Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ After the Battle is Over ❯ Getting Ready ( Chapter 8 )

Hi everyone. Sorry this took so long but it's a bit longer and life has been getting in the way. Thanks for the reviews they were great! I hope you like this part as much as the previous ones.

Disclaimers: Please refer again to Chapter 1.

Chapter 8

Michiru's POV

I hit the talk button on the phone and turned it off as I set it back down on the bed. "Well, that's done. They're on their way. Your mother estimates they'll be here around five o'clock."

"Okaa-san really likes Makoto-chan's cooking. You can bet she'll hustle Otou-san and Shingo until they get out of the house. That wasn't as difficult as I expected it to be."

"They trust you Usagi-chan. When there's trust involved nothing is as difficult as it seems." I turned around and smiled at Setsuna. She always was a good advisor for the Queen.

"Yes, well, I hope that continues to be the case because I think their trust in me is going to be tested to the fullest tonight."

Endymion's POV

I hugged Sere closer to me and started to rub her back. I could feel the weight of her guilt as she thought about her parents.

"It's not your fault Usako. You couldn't tell them your secrets, it was for their own safety."

She sighed, "I know Mamo-chan but that doesn't make me feel any better about it."

Haruka's POV

I watched Serenity as she cuddled with her Prince. She needs time alone I think, or at least with fewer of us here. Many of us cannot understand what she's going through, we haven't had to keep such secrets for one reason or another, or, as in my case, it was never an issue. My parents wouldn't have cared.

I motioned quietly for us to start leaving and soon everyone had gotten the message. The Starlights were the last to notice . . . (again!) and were just about to leave when Serenity looked up and noticed the room had all but emptied out. She looked momentarily relieved but then sat up straighter. "Matte! Kakyuu-sama, Fighter-san. Please stay. I'd like to speak with you."

Kakyuu's POV

To say I was surprised would have been an understatement! I mean, what else would she want to talk to us about? It's not like we can undo any of what has just happened, and I don't want to!

We turned back around and waited while the rest of the Scouts and cats filed out of the room until there was only the two of us, Hope, Endymion and Serenity-hime left. Seiya and I waited patiently by the door for her to start. Instead she addressed Hope.

"Hope-chan," she said while she beckoned my daughter to come forward with her finger.

Hope obediently struggled out of Seiya's arms and toddled over to the blond girl. "Hai, Onee-chan?"

'Older-sister?' Where did that come from? They aren't even of the same solar system anymore, never were to start with, now that I really think about it. But she did call her that earlier.

"Would you please go out and help Aunt Rei and Aunt Makoto prepare dinner?" Hope seemed a little surprised but she quickly nodded her head. "Hai Usagi-chan." Serenity held out her arms and after a quick hug from her, one from Seiya, and finally one from me, Hope too, left the room.

Next Serenity looked at Sei-chan. "Seiya, you knew that we would have to talk." Seiya looked at me but still nodded 'yes'. "I heard what you told Mamo-chan. I'm glad you finally figured it out. I didn't want to have to turn you away so cold heartedly but I, too, was confused and didn't know how else to handle it. Gomen ne."

"Iie!" interrupted Seiya. "It was my fault. I was taking my confusion out on you and playing on your feelings about the Scouts working together. I knew you were confused and I played on it. It was my fault." By the time Seiya had wound down she was hardly more then whispering. I moved over towards her and started to put my arm around her, after all, she needs me! However, I was stopped by a sharp arm movement from Serenity. 'Nani?!' What is she doing? First she puts us together and now she doesn't want me to be with her?

Suddenly Serenity stood up rather shakily and moved over to Seiya's side instead.

"Fighter-san," she breathed out as she closed in on Seiya, "Yes, you may have done all that demo some of the blame is mine and as for the rest of it . . . I forgive you." She embraced Seiya who quietly started to cry into her blond/silver hair. Oh, jeez . . . I'm joining them!

Endymion's POV

'What the heck is she doing?' I could feel her happiness and that wasn't making me all that happy. I know that I shouldn't be jealous but come on, she's hugging him . . . er . . . her!

