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.
"I want you."
The moment those three words reached Haruka's ear, her heart soared to unfathomable heights. Warm, blissful feelings simmered inside her as she brought their lips together. Haruka kissed her greedily, yet her touch was achingly tender as she held Michiru's face like she was made of glass. Sliding her other hand inside her lover's yukata, Haruka nudged the piece of clothing aside, causing it to slip down her shoulders.
"Haruka." Her name left Michiru's lips with distracting intent. The trick worked, causing Haruka to glance up, searching her eyes.
Michiru, mischievousness brightly gleaming within her cerulean depths, abruptly pushed her down into the soft white sheets. Haruka was caught by surprise at the sudden motion.
"While it's sweet of you, wanting to take me, I believe I've been denied this—" Michiru crooned as her fingers trailed feathery touches from Haruka's collarbone south between her breasts, "—for far too long."
"Oh?" Haruka uttered, amused. "That should be my line, shouldn't it?"
The blonde's itchy fingers started from the porcelain skin on Michiru's thighs, up her wide hips, then settled at her waist. The wolfish smirk returned to her face once again.
"Is that so?" Michiru indulged, but her sneaky digits began their masterful work. Skilled hands slid beneath the blonde's yukata, palming her breasts. A small gasp left Haruka as she unconsciously surrendered herself to her lover's touch.
"Yes," Haruka breathed a shaky sigh. She didn't realise her aching need for Michiru's touch until the woman laid her hands on her. It was entrancing, appealing, and pleasing. Michiru, staring down into her eyes, was exquisitely tempting as well. Haruka tried reaching for the hem of Michiru's yukata.
Before her hands could entered, however, Michiru instantly caught her. "Not so fast, Haruka."
"Michiru," she groaned, giving her a disapproving, sultry look.
The green-haired woman chuckled. "So impatient."
"You're aware that I miss you just as much?" Haruka smirked, giving her a daring quirk of her brow.
"I'm very much aware."
"Then why?"
"I believed I've told you," Michiru said. "I want you."
The violinist brought Haruka's hand to her lips, grazing her knuckles with light kisses.
"This isn't exactly what I had in mind when you said that."
"Well, what did you have in mind?" Michiru teased. Opting for her lover's neck, she scattered chaste kisses on the blonde's warm ivory skin; the same way Haruka had earlier.
"You," Haruka began simply. Michiru's lips were tantalizingly near one of her rosy tips, but the violinist was most determined on torturing her with sensual licks and kisses. Haruka struggled to elaborate her thoughts. "—quivering with need beneath me as I—oh… taste you."
"And then…?" the green-haired woman prompted. She unbound the sash holding Haruka's yukata together, freeing her gloriously sturdy and beautiful body from the clothing. Michiru drank in the sight of her with lustful appreciation.
Deciding that she was going to take it slow, Michiru delighted in her lover's body with every kiss.
Haruka felt Michiru's agonizingly languid ministrations; from her hardened peaks, through her taut abdomen, and finally down below.
"And then, I would—Ah!" Haruka tried to be coherent with her words, but Michiru had taken her voice away, replacing it with ragged sighs.
Michiru took her time, skimming through everything in her path, rediscovering every nook and cranny of her body. Though Michiru was quite the teaser herself; she would linger agonizingly close to where Haruka truly wanted her to be. This maddening pattern drove the racer insane.
When she finally relented on the teasing and gave Haruka what she truly needed, it was a benediction mending her lonesome heart. Intense pleasure spiked hot and hard as Michiru kneaded her passion-moistened depths with that sweet mouth of hers.
Gently, the green-haired woman eased two digits inside Haruka. The tame moment passed all too quickly. Michiru became relentless; combined both her mouth and her fingers. Quiet groans turned into breathless, urgent gasps when her beloved guided her to a blinding crescendo.
Liberation was Michiru's gift to Haruka; for her lover had returned, freeing her from the shackles of unbearable loneliness. Haruka was suspended amidst a blank state of mind for a couple of moments, vaguely aware of Michiru guiding her down from her moment of release.
Slipping out of her, Michiru made sure to savour her lover's taste. When she was done, the teal-haired woman moved to her side, letting Haruka rest as she tried calming her ragged breathing.
Haruka turned her head to gaze up at her with reverence, giving her a sated smirk. "You haven't lost your touch, I see."
Michiru replied with a warm smile, like bringing Haruka to the brink of pleasure was equally satisfying for her. "How do you feel?"
