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.
Dressed in the spa's custom yukata, Makoto was sitting on one of the benches in the lounging hall, resting after a hot bath. A half-drank bottle of milk from the nearby vending machine was in her hand.
Sitting next to her was her fellow Senshi, Minako, chugging her own bottle. After having her fill, she let loose a very unladylike but satisfied sigh, and beamed like this was the best thing in the world.
"That was quite the shock how Haruka-san just fainted in there," Makoto remarked, somewhat amazed at what had transpired in the bath a few hours ago.
"Nothing like a chilled bottle of milk after a bath!" The idol stretched her legs as she leaned back on her bench, using her arms to hold her weight.
"You sure are happy." Makoto chuckled fondly at her friend's simple contentedness.
"Too bad the same can't be said for Haruka-san," Minako quipped. The perpetually cheerful idol didn't seem so cheerful as she rotated the bottle, watching the milk slosh around its glassy container with bored azure orbs.
"You've never been this quiet. Is something wrong with your milk?" Makoto joked.
"Ha ha, Rei-chan's sense of humor has started to rub off on you, I see."
They left their bench, banter still going, and headed for the lounge's grand door. Strolling through the enormous hall of the spa, the two watched absentmindedly as other guests snapped pictures of themselves posing or just simply marvelling at the grandeur of the hall.
The guests seemed to have put the joyful spirit back into the blonde, because she turned over to Makoto then, asking her to take pictures of the idol; pointing out how it would be a waste not to capture her dazzling beauty combined with the spectacular specks of gold embellishing the hall. The tall Senshi laughed at her friend's silliness, but accepted the phone handed to her anyway.
Minako was most confident, and impressive, in showing the camera a vast array of different poses. A few snaps here and there, until a stranger came up behind Makoto. The sudden creeping pushed her into alertness as she instantly whipped around, her fists clenched and forearm firmly crossed in front should the stranger opt for hostility.
Behind her, a brown-haired girl with ruby eyes was coldly staring at her, even though there was a smile on her face. The stranger was wearing a light pink blouse along with white short shorts. Upon seeing her, Makoto dropped her guard and relaxed.
Makoto arched a questioning eyebrow at the stranger's expression. There was something eerily unkind hidden beneath; which made her wonder if the blonde behind her had made enemies in the entertainment industry. That would be understandable. After all, it wasn't likely this woman was here to confront Makoto, the amenable florist that she was.
"Hi?" Makoto began since the brunette chose to be silent instead of declaring why she was there. Uncomfortable silence dragged on, nonetheless, as the girl's staring was starting to unnerve her. "Uh… Can I help you with something?"
"Yes, you can," the girl finally answered. Holding her hand out, she introduced herself in a friendly manner. "I'm Naomi, nice meeting you."
Makoto accepted her outstretched hand and shook it. "Nice meeting you too."
The girl nodded, acknowledging her, then flicked her eyes over to Minako. The young idol smiled graciously at Naomi, professionally greeting her like the entertainer that she was. Yet, Makoto noticed there was something unusually odd about the blonde's behaviour that she couldn't quite put her hand on. She and their friends have seen the idol on stage plenty of times, and during those times, she shined brightly, genuinely. Now, Makoto couldn't seem to feel that genuineness anywhere.
"You said we can help you with something?" Minako reminded Naomi after their pleasantries had passed, her signature smile plastered onto her lips.
"Ah, yes," Naomi appeared embarrassed with herself, modestly retreated, and left the duo's personal space that she had so ignorantly invaded seconds ago. "You see, I came here looking for someone, but I can't seem to find them. Can you spare the time to listen to my story?" She politely asked while batting her eyelashes at them.
Makoto—being the kind-hearted person she was—was about to open her mouth and accept, but Minako wouldn't allow it. "Shouldn't you be asking us to help find whoever this person is instead of telling stories?"
The brunette seemed unfazed by Minako's question. In fact, she looked like she was expecting that question to pop up. Naomi retreated a few steps more, hands to herself as she lowered her head. Voice shaking, she submitted, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to… I must have come off as rude…" she paused for good measure, then raised her head, her eyes level with Minako's. "I'll ask someone else if you don't want to."
Minako said nothing as she carefully watched the girl turn around, head held low, and walk a distance away.
