Hiiiiiii.
It's been a long time, I know. I just been BIZ-EE. But here is an update, brought to you by the fact that one of my jobs is being ridiculous and giving me days off. (I know, right- UNFORGIVEABLE.)
Anyways. This one is kind of short (by 'kind of' I mean 'really short') but things are gonna start to heat up pretty soon. (both in the physical and um... okay, well, I guess physical is the only way it could heat up?) The next chapter will be somewhat light-hearted, but then everything is going to start to get a little darker as we get to the actual fall of the Silver Millenium. I'm sorry! It wasn't my idea to kill everybody. :(
So. Enjoy this chappie.
And Sailor Moon still ain't mine.
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Once in her quarters, Haruka changed into her usual sleepwear and sat on her bed, thinking. She began to replay the night's events in her mind, analyzing Michiru's reactions, and wondering how this new development would effect their relationship, but most of all, their partnership. There came a soft knock on the door and Haruka looked at the clock, surprised to find that she had been immersed in her thoughts for quite a long time.
Haruka got up and answered the door, slightly startled to find Michiru standing on the other side, still dressed in her ball attire.
"May I come in?" she asked hesitantly, swallowing nervously, and Haruka nodded.
"Of course." The blonde stood aside, holding the door for the Neptunian princess.
Michiru entered the room and looked around, noticing as if for the first time the décor. She swallowed again and turned to Haruka, who had shut the door and was standing rather close behind her. Michiru gazed up into those deep teal eyes, and they were silent for a moment.
"Haruka, I--"
In an instant Haruka had moved forward and captured the aqua-haired girl's lips with her own. Michiru, shocked at first, could not resist as the blonde's arms encircled her, drawing her in tightly, and she wrapped her own arms around Haruka's neck, fingers tangling in her hair.
When the kiss ended, Michiru was left breathless, nearly a puddle in the blonde's embrace. Haruka kissed her again, softer, and she felt her resolve weakening.
"Haruka…" she started, still breathless, as she felt kisses across her cheek, lips beginning to move onto her neck, her partner's breathing in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. She bit her lip. She needed to leave. In a last desperate effort, she managed to pull back slightly, still in Haruka's arms, but her blue eyes catching the blonde's.
She smiled softly, letting Haruka know that she didn't do anything wrong, and took a deep breath, turning suddenly serious. "We can't do this."
Haruka exhaled slowly. She read the look in Michiru's eyes. She wasn't just talking about the next step. She opened her mouth to say something, but Michiru kissed her fiercely. Surprised, Haruka kissed back with just as much fervor, until Michiru pulled back abruptly, breathing hard, her forehead resting against the blonde's.
"But god, I want to," she whispered. She let her forehead rest against Haruka's for a moment, their noses touching, their lips barely brushing. "But we can't. We can't, Haruka," she whispered in a shaky breath. "We have a duty, a service to perform. We have a promise to keep."
Haruka stood, stunned. "Michiru--"
Michiru kissed her again, so passionate that Haruka nearly lost her balance, and she took a step back, pulling away. She looked into Michiru's eyes and was surprised to find the beginnings of tears there.
"How can I keep the promise we made if we do this?" she asked. She blinked, and felt the tears slide down her cheeks.
Haruka reached to wipe the tears away but Michiru brushed her hand aside, her eyes turning suddenly emotionless. "I've had time to think. An intimate relationship would only complicate things, and…" Michiru trailed off, averting her eyes.
Haruka nodded, her expression unreadable, her eyes voiding all emotion as well. "I see." She swallowed. "Then I will honor your request, Michiru."
Michiru nodded, her lips set in a thin line. "Thank you." She looked up briefly into Haruka's eyes, then, fearing she might break down, she lowered her head, letting her hair mask her face. "I… must go."
"Good night, then," Haruka responded, her teal eyes never leaving Michiru's averted ones.
"Good night," the aqua-haired girl said as she exited.
Haruka did not turn at the sound of the door closing.
What just happened?
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The next day, the pair loaded onto their transport back to the moon. Haruka spent the majority of the time engaged in conversation with the on-deck female attendant, who was completely captivated by the blonde's charm and flirty banter. Michiru was not amused by the behavior, and she spent the time in her room reading various periodicals she had taken from her planet which documented recent events.
Once they arrived back on the moon, each went their separate ways to their quarters. They spent the next few days apart, going about their daily routines, and only communicating when necessary. Each felt that time apart was essential to quelling the longing each of them felt to be closer to the other.
Their distance did not go unnoticed by Queen Serenity, who was very aware of the suddenly different tension between the two previously inseparable partners. She had initially decided to let things work themselves out on their own, but reconsidered after a few days of observation.
