A/N - Yo, once again no AD (yet so hurrah), but who cares when I bring you Hota-Sets goodness! So, anyhow enjoy this new chapter :D And thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter... muchos appreciado fo sho. -VR

CHAPTER 2 – SPEND SOME TIME WITH ME

Five weeks.

That's how long it's been since she came home. It's also the exact same number of weeks she has been seeing Taiki-kun. It happened at the party – I saw it with my own two eyes. He arrived a bit late with his brothers and they started talking with Ami at first about a foreign ballet that they had all seen that was performed in Tokyo and Paris in the same year. Soon after Ami went to join Makoto (who was arguing with Haruka over a baseball match) both Ami and Michiru-mama spent a good long while being the 'peacekeepers' between the two. While that happened, I noticed that Taiki and Setsuna were nowhere to be found.

At first I shrugged it off, but after a while my pink-haired best friend came bounding up to me with a grin on her face and she told me that she had seen Setsuna talking with Taiki out at the back. That was when he had asked her out to dinner. And she said yes. And tonight, she was ready for her fifteenth date with him. And I was ready for my fifteenth sleepover at Chibiusa's.

Yup, you guessed it. I was avoiding being at the house when Setsuna had her dates.

So, here I am, sitting on the sofa, my rucksack on the floor beside me and staring at my watch. A few more moments passed and I sighed heavily. I stood up and made my way to the stairs, leaning against the banister. "Haruka-papa, can you hurry up? I'm meant to be at Chibi-chan's in fifteen min – "I stopped shouting up the stairs when she appeared at the top.

Dressed in a maroon silk halter style dress and simple heels.

My mouth was still agape and she smiled at me. "Hey, Hime-chan... Are you at Chibiusa-chan's again tonight?"

She descended the stairs with elegance as usual and I took a step back, trying to avoid any possibly awkward contact. She made her way to the sofa and sat at the opposite end to where I sat before.

"Yeah, I am. She is my best friend, you know," and a silence ensued which made me felt awkward.

She was still staring at me with those crimson eyes of hers. She smiled gently."I know that, Hota-chan... though, there is a lot more I have yet to learn about you."

I don't know why but when she said that I grinned like an idiot... then the doorbell chimed. I automatically answered the door, goofy grin still in place. And that grin fell as soon as I opened the door and saw him."Good evening, Hotaru-chan. Is Setsuna here?"

Setsuna? No honorifics? What the - ? Did I miss something?!

I managed to keep my composure as I stepped aside and smiled, not half as happy a smile as I had just seconds before but it was a smile nonetheless. Setsuna rose from the sofa and approached Taiki as he held out a bouquet of flowers out for Setsuna."Thank you, Taiki-kun."

I let out a breath of relief in my mind as I heard that she had added 'kun' to his name. She took them and smelled them when a small smile playing across her face and suddenly I had that feeling again – that jealous feeling. I was soon saved by the sound of a certain blonde haired tomboy rushing down the stairs. "Sorry, I'm running late hime-chan, that was my manager on the phone and – oh... hey Taiki-kun, what's up?"

Haruka began conversing with the annoying brown haired man. I felt a little awkward, so I decided to head to the kitchen and get a glass of water. The cool liquid relieved my scorching throat and I downed the entire glass in one go. As I placed the glass in the sink, I put one hand to my head and whispered quietly to myself.

"Come on, Tomoe... don't act like such a baby," I thought I was alone when I spoke to myself... I was clearly mistaken as I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

I spun around on the spot and saw that Setsuna was standing all of five feet away from me. I gulped nervously again and my hands clung to the worktop surface nearest to me."Excuse me Hota-chan, but I just wanted to put these in water... I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation."

I blushed heavily but I took some refuge in the fact I didn't say anything too stupid. I looked at the flowers in her hand and smiled, desperate to change the subject from me rambling to myself. I held out my hand and gestured to the flowers, "Let me do it... you have to go on your date."

My teeth gritted a little as I eked out the last part of my sentence but somehow, I managed to cover it up with a half-smile. Setsuna smiled and held the flowers out from her body and instinctively I took the flowers from her hand. Her hand brushing mine and my skin tingled at the simple touch. My skin once again felt as though it was on fire. I turned around, not even being able to look at her.

"Arigatou, Hotaru... I have to go now, but I'll see tomorrow, ne?" I nodded, still unable to bring myself to speak.

