Rakurai desu.
Disclaimer:
I wish I own Sailor Moon.
『Artwork Cover』 belongs to © TASUKU （タスクさん）on Twitter tasukurukuru_
『Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon （美少女戦士セーラームーン）』belongs to © Naoko Takeuchi.
『Story's idea』 belongs to © bravd's 『Christmas story: Facing Love』
This story is based on bravd's Christmas story: Facing Love. The original idea is theirs but I've re-written it into my own plot.
Due to being delayed by heavy snow, it took almost five hours for Michiru to get to the vacation house. The taxi driver was ogling her, and she was more than glad she finally arrived. Paying said randy driver, but not forgetting to throw a subtle, derisive comment back at him, she turned on her heels, suitcase behind her, and promptly headed for the house.
She was being hasty.
She didn't know why she felt like this. She only knew, right now, she wanted to get inside the house as soon as possible.
Even with her sudden rush, Michiru still hadn't forgotten her manners. She knocked on the door, waiting patiently. There were footsteps, a 'one second!' resonated from behind the door and it opened to reveal Setsuna—eyes wide in seconds, paralyzed upon seeing her.
Michiru smiled encouragingly. "It's been quite a while, Setsuna. I'm glad to see you're well."
That seemed to have knocked her out of her stupor. Setsuna let go of the door knob and gave Michiru what she assumed was the tightest hug she had received in a long time. Speaking of long time, the warmth slowly spreading throughout her body placed something akin to joy inside her chest. She felt nostalgic. When was the last time she felt so at ease like this, and to later forget it? Her brows knitted together as tears suddenly threatened to fall.
She wouldn't let them though. She had an image and a reputation to uphold. So she wrapped her arms around Setsuna instead. It took them more than mere minutes to finally let go.
Right then Hotaru came out. "Who is it Setsuna—?" astonishment settled into her face and her eyes go wide the moment she saw Michiru, her mouth dropped. "—mama…"
She turned towards her adoptive daughter, offered her the same encouraging smile as she had Setsuna and held out her arms. "Hotaru." Was all she uttered, in a soothing tone that spoke of endearment.
And that was all it took for Hotaru to dash into Michiru's awaiting embrace.
Hotaru was already tall enough for her head to reach her shoulders. She buried her face in Michiru's neck, unable to suppress a sob as she did so. The violinist stroked her silky black hair lovingly.
This hug was just as equally crushing as Setsuna's apparently. It didn't really bother Michiru either way. She needed this just as much as Hotaru did.
Her daughter took longer than Setsuna had. Savoring the moment until after the Inners and Mamoru came out even. Hotaru let go then, allowing Michiru to exchange pleasantries with the rest.
"It's great to finally see you again, Michiru-san." Usagi greeted her with a gracious smile. Michiru looked at her, really looked at her. Maturity, gracefulness and kindness all rolled into one being standing in front of her. Such strangeness to not meet the buoyant, immature, but strong Princess from once upon a time. Michiru returned a smile of her own.
"Let's get you inside. You're probably hungry. It's usually a twelve-hour flight from Vienna to Tokyo." Setsuna suggested.
"Yes, you're right. It's almost noon anyway." Makoto agreed. "Join us for lunch, Michiru-san."
"Ara, of course."
Everyone scuttled inside as Makoto and Ami brought out the food, while the rest prepared the table.
Joyous banters passed back and forth around the table. Most of it consisted of questions regarding Michiru's concerts, how long she's been overseas (more than half a year actually), and how it was possible for her to be here right now.
"My manager handled everything. She made sure I could be home this Christmas," Michiru explained.
"Ah… then I do owe her my thanks, after all." Setsuna concluded.
"She also made sure I'd be home for a longer time than I spend overseas from now on."
"Remind me, what kind of present would she like for New Year?" Setsuna furrowed her brows thoughtfully.
"I could come up with a few commendable suggestions!" Minako chirped in. "Leave it to the Number One Idol Aino Minako to help you out with gifts! I'm perfect for this since I know people's hearts the most!" She thrust her finger up high, further pointing out her enthusiasm.
"Right, you understood it so well, I'm sure it'll be full of your merchandise with your face plastered on it." Rei remarked satirically, giving her a raised eyebrow. She turned to Setsuna with sparkles in her eyes. "Let me help you. I'm sure we'll know the perfect gift with the spirits' guidance!"
"Rei-chan, knowing you, you'd probably give her some kind of strange Omamori, wouldn't you?" The young idol taunted.
"I would not!"
