A/N - Yo. No AD again. I'm working these stories so they all get updated evenly. Fo sho. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Thanks to impersonal for being awesome when I was about to destroy FFN with my powers of smexx. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 3 – YOU COULD BE HAPPY

I love music. I really do. And I love that my parents love music as well; Michiru-mama lives for it and Haruka-papa knows it. When I was younger my parents used to take me to ballets, to the symphony concerts... in my teen years due to the overwhelming amount of work I had I rarely got the chance to go to such luxuries. However, it's mid-August now and Haruka-papa has managed to get tickets to see the ABT (American Ballet Theatre) that was making a one time performance this year in Tokyo – Michiru-mama was just made up when she found out this morning over breakfast. Haruka-papa thought we needed some quality family time; she seemed to think that we had none since Setsuna came back.

"Oh Ruka! This is just perfect, Yuriko Kajiya is the Fairies of Fervor and Joy? Yes! Oh baby! How did you get these?" My blonde haired 'father' smirked and kissed Michiru-mama's forehead.

"I got connections," she winked and Michiru-mama giggled like a school, "Anyways I have five tickets... so Hime-chan, you up for tonight?"

I looked up from my cereal and nodded"Hai, Haruka-papa... I'll make sure I don't lose track of time in the pool -Wait, you have five tickets?"

Haruka-papa grinned at me. "Yeah, hime-chan, for Sets... and Taiki-kun?"

I clenched my jaw and forced a smile. Now, could I force enthusiasm?

"Great!"

Yes, I clearly could.

I know I said I love music, but I'm going to hate it for tonight. I spent all day being more miserable than usual knowing that soon, I'd have to get ready for the evening. According to Haruka-papa, it was the ballet then we'll be heading to Belvedere for dinner. I'd have to sit through all this with Setsuna... and Taiki.

It's been three weeks since the near-kiss.

Well, I think it was a near kiss. Three weeks, and the only words that has passed between us since then has been 'can you pass the salt?' and 'Thanks'. Today it has been horribly humid and even the dip in the pool in the afternoon did nothing to cool me. Mainly because I was wearing the swimming costume she got me... and all I could think of was her. Then all I could think of was her telling me we could never happen. And then I got heated up again just because I thought of her; it's like a never ending cycle of hormones. One minute I hate her then I love her and can find no fault and then I... well, I do things that require no words.

My weakness takes over.

Well, tonight I must forget all that because in less than ten minutes we are leaving to go to see the ABT. But we're not leaving just yet because Taiki is running late. I said we should have all left and met him there but that was met with three scolding sets of eyes. Hence I trudged off to my room just now and I spent a few minutes on MSN ranting to Chibiusa about how I don't want to go tonight.

She told me to chill and ignore her.

I haven't gotten around to telling her about the near-kiss, after all I made a promise to her – and now I've broken it, but I don't want to linger on that thought. I had a weak moment... I only say that now because it didn't go further. If it did, I can guarantee you I'd be calling it my moment of strength.

"Hime-chan, you'd better come down because as soon as Taiki-kun is here, we're leaving!" Haruka-papa's voice was loud and clear through my room door.

There's no denying that I heard her, so I sighed and told Chibi-chan I had to go now. She wished me good luck. I sighed, was I ready to face the music? Did it matter?

No.

I stood up and looked down at the dress I had on; dark violet with a sheer black layer on top, giving it sheen yet ruffled look. Michiru-mama bought it with me earlier today and said I looked every part the beautiful young woman she expected me to be. I only hoped at the time that Setsuna would think the same when she saw me... but she hasn't so much as glance at me. Not that I tried to flaunt myself around her to get her notice, though.

"Let's go do this," I whispered to myself as I stepped out of my room.

Wow, I gave myself a pep talk, go me!

"Ah, finally, Hota-chan, there you are. We're going to meet Taiki-kun at the opera house, he said he's running so late that we might as well meet him there, and - Oh wow, you look gorgeous, Hime-chan."