I thought she had left and I was ready to start breathing again when I could feel her sweet, hot breath from behind me. My eyes widened and I felt her hand on my shoulder. "Have fun at Chibi-chan's, Hime."

And her lips seared into my cheek gently.

I stood dead still as I heard her shoes clattering across the kitchen and then dull out due to the carpet in the living room. My hand flew to my cheek and I smiled briefly before I thought of how stupid I was. She had just called me Hime-chan. Hime-chan for Christ's sakes! She could only ever see me as her little princess... her daughter. My heart sank. I put the flowers into a vase and filled it with water. I placed the vase on the kitchen table and glared at the flowers - his flowers, his stupid flowers. I needed to talk to Chibiusa and I needed to talk to her now. I stormed into the living room and picked up my rucksack, Haruka-papa said nothing and grabbed her keys, sensing my bad mood and just following me as I stomped to the car and she drove me to my best friend's house in utter silence.

The great thing about Chibiusa is that I've known her since I was a child. Best friends for nearly fifteen years now. There's not a thing I don't know about her and there's not a thing she doesn't know about me. She even knows about my little crush on a certain green haired woman. At first she was...shocked I guess you could say.

"Setsuna?... As in Setsuna-mama?!"

I nodded as my best friend's voice rose an octave. She looked at me with widened eyes then began giggling uncontrollably before falling back onto her bed.

"That's funny, Hota-chan, you nearly had me going there!" I bit my lip nervously as Chibiusa continued laughing.

"I'm not joking, Chibi-chan!" I fell back onto the bed, next to my friend.

She stopped laughing and propped up on one elbow and looked at me. "Seriously?... Why?" I closed my eyes and thought for a second.

Why?

I sighed, "I don't know. I just... feel different around her now. It happened in an instant! Just like that!" I snapped my fingers for emphasis and Chibiusa giggled at me.

"Man, this is so weird Taru-chan... I mean... she's like sooo old!" I laughed at my friend.

"She's not old! She's only... how old is she?" We both shrugged.

I didn't care. She wasn't old to me. Chibiusa sat up on her bed. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone!" I raised an eyebrow and scoffed.

"Good, 'cause if you do, I'll tell your parents that you're not at mine on Sundays but where you really are." I started giggling as she saw my friend lose the colour from her face.

"You w-w-wouldn't – "

"Hahaha no I wouldn't, but it was so funny to see your reaction!" A pillow went flying across the room and straight into my face.

Usagi and Mamoru weren't at home in the night; they were out at some work event of Mamoru's. As soon as Haruka's car pulled up, the front door to the Chiba household flew open and Chibiusa stood against the doorframe, in her pink short shorts, white wife-beater and a smirk on her face. She took note of her friends face and grinned, "In a bad mood, Hota-chan?"

I scowled at my best friend and walked into the house.

I could see Haruka standing by her car, torn between following me into the house and saying hi to Chibiusa and getting back in the car, letting whatever was bothering me be handled by my best friend. The latter must have been certainly more appealing choice because I stormed into the house, not even saying goodbye to the blonde. Chibiusa turned to me as she closed the door and slumped beside me.

"Is she out again?"

I nodded slowly, my face still forming a frown. Chibiusa sighed then there was silence again. I felt bad- every time I came here lately all I did was rant, bitch and moan.

"Yeah... and I'm not even angry anymore at the fact she's out with him! It's the fact she said she wanted to spend more time with me, catch up with me and she's barely spent a day with me," I pouted as I finished speaking and Chibiusa giggled at me.

"Aww, jealous Taru-chan? You look so cute when you're jealous," And with that she grabbed my cheek and pinched it.

I kept a straight face and glared at her for a second before swatting her hand away playfully. "And if you think that's bad, they still think I have a crush on you! Honestly, what goes through their minds?!" Chibiusa giggled and I looked at her, completely at a loss.

"Well, you could do worse than me! They could think you have a crush on Seiya-kun! Oh my God! Haruka would kill him if that were true!" I couldn't help but laugh as I saw my friend's active imagination go into overtime with the fantasies in her mind.

"Yeah, but as long as they don't know I got a crush on Sets... then that's all that matters," Chibiusa nodded her head at that solemnly and we were covered in silence – I really have a knack for that, don't I? But it doesn't matter, because as silent as we are, it's comfortable, I know she's thinking (that takes time) and I needed to calm down, we knew each other that well. Best friends for life, after all.

