Title: Welcome Home
Author: Ree
Theme: Haruka/Uranus (starve: day 23)
Genre: General
Version: Anime/Manga
Rating: G

This complex lady and her friends belong to Takeuchi Naoko. I just asked if they could play for a while.

Welcome Home

Haruka savored the smells that were swirling around her. The rice cooker gave off gentle puffs of rice scented steam. The bowl of marinating meat she had just removed from the refrigerator added its own spicy smell. Both of these mixed with the aroma of freshly chopped vegetables that were sitting on the counter. And under it all was the delicate smell of green tea brewing.

Grabbing the wok, Haruka set it on the burner and turned it on high. In just a few moments she saw a faint haze forming above it. Working carefully, she drizzled a little bit of oil around the edges of the pan, and watched it slowly slid to the center. The smell of warming oil was added to the others.

Gauging by the smell, Haruka waited until the oil was hot and then carefully added the ginger and garlic. Stirring them so they wouldn't burn, Haruka felt the hunger pains start. 'I'm going to be starving by time this is done. Michiru and Hotaru better not be late getting home, or there might not be any left.'

Working quickly, Haruka added the ingredients to the wok. When it was ready, she slid the lid over it, and set it on the warmer. One glance at the table showed that it was ready. The table cloth was smooth, the dishes were neatly in place, and the candles were ready to be lit. Smiling a little, she hoped that they would enjoy her surprise. It wasn't often she cooked.

Hearing them enter the gate, Haruka rushed about setting the food onto the plates, the rice into the bowls, and pouring the tea. As the door opened, she lit the candles. Walking to the dinning room door, she watched them come in.

Michiru removed her shoes, and gave a tired but glad sigh. They were home. Now she had to make some dinner, and then Hotaru needed to do her homework. Stretching a little bit, her attention was caught as a smell wafted by. Turning slowly towards the dinning room, she looked hopefully and uncertainly at Haruka. When the smell reached Hotaru, she took off to the dinning room. Haruka stepped into her path. "Go wash your hands first."

The violet eyes looked up at her for just a moment, and then the preteen rushed to comply. Michiru finally made it to the dinning door, and stared at the scene. Feeling a small burden being removed from her shoulders, Michiru looked up to her benefactor. "Thank you."

Haruka felt a happy glow spread through her from the happiness in Michiru's eyes. "You're welcome." Reaching up, she caressed Michiru's cheek. "Welcome home."