I could feel the heat in my cheeks as Haruka-papa complimented me. I looked up and nodded meekly. "Arigatou, Haruka-papa."

Michiru-mama looked at me with pride in her eyes and she smiled sweetly. "Our little firefly is all grown up... soon she won't need the three of us."

My eyes darted to Setsuna, who was seated on the couch, in an emerald green dress – it matched her hair perfectly – with a cashmere wrap around her shoulders in the same colour. She raised her head, avoided my gaze and spoke to Michiru-mama. "Yes... well, she won't need any of us soon... Just think, that this time next year she'll be at university. She won't be here."

Her words were lined with venom, just for that extra bite... just for me.

I turned away from her. The way she just said all of that, it was so hurtful. She said it bitterly, and with malice like I had never known. I cleared my throat – maybe I could say one thing in my defence. "That's not true... I'll always have a need for my Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama."

BAM. Take that, Setsuna!

Her eyes remained completely void of any emotion... on my other two parents however, my words were not lost. Haruka-papa stared at my with a completely gobsmacked expression and Michiru-mama looked between me and Setsuna, clearly sensing the animosity for the first time. She smiled gently at us both. "Perhaps it's time to go?"

Setsuna rose from her seat and walked straight past me, following Haruka-papa to the car. Michiru-mama looked at me, her eyes full of concern. "Hime-chan, is there something you'd like to tell me? About you and your Setsuna-mama?"

Is there something I'd like to tell you?

Oh, let's see, I'm crushing on her, nearly kissed her and now she won't talk to me because of that! Aside from that, no, I'm just dandy. Dandy but pissed off. Pissed off at her, she's treating me like this when I did nothing wrong. But clearly she sees it as wrong in her world. I looked up into deep, blue, loving eyes and I shook my head. Time to let my anger out; if Setsuna can do it to me, well, I guess this is my turn. I heard my mother gasp right after I spoke, but I walked from the house, no intention of explaining myself further. What's there to explain in the first place? I shake my head as the words I just uttered lingered hauntingly in my own mind.

"She's not my Setsuna-mama."

The back seat of a car is the bane of my existence. Three weeks ago, I'd have killed to be in the backseat of Haruka-papa's Audi A4 with Setsuna... today however, I don't want to be near her. But I'm stuck here with her.

God, she makes me so conflicted!

Okay, I do want to be near her... just so as I can smell her perfume that was mixed with her naturally sweet scent, so I can see the steady rise and fall of her chest as she takes a breath, so my eyes can linger on her shapely legs.

Then, I don't want to be near her because of how she treats me. As if I'm nothing to her.

It hurts, but I can't let it show, so I'm doing my 'act'. The one where I pretend other stupid things are bothering me; things like school, Chibi-Usa being an idiot, girls... anything but the woman sitting beside me. I sighed and took my attention away from the window that I've been leaning over and stare out of the front. I wanted to see where we are and to gauge how much longer I have to be in this car. As I do, I noticed that Setsuna stiffened her posture and though I couldn't see her, I could bet a million yen that she was staring at me. I sighed as I saw we still had a few minutes, I sank back to my previous position. I saw Michiru-mama lean over and say something to Haruka-papa but I could barely make it out over the music. I saw my father's eyes flicker over myself and Setsuna in the rear-view mirror before returning to where they were. A nod was exchanged between the two.

I narrowed my eyes – what the hell's going on there?

With a sigh, I returned to staring out of the window.

"Are you two okay?" The concerned voice of Haruka-papa broke through the silence in the car. My eyes darted to my two parents in the front.

As if on cue, Setsuna spoke. "I'm fine, why'd you ask, Haruka?"

The blonde opened her mouth, closed it, changed gears then looked at me. "And you, Hota-chan?"

"I'm fine... Are we there yet?"

Now, Michiru-mama turned around in her seat and looked at the two of us. "Have you two had an argument or something?"