"Just remember Hota, this is a dangerous thing to play around with... steer clear of her. Could you imagine what would happen if you did anything and someone found out? It could do a lot of damage to both of you."

I was astounded at her seriousness but then she got that devious glint in her eye and my awe was soon replaced with disgust, "But if you do sleep with her, tape it – you could treasure the memory and make a profit. Plus, it'd be hot."

"You're unbelievable sometimes, you know that?"

She nodded and stuck her tongue out at me before grinning like a fool.

"Let's forget all this depression, Hota-chan, I got some movies and popcorn with our name on it and this amazing coconut cake with my name on it!" I followed my friend with a smile, as she lead me into the kitchen and began telling me all about her and Helios' secret rendezvous and the latest 'super cute kitty bag' he just bought her. The night passed quickly, we fell asleep in front of the TV, with 'Stardust' playing in the background and Chibi's hand stuck in the popcorn bowl.

I slept well, and not a single thought of Setsuna entered my mind. I had fun, relaxing time at Chibiusa's... that is, until I heard the distinct but unwelcome sound of my cell-phone ringing.

"If she does it like this, will you do it like that? If she touches like this, will you touch her like that?"

"Ugh, Hota, answer your phone... I can hear your gay ringtone from over here!"

I threw a pillow at my sleepy pink-haired friend before searching my rucksack and taking out my phone. I didn't even bother looking at the caller ID. I just flipped the phone open and spoke into it – quite rudely.

"Hello?" I even crossed my arms and sighed loudly.

I stole a look at my watch – who the hell would be calling me at 9am?! I knew this wouldn't be Haruka-papa or Michiru-mama because they knew better than to call before noon when I was at Chibiusa-chan's.

"Is this a bad time, hime-chan?"

My eyes widened as soon as I heard her voice.

"Er... n-n-no, Setsuna...mama. Wh-what is it?" As soon as I uttered out the older woman's name, I saw Chibiusa suddenly leap out of her makeshift bed with a smirk over her face as she made her way to me.

I turned around, intent on ignoring her in case she tried to distract me.

"Ah, good, I wanted to check what time you were coming home, I figured we could go shopping today and spend a day together. Shall I pick you up from Chibi-chan's?"

YES! A whole freaking day with her, me and her, shopping and spending time together! I grinned and nodded, I heard giggling from behind me.

"She can't see you nod, Taru-koi."

My eyes widened. I turned around to Chibiusa-chan and saw that she had a hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Taru-koi?"

Setsuna sounded as shocked as I looked; my mouth was still unable to help me vocalize my thoughts however my eyes were shooting daggers at Chibiusa, so it wasn't all bad. I threw the nearest pillow to me at her and it hit her straight in the head.

"Don't worry about her, Sets, she's just being an idiot... You wanted to hang out right?"

There was a pause at the other end of the line and I held my breath – what's with all the damned drama?!

"Um... we can just hang out tomorrow... when you're not so busy with Chibiusa. I'll, er, see you when you get home." And just like that the phone went dead.

What the hell?

She sounded so hurt at the end, like she was disappointed or something. Why did she start sounding all weird around me? What happened that made her so –

"Did she hang up, Taru?" My head snapped to the cause. Chibiusa's eyes widened as she took in my 'death-stare'. "Hey now, Hotaru... y-you know I-I was j-just kiddin' with that, Taru-koi stuff, right?"

"Why the hell did you say that?! She got all weirded out because of you! She'll probably go and tell Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama that she heard you and then they'll definitely think we're together! Jesus, Chibi, what are you? My friend or my foe?!" By the time I had finished ranting, I had Chibiusa-chan cowering on the sofa, tears brimming in her eyes.

"S-sorry, Hotaru-chan... I was just playing around." I sighed before sitting down beside my best friend.

"I'm sorry I shouted at you Chibi-chan. I shouldn't take my anger out on you."

"It's not your anger that scared me; it was your pent-up sexual frustration," She smirked and I glared at her.

"Wanna see the frustration again?"

She shook her head furiously. I scoffed then looked at my watch. "I should get home before my parents decide to throw an engagement party for us."

