Title: Just us
Author: Ree
Theme: Preseries - Single parent
Genre: general
Version: Anime/Manga
Rating: G

I asked for their stories and this is what they told me. I can't guarantee they're the truth, you will have to ask Takeuchi Naoko, to whom they belong to.

Just us

Megami Aino stared at the budget sheets that were laid out across the dining room table. Tapping her pen against her teeth, she tried to figure out what Tenko Records had done to put themselves into such a hole, and, more importantly, how to help them pull themselves out. Leaning back in her chair, she transfered her stare to the blank ceiling, hoping that some inspiration would strike. 'Come on, just a little insight, not much. If I can figure this out, they'll recommend me to their cooperate office. That would be such a sweet deal. Freelance accounting for one of the major music retailers in the business. It would mean more hours and some days away from home, but now that Minako is older...' Looking back at the table, she pulled out a thick file. There had to be something in their accounting records she could find. The real bottom line and the predicted bottom line were too different. Pushing her shoulder length black hair behind her ear, she started rereading the file for the fourth time. Two hours and a budding headache later she found it. Marking the spot, she went to get an aspirin.

As she neared Minako's door, she heard the sounds of muffled sobbing. The sound brought back memories of when the little girl had tried to hide her grief. Megami had convinced her that it was a good thing to share her feelings, to grieve with someone. At least she thought she had. 'Is she hiding it from me again?' Gently rapping on the closed door, she waited a moment. When Minako didn't answer, she opened the door. The sight that met her eyes made her heart sink. Cloths were scattered across the floor and her little girl was crumpled on her bed with her shoulders shaking. Her blond head was buried into her covers, or whatever she was clutching, muffling the sobs that was causing her shoulders to quake. Quickly crossing the room,she scooped the ten year old up into her arms as best she could. Minako was almost as tall as her now.

Tear filled blue eyes peered up at her. "Mother?"

Megami smiled down at her. "What are all these tears for?" She reached up and brushed away the few that had just leaked from those bright blue eyes. "I told you never to hide them from me. We have to stick together now."

Snuffling, Minako wiped at her eyes. "But you were working. I didn't want to interrupt you."

Megami hugged her close. "It's just you and me now, so whenever you need me, you interrupt, okay?"

Minako nodded as she returned the hug. Both of them knew there were priorities attached to that, somethings were more important than others. But it felt good to know she could if she needed to.

Resting her head onto top of Minako's head, she fought her own tears. The past two years had been hard, very hard, raising this little girl on her own, and she still had many more to go. "So, what was the cause of all those tears?"

Minako pulled out of her mother's arms and picked up the crumpled dress off the bed. "I can't fit it anymore." The words came out on a sob as tears started collecting in her eyes again.

Taking the offending garment from her daughter, Megami felt a relieved. It was a costume, a play dress. This was easy to replace. Looking closer at the clothes scattered across the floor, she realized they were all costumes. Tapping her finger on the slightly reddened nose, she smiled. "Then I guess we get to go hunting for some more tomorrow. Until then, you can raid my closet, just stay away from the business suits."

Minako's face lit up. "Yes Ma'am."

Megami watched as she dashed out of the room. Minako's brilliant smile warming the cold sad place that was still lodged in her heart. Holding onto the warmth, she headed back to the table. She had a long night to pull if she wanted to go shopping tomorrow.