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.
The girls couldn't believe what they were witnessing.
Their eyes widened in horror at the scene playing out before them: Haruka, lying on the marble floor inside the water chapel, with that girl on top—she didn't even appear to be in any hurry to push that girl away either. Haruka looked so incredibly comfortable with her hands resting on that brunette's hips.
Rei's expression was indescribable. A frown was sewn to her forehead and her lips drawn into a straight, thin line, on which Minako couldn't decide whether she was angry or baffled. It could very well be both.
Makoto, on the contrary, quickly changed to seething. Her fists were clenched, her eyes hardened, and her expression mirrored Rei's.
Ami was the complete opposite of Makoto. The blue-haired genius' expression was sombre as her brows creased, suggesting she wasn't pleased with this discovery.
The only one who didn't express even an ounce of emotion was Michiru. The young idol tried hard to gauge the woman's expression, but to no avail. Her visage was unreadable, save only for a glassy veil in her cerulean eyes.
Minako didn't understand. How could Michiru be so… unaffected by the scene playing out before her? Even Minako had reached her limit. She gave Haruka a chance for old time sakes—for a time Haruka had proved she could actually be a true friend—but this was pushing it too far. She felt betrayed, even though Haruka was just her friend. How could Michiru, Haruka's soul mate, handle this development? The violinist was as apathetic as she had always been, which made Minako feel an ambivalent mix of sympathy and bemusement for her.
Not like she could judge the woman; even Minako herself couldn't place exactly how she was feeling. Minako only knew Haruka had wasted the one chance she gave her.
Makoto's sudden movement interrupted her thoughts. The tall brunette stomped her way towards Haruka, but Michiru was swift as she moved in front of her, obstructing the girl from advancing any further. The florist's eyes widened at Michiru's behaviour, though she didn't seem surprised to see the violinist acting this way.
"Michiru-san, can't you see what she's doing?" Makoto asked, her voice quivering with irritation.
"I do see it," Michiru affirmed matter-of-factly, yet she made no effort to move.
"Then why? Why are you still protecting her?" Ami dejectedly entreated.
"I'm not protecting anyone." Michiru flicked her glazed eyes to Ami. "I'm trying to point out you're all being hasty."
"Michiru-san," Rei stressed. She stepped towards her, reaching her hand out to try and convince Michiru. The violinist shook her head.
"Just observe. If Haruka is truly gone, you'll know," Michiru advised. Her expression was indifferent, but there was an unmistakable spark of determination in her eyes.
The Senshi appeared to be at a loss. They shared irresolute and anxious glances between themselves until their eyes landed on Minako.
"What do you think, Minako-chan?" Ami asked.
"You're asking me?" she quietly responded, her bangs overshadowing her eyes.
"You're our leader," Rei said, crossing her arms. "So what's your suggestion, Leader?"
They stood in silence, waiting for the young idol to provide her opinion. Minako's attention focused on them before she glanced over Michiru. The violinist's aqua eyes were already carefully studying her.
"We'll do as Michiru-san says."
"What did you tell them?"
The girl straddling Haruka stared her down with delightful satisfaction.
"I think they should be the least of your concerns right now, Haruka-san." The girl proceeded to stroke her jawline, but Haruka firmly grabbed her hand.
"What did you tell them?" Haruka demanded as she glared up at Naomi with disdain.
Naomi huffed in annoyance and sat back. "I only told them you used me and threw me away like I was nothing. How you assaulted me, how your girlfriend insulted me," she paused, then cracked a derisive smile. "Though I have to admit, you've got some really overly righteous friends. The moment I told them my side of the story, that tall brunette's nostrils flared and she stormed off."
"So that was your plan all along? Breaking us up so you could get to me?" Haruka scowled.
"And I finally have you, all thanks to those dumb girls." Naomi grinned wickedly. "That worked out better than I thought."
"What makes you think they wouldn't believe me?"
"That tall girl is proof of how divided you all are." Naomi lowered herself, eyes level with Haruka's.
"You manipulated her by fabricating your story."
"I'm not the reason why she's overly righteous and doesn't believe you." One of Naomi's hand took hold of Haruka's pants zipper, dragging it down in a deliriously slow manner. "Now, enough talking. I'll make you regret ever leaving me for that vain woman."
Hands sneaking beneath Haruka's top, the brunette attempted to kiss her. The blonde took her by surprise. Haruka flipped her over, securely pinning both her hands atop her head and restraining all movement with her legs. Now, it was Haruka's turn to stare her down.
Naomi's initial shock quickly cleared when she noticed the risqué position they were in. She gave Haruka a lascivious smirk. "If you wanted to be on top, all you had to do was ask."