I stood up and began searching for my rucksack and belongings, throwing them all haphazardly into my bag. As I stood up, preparing to make my way home where I could defuse possible marriage arrangements as well take a much needed soak in the tub, when I noticed it was eerily quiet. I turned to Chibiusa-chan, who seemed to be thinking deeply. I was instantly concerned as my friend thinking could only mean something gravely serious was occurring.

"Chibi-chan, what's wrong?"

Her eyes met mine, and were shimmering with an intensity I rarely saw. "I... I want you to promise me that you won't do anything rash, Hotaru. I know it's you and that entire sentence makes no sense because you're Hotaru 'I never make mistakes' Tomoe... But I care deeply for you and Setsuna-chan... please... I need you to promise me that you won't do anything stupid and make any mistakes."

How could I refuse my friend?

She was making such a sincere request... she truly did care for me, and she wanted no harm to come to me or Sets. I nodded and I made the promise. "I won't Chibi-chan, don't worry. I better go though; I actually think Michiru-mama would have ordered you a bridal gown by now."

We both shuddered, "Anyway, ja ne, Chibi-chan."

She saw me to the door as I left, beginning my long walk home; I decided to power walk, I had to put a stop to the gossiping that Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama would inevitably have already started about me and Chibi-chan. I had some serious walking to do.

"I'm home!"

As soon as I took my key from the front door, I heard the rushing of feet from the living room. As I turned, I was met with a blonde with a grin as big as a Cheshire cat. "Hey, Hime-chan... oh, what, you didn't bring your girlfriend home?"

I shook my head in despair as I took my shoes off and placed them by the door and dropping my bag by the door too. "For the last time, she is not my girlfriend! She is my best friend! How many more times do I have to say that?!" All my blonde haired father did was chuckle gently.

"You know, Hime, your Michiru-mama was just my friend in my youth too."

My jaw slacked before I could stop it, I began walking into the living room soon after, my skin flushing due to my embarrassment of my parent's insistence I was in love with my best friend. "I don't know where you get these ideas, Haruka-papa! I do not love Chibiusa, and she does not love me!"

I heard my father scoff behind me, "Oh, I don't know about that, Hime, you are her Taru-koi apparently, ne, Setsa?"

I stopped in my tracks as I entered the living room.

Setsuna and Michiru-mama were sitting on a sofa together. Michiru-mama had one eyebrow cocked and a smirk gently gracing her face, and Setsuna... well, Setsuna was drinking a cup of tea and hadn't bothered to look at me. "Hai, Haruka, that's what I heard. Hotaru is Chibiusa's koi...or so it would seem."

I detected no playfulness in her voice and that made me curious. Usually, something like this would be an ideal situation for these three to absolutely rip my pride and dignity to shreds and yet Setsuna was the only one not mocking or taunting me. Is it weird that I felt a little...disappointed? I guess it must have shown because Michiru and Haruka were quiet and I felt Haruka-papa hug me from behind.

"We're only joking around Hime... she's a sweet girl. And hey, at least you have a crush on someone your age now!" I turned around my cheeks turning bright red and my eyes wide. Before I could speak, I could hear Setsuna speak up.

"A crush on someone her own age? Who else is she going to have one on?" I saw Haruka-papa grin and I instinctively covered her mouth with my hand and thanked the Gods for my improved reflexive skills. My plan was foiled however when I forget that my other parent knew what I didn't want to be said.

And she said it. Damn.

"Hime-chan came to Haruka a few weeks ago with a love problem... bless her, a crush on an older woman. Kawaii, ne?"

I could have freaking died on the spot.

My hand fell from Haruka's mouth and the blonde began laughing at my reaction and Michiru-mama gave the tomboy a scolding look. I however couldn't bring myself to be here for one more moment."Are you two on a mission to constantly embarrass me or something?! Can't you give me a freaking break?!"

And like the emotional and angst ridden teen I was, I stormed off. I ran as fast as I could up the stairs, and made my way to the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I drew myself a bath, the steam rose steadily from the water's surface and I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath; it smelt of lavender. I grinned and opened my eyes; I began stripping my clothes off and threw them to the hamper in the bathroom.