"Of course." Minako mock laughed and made a whimsical face at her.
Rei looked like she wanted to wring her neck, the way her brow twitched dangerously like that. Setsuna decided to step in lest one murdered the other.
"Stop, stop! I'll be more than grateful if you both help me. We're here to spend Christmas in peace, should I remind you."
A hearty laugh bubbled up from Michiru's chest. Completely unrestrained, yet still peculiarly able to maintain that flawless elegance. Soft, clear and musical.
Soon, everyone was laughing along with her.
It was such delight to have everyone together (except for one).
"Seems like there were more things to buy than we thought." Mamoru's brows knitted together in deep concentration as he skimmed through the small paper in his hand.
The shopping team was supposed to be done before lunch. However, by the time they finished, Minako took one look at their shopping bags and clicked her tongue in disappointment. She rattled on about how there weren't enough presents yet, then jotted down more things to buy onto a small piece of paper and sent the team out again.
Hence, Setsuna giving him the sympathetic look and Usagi next to him as they stood in the mall, hunting down the merchandise.
"It's not so bad. At least we can spend some more time looking at the stores here." Usagi nudged him with soft caresses on the arm.
"I guess you're right."
They were now on the last item.
"What's the last one?" Setsuna asked, crossing her arms. She was holding more than four bags per hand, and they were much heavier than they looked.
"It's another dress."
"Alright, let's hurry and find this dress."
"You really want to go home that much?" Mamoru stared at her in surprise.
"I'm worried about Michiru." She scrunched her face. "She just returned."
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Usagi smiled wholeheartedly at her. To be honest, she was delighted that their most mysterious and reserved friend actually voiced her feelings clearly like this.
After hunting down the dress, the trio was about to leave until Usagi's eyes spontaneously swept through a part of the mall. She stopped in her tracks, eyeing what they'd found. Her arm, which was nestled in Mamoru's, tugged him along with her.
"What's wrong, Usako?" He asked, looking down at her with curiosity. He searched her face only to find bafflement written all over it. This fueled his curiosity even more and urged by it, he followed the direction of her eyes.
Setsuna witnessed this also, and followed the royals.
Standing in that particular part of the mall was Haruka, hand in hand with an unfamiliar brunette.
"Is that Haruka-san?" Asked Mamoru in disbelief. His question pulled Usagi out of her own shock. She rubbed her eyes multiple times to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. Alas, this was no illusion. Her eyes widened in horror at the truth before her. The blonde in question was talking and laughing with that brunette. The unknown girl pointed at a nearby shop and they both peered inside through the window.
"How can she do this?" She demanded bitterly. "How can she do this to Michiru-san?"
Usagi was directing this question at Setsuna. The blonde was near tears in a matter of seconds. From how hurt she was, Setsuna couldn't bear to stay silent. Yet, she couldn't be outright on this either.
Trying her best to appear impartial, she answered. "I'm sure Haruka knows what she's doing."
"Does she?" With a frown on his face, Mamoru was far from being convinced.
Setsuna was at a loss for words. Apart from that, she didn't know what to say; what needed to be said.
Usagi watched her with pained-filled blue orbs. "We should follow them. In case she does something unthinkable…" But her mind has already thought of the unthinkable possibility.
Mamoru nodded without another word.
Setsuna opened her mouth, wanting to object, yet no sound left her. Usagi's thoughts had planted their roots in her head as she feared for that possibility; a possibility where it would lead to her family's ruin.
And the worst part was, this time there'd be no ifs, ands, or buts for them to rebuild their family.
Setsuna reluctantly agreed.
The three discreetly tailed the two throughout their stops in the mall.
At first, they were freaking out (aside from Mamoru. He only scrunched his face in bewilderment) when they witnessed how Haruka bought things for her as she pointed at different stores. The brunette linked arms with Haruka and that set Usagi off. The future Queen was especially verbal at that exploit. She was more so when she saw the flirtatious looks the girl threw Haruka's way.
Setsuna, on the contrary, silently observed Haruka's expression. She was worried initially, but as she followed them from store to store, it occurred to her Haruka was just going along with the girl robotically. Buying her things. Smiles were wiped off her face when the brunette wasn't looking. Her remarks came only when appropriate, and the girl was doing most of the talking. There was absolutely no sign of joy on the blonde's features. Gradually, she became aware of Haruka's true intention.
She was killing time.
A tight knot inside her heart dissolved. She let loose a breath of relief. With that in mind, Setsuna turned towards the royals next to her. Anxious, worried scowls were still evident on their face. It seemed like they didn't realise it yet.