Unable to help herself, the florist shouted out. "Wait!" Shocking the blonde as she stared wide-eyed at her.
"We'll help you," she offered.
Naomi half-turned, her eyes twinkled with satisfaction while a smile spread across her face. Makoto was pleased that she made someone happy with what little help she could give, but the fulfillment was gone as soon as it came when her eyes swept over to her friend. The frown on Minako's features was most peculiar; it almost seemed like she was displeased. Nonetheless, whatever was bothering the blonde, she chose not to address it.
Makoto turned back to Naomi, attentive to the stranger, but also trying to digest the meaning behind Minako's frown.
"The reason why I'm here is because I was looking for Tenou Haruka-san," Naomi admitted. Makoto gave her a puzzled look, while Minako remained impassive.
"Why would you want to look for Haruka-san?" Makoto asked. "Are you a friend?"
"Oh no, I'm his lover."
The bold declaration took them both by surprise. They exchanged looks.
"Haruka-san already has someone," Minako stated matter-of-factly.
"That's the thing… I didn't know anything about that until his lover had so disdainfully walked up to me and insulted me last we met." A tear struck the corner of Naomi's eye.
"Would you mind be more specific on what happened?" Makoto asked.
The young idol shot bemused glances at her friend, but the florist was much more interested in the story Naomi was about to relay.
"It's hard to believe you fainted while we weren't even in there for long," Hotaru complained, throwing her hands up in defeat.
Haruka was dressed in one of the yukata the spa had provided. She was now currently lying on the bed, an arm over her face, with Michiru fanning her. Setsuna, sitting in a chair by the corner, was visibly struggling not to let her composure crack.
"Well, we were taking the teasing a bit too far," Setsuna interceded, with smirks threatening to escape. She gripped the armchair to steel herself.
"Can't help it, can we?" Michiru chaffed, grinning at Haruka's predicament. She seemed to be having a lot of fun with this, Haruka noted.
"You guys are evil," Haruka mewled, "I hate you."
"Do you?" Hotaru teasingly asked.
"Hotaru." Setsuna cleared her throat, trying to appear authoritative. "You should stop, lest you break your papa."
"Thank you." Haruka removed her arm and let out a breath.
Silence ensued as the four of them stared at each other. Haruka was unsubtly trying—and failing—not to cast a glance at Michiru. Said violinist was avoiding her eyes and looking at Setsuna or Hotaru instead. Hotaru, however, seemed close to laughing; the way she grinned with excitement like that. The purple-haired girl's eyes traveled between her two adoptive parents omnisciently.
Setsuna was about to advise leaving them to their privacy, but the purple-haired girl had beaten her to it. "Setsuna-mama, why don't we go make some tea?"
The two hurried to the door. Setsuna threw one level gaze at them before leaving.
Left to their own space, Michiru turned to look at Haruka. "When was the last time Hotaru was an innocent little girl?"
The blonde snorted. "I have no idea why she's so—"
"Noisy?" Michiru added, feeling more amused than irked.
Haruka gave her a fond look, then shook her head. "I was going to say mischievous."
Michiru hummed in acknowledgement.
"Once we get back home, it'll be merrier, I bet," Haruka warily promised.
Giving the blonde an exasperated glance, Michiru mildly reproved. "Haruka, I already told everyone I'm going to be here."
"Until New Year." Her voice sounded steady, but the fear was evident in her eyes. Haruka was wide-eyed, brows creased; she looked like an afraid little puppy. Michiru couldn't help but soften at that.
"I'm sure it'll be longer than that," Michiru held her chin thoughtfully, eyes strayed to the sliding glass door that led to their balcony. "I did tell everyone my manager will make sure my stay is longer now."
"What?" Haruka incredulously breathed.
"If she can't, I'll see to it personally." Angling her head down, Michiru gazed at her with half-lidded eyes and a smirk.
"When did you…?"
"You were out having fun at the time," Michiru addressed the obvious.
Haruka winced at that. It was so true, after all.
"I'm sorry," she apologized for her stupidity.
"Don't be. I'm also at fault." Michiru appeared to want to lay down beside her; the way she furrowed her brows. She decided against it, however, and locked eyes with Haruka. "I was supposed to be here sooner. I let my music get the best of me. If I hadn't been so distracted by it, you wouldn't have done this and wouldn't have beaten yourself up so much over it."
