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.
Usagi, clothed in pink pajamas, unconsciously let a yawn escape her lips as she stepped into the kitchen. Though she covered her mouth like the lady she aimed to become in 30th century. Indeed, she had learned a lot about etiquette and manners after she turned 20. The girl had become quite the Queen that everyone else revered.
While thinking to herself on such things, she was so lost in thought that she didn't hear Setsuna coming in. She wore a white tank top and grey short shorts, with a transparent black robe over herself.
"Good morning." Setsuna greeted.
No answer.
"Princess?"
"Hmm? Oh! Good morning, Setsuna-san." Usagi smiled, somewhat apologetically. "I'm sorry. It's unlike me to zone out like that."
"Is something the matter?"
"Oh, it's nothing at all. Just thinking silly things."
"Princess, I would have believed you when you were younger, should you say that. Now, it's a little hard to picture you having silly thoughts." Setsuna set about making tea and breakfast. She halted for a minute, debating whether to make it for herself or everyone.
"Have I really matured that much?"
"I'm sure you can notice it without my pointing it out." She stood against the counter where the boiler was actively working.
"I see."
They lapsed into silence for a few minutes.
"I'm really glad Haruka and Michiru decided to build this place with thick walls." Setsuna absentmindedly commented.
"Why?" Usagi cocked her brow, appeared confused.
"Because there were noises from your room last night, Princess."
Her tea was done. Setsuna picked up her freshly-made cup to take the first sip of the morning. While doing so, she watched in fascination as Usagi's face went from bemusement to realization, then shock and finally, settling into beet, bright red.
"H—How did you know?" She stammered, her face downward; encased in her hands, her courage to look at Setsuna gone.
"I passed by your room to get a drink for the night."
"How much did you hear…?" Her voice was now a teeny tiny squeaky sound.
"…do you really want to know?" Setsuna seemed quite annoyed at the idea.
"No…, no, not really."
"After I returned to my room, the noises were completely gone." She took another sip.
"Oh… so that's what you mean."
"It's normal for things like that to happen, Princess."
"Normal for someone to hear us doing it?" Usagi looked quite apprehensive at the sickening idea of someone catching them again. Especially Minako, or Rei, …or the both of them.
"I meant being young." She paused, brows furrowed, "I have had more than enough instances of such things happening before. I do not need it to happen anymore than it should have."
"Of course, you're right."
They broke off the awkward discussion when Rei, Ami, and Makoto came in.
"Good morning." They intoned. Setsuna and Usagi returned the morning pleasantries.
"You look flushed." Rei inspected Usagi's complexion, "having morning sickness or something?"
"I—I'm alright, Rei-chan. Thank you for asking."
"If you say so." She took her seat with Ami as Makoto and Setsuna set about making breakfast.
"Where's Minako-chan?" Usagi asked.
"She's still sleeping." Came Rei's reply. "Mamoru-san?"
"Same."
In came Haruka and Michiru.
Haruka looked disheveled, specifically her hair—with blonde strands pointing in odd angles. She didn't care to tame it, even scratching her head away to make it worse. Michiru, on the other hand, presented herself as flawlessly and without faults as ever. She had yet to change out of her nightdress, but she did put on a light robe.
After greeting everyone, they sat down for their own breakfast. Setsuna exchanged looks with the others.
"How long are you going to be here, Michiru?"
Haruka—who was munching on her pancakes—picked up on the subject.
"My manager hasn't contacted me on the matter yet, Setsuna. But she did assure me there's nothing to worry about and told me to just enjoy Christmas with everyone."
"Then that means you'll be here until New Year with us?" Usagi perked up, a wide grin on her face.
"It seems so." Setsuna handed Michiru her tea, which she accepted gratefully.
Just then, Hotaru glided into the seat next to her parents.
"Morning." She groggily greeted, rubbing her eyes. "So how was last night for you two?"
Haruka choked on her coffee. Michiru slightly tensed.
"What are you talking about?" Makoto asked, flipping a pancake with a flick of her hand. It made a sizzle noise when it landed in the pan.
"Well, they just saw each other again after months apart. I'm sure they couldn't help it."
"Hotaru." Hearing Setsuna berated her, the girl shut her mouth before thinking of saying more.
Usagi, knowing exactly what she was talking about, became red again. Makoto and Ami exchanged looks but didn't say anything.
The air in the kitchen became suffocating all of a sudden with the awkward silence...
Conveniently, Minako burst into the kitchen. The far too energetic blonde threw her hands over Usagi's shoulders with more strength than was necessary, causing the girl to flinch. Her arrival defused the situation in an instant.
"It's finally time for some fun!" She announced, "let's go out and see the town, guys! We can go shopping, skiing, visit some great cafés or… oh! Maybe go to that famous hot spring!"
"Shopping or going to cafés sounds nice!" Makoto beamed. Ami nodded her head along with the idea while her head was stuck in her book.
A few more suggestions were thrown into the equation. All in all, they settled into a day of relaxation consisting of going window shopping in the morning, have a light lunch in a café somewhere, and then end the day with dinner in a restaurant in town.
"Those look so stylish!" Minako beamed. "Look at this, Usagi-chan!"