I always find that the first step into a hot bath is the best; it hurts at first but it feels so good. I always feel so refreshed. I love it when the water glides over my skin and instantly relieves my dry skin. I love the smell of lavender as I lay back in the bath and take it in. This is my refuge, and no-one can barge in here, no-one can question me. It's just me. Me and my thoughts. Oh God, my thoughts. My thoughts are plagued by her lately. She has taken over not only my every waking thought but my subconscious thoughts too. In the past few weeks, I've woken up, drenched in sweat and-

-Something else wet that most certainly was not sweat.

I've been unable to control myself. If I'm in my bed, my hand slides down, I can't stop myself... I just get this feeling; sparked by the image of green hair, tanned skin and her ass in those jeans. Right 

now, that feeling is making its way from my head down to the pit of my stomach and my hand slides down my bare chest and rests just south of my bellybutton.

Oh God...

I always think I can just say no and let this be it, just that feeling of arousal lingering and I ignore it before it goes any further – and every time I give in... God, I'm so weak but it feels so damned good.

I close my eyes and let the water take me away to another place.

I'm at a beach and I'm in the water, the sun is blazing down.

I come out of the water and make my way over to my stuff. There's a parasol, my beach towel... and there is Setsuna. All laid out and waiting patiently for me, in just a two-piece, light lilac. She holds out her arms and I fall into her; her skin is soft and smooth and she smells like lavender. Her lips brush my ear and I shudder, but yearn for more. My hands caress her back and I lightly scratch my nails in the small of her back, she gasps and moans my name straight into my ear. My body shivers and she lustfully grabs me by my waist and attacks my lips with her own. She is soft and I need her. Her hands brush across my breast and I gasp. She doesn't stop, her mouth attacks my neck and her other hand glides across my wet, sensitive centre, she is teasing and pleasuring me and –

"Oh, f-fuck!"

Despite the heat in the bath, I am shivering. Oh crap, that was freaking intense. I whimper without thinking as I take note, or rather I can feel, how sensitive I am down there. I gently remove my hand and I shake as I rush past the very sensitive tip. Oh God, that felt good. At first, I felt so weird and wrong for touching myself over her, but that feeling does not go away! I tried to distract myself with thoughts of school or events and it kept coming back to that. And now, I willingly act on it.

Even in my most stressed of moments, when I want a release – instead of reaching for a bottle or a razor like every other angst-ridden teen my age, I reach for the lower half of my body.

And it works, like now, after my body has calmed from its indescribable high, my breathing is calmer, my body feels relaxed, I no longer care that everyone seems to think me and Chibiusa are in love. I know my heart is bound to someone else. Hopelessly bound. I sigh – God, love, lust, all of it – it's so unnecessarily painful, isn't it? Like I needed all this crap to inform me life's not fair. Duh. I had no idea how long I had lain in the bath, but soon the water became cold, the smell of the lavender disappeared and my skin was beginning to wrinkle a little. I frowned, and then a knock at the door caused me to forget about my pruny skin.

"Hota-chan, are you okay in there?" I sigh loudly as I hear Haruka-papa at the other side of the door.

"Yes."

A silence.

Usually my rude answer would be left at that but Haruka-papa seems intent on annoying me today by trying to be there for me – goodness, why do my parents have to be so understanding? Can't they be like other parents – oblivious to my very existence? God!

"I just wanted to let you know, I'm taking your Michiru-mama out for a bit, we'll be back later."

"Fine, Haruka-papa," I answered but I couldn't hear her walk away after I replied, though I did hear her sigh.

"Gomen, Hime-chan, we didn't mean to upset you. We'll talk to you later though, when you're ready. If you need us, call us... but if you don't need us, the old hag is downstairs."

My eyes widened as I realised who the old hag was, I sat up in the bath, the cold air hitting my skin and causing me to shiver.

"Y-you mean Setsuna's here?" I ducked into the water a little, shit that didn't help, it's really cold too!

"Yeah... ah look we gotta go, I promised to take your Michiru-mama to lunch at the Trocadero. We'll talk later, okay Hime."

I slumped back into the bath, my hair instantly soaked as I let my dark locks into the water. I took a deep breath – it was going to be okay, I could handle one day in the house with Setsuna...

Right?

Wrong. So very wrong.

I couldn't have been more wrong if I tried. I had the intent on spending the day relaxing; just watching some movies and taking it easy. But what I had planned changed to something else...

I came out from my bath and got changed into some flannel pyjama bottoms and a camisole. I headed downstairs. I sat down on the sofa and grabbed the remote, channel surfing at the fastest possible rate I could.