"Michiru, you know that's not true. We both know music is a part of you." Bringing her hand up, Haruka brushed her cheek.
"So are you." She encased the blonde's hand in hers as she held her gaze, stating the undeniable truth.
"I know," Haruka paused, "but it's not your fault for focusing on your music."
Calmness settled onto the violinist's features as Haruka denied her admission of fault. She leaned back a little, seemingly contemplating something. The blonde said nothing, but she watched her lover with a keen eye; trying to guess her trend of thoughts. Whatever it was Michiru's thoughts were hung on, Haruka couldn't get her hands on it. So she relaxed against the mattress, patiently waiting for Michiru to speak her mind.
"Let me tell you how it has been like for me, these last few months," Michiru began. "Flooding my schedule with tour after tour, I barely have time to think about anything else. After each concert, however, there would be these small, fleeting moments of silence whenever I returned to my hotel room. There I was, feeling this emptiness inside that I couldn't name at the time, wondering why I don't feel whole." She stopped, bringing their hands down to her lap, keeping them there; she started a gentle stroking rhythm on the back of Haruka's hand. "Days went by, and gradually, music didn't seem so important to me anymore."
Haruka observed how Michiru kept herself busy with her hand, re-exploring it like it was the first time she had ever touched it. A self-indulgent smile found its way onto Michiru's lips as her thumb drifted over the blonde's knuckles. "You're still consistent with working out, I see."
Keeping the mood light but wanting to know more, Haruka chuckled at the comment. "You were saying?"
A pause.
"I let the emptiness consume me and I didn't even admit it," Michiru conveyed, all hints of playfulness evaporated. Even her stroking stopped midway.
Haruka sat up. The same seriousness was plastered on her face as she looked Michiru straight in the eye. "That's what you meant when you said you also couldn't," she muttered, reminding them both of what her lover had said the night they spent together.
"Yes," Michiru whispered, cupping the blonde's cheek. "It wasn't you who made that mistake. I was the one who drove you to it."
"Michiru—"
"No, Haruka, I should have sensed something was wrong when you had stopped contacting me," she sternly said. Then her voice softened. "I'm sorry."
Haruka was astounded, her expression filled with penitent worries as she gently held Michiru by the arms. "Don't blame yourself for what I've done."
"I'm not." Michiru giggled at her sudden fuss. "I'm apologising for not being there for you."
"Oh."
"You should be the one to stop blaming yourself," Michiru pointed out.
"Well… Setsuna did say she's worried about my method of coping," Haruka joked.
"Mm, we've troubled her more than we should," Michiru murmured, leaning closer, and closer, and—
Outside, Hotaru's muffled voice interrupted them. "You can't go in there. They're—" flip flops resounded against the wooden floor as the invader stumped closer towards their room.
A very familiar tone reached their ears. "I need to talk to them now."
Their door was forcefully opened, revealing a very anxious Minako, whose demanding eyes couldn't quite choose which target to land on.
"You two," she began, her tone taut like a piano's string, "I'm sorry to interrupt but there's something I need to verify." The young girl seemed to have rushed here, given the tell-tale beads of sweat on her forehead.
Haruka withdrew from Michiru, seriousness sprung into her eyes. "Did something happen to the Princess?"
"I think this is much more important to you than that," Minako snorted, crossing her arms.
"What is it?" Michiru asked.
"Did you cheat on Michiru-san, Haruka-san?"
Haruka's eyes went wide, surprised and horrified at what she had just heard. "How did you…?"
"Just answer the damn question," Minako demanded. "Did you or did you not?"
"I didn't! I wouldn't!" Haruka claimed. "Why would I?"
The violinist's light blue orbs hardened, but she said nothing as she gazed at Minako with nonchalance. Haruka's eyes, on the contrary, switched between Michiru and Minako, confusion directed at the former and terror at the latter. She had no idea why Minako would know this, but if she knew… then the others… they may know as well.
"Haruka-san, you're my friend." She lowered her head, taking a deep breath. When she raised her head, her voice was now softer. "I want to believe you, but I can't. Not until I know what really happened."
The blonde looked torn. She hesitated, but before she could say anything Usagi ran in.
