did get rid of them. I didn't know what to do with them. I just found them in the side pocket of my wallet, I forgot I put them there"

"No way really?" Haruka laughs. "For being so neat, your such a pack rat Hailey. I'm glad you didn't throw them out, Thorn and I won those from that arcade, she was too damn good at that prize machine. I remember the guy begging her not to stop as she won half the machine prizes."

"Yes." Hailey answers, laughing. "I remember the pale look on that guys pimpled face, he was ready to accuse her of cheating somehow, he watched her sharply on a few turns till she got those rings and gave them to you." She takes out the keys and set them in the mailbox by Haruka's door. "Good thing they agreed to deliver my luggage, that saves time."

Hailey rolls up the bottom of the pants slightly as she finishes dressing. "How do I look in your black jeans and white shirt?"

"You look beyond good." I kiss her. "Here, you can use my black hoodie that goes with it." I hand it to her as I put my navy blue sweater back on, the one with the galaxy design and zip it up. "Let me see those rings." I take them out, I slide one on her finger and the other on mine. They are both silver coloured and have really nice mood stones in them, hers is a diamond shape and mine a heart. I kiss her again. "We better head out before we get distracted again."

My cheeks burn with my blush as I look at the mood ring, it shines and slowly changes colour. In a daze, I slip on my jacket. She's right, we should get going. It's the first time I have worn this ring since we agreed to break up due to the long distance, I am not sure where this is all heading but for now I am going to just enjoy it. We head to the elevator.

"I am glad your elbow is better Haruka." I show her my cellphone with the info of the events on the screen. I need to attend and take pictures for the newspaper I work for, this week was all about community stuff. I picked this area knowing I'd see Haruka, that and it does hold a lot of well known events. Then I remember that the Christmas Market sells trees, which saves some time. Haruka nods and reads all the activities listed on the email sent to me.

"The events sound fun." I see the Miss Santa contest on the list of events Hailey needs to visit. "Beautiful girls all dressed up don't bother me at all." Which earns me a playful elbow to the gut from Hailey before we get into my sports car. Damn it's going to feel good to drive.

I get in, relax beside Haruka and watch her smile as she starts up her sports car. The engine roars to life, she's always loved to drive, engine or not it comes naturally for her. Seeing her better, back to her full self, is my main thing. She pulls out into the traffic and turns onto the road that the map on my phone says is a short cut. "There, I hope we can find a good spot I hear today will be crowded."

"Don't worry, finding a spot is never a problem for me. It feels so good to be back to driving, here." She says, turning on the rock mix channel. It has a little of everything. It's been awhile since I put this on since Michiru was more in to the news channels and orchestras, I'd have that on mostly for her. I shake my head, I need to keep her out of my head. There's a spot right over there, ok, I see a way in. I make my move, cutting off some limo, but who cares bout them...

The limo swerves slightly, I look and some stupid sports car cut us off. "Don't worry Michiru, my driver will find a better parking spot, we will have a pleasant time today. Look at all these highly decorated buildings, I have tickets for everything with a guarantee that lines won't be a problem. Hurry up and find a spot Harry." He shouts at the driver. "We don't have forever!

"Yes sir." The driver answers,making a quick sharp turn splashing a young girl who was cleaning up trash. Looks like she made a bad choice to be out in this winter weather. The driver finds a spot and parks quickly...

Oh yuck! This is just not my day! I wipe the wet snow and salt off my coat but I still feel the cold water and slush dripping from my hood and down my back. I have tried to keep my hood up but it's windy and my jacket isn't exactly new. At least I should be done soon. My teeth chatters as the cold starts to make me shiver,I have been splashed eight times now. Ugh, I think I have cleaned enough now,I am out of here, I rush off to dump the garbage in the big bin...

"Nice parking Haruka, you blew past that limo, people like that always try to take the best for themselves, I even saw it even splash some girl that was there picking up litter. If it was safe to get out I would of asked if she was ok but she's gone now so she's probably fine."Hailey gets out. "Ok, the first event is the choir, that's in thirty minutes. Wow look at all this traffic."

I put my arm around Hailey and keep her close to me as we walked across the parking lot. "It's not a problem, we can take a shortcut over this way and cut through the market area to avoid at least some of the crowd gathered there."