"It's alright." Her calm voice drew their attention. "She's not going to do anything immoral."
"How can you be so sure?" Usagi demanded. Though there was doubt swirling in those azure orbs, Setsuna knew Usagi trusted her words.
"I just know."
Mamoru and Usagi watched her for what felt like the longest time.
"If you're sure…" He began.
"I am."
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
"Nothing." She replied. "I'll talk to her once she's home."
"What about Michiru-san?" Usagi was unsure.
"There's no need to tell her. Haruka will."
"What?" Both incredulously asked.
"Promise me you won't say a word, and you'll pretend like none of this ever happen?" Setsuna implored. Her composure was there, but her voice was full of tension.
The royals exchanged worried looks. Still, they decided to give Haruka the benefit of the doubt.
Before they left, Setsuna lingered. She stared at the couple. Or more precisely, Haruka.
Then, while the girl was distracted, Haruka's eyes met hers.
Everyone continued about their day, trying to finish their Christmas to-do list as quickly as they could. With Michiru now present, she helped out with small suggestions here and there. As always, her suggestions proved to be interesting and unique (not in a bad way). She was most helpful when the Inners were putting together a playlist for Christmas.
Witnessing the Inners (mostly Rei and Minako, as Ami and Makoto tried to keep the mood as harmonious as they could, though they failed miserably) nitpicking at every little thing that didn't suit their taste was humorous to boot. Nonetheless, Michiru found herself agreeing with Setsuna's initial statement: they were here to spend Christmas in peace. And with that, in she went to save the day.
Dusk had already flown by. Everyone soon found themselves wanting to retire for the night. The 'saving' took longer than she thought, Michiru pondered wearily. Not to mention, that twelve-hour flight was starting to wear down on her.
After dinner was done, all but the Outers retired to their rooms. Setsuna remained on the living room sofa, reading another book—one that looked different from the last one Michiru had seen, but then again, that was months ago. Hotaru was next to her, writing something in her notebook. Perhaps it was her assignment for winter?
"Are there any other rooms left?" Michiru asked, luggage in hand, ready to head upstairs.
"There's Haruka's room." Setsuna responded absentmindedly.
"Ah, I see."
There was a catch in her eyes when Setsuna glanced up from her book.
"Oh… you can stay with Hotaru and I if you're not comfortable in hers?" She offered.
"No, that's quite alright." Michiru smiled, "Good night, you two."
"Good night." They replied in union.
When Michiru was out of earshot, Hotaru turned to her mama.
"You think it's going to be okay, Setsuna-mama?"
"I sure hope so."
"By the way, why's Haruka-papa so late?" Hotaru's eyes drifted towards the door.
Right then, Haruka emerged from behind the door. Closing it quietly, so as not to wake the others, she dusted the snow off her shoulders and hat, oblivious to the other two presences in the room.
"Haruka-papa!" Exclaimed Hotaru.
"Oh hey, Firefly and Setsuna? What are you two still doing up?"
"Where have you been?" Setsuna enquired, attempting to sound worried. Her brows knitted together.
"I… uh… was busy. Met an old friend in town." Haruka scratched the back of her head, laughing nervously.
"Hm." Setsuna hummed, then turned to Hotaru. "It's time for you to go to bed, Hotaru."
"Okay, Setsuna-mama. I'll see you upstairs?"
"I'll be right up. I need to have a few words with your papa first. Hurry along now."
Hotaru complied. She sauntered over to give Haruka a hug and a 'Good night' before heading upstairs. Haruka smiled at her until she was gone. Turning back to Setsuna, her smile dissolved into somewhat of a terrified expression.
"I swear it's not what you think."
"Isn't it?" Setsuna arched an eyebrow at her. "Haruka… what are you really trying to do? This isn't you. Flirting spontaneously? The Haruka I know wouldn't do that without a good reason."
"And what if there is a good reason?" Haruka's voice sounded strained.
"I know there is. It's your method of coping that's bothering me."
"Really? You're going to judge me on what type of approach I should undertake in this problem?" She growled low in her throat.
"No, I'm saying you should stop now, before you've gone too far." Setsuna advised.
"Exactly how am I going to do that then?"
"Head to your room. I'm sure whatever is there will help." Setsuna turned towards the stairs. Or whoever is there. She thought.
Haruka's confused gaze lingered on her until her silhouette disappeared at the top of the stairs. Frustrated, she raked her hand through her tousled hair, messing it up even more.