"Setsuna, how long do you suppose they will go on about this?"
The Senshi of Time nearly chuckled at her queen's genuine but amused concern. "I don't believe they can last much longer, Your Majesty."
The Queen laughed. "Should I interfere?"
Pluto shook her head, amused. "I advise against it. They will come around, I'm sure of it. Just give it a little more time."
Queen Serenity shrugged. "I hope you're right, Setsuna. But then… you are the Guardian of Time."
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"So she just… walked out?"
Haruka nodded at the brunette's question. She had been spending a lot of time with Makoto, teaching the younger, less experienced senshi some of her techniques. They had been sparring partners for a long time, and Haruka enjoyed the brunette's company, more so than any of the other senshi. To her, Makoto seemed a bit more mature, and a bit of a loner, like the blonde herself.
"But I mean… she obviously likes you, Haruka," Makoto pointed out. "So what's the big deal? All of this because of senshi duty? Queen Serenity didn't mention that we couldn't have relationships with each other… Did she?"
Haruka shrugged. "Michiru has her own opinion about it, I suppose."
"Well, if you ask me, she just needs some persuasion." The brunette winked. Haruka raised an eyebrow.
"Persuasion?"
"Yeah," Makoto nodded. "You just need to show her what she's missing out on."
"Oh, trust me, she knows," Haruka joked. "Wait a minute- why am I taking advice from an Inner Senshi?" Haruka laughed at Makoto's mock angry expression.
"Hey!" The brunette swung and Haruka narrowly avoided a hit. "Oh, it's like that, is it?" The blonde returned an attack, which was blocked. "Hey, good!" She smiled. "But let's see you dodge this." They continued sparring for a while, and then decided to call it a day.
"Seriously, though, Haruka," Makoto called over her shoulder as she was leaving. "You should talk to her."
"I will," the blonde nodded. "Tonight."
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Later that evening, Haruka found Michiru star-gazing on a hill. She was in a pale blue, light summer dress, sitting on the hill with her legs bent neatly beside her. Her shoes had been removed and were resting close by.
Haruka approached silently and sat down close to the aqua-haired princess, noticing for the first time the cool night breeze, which tugged gently at the collar of her shirt and played with her already messy hair.
Michiru was acutely aware of the blonde's arrival and felt her stomach suddenly become knotted with tension as Haruka seated herself near her. She could smell Haruka's cologne and feel her energy and body heat. The feeling combined with the cool breeze made her shiver involuntarily. She avoided looking at Haruka; she felt the sight of the blonde would crumble her resolve to keep their relationship more professional. The thought made her remember the kisses they had shared, and the way Haruka's lips had felt pressed against her own. She blushed slightly, pink staining her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. She lowered her head slightly, allowing her hair to mask her embarrassment.
For a moment, Haruka remained silent and acted as if she took no notice of Michiru's reaction. Her gaze rose to the heavens, where she began to observe the different star patterns and constellations, all very familiar to her because of their training. She felt nervous for some reason, but still so comfortable around Michiru.
Finally, Michiru spoke. "There was a comet."
Haruka raised her eyebrow, her gaze never leaving the constellation Circinus. "Oh?"
"I… had a sudden feeling," Michiru continued. Haruka did not question the nature of the feeling- judging by Michiru's tone, she knew it couldn't have been good. "I came to observe the comet… it's gone now, but I still feel uneasy."
Haruka slowly nodded. "Do you think it could signify another attack?" she asked thoughtfully, but with a hint of seriousness.
Michiru shrugged, her intense blue eyes meeting Haruka's green ones. "I'm not entirely sure what it means. But I believe anything is possible."
Haruka nodded again, returning her stare to the stars. She let her breath out slowly when she felt the pressure of Michiru's head resting suddenly on her shoulder. Hesitantly, Michiru wrapped her arm around Haruka's, letting her hand entwine with the blonde's. Haruka swallowed, not sure how to react, afraid to say anything in fear of scaring Michiru away. The warm contact of Michiru's hand in hers was a feeling she had missed the past few days.
Michiru let her eyes close, enjoying the scent and feel of Haruka's close proximity. She felt at ease, regardless of the fact that she knew she would have to separate from her partner very soon, or risk something happening between them. Still, she pushed her feelings of foreboding away and relished her chance to be close to Haruka, if only just this one time.
After a few moments, Haruka rested her head against Michiru's, and they sat that way for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts and the stars.
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Toldja it was short. But don't worry, now that I have time to kill, I will definitely be writing some mo'. Look for another chapter by the end of this week... maybe... :X
So until I see you next time, have a great day, pals. :D