The car came to a stop in front of the auditorium.

I shook my head as I spoke, "Nope, we've not argued."

Michiru sighed; she clearly knew this was a losing battle. I decided to escape any further interrogation by stepping out of the car. Ah! Fresh air, it's perfect.

I take in a deep breath, and the air almost burns my lungs but I enjoy it. It always lets me know I'm alive, that this isn't some terrible dream... unfortunately. I hear three doors slam shut and I smile as a silence ensues – I win, no more stupid questions will be asked! I'm safe!

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late!"

Okay, fuck the safe part, I don't feel like it anymore. Urgh, him. I realise now I'm facing away from the auditorium and even though I want to avoid him, I have to turn around and see him. Urgh, fine. Fuck safety, I'm a daredevil after I said those words to Michiru-mama earlier in the car.

"Konbanwa, Taiki-kun," I even used my sickly sweet voice and bowed a bit.

Taiki grinned and bowed, "evening, Hota-chan, how are you?"

I smile and nod my head a little. "I'm fine, thank you, Taiki-kun, and your – "

The sound of Setsuna's voice cut me off. "We should be going in; it's nearly the time the doors close."

I said nothing; I'm just going to keep my mouth closed. If she's going to play this game, then I'll trump her. Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama spare me a glance, I smile enthusiastically back to them as we head inside with Setsuna and Taiki trailing behind us.

"I remember I saw the ABT when I visited New York last year. Yuriko was excellent in Les Sylphides. I'm glad she's doing her country proud by being in such a prominent ballet company."

As much as I disliked him for his closeness to her, Taiki was actually a really nice guy, and he was well educated. But still, I didn't find it hard to dislike him. He was all over her, and it was not only pathetic but nauseating.

Right now, we're sitting in the auditorium, and the orchestra had just finished warming up. Michiru-mama is reading over all the musicians; she's always listening out for potential. Haruka-papa cannot keep her eyes from Michiru-mama's form; it's like no matter where they are, my father always acts like she's going to devour my mother whole... and the worst part? My mother would probably love that. We're sat in the box that Haru-papa got from her 'connections', Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama are sat at the very front and Setsuna is behind Haruka-papa, Taiki next to Setsuna... and me? I'm next to Taiki. So far, I'm bored out of my mind. Usually, when my mother and father take me out they get a ticket for Chibiusa or something to keep me amused. I can't help but sigh. My blonde parent turns to me and smiles sadly.

"Are you okay, hime-chan?"

I force a grin, "Of course."

I say no more as the house lights dim, and the evening begins.

A beautiful melody erupts from the pit below stage where the orchestra is hidden from view; it's the beginning of Act One of this beautiful story. A children's classic supposedly, but have you ever noticed how dark the story of The Sleeping Beauty really is? An innocent is chosen to be cursed due to the spite of an elder's dispute. She knows nothing of her fate, until she turns of age in accordance with her society. She is given something – the catalyst to her destiny. She falls into a deep sleep for a hundred years and has to wait for the 'prince' to give her a kiss and awaken her with the power of his true love.

For me, the best part of this story is not the romance, but the journey for the Prince, where he must defeat the evil fairy Carabosse who placed the curse in order to get to his love. It shows sacrifice, it showed utter loyalty.

It shows unconditional love.

This is not the first time I have seen the ballet, but I do enjoy it.

But we're midway through the first act and I'm barely paying attention to the ballet. Out of the corner of my eye, all I can see is Setsuna holding Taiki's hand; their eyes entranced by the gorgeous performers on-stage. I'm glad when it comes to a part I know well, the last sequence before the first intermission. I'm practically ready to rip out of my seat already. I can't stay one more second.

Please.

Get me out of here.

If only for a moment. I need that one moment to gather all my thoughts, and recouperate. I close my eyes, and wait patiently.