Haruka cringed inwardly at her lustful submission but decided to ignore it. Her free hand fished around her pocket and brought the object to Naomi's attention.
It was her phone, its screen displaying a recorder.
"I'm sure you know what this does," Haruka began, her tone nonchalant as she absentmindedly played with the phone in her hand.
"What are you trying to prove?" Naomi haughtily huffed.
Naomi arched a puzzled brow at Haruka until the blonde pressed play. Every word she had uttered moments before resonated from the phone, loud and clear. The troublesome brunette's eyes widened in horror.
"I don't know what you think, but I'd say everything you just said can be interpreted as harassment." Haruka gave a sly grin. She was even more satisfied when all the colour drained from the girl's face. "So what's it going to be? Are you going to keep scheming? Or are you going to give up?"
Struggling, Naomi thrashed about, hoping to break free but faltered against Haruka's iron grip. In only a few seconds she gave up—her limbs went weak in Haruka's grip.
After successfully handling the ordeal, Haruka brought Naomi along with the girls to the Inners' suite. There, the future Queen and King awaited them as they settled down in their respective seats.
The tension in the air was palpable; the Inners said little, but their expressions were harsh and loud. Most of them gave Haruka pointed looks, though the blonde ignored their stares. She crossed her arms, expression neutral while she perched on the armchair where Michiru sat.
When Usagi announced they could begin, Haruka showed them the recording.
With each sentence spilling forth from the recorder, Naomi's complexion increasingly paled. The Inners, however, were confounded by what they heard. Expressions of disbelief and shock scattered across the room. Only Setsuna, Michiru and Mamoru retained their composure, though it was hard for them to keep their calm.
"Please tell us the whole truth," Usagi gently asked, though her voice sounded strained.
"I told you already, I—!" Naomi mewled.
"Kindly stop with the acting," Makoto raised her voice. "I don't normally hit girls but don't force me to make an exception." The frown on Makoto's face indicated she was beyond furious. She was hurt, feeling like her actions since meeting Naomi had been stupid and unforgivable.
"You can tell us the whole truth or we can sue you for harassment. Whichever you prefer. It doesn't matter either way," Minako said, her tone serious.
"How did you meet Haruka-san?" Rei started, crossing her arms.
Naomi opened her mouth, about to lie again. As her eyes wandered over to Michiru, she faltered. It wasn't as if the violinist was threatening her. Michiru was only giving her a frosty stare; one sharp enough to cut through steel.
"I—We met at a ski slope," Naomi began. Her gaze turned downward. "I obscured him and he knocked me down to the snow by accident. Then…"
"Then what?" Rei urged.
"Then he asked me out."
When that sentence left her mouth, the silence that followed was so disturbing—it was almost tangible. Usagi frowned. She turned over to Haruka. "Haruka-san?"
"She asked me out," Haruka insisted.
"You're lying," Usagi calmly stated as she returned to Naomi.
Said brunette stared back in shock. "What? You're just going to decide it like that? What if he's lying?"
"The Illusionary Silver Crystal helps me repel darkness; telling apart lies and truth is but a very small part of its power," Usagi placidly explained. Her expression was relaxed as she asked Naomi, "please continue."
"Wait," Makoto interjected, "tell everyone what you've told me and Minako-chan. I need to hear it for this part."
Naomi shifted her nervous eyes between Makoto and Usagi. "We went out for a date in the mall. I… I asked him to buy things for me but he wouldn't. He threatened to hit me!"
Disagreeing, Mamoru chose that moment to speak up, "That's not true. You were clinging to him, pointing at different things. From how I see it, you were urging him into buying things for you. I didn't see Haruka-san threaten you at all."
They could see her visibly recoiling from Mamoru's truth.
"We saw Haruka-san leaving the night after, although it was late. Was it to meet you?" Ami asked.
"Yes." The brunette scrunched her brows, biting her lip in vexation. "We planned to meet up at a bar."
"What was Haruka there for?" Setsuna coolly prompted.
"H-He was there to have fun with me, but he…" she trailed off, no longer having the desire to continue.
"You're going tell us Haruka-san forced you into doing things again?" Minako interposed, thoroughly irked by how the brunette could still keep up this unconvincing act.
The future Queen moved to stand in front of the brunette. As she stared straight into her ruby orbs, Usagi beseeched, "Tell us the truth, please."
Naomi appeared taken aback by how earnest and genuine Usagi presented her plea. However, exactly because of how fervid the blonde was, the brunette knew she had lost; there was no point keeping this up. She hesitated, truly hesitated, for what felt like hours.
"He came to tell me he wanted to stop," she admitted as her head bowed low.