"Good idea." I stay close to Haruka as we dodge people, they are standing everywhere. "It's over that way in the entertainment area, it's in a Christmas tent, I have the tickets right in my wallet for front row seats. It's Choirs from different places in the world come to share the tradition and promote peace. This will be amazing. Oh there it is Haruka,we found it."

When Hailey and I enter the tent, the scene is breathtaking. Art from countries around the world surrounds us, showing different heartfelt traditions with plaques explaining the reasoning behind it. All these things combined to make one amazing world, who ever designed this is very talented. We spend a few minutes taking in the displays and reading the stories.

"Michiru, the tent is over this way, it's the only event that for some reason isn't in a regular building but the cultural display I assure you is worth it.I have second row seats, it was best I could do considering they go so fast but we will have a very good view. Why it's not a more elegant event I don't know but I hear it is one of the best musical performances to see."

"Indeed,I am sure that our seats will be fine Theo. I believe the reasoning for keeping it simple is to gather everyone and simply enjoy the rather spiritual and charitable feeling in the air, considering the emphasis is that the money goes to the food bank and how the schedule describes Christmas stories." As we take our seats I smell a familiar scent then I see sandy blond hair up in the first row, could it be? But before I could make an excuse to get a better look the lights go dark as the music begins, it's loud yet beautiful with the sound of sleigh bells and the narrator begins telling the story of someone near forgotten getting a voice...

I lean into Haruka's embrace as we watch the snow fall on the stage and the beautiful different coloured lights make a breath taking design all around us, I take out my camera and start to take pictures right away so I don't miss a thing. The music settles to a relaxing rhythm as a person with the choir on stage steps forward to sing a solo with pitch perfection..

I take a seat in the back row, this story is so pretty. Wow look at them dancing and singing to this amazing music. It was nice of that lady to give me her extra ticket, it's sad that she and her guy had a big fight, I feel bad for them. I try to get a better view of the woman reading on stage but a tall guy sits right in front of me. Aw man, oh well at least I can hear it, plus after this I am going to try all those sweet desserts I smelled. Yummy!

I finish shoveling the pile of wet dirty snow off the path near the lit up tent. I can hear the faint sound of beautiful music, I wish I could see it, I hear the show is dazzling. Instead I just put more salt down and shiver while working. I cough occasionally and wish my coat would dry, working in the cold like this is horrible.

"Hurry up Minako there is more trash to pick up near the food court, your not getting paid to stand here. You keep going this slow you will be fired!"

I rush to shovel up a big pile of dirty snow then pick up a full bag of garbage from the trash can, at least I can hear the music from the concert. One day that will be me on the big stage with sparkling lights, I cough hard and focus on the work,after a while I finish up the shoveling and rush off to the food court..

I keep Hailey close as we walk out a bit early to avoid the crowd. "Lets jump on the horse and buggy, I'd rather that then walk with all these people." I jog over to it and pull her inside with me. We sit back on the comfortable velvet seat, wow that's soft.

"Haruka you move so fast." I take a look out the window at the lovely view of the Market and take a few pictures. "This is much better then walking in the massive crowd." I pull her closest to me, she turns to me and kisses me deeply, the winter cold cant bother me not when I have Haruka's warmth..

No matter how I tried to hurry Theo he would not tolerate walking with everyone else, he says it makes more sense to wait due to fear of pick pockets or those who may be sick and sneeze on everyone. I don't know if I really saw Haruka or not, maybe I am just thinking of her way too much.

I take a deep breath and the fresh smells of winter and delicious food fill my nose, too bad my friends are not here to gobble this with me! I rush over to try whatever that sweet caramel smell is, oof! I bumped into someone. I see it's Michiru, with a man? A man that was looking at me with anger.

"WATCH IT! Our clothes are worth more then your house."

I went to try and say something to Usagi. who stood in shock staring at Theo and I but got distracted trying to stop Theo from pulling me.

I run to join the line up to get inside Santa's Bakery and wonder who that was with Michiru? Why was he so mad? I didn't mean to bump into him. Hmm, I look around trying to spot them but I can't see where they went, guess I will say sorry to Michiru later. Right now dessert is calling!