"TV sucks," It was a simple statement, not to mention truthful.

"Yes, I try to avoid it as much as possible."

My body froze as I heard her voice.

Setsuna was standing in the doorway that led to the kitchen, a mug in her hand and she was stirring her hot drink. I can only assume that it's tea.

"Yeah... I don't usually watch it; it's just there's nothing else to do today."

I was surprised I managed to sound as nonchalant as I did. SCORE ONE FOR HOTARU! Setsuna chuckled softly and made her way over to me, placing her mug on the coffee table and standing in front of me, arms crossed over her chest.

"Why didn't you say so Hota? If it's because you're bored, I'm pretty sure I can change that." I'm pretty freaking sure I squeaked – actually squeaked - as she spoke, but she soon grinned and took me by my hand, lifting my from the sofa.

"Hota, go upstairs," My heart instantly skipped a beat, "And get changed. I'm taking you out!" My heart stopped.

"O-out?" She nodded and put her index finger on her chin.

"Hai, it's time to go shopping!" She clapped her hands excitedly, my face fell.

Oh crap.

So, I know what you're thinking, what's the big freaking deal right? It's just shopping? No, no it's not just shopping. Shopping with Setsuna is being paraded around in shops, watching every single person turn their heads to look at her, watching countless men (and some women) checking her out in every single store. And now, we're in some stupid shop looking for some summer clothes. The only reason I've not complained once today was because I was finally getting my Setsuna time. Finally! I'm not really into shopping, I mean I go when I need something but I don't go as a hobby – spending all my money on things I don't really need isn't the best hobby in the world if you ask me. But... if you were to ask Setsuna or most of the other women in my life, they'd instantly disagree with me. Thank God for Haruka-papa.

"Hota-chan, what do you think of this?"

My head instantly turns to Setsuna. She's standing in the swimwear section – can't I catch a single break today? Clearly not; as I near to her, I can see she is holding up a two piece bikini. Oh crap, beathe Hotaru, breathe! For Gods' sakes, calm down!

"Well?" Setsuna held it up against her body and instantly I imagined her full form being covered by the mauve two-piece.

Oh crap, it's that bathroom dream all over again – SHIT! I turn my head away and pretend to be interested in another rack of clothing. "It's okay. I wouldn't wear something like that, but I think it'd suit you."

Phew, smooth. Not a bad cover. Setsuna nods her head and places the bikini back on the rack.

"Hmm, maybe. But I know you wouldn't wear something like that," she turns to me and looks me up and down, and I'm suddenly dying under her gaze.

She is glancing at everywhere but my eyes and for a split second I convince myself that she's looking at me in that way. God, get a grip Tomoe! "But I think a one piece swimsuit is more your taste... need I ask what colour you'd like it in?"

She grins and I look down, from my black jeans, converse matched with my black blouse. Hmm, maybe she doesn't need to ask. "Don't be afraid to try colour, Hota-chan. Oh, here, try this one, a chocolate brown would go great with your complexion. Fair skinned people should always wear brown, compliments their skin type well."

She smiled at me.

Everything she said just went way over my head. I take the swimsuit and hold it in my hands. She cocks an eyebrow and grins. "So, are you going to change right here?" I splutter and she laughs once more.

"W-what are you talking about?!"

"Hota-chan, go and try it on. C'mon, we need to get some things for summer. Go and try it, for me, please?"

She said 'for me'. How could I refuse?

I sigh and make my way over to the changing rooms with Setsuna following behind. She stood outside my changing room as I got changed. In the middle of me putting on this swimsuit, I grunted, how I hated doing things like this. I heard Setsuna giggle.

"Everything okay in there, Hotaru?"

"Yeah, everything's just peachy." I'm pretty sure though she couldn't see me, she knew I was scowling because she stopped laughing and instead sighed.

"Hota-chan, c'mon, it's just one swimsuit and no-one will see it but me," and I stopped moving as soon as I heard that. I gulped. Only she would see it? I don't think she realised her slip up but she took me absolute silence as an indication to explain what she had just said. "I mean, I know you have issues like every other teenage girl, but you've really matured and...filled... out nicely. You have nothing to be ashamed about."

"I know that."