The music builds to a beautiful crescendo and even through my closed lids I can tell the house lights have been turned on for the intermission. I open my eyes and stand. "I'm going for a walk around, I'll be back soon."

Before I can leave our box, Michiru-mama talks to me "Ah, Hota-chan, hold up, I'll come with you, Haruka-papa and I may want to get some refreshments too." My blonde parent stands and smiles to me.

I force a grin back.

Taiki stands, "Oh, we'll come too, stretching your legs never hurt, right?" He smiles charmingly, and Setsuna stands beside him, smoothing out her dress as she speaks after him "That's right, this is becoming a regular family outing, ne?"

My heart dropped down to my feet and hammered its way through the floor. I say nothing but make my way out of the box, intent on getting out of that claustrophobic box.

Ever dislike the fact you weren't an adult just yet? I'm not into drinking but right now I'm getting the feeling I could use a nice potent glass of wine... or perhaps sherry, though Michiru-mama once told me of the effects port had on Haruka-papa. Gah, either way it doesn't matter. I'm not twenty yet and I can't touch a drop of the stuff – my parents don't really like me even looking at alcohol too long let alone gulping down a glass. Standing in the line for concessions, I just want to get my hands on a cold drink and let it soothe the burning sensation currently taking over my throat. Taking a step forward, I realise that there's only one other person in front of me.

I usually don't stare at people, but there's something intriguing about the girl in front of me... her hairstyle.

Now I thought I had seen intricate with Chibiusa and Usagi. There was nothing too special about it but like the two odangoes I knew, this hair had uniqueness to it. And that appealed to me. Long, flowing wine coloured hair that passed down to the small of her back. At the top, her hair was in four knots, with the hair subtly covered in lavender themed glitter. I was staring, and I hadn't even noticed that I was, the only thing that brought my attention to my state of reverie was when this mystery girl turned around and saw me.

She blinked twice then began to blush furiously.

I soon followed suit as soon as I saw the cute re appear on her face.

Whoa.

Cute? Cute?! Did I just say that? About someone who did not have green hair? THANK THE GODS. There is some mercy in the world. There – Oh crap, I'm still staring at her.

"A-are you okay?"

Her voice is not what I expected. It's not life changing and I'm not swooning... but she has my attention. I smile nervously and clear my throat, "Yeah... I, er, I'm fine... I just, er " Think fast, Taru! Oooh, earrings, yeah earrings, "I just couldn't help but wonder where you got your earrings from."

Smooth. Nice cover.

The girl in front blushes further before giving a lopsided smile. "You could see my earrings from behind?"

I'm an idiot. Its times like this I wonder how teachers at school and my parents could think I'm smart. Baka Hotaru. I was about to stand there looking like an idiot when I was saved by the server in front, who seemed confused.

"Excuse me, Miss, what would you like?"

I swiftly ordered a drink and kept my eyes glued to the counter. I took the pomegranate juice (I was in the mood for something different) and turned around, intent on making my way back to my booth. However, clear azure eyes stopped me dead in my tracks.

"My name's Diana."

Another blush before she bowed slightly to me. I bowed too. Well... this is awkward. I look around the room and notice we are the youngest people here by far. Okay, this makes way more sense. She's talking to me because she doesn't want to be stuck around a bunch of boring adults – can't say I blame her.

"Tomoe Hotaru."

Another silence. Why is this so awkward? I shake my head but I hear her laugh and my attention is drawn to her once again. As if sensing my question, she smiles gently. "I'm sorry, Tomoe-san, but I take it those are your parents?"

She looks over my shoulder and I turn around and see none other than my smirking blonde parent smiling and Michiru-mama beaming with pride beside her. I sigh and nod. Diana giggles, "It's funny, they look just like..." she trails off and her face goes pale.

I prepare myself. This happens a lot. When people realise my parents are none other than F1 racer Tenoh Haruka and violin goddess, Kaioh Michiru. Diana stuttered for a moment before looking at me. I 

nodded, letting her know her assumptions were right. She was about to speak again but she stopped dead.