"What is wrong with you Theo!?" I pull my arm from his grip. "How could you say that to someone!? That is beyond rude!"

"I am sorry Michiru but I was upset about being rammed in the stomach, that and you know how both our parents are, if we come home in any sort of rough condition we will not hear the end of it."

"I suppose your correct but please try to hold your temper." The thought of dealing with a lecture from my mother was not appealing to me either but I felt bad for Usagi, I can't see her now anywhere. I feel Theo grip on my arm once more insistently pulling me, I sigh.

"Lets go to the next concert, in an actual warm building this time, away from here." More music should calm me, being with such a beautiful woman makes me so nervous. I lead Michiru into a hall where people are gathering for different classical band music..

This must be where the miss Santa clause competition is, we have seats in the second row. "This should be interesting Haruka, I looked at some of the pictures, the women in this contest are attractive."

"Ya, your right. I am looking at a few of them in the brochure, looks like they judge them on talent, intelligence and education. Then finally their basic looks and such, I think one of those three will win.

"I agree with you but to me your the most attractive one here Haruka."

"Oh really? Well I disagree." Haruka kisses Hailey. "I believe you at that, it's starting." I pull her right to me, normally I don't show affection but with Hailey I feel comfortable. We came out as a couple years ago, my Father was great about everything and Hailey's Mom was great too. She treated me like her own family and welcomed our relationship, she even hoped we would marry one day.

But with Michiru, her mom hated me from the start and that was before we were in a relationship. She'd make rude comments to me and do her best to show how unwanted I was, also Michiru and I both had to be concerned about our duties as Sailor Scouts that along with school and extra curricular activities only complicated things more. When we did get together, to Michiru's friends and family I had to pretend to be the hot guy she met at the cafe. Even in the end, she just watched me get hit and yelled at for me being me. I won't go back to that, EVER.

My thoughts are interrupted by the music welcoming the announcers. I really need to try harder to keep Michiru out of my mind or those dreams will get worse. It's not easy...

"Hello! I'm Rob and I am your host for this contest. I will be asking all the difficult questions, introducing you to all these lovely ladies and to those people in the seats over there. Let me introduce our Mayor, the first of our honored judges, the second is who is a notable local mechanic and the third one is Mr Sanders a skilled repairman and last but not least the amazing Miss Ruby that no words can possibly describe.

I watch as the stage erupts with smoke, glitter and loud music as all the girls come out in their miss Santa dresses. All are dressed in short red and white dresses with sparkles, tall black high heels and with different hairstyles that sparkle in the spotlights that light up the stage. The lighting is set up to look like the northern lights. "They really went all out for this contest Hailey."

"Wow look at all that Haruka, those heels, I know I'd fall over in them." Hailey says while taking pictures for her article. "I never expected such a display, it's impressive. They don't ask easy questions either, I like that, a good challenge makes a contest worth it."

If the mayor's eyes got any bigger they would be windows, I heard he likes young girls but holy shit, he puts a new term to wolf. I watch as each woman introduces herself and answers the question, each one getting a different set, as the host continues to examine each one...

I am so bored of Theo talking about himself as we eat in this Music hall. It's a lovely place with highly decorated flooring, a crystal clear reflection of the art on the ceiling that consists of variety of geometric shapes filled with all sorts of bright and dark colors, blues, greens, yellows, reds, purples and more. It made the floor look almost magical.

People are all over the place socializing and dancing, the music is beautiful but it's no fun to me at all. My thoughts keep wandering to Haruka and wondering who it was that I saw her with. My thoughts are interrupted by that insufferable man asking me to dance, I sigh, the last thing I want to be is to dancing with him. Well,here goes. I hope he dances better then he talks...

As I finish throwing yet more trash away I realize I can't keep ignoring how bad I feel, this isn't getting better. The cold wind is making it worse as my still damp coat is freezing cold. I wish it was waterproof like the ad promised. I am interrupted by a burst of coughing, it makes my throat hurt.I better hurry I can't afford to lose this job, I see Usagi and quickly hide in the washrooms embarrassed. Well I need to clean here anyway and it's warmer then outside.