God, why is putting on a swimsuit so difficult? With much effort and the swimsuit on, I spared a glance at myself in the mirror in the changing room. Oh man – this is on the verge of being too tight... no, not tight... but it's fitted and I feel uncomfortable, this is so not me.

"Is it on, Hota?"

I sigh loudly. "Yes, Setsuna...mama." Oh man, if I forget one more 'mama' around her it's going to cause some questions to be raised!

"Well...?" I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

"Well what?" She laughed once more and I cocked an eyebrow.

"Show it to me, Hota!" Before I could get out a 'nani?!', the door to my changing room began to open, I rushed to it and closed it again.

"What are you doing?!"

"C'mon, Hota, you don't have anything I don't have. I just wanna see how it looks."

"N-n-no! It's fine!" I blushed – she wanted to see how I looked?

Oh if only she meant it in the way I wanted her to. I must have let my guard down for a second because my door opened and Setsuna's face came face-to-face with mine. She smiled warmly then her eyes trailed down my swimming costume. Her jaw clenched somewhat and I smiled inwardly – was that what I thought it was? She opened her mouth once but nothing came out and I could have jumped for joy. After a few more awkward seconds, she backed out and closed the door. What the fuck? Okay that was just straight up confusing! After a few seconds, I heard her speak quietly;

"I, er... I'll let you get changed, Hotaru."

The drive home was deadly quiet like a dead scream ripped the car's noise apart and built a silent wall around us. I didn't get it. She was acting like she was angry with me. Her hands were gripping the steering wheel hard, her knuckles nearly turning white and her lips were pursed. She seemed to be glaring out at the road. I was leaning against my window and I couldn't help but pout- this day was turning out to be weird, maybe no more Sets-Hota time would be a good thing? I really wonder. I looked over to her and saw her eyes whipping back to the road. Was that – was she looking at me? I kept my gaze on her before clearing my throat.

"Setsuna?"

"What?" God, her voice sounded so harsh and it caused me to widen my eyes in surprise, and I knew my jaw was slack.

"N-nothing."

I sat back, hiding my face from her. I heard her sigh."Gome, Hota-chan... I didn't mean to snap."

I didn't respond, she should know if I don't argue it means I've accepted the apology. She cleared her throat as the care came to slow at a red light.

"Hotaru?" I ignored her so let's see how she likes it! "Hime-chan?" Aw man! She Hime-chan'd me! I can't ignore that. I turn my head to her and I see she looks unsure. She turns her head back to the road but she still talks to me, "Is Chibiusa your koibito?"

What...the...fuck?!

Where did that come from? Oh yeah... Chibi being an ass earlier that day, I really must hit her back for that... hard. I giggle as I imagine Chibiusa's reaction and Setsuna turns back to me, her eyes hard. I shake my head, "No... she's not my love, my lover, my girlfriend, or anything like that. She is my best friend... and a complete idiot."

Sets cracked a smile – victory! A-ha, now we're getting somewhere.

"Ah... Haruka and Michiru were sure you were... but I took your reaction earlier to mean something otherwise. I'd be willing to bet my life that if the person you liked were mentioned, you'd probably go all quiet and blush, right?" She raised her eyebrow to me and I went quiet and blushed. I'm so glad she did not catch on then.

Another silence.

"So... girls, eh? I think that's something you left out of our phone conversations, Hotaru." The car began moving forward and I gulped nervously.

I had never really told anyone I was into girls, everyone just seemed to kind of understand.

"Er, yeah... well, you know... they say kids wanna be like their parents, right?" Another smile – I am on a roll!

Setsuna turned her eye to look at me. "So... what's her name?" I was confused... who was her? I think my expression said it all because Setsuna looked at me, and chuckled gently, "The girl... the one that confirmed that you knew you liked girls?"

Oh.

I so did not want this conversation... but we're about a minute from home, maybe I can stall this. But there's no harm in sharing right? I mean this is Sets, she'll know if I'm lying!

"Well... it was last year, I got placed in an advanced maths class and had to go to the university for my placement. And my tutor, Ayako... caught my interest shall we say? I never said anything and she was straight as hell so it was pointless, but I pretty much knew from then on."

Setsuna chuckled lightly as we pulled into the driveway to our home. Setsuna killed the engine after she parked. "Wow. So, you really do go for older women?"

I turned bright red as she said this, and remembered what was said earlier... Damn my parents! I decided to take a bold step however... well, bold for me.