The future Queen was also rushing into their room, seeking answers to the same questions. Usagi's attire was slightly dishevelled and her expression mirrored Minako's. "Haruka-san! The others—they know!" Her voice urgent.
Indeed, urgent it was, because the rest of them barged in behind them, led by none other than Makoto. The florist glowered at Haruka with an accusatory glare, her fist clenched and lips drawn into one tight line.
"Haruka-san, I thought you'd changed. But I can't believe you would do that," Makoto began, voice tinged with disappointment. "How can you just play with someone and then throw them away?"
"Mako-chan, let me explain." Haruka proceeded to stand up.
"Your latest lover has already explained herself," Rei said, crossing her arms.
"It's not what you think."
"That's a bit impossible since you've not only played with Naomi-san but also insulted her in front of a crowd." Makoto directed an incredulous look at Michiru as she said that last part. Obviously, the violinist discerned it and she returned it with a cold narrowing of her eyes.
"What?" Haruka exclaimed. "I admit I did play around with her at first, but it wasn't anything serious! I didn't even go as far as to kiss her."
"Haruka-san, she said you asked her out," Ami provided.
"She was the one who asked me out!"
Makoto and Rei weren't convinced of Haruka's innocence, while Minako and Ami remained impassive. The florist appeared like she wanted to get this over with and condemn the blonde, but not before Usagi intervened.
"Jupiter, we are not going to do it by being judge, jury and executioner all at once." The future Queen's kind azure orbs hardened, her voice authoritative and austere. Her distant, unusual invoking of the florist's Senshi title stunned Makoto a bit.
Usagi saw how her friend was taken aback, causing her face to soften perceptibly. "I know you want the truth, but what you're accusing Haruka-san of doing is only one side to the story. If we're going to find out what happened, we have to do it justly."
Everyone stared at her, some in mild bewilderment, while others were astonished. They were amazed by the discipline and respect she displayed. Then again, Usagi did change. Even in the midst of this heated tension, Usagi managed to bring the obvious to attention. Her expression was grave, but she also exuded calmness.
Makoto stepped down without much fuss, seeing as the request came from her dearest friend—the future Queen herself. "Fine, we'll do it however you deem right, Princess," she said, directing one last glance of disappointment at Haruka before leaving the room.
"Ami-chan, tell everyone to take some time off and then assemble in our suite living room. We'll settle this matter there," Usagi instructed as her friend nodded in return. "And ask that girl to come too."
Ami consented and left along with Rei.
Usagi then turned to the last of the Inners who stiffly stood in her spot ever since she came in. "Minako-chan," she called, "I know there's a lot to process but we're not completely sure if everything is true yet."
The young idol's eyes drifted to her, expression unreadable. "You knew," she muttered. "You knew everything." It wasn't a question she was asking.
"I know just as much as you." Usagi put on the kindest smile she could muster. "Please, just join the others."
"No."
"What?"
"No, I came here demanding to know the details and I demand it now." Minako turned towards the couple.
"We'll tell you when it's time," Michiru coolly replied.
"You're gonna start that Outers crap now?" snapped Minako.
"Please, you two," Usagi beseeched. "Minako-chan, please go."
"Usagi—!"
"Venus." Usagi raised her voice the same way she did for Makoto.
Her friend's eyes went from Usagi to the couple, her voice cracked. "I believed you were my friend, Haruka-san. But I guess I should have known better." Then she promptly left the room.
The future Queen closed her eyes and sighed. She never thought she'd see the hurt in Minako's sapphire orbs, but there it was.
She opened her eyes. Turning to the couple, she smiled somewhat sadly. "I'm sorry it came to this."
"Don't be sorry, Usagi," Michiru softly said, "it's not your fault."
"What was that bit Minako-chan said about you knowing everything?" Haruka asked. She couldn't believe the future Queen had known all this time and hadn't said anything.
"I was there with Setsuna-san," Usagi explained, "Mamo-chan too."
"Yet you didn't say anything."
"Setsuna-san asked us not to." Usagi smiled apologetically. "Even if she didn't ask, we wouldn't have done something so drastic like this." She raised her eyes at them. "You already have enough to deal with."
Comments & reviews are welcomed.
Thank you for reading.