The blonde grabbed hold of a pink, frilly dress then rushed into the nearest booth and came out in record time. She spun around, the dress flowing around her ankles, showing everyone how beautiful she looked. Ami, Makoto were nice enough to humor her, but Rei was loaded with candid and derisive remarks. The royal couple along with the Outers laughed in merriment at the now back and forth biting wordplay between the shrine maiden and the blonde idol.
It didn't last long. Their barking was annoying everyone in the store and they were kicked out.
"This is your fault!" Minako frustratingly accused. The blonde crossed her arms in an overly exaggerated manner to further get her point across.
"Hmph, that's what someone who did something wrong would say!" Rei harrumphed, eyes closed in exasperation.
"At least, I'm not the one who started it."
"If I remember correctly, it was you who started it. I only speak the truth."
"Now, now. Let's go have lunch, shall we?" Makoto put a hand on each of their shoulders and gently nudged them towards a café.
"It's surprising how Koneko-chan is not the troublemaker this time." Haruka mused, her eyes sparkled with fondness as she watched Minako and Rei biting at each other, with Makoto trying to calm the two of them.
"I agree." Setsuna hummed thoughtfully. An amused smile on her face.
"It's surprising how I missed this." Michiru mused aloud. Coming up beside her, Hotaru grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed in empathy. Michiru tipped her head down to smile at her. The girl grinned back without restraint, like a bright sunflower on a paddy field.
The sight warmed all three of her parents' hearts. Which earned her loving smiles from her Setsuna-mama and Michiru-mama, along with a hair-ruffling from her Haruka-papa.
"What do you want for lunch, Hotaru? You get to pick anything since you cheered your mama up!" Haruka grinned.
"Really?" The girl's face lit up like fireworks.
"You're spoiling her too much, Haruka." Setsuna said mock reprimand, "though, in this case, I supposed you're right." She glanced over to Michiru and saw her nodding along in agreement.
"Yay! Then I want something sweet!"
"Alright, let's see what that café has!" Haruka enthusiastically marched towards the café with Hotaru close behind.
"They never change." Michiru shook her head in defeat.
Lunch, thankfully, was peaceful. No fights ensued. Unexpectedly, the one who put a stop to the shrine maiden and the blonde's arguing was Usagi herself. She did not reprimand. No, the girl did something that was expected of her. A few kind words to remind them, and the two settled down without further discussion.
The café they were having lunch in was decorated in a tasteful vintage touch. A medium window that gave an outline of the interior. An atmosphere of coziness welcomed the group. It wasn't too spacious but it was personal enough. The group decided to opt for a table in the corner.
Setsuna, Michiru, Mamoru, and Rei went for a light lunch while the rest explored the menu for something adequately satiating. After they finished their meal, everyone settled into a nice conversation over tea, while a few of them ordered crepes, parfaits and ice cream.
"Haa… that was satisfying! I love this place. I'll add it to our list next time we come here." Minako sighed in delight. Pulling out her phone, she immediately typed in the café's name and location.
"You're right. This place makes me feel like I'm back at home." Ami leaned back into her chair, hands folded around her teacup, welcoming the heat radiating from it. It was a chilly winter, after all.
Makoto watched her, with a happy carefree expression with a contented smile of her own. Her eyes strayed on impulse, to find most of her friends smirking at her with knowing grins. She jolted a bit then, as light pink dusted her cheeks. Embarrassed at having been caught staring by her friends for the umpteenth time.
Everyone knew how the fearless and caring brunette had a crush on the blue-haired girl.
"Should I tell her?" Haruka whispered next to Michiru, smirking devilishly.
"Haruka!" Michiru chided.
"But they haven't done anything yet! Mako-chan is never gonna be with her if she just does nothing other than watching her like a creep!"
"They'll be fine on their own, it isn't our place to intervene like that!"
"It's already painful enough watching them acting like this." Haruka grumbled, crossing her arms.
"No means no."
"Fine."
"There are other ways to help them, Haruka-papa." Hotaru said matter-of-factly, eating her spoonful of parfait.
"Hotaru…" Michiru looked at her disapprovingly.
"It's not going to be anything as straightforward like Haruka-papa does. I promise."
"See! I'm not the only one who wants to lend a helping hand to this hopeless romance."
"While that's extremely sweet of you two, I have to agree with Michiru on this." Setsuna spoke up—in a hushed voice—on Hotaru's other side, sipping her tea.
"At least one of us sees reason." Michiru commented, seemingly pleased with Setsuna's declaration of side.
"They need to find out on their own. Only then will they see the value in their relationship." Setsuna paused, and soon added, "just like your Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama."
"Oh."
"We're different." Haruka argued.
"Oh? Different how?" Setsuna raised her brow questioningly. Haruka opened her mouth, about to lay out everything she and Michiru had done together since the moment they'd known each other to Hotaru. Until she saw the gaze Michiru was throwing her way, the sort of look that meant Haruka shouldn't let loose any sort of detail that might tainted poor Hotaru's innocence.
"…okay, you win." She relented reluctantly, casting apprehensive glances at Michiru. Said girl just smiled, satisfyingly in fact, in her direction.