"But you didn't. You came looking for us," Minako ventured. "Why?"
And tell them she did.
They soon found out the fabricated story Naomi had told Makoto and Minako was made up to fool them into breaking everyone apart. It was true she didn't have any intention initially, that was, until she discovered they were celebrities.
From that point on, she had to obtain Haruka no matter what. Naomi dug through all the information she could get on them—thanks to her connections—and set about fooling them into mistrusting their own. While they were fighting amongst themselves, she would seize Haruka and jump her right then. Naomi decided once she was done, she would have an excuse to blackmail Haruka into being with her.
From the beginning, there were no such things as Haruka assaulting her, using her, nor Michiru insulting her. All of it was, in fact, her cunning deceit.
By the time the whole truth was laid bare, hardly anyone could keep their composure anymore—even Michiru and Setsuna appeared to be very disturbed. Makoto's face scrunched in disgust. Ami looked distraught as she tightly gripped the book in her hand. Rei had a deep scowl, and Minako was speechless.
Usagi let out a sigh, unable to hide the distraught she felt by this devious girl's actions. The Queen turned over to the frowning Senshi of Time. "What is your take on this, Setsuna-san?"
"While I know you'd want to consider letting her go," Setsuna cast a glance at Naomi, then continued, "I don't think that's wise."
"I see."
Despite knowing Naomi's actions were wrong, Usagi was torn between letting her go, or passing a fitting sentence on her. Granted, what Naomi had done was immoral, but she was only human. She wasn't some new enemy coming to town. She caused trouble, yes, but no one was hurt. Having considered that, what Naomi did could have potentially broken the Senshi's bond.
"Hand her over to the police." Michiru casually spoke from her seat. She was smiling, but her eyes weren't.
Usagi's attention fell on the violinist. She hesitated as she considered her suggestion.
"Usagi, there will be many more instances where you're going to have to pass down a judgement on someone. Not just youma and daimon," Michiru collectedly advised. "Consider this practice."
Even though she understood Michiru's assessment was perfectly practical, Usagi couldn't help but notice a steely edge to Michiru's tone. Why couldn't she stop the feeling of unease running down her spine as Michiru regarded her with narrowed azure orbs?
"I'd be disappointed if you're not going to do anything, Koneko-chan," Haruka joked, smiling at said blonde.
Everyone was watching Usagi. The Inners and Outers regarded her as she fulfilled her role as Queen. Her husband, too, patiently waited for her to make a decision. It was up to her now.
The future Queen closed her eyes, steeling herself. "We'll hand you over to the police, Naomi-san. I hope in time you'll realise what you did was wrong."
Naomi didn't seem so scared anymore. She directed a surly, stony stare at Usagi, then at Michiru and Haruka.
Makoto stepped forward, carefully reaching for her. "Come now, I'll walk you out to the reception. We'll wait for the police there."
Their eyes followed Makoto and the brunette until the door closed behind them. Once the two left, the atmosphere that was stretched too thin a moment ago eased up considerably, drawing relieved sighs.
"Well… I guess that's that." Haruka let out a heavy sigh, turning over to Michiru. Jokingly, she said, "it's a shame how we wasted a whole day running around instead of soaking in the bath."
Michiru responded with a tired smile.
"Um… Haruka-san…" Rei began, awkward and uncertain. Minako and Ami's apologetic expressions mirrored hers. She held her hands, staring down at them. "We're sorry for doubting you."
"I should have believed you. You're my friend, and yet…" Minako's dejected blue eyes went downcast. She couldn't find it in her to continue speaking anymore—she knew her behaviour was inexcusable.
Haruka and Michiru exchanged sympathetic glances with each other.
"It's alright. If it were me, I'd probably freak out too."
"Haruka-san…" Their voices trailed off.
"I forgive you. So there's no need to look so blue." Haruka gifted them a kind, shy smile. "Besides, I'm sure Mako-chan was hurt more than most of us."
"Haruka-san, let me talk to her," Ami offered.
"No, I'll talk to her later once she's feeling better. You guys rest. It's been a hectic day."
The trio reluctantly agreed and returned to their respective rooms.
The couple then turned over to the future King and Queen and their housemates. Despite looking quite tired herself, Usagi seemed to have brightened up after everything was resolved. Mamoru came up next to her, putting a comforting arm on her shoulder as the blonde gladly leaned against him, welcoming his consolation. A proud smile was evident on the man's features; the kind of smile that told her she did well.
Setsuna, on the other hand, seemed like a headache was threatening to befall her. She pinched her temple and let loose a small sigh. At her side, Hotaru put a comforting hand on her mama's arm. To Hotaru's credit, she managed to sit through the whole thing without going 'Sailor Saturn' on them, which was a relief to her Outer parents.