"So what if I do?"

Setsuna stopped laughing and she looked at me with no expression whatsoever. Her eyes burned into mine and I felt insignificant. She was overwhelming me and I couldn't take it. She took off her seatbelt but remained in the car as she turned to face me. I kept my eyes on her as she had my complete and undivided attention.

"Do you think I'm old too, Hotaru?"

My mind raced back to how Haruka-papa had been calling Setsuna the old woman, old hag and anything and everything else related to her age that she could. I shook my head as I stared at her.

"No, I don't think you're old at all, Setsuna."

A smile flickered across her face and I felt my heart swell. It was a smile just for me. She looked over at me and her eyes darted to my lips and I felt my breath catch in my throat. Oh my God, she's looking at my lips... what does that mean? My eyes widened as I saw she began to lean over to me, I moved forward, somewhat eagerly. We were separated by only an inch.

"Yo, Sets, that you? Is Hota with you?"

My lips brushed her cheek as I jerked my head back. She turned her head at the last minute and hopped out of the car.

"Hey, Haruka, yeah, we went shopping. Hey, Michi, look at these cute things I got!"

She ignored me as I walked into the house, following her with the shopping. She stayed in the living room, showing Michiru-mama all the things she had bought. Haruka-papa looked at me – she was completely lost on the 'cuteness 'of a bracelet.

"I'm going to my room for a bit, okay, papa?"

Haruka looked concerned at me – I suppose I can't blame her, I never went to my room before dinner, well not for longer than a few minutes anyway. "Sure... I'll call you down for dinner, Hime."

I know she was staring at me as I made my way up the stairs. As I entered my room, I threw off my jeans and shirt and left them in the corner. I grabbed a pair of shorts and laid in my bed, in my blank tank top. I sighed loudly and closed my eyes.

"Am I going crazy?"

I was talking to myself... I think I just answered that question. But, it seemed like she was going to kiss me. She leaned in first. We were so close, I'm so damned sure that without a doubt, our lips would have touched were it not for the interruption of my parents... why did they come home so early from their day out? I looked over to my clock... okay it was 7pm... not so early. I sighed again and opened my eyes briefly before closing them again and instantly my mind was clouded with thoughts of Setsuna. The way she had looked at my in the changing rooms earlier, she asked me if Chibi was my koibito for crying out loud! What the hell is going on? Can't there be one clear signal? One clear sign of what's going on-

A knock at the door brought me out of my thinking.

"Who is it?"

The door opened and standing there was Setsuna, with a bag in her hand. She placed it on the chair by my desk. I stared at her, propping myself up on my elbows. I didn't know if I should say something or if she was going to. A silence took us over and I couldn't take it.

"What's in the bag, Sets?"

Her eyes remained fixed on my face, her eyes were resolute and her lips were pursed again.

"What happened in the car," okay... she brings it up. That answers that my questions, "was an accident. I have no idea what came over me. It won't happen again."

She looked away at the end of her sentence. What was that? An explanation? An apology?

"It's okay."

She looked up at me instantly and shook her head.

"No, it's not, Hotaru. It's not okay and it will not happen again. Got it?"

I looked confused at her – she seemed to be saying it to me as if she knew that... no way, she couldn't have known!

"Why not?"

She looked at me, her face unchanging. "Is it me?"

I scrunched my face up in confusion before I realised what she meant. Oh no. I gulped.

"Why not?" I decided to deflect back to the other question but my evasive actions seemed to be all she needed to confirm her suspicions.

"Hotaru... this," She pointed to herself then to me, "This shouldn't even need explaining."

And with that, she left my room.

I wanted to cry but couldn't... I didn't go downstairs for dinner when Haruka-papa came to get me. Michiru-mama wanted to talk to me but I ignored her questions and just said I was ill. Why am I being this way? It hurt when Setsuna said we wouldn't happen but I knew that from the start, didn't I? Or was I still holding onto a pathetic fantasy that I'd tell her I loved her, she'd say it back and we'd start a relationship together and live happily ever after?! Man, I am so pathetic... and to top it off…

She's here for good.

A/N 2 - So, what did you think of that? Reviews are much appreciated! Take care, ja ne, -VR! And many thanks to impersonal for beta'ing for me again. You smexxi lil mofo, Hota!