"Meioh-san?! You know Meioh-san?!"

I turned to see Setsuna beside my parents, talking to them but sending me glares. I sighed loudly. Trust the F1 Champ, musical genius and famous fashion designer to upstage me around a girl. Le sigh.

"Hai... those are my parents."

She looked at me, her blush still there. She pointed to a man with long white hair standing with a woman that looked like an older version of herself.

"Those are my parents."

I squinted my eyes before realising who they were. My jaw slackened. "Your parents are the Moon Kindred? That's so awesome. I have all their CDs!" A classic 90s rock band. Her parents are superstars! Legends in music... and that has me thinking.

She's not wowed over with my parents celebrity status like most other people are... No, her parents are the same... She's in awe, sure, but so am I!

"Enjoying the ballet so far?" She sounds nervous but I can't be too sure because I don't know her too well. I nod calmly.

"I've seen this a few times. It's one of my favourites... how about you?"

"It's sad. To go through so much suffering before you get that happy ending," she giggles, "but I've seen it a few times too." She bites her lip and looks down at her hands, "If you want... y-y-you can come with us to our box. It's not often I get someone my own age to talk to at this places and – "

I giggled gently, instantly catching her attention. I looked over to my parents. Haruka-papa held her thumbs up to me, Michiru-mama was smiling gently and Setsuna was... glaring daggers at Diana. Oh my... how interesting. Smirking, I turned to Diana.

"If you want to be stuck with me it's fine, just let me go check with my parents….Diana-chan."

My parents were more than happy to let me go with Diana-chan.

"Hota-chan, who are we to get in the way of you and more of your conquests?" Haruka-papa smirked at me and I scowled.

"My conquests? What?!"

She giggled. "Go have fun with your cute friend Hota-chan, see you after." Before I walked off I could see Setsuna still glaring at Diana from the corner of her eye. I smirked... now, we're getting somewhere.

She seems so nervous. I am too... I mean, I thought she was cute earlier.

This is great. I escaped being around Setsuna but I still want to be around her; why am I like this? Is this normal? I hope so... but then again I'm anything but normal.

It's currently in the third and final act, and Diana is actually a really nice girl. We spoke at the intervals; turns out she goes to a private boarding school, but I found out we have barely anything in common but that was cool because we just seemed to...click? But, there was no spark... just a click, our dynamic is cool, and we've only known each other about 45 minutes.

She was into photography too... We said we'd add each other on 'MySpace' and 'facebook'.

She was just a cool girl to speak too. I had a feeling she really liked me though because every-time we locked eyes, she'd blush and turn away. And she asked me once or twice if I had a boyfriend to which I simply laughed softly. Me? Boys? Eww.

I looked over the auditorium and found my eyes locked with garnet.

Green hair framing the face. Lips pursed and her jaw clenched. I smiled and turned my attention to the stage. Is it wrong I'm doing this to get a rise out of her? I don't want anything but the truth but her ignoring me is not how we're supposed to be. I want her to be honest and straight with me. Well, not straight... but the honesty is a definite. So to get honesty I need to be devious... Irony, it's a wonderful thing, ne?

It's warm outside – August is always way too humid, but there's a pleasant breeze too. It's perfect weather for the night really.

The ballet was gorgeous and the ending got me as it always does, but I managed to hold back my tears... Strong, Hota-chan, be strong.

Afterwards, I walked outside with Diana and her parents, and Diana waited with me while I was waiting for my own parents. She's so... nice. And it's refreshing. I wouldn't mind seeing a girl like her... you know, after all this hormonal Setsuna crap is sorted out in my mind.

"So... I'll speak to you online."

Heh, cute.

"Yeah, you will."