"Good." Setsuna's expression mirrored that of Michiru's.
The group decided to have dinner sooner than planned. After a few disagreements on exactly what kind of cuisine they want (Makoto joined in on this, unfortunately), the group tried to cut back on dinner and voted on going home before dusk. A few of them were thankful they did that.
The transition between the blood red horizon to a mystical black with endless shining stars dotting the sky was majestic, and somewhat dreamy. It wasn't even eight yet. But they have to admit: the scenery near a mountain was amazing. A clear sky, without a single hint of cloud to distract from the shimmering stars above. And vast acres of snow highlighting their surroundings. A few of them, namely the Princess and Prince, held hands on their way back.
Rei and Minako were whispering words of teasing behind them. Makoto—the poor girl—still tried to work her courage up to take Ami's hand. One try, two tries, thrice… Ami turned around, smiling, and offered her hand. The brunette flinched at the suddenness, perplexed and embarrassed. With a shy smile, she took the proffered hand.
Haruka was really conflicted at the moment. Setsuna and Hotaru were walking in front of them, avidly discussing their recent favourite crime-solving TV series. Here she was, behind them, holding Michiru's hand.
On one hand, she was feeling these tingles crawling up her arms, up and down her spine, just from the handholding. Michiru's hand was so soft, so smooth, encased in Haruka's. Small, yet incredibly strong. This was the hand that had always supported her, pushing her forward in her times of need. Not just that. A goofy smile came onto her face as her imagination started running wild in her mind. This hand had done more than just mentally supporting her. The things that Michiru could do to her…
On the other hand, the matter of her latest 'conquest' remained. Hanging over her like a stubborn rascal Fate had sent to mess with them. She wanted to be with Michiru. She wanted her. She needed her. But she couldn't. Not while the matter hadn't been addressed yet.
She checked her watch. It was almost time for their meeting.
Haruka halted her steps, causing Michiru to stop with her.
"Haruka?"
"You go on ahead." Haruka put on her most reassuring smile, "I'll be back as soon as possible."
Michiru's expression was unreadable. Though, the squeeze she felt from her hand was telling her she was far from being mad.
"It's almost time for your date?" Her voice was quiet. If she hadn't paid careful attention to it, she might have missed that subtle strain in her voice.
"I'm not going there to enjoy it. Just to cancel it." She dropped her smile. Haruka wouldn't want to appear flirtatious, especially when it could make her words come across with less sincerity than she intended.
Michiru crossed the small space between them. Her hands carefully cradled Haruka's face. She tiptoed on her feet to give her a peck.
"Do you need help?" She asked, with a small smile. Meanwhile, her hands were stroking her face encouragingly, lovingly.
"No," Haruka covered her hand with hers, "I started this, I should end it on my own."
"Okay. Good luck."
An amused shine was evident in the depth of those azure orbs. A feeling of relief, joy and astonishment all rolled into one, exploded in Haruka's heart when she saw how sympathetic and understanding Michiru was.
Bringing one of Michiru's hand down to place it on top her heart, Haruka promised. "I'll be back before you know it."
She planted a lingering kiss on Michiru's forehead. With one last look, she turned and headed in the direction of the bar. Already, she was longing for Michiru's touch again. Already, she wanted to be at home with her. In their room. In their bed.
Balling her hands into fists, Haruka clenched her teeth. She had to end this fling as soon as possible.
"Is she not coming?"
Setsuna's voice was laced with sorrow, despite her trying to keep it as neutral as she could. Michiru didn't turn around. So she couldn't possibly know what was going on inside her mind right now.
Setsuna observed her. She just stood motionless, staring after Haruka's silhouette which was long gone. That was something… maybe she's not taking this well after all. Setsuna pondered solemnly.
"I know you just got back. This is probably not what you wanted to see."
Still no response from her housemate. She frowned.
"Michiru?"
Again, no reply.
This was starting to scare Setsuna. In all honesty, she'd seen many of sides to Michiru ever since she'd started living with the violinist. If she had to evaluate this situation and guess what kind of reaction the girl should have, it'd be anger. That being said, the violinist was quiet. Too quiet, actually, for Setsuna's liking. Surely, she was not thinking of shutting herself in again, was she?
"Michiru…" Setsuna tried again. Having no idea how to handle this situation, she decided it was best not to approach the girl.
While she was thinking of what to do next, Michiru suddenly wondered out loud. "Haruka tries too hard, doesn't she?"
Setsuna was taken aback. Not because she had said something, but because of the fondness in her voice when she said that. Michiru wasn't mad?
"That's true." Hotaru agreed wholeheartedly next to her. Setsuna gave her a confused look. Hotaru just grinned back. Then it occurred to Setsuna—how their daughter knew Michiru was not mad at all. That she was actually enjoying this. She scowled as the realisation hit. She felt like she was being played in their twisted game of romance.
"They'll be alright, Setsuna-mama." Hotaru assured her, giving her hand a squeeze. They should be. Setsuna scowled.
Her heart couldn't possibly keep up with this back and forth evasive game of theirs anymore.
Thank you for reading.
Comments & reviews are welcomed.