But I can hear her coming this way, I quickly duck into the last stall and I gag at the smell. I didn't need to look to know what I would be dealing with once Usagi leaves the bathroom, why do people do this...

"Ok folks since we are nearing the end of the contest and our last two contestants are left, dream and Jessica have we got a big surprise for you all. Who ever the girls pick to dance with them will have the final vote on who wins! And let me tell you these girls have been eyeing all of you and they have made their choice go get him ladies."

"Of course Rob." The contestants say advancing on the hot blond in the front row.

"What me?" I don't make a move till the one woman literally taps my shoulder.

"Yes, you. Come on." The final contestants grab Haruka's arm and tugs her towards the stage. "We can't wait to dance with you, your cute. Tell us your name."

Hailey just laughs at the deep blush on Haruka cheeks. "Oh my god!" she squeals while taking more pictures. "This has just became my favorite article."

With hesitation I follow Dream and Jessica up the steps on to he stage I can already feel the heat from the spotlights. "Uh but I'm not..."

"Go on tell us hottie." The girls share a knowing look, they had wanted to shake up this odd contest and with a cross dresser like Haruka they had found a way to break the spirit of the rules while following the letter.

"Ahem, I am Haruka." The lights are so bright, the audience are a blur to me and now I am between the women. Wow this contest is crazy, they have gingerbread and candy cane perfume.

"It's going to get a little hot up here Haruka, you'll want that sweatshirt off."

One of the contestants whispers to me. "Trust us, take it off, don't worry this will be fun."

"Uh... Ok." I answer the distressingly beautiful girl,I unzip my sweater to hear gasps from the audience and take it off as I was told. I feel both woman put their arms on my shoulders there's whispers and whistles to add to the loud noises.

"There's more then one kind of woman out there! And we feel it isn't shown enough we are not just dolls we are warriors! Now Haruka you ready to dance?"

"Sure." Good thing I know some club moves, I need to remember to thank Thorn and the rest later.

"Ok then lets all do this we picked the perfect song for this. TURN IT UP!"

I begin to dance with the ladies on stage, easily keeping up, they are both dancing so damn close. Holy shit, Dream knows how to move her hips and Jessica knows her moves like a pro. I feel pride I am being my full self, people are cheering, the stage is hotter then heck but it don't matter.I can feel them close to my body, right in my space, letting go of my limits for this moment feels like freedom. Eventually, the music ends and the people are clapping and cheering.

Hailey takes plenty of pictures, including of the mayor. "They're right, he really is staring at them shamelessly and certainly not at the faces... If Haruka knew where he was looking, oh boy, he'd be hit so hard but on the bright side she's dancing amazing! She looks so proud.

"So Haruka, it's your turn to choose now. No pressure, we both had a blast dancing with you so please just say who you feel deserves this years 2023 title of Miss Santa Clause. Here is the Mic."

"Ahem, I think your both very beautiful and talented, each in your own way but if there must be a choice I'd have to pick Dream."

"Thank you Haruka for choosing me! But I saw you are here with someone special, would you like to give a shout out?"

"Yes." I take a breath. I am tired of feeling like I have to hide, here goes. "My girlfriend, Hailey."

"Come up here Hailey!"

Hailey laughs as she walks to Haruka on stage and wraps her in a warm embrace. "Your so amazing." Hailey gives her a kiss right there on stage, they both are blushing pink.

"Hailey your one lucky woman, we saved an extra crown for you, here you go."

"Oh wow, thank you. Hailey shakes her hand. "The tiara is beautiful, they are right, I am lucky to have you." They walk off the stage and take their seats...

"Michiru you missed an amazing show!"

"What do you mean Donna?

"Look, I got the video on my new phone, check it out. Isn't it awesome? They turned the contest into a girl power thing, everyone's talking about it.

I look at her phone and I can't believe this, that's Haruka! "I grab Donna where was this tell me!"

"Please calm down, it was taken at the miss Santa Contest that just ended, she was with her girlfriend. I don't know her personally I must say she's cool, though if my boss knew I stopped to see that he'd flip. I better go, see ya."

My body is shaking "What? Girlfriend?" That cant be...