"Complete," Haruka incredulously breathed. "It's been a while since I felt that."
"I'm glad." Michiru lovingly stroked her face.
Haruka quietly observed her. When Michiru wasn't moving or speaking, that was when the blonde realised her partner was perfectly content leaving their lovemaking at this moment.
The athlete took a few deep breaths, realising she had regained her strength. Now that her body was obeying her again, Haruka reached for her lover. Her movement slightly surprised Michiru.
"I don't believe we're done yet," Haruka said, her hand straying into Michiru's sea green curls. She reveled in the feeling of her silky hair grazing her skin.
"My," Michiru gave a small chuckle when Haruka moved to pin her against the bed. "Someone's vigorous."
Haruka laughed, amused with her lover's playful manner. "I'd be an ungrateful partner if I don't at least repay you in kind." She then kissed her, tenderly at first, but when their passion reignited, Haruka found her mouth growing rough against Michiru's. Their tongues danced together with a language all their own.
It was intoxicating.
Everything about Michiru was bewitching. Her silvery voice. Her lustrous curls. Her soft curves. Haruka wanted so much to take her time exploring Michiru until she was taut and trembling with desire; yet the electrical current running through her as they kissed told Haruka her lover was becoming desperate.
She broke away from Michiru's delicious lips to gaze down at her. With an unwavering resolve burning in her eyes, she cupped Michiru's cheeks.
"Let's take this slow. I want to savor you too," Haruka whispered, making up her mind.
"Haruka," Michiru disagreed, gripping her hand.
"Slow," Haruka stressed as she helped herself to Michiru's creamy flesh; fondling and molding and suckling.
"Slow," Haruka repeated the incantation between kisses. Capturing one of Michiru's throbbing peaks between her lips, she whisked it with her tongue.
Michiru was most generous with her quickening moans. Hands tightly gripped at the sheets. Her back arched off the mattress when Haruka reached the slick wetness of her excitement. She did no such things as dangling dangerously near. Instead, she dove for her lover's heated center.
Nevertheless, Haruka was no less of a tease herself; a never-ending onslaught wasn't what she planned—she would beckon Michiru close enough, but when Michiru was so, so close to falling over the edge, Haruka chose that moment to ease off.
The blonde was driving Michiru mental. A game more satisfying than she could have predicted.
"Haruka…" Michiru panted, her voice almost begging. Haruka couldn't help but chuckle at her predicament.
"So impatient," Haruka echoed her words with impish mirth.
Michiru nudged closer to her mouth, whimpering; asking Haruka to free her from this unbearable torment. The vulnerable state Michiru was in sent shivers down Haruka's spine. She looked ravishing; it was a majestically delightful sight.
Feeling adequately satisfied with her erotic pranks, Haruka finally focused on her merciful assault. One hand played with Michiru's quivering, plump mound, while the other firmly securing her midsection, holding her in place. Haruka lapped at her moist, honeyed treasure, eliciting more ragged gasps of ecstasy that were music to her ears.
And then Michiru was gone.
She was seized by a rush of sensation so intense, her body convulsed uncontrollably. Even so, Haruka still wouldn't leave her unattended. With each twitch she helped Michiru ride them out with leisurely licks, easing her down from her own blank plane.
Tired as she was, Michiru wearily brought her hand down, gently combing through her lover's blonde locks. Haruka welcomed her touch by leaning her head into her palm, still avidly feasting upon Michiru's fruit.
When the rush finally passed, Haruka sat up. Towering over Michiru by propping her arms on both sides, she gazed down at her beloved with yearning-hooded eyes. Michiru brought her arms up to wrap around her torso; her fingers skimming over Haruka's fine, solid muscles. The green-haired woman returned the gaze, wordlessly telling Haruka to embrace her.
Getting the message, Haruka lowered down, but not forgetting to adjust her position, letting Michiru take half her weight. And embrace her, she did.
Haruka's head was tucked inside the crook of Michiru's neck. There, she could inhale the distinctive sweet fragrance that only Michiru carried.
"How do you feel?" Haruka asked.
"Elated," Michiru tiredly replied.
Haruka fondly chuckled. "You usually never sound that tired after our heated sessions."
"Mmhm… Well, I guess your warm, comfortable arms are to blame," Michiru said with mock accusation. "I feel like I could fall asleep in an instant."
Small laughter arose from within Haruka's chest. "I'm hurt."
"Is that so? I'm sure you can get over it." Michiru laughed along.