"I'm glad things went well for you guys. For a moment there, I was afraid it wouldn't turn out great," Usagi expressed her relief. A sorrowful look gradually made its way onto her features. "Though, I had hope it wouldn't end like that."
"I'm just glad we're not broken," Haruka said wryly.
The royals nodded in agreement. At least there was one good outcome from this incident.
"We'll retire for the night, if you don't mind," Mamoru said, then he and Usagi went off in the direction of their room.
Returning to their suite, the Outers decided to turn in early for the night as well.
After changing into another set of yukata fit for bed, Haruka and Michiru turned off the lights, illuminating the room with moonlight spilling from behind the half-closed cream curtain. They went under the covers. Michiru rested her head on Haruka's shoulder while the blonde stroked her arm tenderly. They lapsed into silence.
The couple stared off into a distant corner of their room, listening to their own tranquil heartbeats and appreciating the quiet atmosphere bestowed upon them by the moonlit night. Their minds couldn't help but contemplate what had just occurred.
"What did you say to them when you went looking with Mako-chan and Rei-chan?" Haruka wondered out loud.
"I advised them not to jump to conclusions," Michiru said quietly.
"That's good advice." Haruka chuckled. She hesitated, letting the silence overtake them for a moment. Then she tried again. "I still have to talk to Mako-chan, don't I?"
"Haruka, what are you really asking?" Michiru softly admonished, halting Haruka's turbulent train of thought.
Haruka tried gathering her thoughts again, this time in a more stable effort. However, when Michiru sat up to properly regarded her, Haruka was unable to refrain from avoiding her gaze. Her thoughts threatened to escape once again.
"Haruka," Michiru reached for her, guiding her back as she spoke in a velvety tone that always eased Haruka's pain and loneliness. "What is it?"
She clasped Michiru's hand in hers. Holding it tight, she opened her mouth then closed it. Words escaped her. Haruka's only hope for bravery was to close her eyes, wishing the darkness could provide sufficient comfort to help her convey her feelings.
"You… you trusted me until the very end… Even after all the time apart—even with what happened, you still chose to put your faith in me," Haruka willed herself to speak. "I can't tell you how much it means to me. Your strength, your grace, I…" she opened her eyes to search for Michiru's reaction. She was not disappointed; Michiru's affectionate, caring smile met her eyes.
Even then, Haruka found herself astonished once again by how kind-heartedly attentive Michiru was. The violinist patiently waited for her to finish her heartfelt confession.
Encouraged by the warmth in her lover's cerulean orbs, Haruka poured her heart into her final statement. "Thank you for loving me unconditionally, Michiru."
The moment those feelings formed into words and left her, Haruka was overcome with elation. That was it. No more running, no more dancing around each other, and no one in between to hinder them.
Michiru leaned close, planting the purest, most loving kiss on her lips. She made sure it lasted, for Michiru wanted Haruka to know how much she loved her as well. When the kiss ended, she drew back. Her hands gently cradled the blonde's face and she gazed deep into Haruka's emerald eyes.
With her attention now on Michiru, the blonde stared back with a sweet, innocent look, which elicited a chuckle from Michiru.
"I will always love you, Haruka," she whispered of sacred vows of commitment, seared into their minds with ghostly touches and kisses bestowed during nocturnal hours in times past, and many more times to come.
Haruka had lost count of how many times she was in awe of Michiru. There had never been any shortage in Michiru's whispers of affection in the past, but Haruka's heart couldn't help but skip with joy.
"Even after…?" Haruka asked with a teasing smile. She sat up then, her hands snaking around her lover's waist, pulling Michiru into her lap.
"Even after that," Michiru confirmed matter-of-factly with a smile of her own, allowing herself to be enveloped in the blonde's arms.
Haruka brought her face to Michiru's neck, covering her smooth, milky skin with leisurely kisses as she tasted her. A satisfied sigh escaped Michiru's lips as she tilted her head, allowing easier access for her lover.
Haruka chuckled. "Keep talking, Michiru."
An elegant laugh rippled through the violinist's chest, but she acceded anyway. "There's hardly anything you can do that'll change how I feel," she breathed while Haruka's kisses wandered down to her collarbone.
Haruka cracked a wolfish grin. Feeling a bit daring herself, she bit at a spot below Michiru's collarbone. Fingers sharply tugged the blonde strands at the nape of her neck, and her attention was snatched away.
Haruka's eyes leveled with Michiru's. The violinist murmured, quiet but ardent, "I want you."
Comments & reviews are welcomed.
Thank you for reading.