She cleared her throat and she shuffled her feet. Her parents were standing twenty feet away and smiling. "Um... Hotaru-chan... you know when you said you didn't have a boyfriend... was there a reason? Like are you not allowed one or – "

I cut her off once more. "No... I'm allowed one..." Her eyes immediately became downcast, I smiled gently as I finished my sentence "…but my interest is not in men."

I saw her eyes light up with excitement and she bit down onto her lip. It was so cute but I could only imagine what she was thinking. If I was right... then she was thinking of the possibility of me being gay.

"Oh... do you..." She took a deep breath and looked me deep in the eyes, "Do you wanna swap numbers? I mean if you're ever bored, we can just hang out."

There's no harm in giving this girl my number... so without a second thought I hold out my hand and find her cell in my hand. I tap in my number and hand it back. "You can call it now if you want to check it."

She shakes her head, a blush over her nose and cheeks.

"No, no, I believe you. Hotaru-chan?"

I look up and smile gently, urging her to go on.

"I like you."

The blush went even redder. I smiled, and went to open my mouth.

But, then her voice sounded.

"Hotaru-chan. Come on, we're leaving."

How fucking long has Setsuna been standing there?!

"What? I'll, er, be there in a moment." I turned back to Diana but felt my arm being gripped. Tightly. I winced at the pain and Diana gulped nervously.

"I should go, Hotaru-chan, I'll see- I'll call you." She blushed and walked over to her parents.

I looked up to Setsuna, she smiled for a second as she watched Diana walk off, before she looked down to me and her smile disappeared.

"What's wrong with you?!" I whisper yelled.

Never in my life have any of my parents ever touched me – not like that. The grip she had on my arm hurt. She dragged me roughly over to the cars, and she let go as Haruka-papa's car came into view. She plastered a smile onto her face. Haruka-papa was standing by her car, keys in hand and looking worried, until she saw me, and she grinned.

"Hime-chan! There you are, how's your – Sets? I thought you were going home with Taiki?" She was going to go home with him? To his home?

To do what?! Ew!

I looked at the green haired woman standing slightly in front of me. I could see her posture stiffen, she cleared her throat. "I was going to... but I've got a headache."

No more needed to be said, Michiru-mama smiled empathetically and Haruka-papa laughed heartily. "Aw man, Taiki-kun must be gutted... I know he'd kill to tap that."

Michiru-mama slapped Haruka-papa. But me? I was smiling, I couldn't help it. She was going to go home with him but changed her mind? C'mon, there must be a reason.

"How's that girl, Hota?" Haruka grinned at me.

I furrowed my eyebrows and glared at Setsuna from the corner of my eye. "She's fine... a little scared, but fine."

Haruka-papa laughed as she opened the car and she and Michiru-mama got in the car. I laughed softly as I saw Setsuna hadn't moved.

"So you didn't go home with Taiki?"

I didn't sound malicious and I was dead careful we were out of earshot of my other parents.

"No... are you happy?"

I turned and smiled back to her. "Honestly? Yes, I am."

She shook her head but she didn't seem upset. "You scared off Diana... are you happy?"

I made my way to the car and sat in my seat and placed my hands on either side of me, a few seconds later, Setsuna slowly entered, sitting beside me. She took a deep breath as Haruka brought the car to life.

"No... I'm not happy."

I was about to respond but felt her hand gently slide into mine, our fingers intertwined. I looked up but as I did, she let go of my hand and stared out of the window. I stared own at my hand – I am NEVER going to wash this hand again. She touched my hand. I felt tingles shoot up and down my spine as I replayed the moment in my head. I smiled and slouched back into my seat.

I love that touch…

But well now, isn't this an interesting development? I took a breath and spoke at a low level.

"You could be."

I didn't know if she heard me or not at first, but when I turned my head, I saw her, looking at me. A small smile gracing her lips.

Oh yeah, she heard me.

A/N 2 - That's it for now. LOL there will be more as soon as I get my lazy ass writing more. Thoughts and feelings are appreciated ;) Ja ne - VR