Haruka snuggled into her as she nuzzled Michiru's neck. It didn't bother her one bit if Michiru was tired. She was already overjoyed to be with Michiru again. At last, Haruka could finally leave behind her distress, her fear of losing Michiru, and the persistent yearnings of her heart.
This was their happiest moment.
When their breathing slowed down considerably, allowing the silence of the night to return, Haruka could hear her beloved's heartbeat. She knew, Michiru was content like she was.
That was all Haruka ever needed.
Moments later they fell asleep, ensconced in each other's arms.
When Haruka woke up, the sunlight indicated it was already past noon. Michiru was sitting on the bed next to her. She was dressed in nothing but the blonde's shirt from the night before, leaving only the first two buttons unfastened.
Haruka's shirt was at least one size too big for Michiru; causing her to look more dainty than usual in it. The sight placed something akin to jealous possession in the blonde's heart as she considered how cute Michiru was in her oversized shirt.
The green-haired woman appeared to be on the phone with someone, but her voice was hushed.
Haruka sat up then, wrapping her arms securely around Michiru's stomach to pull her in for an embrace. Seeing as the blonde was awake, Michiru continued with her phone call in a normal tone while Haruka absently played with her curls.
"And what did they say?" Michiru waited for the other line's answer with a serious, cold expression. "I see, keep me updated. Thank you."
With that, she hung up.
"Your manager?"
"Yes. I was just checking in for something." Michiru put her phone down on the nightstand.
"Is it about your work?"
Michiru turned around in her arms, gazing at her with a pensive look. The chilliness in her cerulean orbs was gone. In its stead, however, was a kindled warmth she reserved only for Haruka. Her heart filled with tenderness when she saw how much affection Michiru gifted to only her.
Bringing her hand up to caress Haruka's cheek, Michiru smiled as the blonde appreciatively leaned into her touch. "It's about that girl, Naomi."
Upon hearing the one person Haruka thought Michiru would never bother herself with, she furrowed her brows in bemusement. She thought they had rid themselves of her already. Why was Michiru bringing her up now?
"Did she mess with your agency too?" Haruka asked, her emerald eyes hardened.
The aquamarine-haired woman said nothing. Thoughtfully, her thumb stroked Haruka's bottom lip, her eyes captivated by it. Then she drew in to kiss the blonde, attempting to distract her from the topic.
Even so, Haruka wouldn't let it go. She was too bothered by the fact that Michiru of all people would concern herself with someone so insignificant. Moreso when it was someone who tried stealing Haruka away from her.
When their kiss ended, Haruka softly asked again. "What about her, Michiru?"
With a resigned sigh, Michiru said, "She was charged with extortion, among other charges."
"She's not getting out of prison, is she?"
"No, she's not," Michiru confirmed. Then her eyes turned frosty. "I've personally seen to it."
There was such contempt to her words that Haruka couldn't help but worry. Impulsively, Haruka observed her lover's expression; Michiru may appear nonchalant, but the blonde knew that underneath that cool layer was a seething anger Michiru expertly kept in check.
"How did you see to it?" Haruka carefully treaded.
"I have friends in the underworld who owe me," Michiru calmly said. "You'll have a lawyer who's going to make sure she will miss the outside world dearly."
Haruka didn't know how to feel or what to say about this. She had almost forgotten how terrifying Michiru could be when someone rubbed her the wrong way. She also knew Michiru was protective of her. Though she had to admit, using underworld connections was something Haruka hadn't anticipated.
Michiru was quietly observing her reaction. Haruka knew Michiru noticed the frown on her face, for the aqua-haired woman softened considerably.
"I'm sorry if I scared you." Michiru appeared apologetic. Again, one of the many facets to her personality she showed only Haruka.
"You didn't. You never have," Haruka gently assured. Bringing her hand up, she tucked a stray curl behind Michiru's ear. "Though I wish you wouldn't have to do that for me."
"Because it's cruel?" Michiru chuckled, but there was no amusement in it.
"Because it means you have to be cruel," Haruka softly said. "I don't want you to carry that burden on my behalf."
Michiru seemed to contemplate her words. Haruka knew she felt better after hearing her thoughts. Haruka was aware Michiru never felt any sort of guilt doing callous things those others who deserved it. However, Michiru would sometimes take it too far without informing her because she didn't want Haruka feeling bad for her.