She was tired. Way too tired to be thinking about another one of Setsuna's cryptic messages. It took her the whole day to keep up with that girl, play with her just enough to keep her interested and set her boundary clear enough so said girl wouldn't cross it. Dragging her feet up to her room, she opened it, and froze before she could fully step inside. In front of her was Michiru, in one of those lacy, simple, silky white nightdresses that Haruka loved.
Apparently, Michiru was getting ready for bed and had just finished putting on her sleepwear. She gazed at Haruka while the startled blonde stared back in disbelief.
This was too good to be real.
"Haruka." That velvety voice Haruka had missed for so long reached her ear. Already, it had sent tingles down her spine.
"You're finally back." Michiru struck a casual conversation. "Everyone intended to wait for you to come back for dinner. You were really late."
"I know." Haruka let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in the entire time. Not forgetting to close the door, she stepped towards Michiru, deliriously slow despite of the yearnings scorching her insides.
"I'm sure you want to know why I'm here." A teasing smile grazed Michiru's lips.
"Does it matter?" She reached her. Bringing her hand up, combing through those sea green curls. She stared deep into those blue orbs reflecting her image and realised what Setsuna had meant.
"Haruka?" Michiru echoed.
Following this, she pressed her lips against Michiru's. Kissing her hungrily, wrapping her arms around her waist, as tightly as she could, holding on to her for dear life. She missed this. She missed her. Her chest exploded, overflowing with tightness as she pressed her body to Michiru.
Michiru encouraged her even more when she responded just as eagerly. In fact, Michiru deepened the kiss first, naturally sliding her tongue inside Haruka's mouth. All the tiredness she had felt just minutes ago entirely evaporated thanks to that.
They fell onto the bed, with Haruka on top. She moved from Michiru's mouth to her cheek, her neck, her collarbone and finally the valley between her breasts. Showering everything with kisses during her excursion. The small whimpers Michiru made set Haruka's desire, which had been simmering, aflame.
Hands buried deep in blonde strands. Fingernails grazing her scalp.
This overdue reconnection between them had been delayed long enough.
She was about to pull one strap on her nightdress off, until she stopped short. Something uncalled for passed by her head. Like Mischief knocking on her door… or something.
The 'date' with that brunette.
She was feeling pleasant. Marvellous, even.
Michiru was here, rather deliciously sprawled out underneath her. Her pupils dilated. Her breathing ragged, quickened. Reality was simply divine.
However, her stupid, untimely mind has to remind her of that girl. Or was it her guilt?
That could be the culprit.
Haruka couldn't seem to continue this, despite how much her body was practically enthralled by Michiru's smoldering gaze right now.
All she could do at this very moment was return the gaze, hoping she could convey everything she needed to say without voicing it out loud. Haruka knew how Michiru's anger worked. She knew it all too well from those repetitive times spent on the couch, back when their family was whole.
However terrifying Michiru was when she was mad, she had never stayed mad at Haruka with reasons other than being insensitive to Hotaru or Setsuna. Even so, she didn't want to risk it. Losing Michiru was not an option she'd want to consider.
Michiru's warmth brought her back as her hand gently caressed her face. She then gifted her a kind smile. "It's alright, Haruka."
Three words. Just three. And it was enough to make her eyes sting.
Also, unnecessarily remembering that time in America too.
She cursed herself for being so weak. Not about being weak in front of Michiru, but about how she was weak without her. The guilt, supposedly lost along with time, came back full force. She had promised Michiru her body, her soul, her fidelity. Yet… she didn't bother to keep it.
In an instant, Michiru's arms encircled her neck. Surprised, she opened her mouth to ask, only to croak inarticulately.
Did she know? And if she didn't, would she still hug her after the truth had reared its ugly head?
"I know about that night in America, Haruka."
Her body tensed in Michiru's arms.
What?
Though, she could have sworn she heard Michiru… chuckle.
Michiru loosened her hold, drew back to study Haruka's dumbstruck face. "Really now, Haruka… who in their right mind would get drunk, then call my manager, only to rant on about how much she misses me and wants to hold me in her arms again?"
Haruka didn't know what kind of face she was making, but she was sure it must have been priceless, because Michiru took one look at her and burst out laughing, wiping her tears.
"Y-You knew?"
"Of course." Michiru gave her an amused smile.
"The whole thing?"
"How you flirted with that girl, bought her drinks, then dumped her halfway? Oh yes. The way you told my manager was rather extravagantly detailed, if you ask me. She related the whole story to me word for word, with an extra comment on how enthusiastic you were."