Truly, it was a seemingly selfish thing; Michiru feeling guilty for being a ruthless person in Haruka's eyes. To her, that triumphed over Michiru's indifference towards her own cruelty. Despite that, the blonde wasn't frightened of Michiru. She understood the meaning behind Michiru's cruelty. True, sometimes the violinist could take things too far, but Haruka knew Michiru only did those things for love. And the thought melted her heart.
Giving Michiru a kind smile, Haruka soothed her with a fervent kiss. The verdant-haired woman held onto her as she returned the glorious kiss with equal enthusiasm.
Haruka retained their kiss while maneuvering Michiru back against the bed. Haruka ended the embrace preemptively.
Breathless, she asked with a playful smirk, "Now… how about we reminisce on enjoyable nocturnal acts again?"
"My..." A gratifying grin touched Michiru's lips as her arms encircled Haruka's neck.
A few days after the incident with the brunette, the entire group agreed they would have one final lavish lunch at the spa before packing up and return to the Outers' vacation home.
At the moment, Makoto was strolling through the well-kept, tremendous garden in the spa. There were two hours left before they had to gather for lunch and yearned for a peaceful and quiet stroll through nature, rather than being in the crowded rooms of the spa.
The peaceful atmosphere always healed her. Calmed her nerves, even. Yet, she was surprised to find the solitude frustrating. As much as she tried denying the cause of her discomfort, she couldn't.
She was dwelling on her actions against Haruka.
It was downright unforgivable. If it weren't for Michiru's composed input on Haruka's behalf, Makoto would have placed all the blame on the blonde's head and never looked back. All because she had a grudge against cheaters…
Truly apologetic for what she did, Makoto had attempted to meet up with Haruka multiple times throughout the last few days. Much to her dismay, she never got the chance. She would either catch the blonde alone and choke up, or Haruka would be busy with Michiru or someone else.
Makoto wanted so much to put this behind her, but her state of mind would not allow her; not until she expressed her regrets and apologized to Haruka.
Hence, here she was, expecting nature's bliss to ease her guilt somehow. Instead, she was disappointed to find her regret could not be so easily assuaged.
The sound of crunching leaves resounded from behind as she lounged on a bench. Assuming it must be tourists seeking refuge in nature, Makoto closed her eyes and relaxed against the wooden bench. She sat in silence, attempting to clear her thoughts.
"Mako-chan?" a familiar, husky voice called her name.
Her emerald eyes flung open to find Haruka standing in front of her, expression radiating surprise.
"What a coincidence, finding you here." The blonde gave a reticent smile.
Makoto just blankly stared at her. She felt contradicted. Part of her was restless with guilt, prompting her burning need to apologize. Another part of her was scared; how could Haruka forgive her when her actions were so stupid and selfish? Hell, she tried to destroy Haruka and Michiru's relationship!
"Mako-chan?" Haruka's voice drew her back.
"Haruka-san, I'm—" the florist struggled for words as she attempted to gather her thoughts. Makoto had mentally rehearsed her apology multiple times. But when it was time to deliver, her body tensed up and all thoughts escaped her.
Haruka felt sympathetic for Makoto. The blonde gifted her the most encouraging smile she could muster. "Take your time, Mako-chan. I'm not going anywhere."
Thanks to Haruka's encouragement, Makoto managed to take a few deep breaths. She relaxed somewhat, though she was still nervous.
Haruka pointed to the seat next to her. "May I?"
The florist gave a slight nod.
After Haruka sat, silence immediately descended upon them. The pair remained in uncomfortable silence for minutes, until the awkwardness got to Makoto. Unable to help herself, the tall brunette snuck apprehensive glances at Haruka. Her emerald orbs were focused ahead, staring into some random corner of the garden.
Then Haruka suddenly spoke, making Makoto jump. "I have to admit… this garden is nice. Reminds me a lot of the times when Michiru used to ask me to drive her to the beach."
"The beach?" Makoto asked, a bit perplexed at the irrelevance of the topic. She wasn't sure where the blonde was going with this, but something told her she needed to listen.
"The beach calms her nerves. Helps her speak her mind." Haruka turned to gaze at her. "Doesn't nature do the same for you?"
It took a long moment before Makoto realised what Haruka meant; the blonde was trying to calm her down.
Understanding Haruka's meaning, Makoto turned back to the garden before her. She closed her eyes, inhaling the crisp, fresh air. Surprisingly, that did help ease her nervousness. Makoto was glad to find her scattered thoughts returning to her.
Mentally preparing herself once more, Makoto apologised, "I'm sorry, Haruka-san."
Haruka's gaze softened. "What for?"
"I was stupid. Blinded, even." Makoto scrunched her brows. "If it weren't for Michiru-san, I would have condemned you for something you didn't do."
Makoto gathered her final courage as she glanced into the blonde's eyes. "I'm so, so sorry."
Haruka's green orbs housed forgiveness and kindness all blended into one understanding gaze. "Mako-chan, it's your sense of righteousness that helps protect the Princess. You never did anything wrong. If someone wronged me, that person's not you."
The blonde's words were gentle and gracious. They became the remedy that healed Makoto's wounds and forgave her mistakes. Once again, Makoto could believe in Haruka. And perhaps in herself, too.
With Haruka's forgiveness breathing new life into her, Makoto felt better; more courageous than she had ever been.
"Thank you, Haruka-san," she expressed, meaning every word. Her eyes stung a bit, but she held back the tears of gratitude. Makoto wanted to at least appear strong in front of someone she admired.
"You're welcome," Haruka replied with a kind smile.
As they returned to enjoying nature's beauty in comfortable silence, Makoto closed her eyes, feeling her state of mind turning tranquil. She was relieved to finally leave everything behind.
"This is nice," Michiru breathed as she snuggled closer to Haruka.
They were lying in their bedroom back at the Outers' vacation home, with sheets tangled around them like the sea. Both were sated from their passionate lovemaking. After returning here for a Christmas dinner, everyone—not just them—was thankful that the worst probable outcome had been avoided.
It was Christmas Eve. And here they were, in each other's arms.
Their bedroom had a retractable roof that revealed a transparent glass pane above, showcasing the countless stars endlessly glittering across the vast night sky.
Michiru was suddenly nostalgic, remembering that moment they spent together after Galaxia's defeat—a night that was just like many other fervid nights. The stars were identical to that night. Their distant twinkles danced within Michiru's cerulean depths with mirth, and she knew they were joyous for Haruka too.
Contentedness was what Michiru felt, for they had learned the hard way not to take each other for granted any longer.
"What are you thinking?" asked Haruka, amused at Michiru's mental wandering.
"I just thought the stars were sparkling with merriment, like the day we defeated Galaxia."
"You're right," Haruka crooned. "They look like they're celebrating."
"Mm… they're glad for us," Michiru uttered sincerely. She swiveled her eyes up to observe Haruka's moonlit profile, finding a gratified smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
As if on cue, Haruka's emerald orbs shifted down to gaze into hers. There was nothing but love, warmth, and adoration behind Haruka's eyes.
Michiru's heart couldn't help but quiver with a pleasant ache in response to her ardent feelings.
"So am I," Haruka whispered. The blonde seemed like she was contemplating something important as she furrowed her brows. When it passed, Haruka confessed with profound honesty, "I love you, Michiru. There will never come a time when I'll stop loving you."
Michiru's heart fluttered as she heard the sacred words. It hadn't been lost on her that Haruka hadn't said them since that first night in this vacation home. Of course, touches, caresses, and kisses were plentiful; but no amount of physical affection made Michiru wish she could be closer to Haruka than she was right now.
Touching their foreheads together, Michiru softly murmured, "I love you too."
Seeing the unconcealed joy roaming in her lover's emerald depths, an elated smile grew on Michiru's lips. This was all she cared about. Nothing mattered as much as Haruka's happiness. It took only but a moment for her to realise how Haruka's presence chased away the emptiness within; the one thing constantly haunting her during the long months spent alone in opulent hotels and suites.
"Next time, however," Michiru lightly admonished, a hint of a smile in her tone. "Promise you'll talk to me?"
"Yes, of course," Haruka agreed, shuddering when her mind remembered past incidents. Bringing their laced hands up, she said, "I wouldn't want to lose this either."
Michiru softly smiled at her. Giving Haruka a peck on the lips, Michiru nuzzled her side while continuing her stargazing.
The sweet, sweet embrace of sleep soon overtook them, while the moon and stars watched over them with their tender, peaceful shine.
Thank you to those who have given this story a chance. It was an exciting journey and I'm sad to say it's the end.
Head's up: there's a short epilogue coming up if there's people who wanna stick around.
A/N: Many thanks to DominaRegina from AO3 for helping out with this fic and also thank you for the inspiration. A thank you to SailorSilverLadybug for beta and the helpful teachings.
Comments & reviews are welcomed.
Rakurai deshita.