Haruka facepalmed, no longer having the courage to look at Michiru anymore. Her ears and cheeks were burning right now.
"How enthusiastic…?" She ventured.
"You cried after the first few sentences."
She let loose a heavy sigh. Michiru giggled at that.
"I found you truly endearing that time."
"Haven't you always?" Haruka echoed, exasperated.
"Well, yes. But I believe that was the most adorable you've ever been."
"Ugh…" Her cheeks flared bright red. Lips drew into one tight, straight line. Ashamed and embarrassed of her childish behaviour. She couldn't believe she had made a complete fool out of herself that night. Calling Michiru's manager of all people! Truthfully, Haruka just wanted to bury her head down some hole right now. It would have been better if it was Setsuna…
She had absolutely no recollection of what had happened after chatting that girl up. Which was why she could only hope that she hadn't said anything inappropriate. Judging by the way Michiru was smirking at her, however, her prayer seemed to have gone unanswered. Nonetheless, a small part of her was glad that she hadn't do anything as unforgivable as sleeping with that girl.
Michiru's gentle, perfect fingers drew her face back to hers. Planting kisses on her lips, but keeping it chaste. "Don't sulk, I love it whenever you're like that." She didn't continue. She didn't have to. The unspoken truth was plain as daylight. It proves how much you love me, is what Michiru meant.
It was moments like these that made her content. So elated and gratified that it made her feel butterflies in her stomach. No one else had such pull over her. It had ever been Michiru and Michiru alone. Though Haruka wouldn't have it any other way.
She was about to deepen the kiss, but Haruka held her back by the shoulders. A scowl on her face, her expression grim.
"I have something else I need to confess."
Michiru sat back, her eyes attentive to Haruka, patiently waiting for her to relief herself of whatever secret was bothering her.
"I have a date tomorrow with a girl in town." She blurted out.
Michiru arched an eyebrow at this, now awaiting her to elaborate further.
"I met her at a slope where I usually ski. The truth is I didn't actually want to go with her. It's just that I'm—"
"Bored?" Michiru finished for her.
"Well… yes… when you put it that way." Haruka shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. Even though, deep down, she was terrified of what Michiru's next words would be. "You know I don't do this. It's just every time I'm here and you're not… I… I just can't bear the loneliness."
Haruka's eyes were downcast. She couldn't say anymore than she already had. Words had never been her strong point. Being here with Michiru, she felt incredibly bare, admitting to the nagging feeling inside that had been raging on like shadows in the night. If it had been anyone else, she would never say it out loud. Only with Michiru. Only with her would she dare to announce her feelings so clearly.
She felt Michiru pulling her in again. Thinking she was going to kiss her, Haruka closed her eyes. Instead of the feel of Michiru's lips on hers, Haruka's eyes fluttered open as her soft lips pressed against her forehead. Michiru drew back to gaze at her.
"I know, Haruka."
The caring gesture, those kind words, the understanding look; these things combined were one of the many things Michiru did that made Haruka's heart tighten in an agonizingly bittersweet quivering. She loved it. Moments like these might be rare, but Haruka found herself basking in them, cherishing them when they did happen.
She pulled Michiru in closer, into her lap. She responded by tracing kisses along Haruka's jawline. "I also couldn't." Her kisses trailed behind her words, as she kissed her way down to Haruka's neck. She was about to proceed further, but then Haruka halted her advances, again.
"Haruka?"
"I'm sorry, Michiru. I know you'd want to continue but you just got here today." Putting on one of her most charming smile, she put her hand on Michiru's cheek, caressing it. "We have all the time to ourselves tomorrow. For now, let's rest."
"Alright." Michiru took one last look at her, there was a catch in those sky blue orbs, yet she didn't say anything. Perhaps she saw something from within Haruka's eyes. Granted, whatever it was, Michiru decided not to address it.
She went under the covers, all prepared for bed. Before laying down, however, she whispered as her back was turned to Haruka. "Will you hold me?"
Cute.
Cute was the only thing Haruka could think of as she heard that. Her heart made a jump inside her ribcage and she had to summon all of her self-control not to jump Michiru. Especially not after she had told her to rest.
"Always." She vowed.
For the first time since she last remembered them being together, Haruka felt elated. As Michiru's breathing became slower; her body relaxed against Haruka, she thought to herself what a wonderful thing it would be if Michiru could always be in her arms.
A pleasant smile broke on her face as she succumbed to sleep.
Thank you for reading.
Comments & reviews are welcomed.