"Calm down!" Wow! I started in surprise as I heard the command in my head and blushed. I didn't realize that Usako had become so proficient with our bond yet. She's learning quickly. "Hai Usako."

Fighter-san was trying to gather her composure while hugging Usagi and being hugged by Kakyuu-sama. She finally accomplished it and pushed away from both of them.

"Arigato, Serenity-sama. But you aren't the only one I should apologise to." She turned to Kakyuu-hime and continued. "Gomen nasai. We really haven't had a chance to talk but you really didn't deserve what I did either. Are you sure you want to . . . well . . . continue with all of this?"

Kakyuu-hime looked absolutely shell shocked. "Sei-chan, I'm the one that started all of this. If I hadn't left without any explanation to you, or the Starlights in general, you would never have questioned how I felt. I can't blame you any more then Endymion-sama blames Serenity-sama, which, from what I've witnessed isn't much." She's got that right! I turned and looked at Serenity who had started to blush. "Remember, you aren't to blame!" I reminded her. She nodded silently but still kept her head bowed, mimicking Seiya.

Seiya's POV

I feel just terrible. I could face just about anyone on this subject but Kakyuu was one I didn't want to face. I had hoped my explanation earlier would have ruled out the need for this talk but I guess I shouldn't have been such a baka . . . I must face the consequences of my actions.

"Thank you, but that still doesn't negate the fact that what I did was wrong. Gomen nasai. I should have known that you wouldn't leave without good reason, and I knew you were alive! I knew and yet I ignored it just because I..I..I.. was lonely! I never once considered what you must be going through." I closed my eyes in self-loathing.

I felt one pair of arms leaving while the second set tightened. I turned around and saw Serenity settling tiredly back onto the bed. Then I looked up at Kakyuu-hime. She's smiling! Even after all of this, she's smiling!

"Oh Sei-chan. You were scared, hurt, confused and lonely. Anybody would be mixed up under those circumstances. But it doesn't matter anymore. We've both forgiven you and you had better forgive yourself. I'm not having our daughter grow up with a guilt complex!"

Kakyuu's POV

For the first time since we'd started talking Seiya smiled a little (at my joke I think) and I knew that things would be all right. I hugged her fiercely and then let go again. We straightened up just in time to see a wide smile pass between the Earth Prince and the Moon Princess, on our behalf. I gently wiped away Seiya's final tears and she hugged me close in return.

"What say you Seiya, shall we forgive ourselves?" Serenity was staring at Seiya with a serious expression which blossomed into a beautiful smile when Seiya firmly nodded 'hai'. "Good! Now I suggest you go and rescue my Guardians from your little girl. After all, you've got almost three years to make up for. I'd start taking pictures now if I was you."

She's right! We have missed so much and as she said my daughter isn't a 'normal' little girl. We'll have to go softly for a while. I squeezed Seiya's hand and indicated the door. "Yes, let's go find our little girl and really introduce ourselves."

Serenity's POV

Thank heavens, Seiya didn't hesitate in taking Kakyuu's hand. I'm so glad they love each other enough to deal with this. When Hope chose then, I knew that they would be.

"Go, I'll be out in a minute, after all, I've got a bit of bonding to do with my parents too!"

Each of my friends bowed at me, Seiya lower then Kakyuu. This is going to take some getting used to! "Good luck Serenity-sama. Call us if you need us." With that they turned, opened the door and slipped out into the living room where I could hear a few others chatting.

I looked down at my watch and saw I had only 15 minutes before my parents said they would be here. Then I looked down at myself!

"Oh Kami!"

"Nani? Doushita no Sere?" I turned around and stared at Endymion like he had two heads.

"What's wrong? I'm supposed to be seeing my parents in 15 minutes and I look like I've just jumped out of bed after having slept the night in my clothes! Which I have! My Mother will have a fit. I need to get cleaned up."

Endymion's POV

'Oh no you don't!' I tightened my hold on the squirming girl in my arms as she tried to push herself off the bed once again. I hadn't been able to stop her when she'd gone over to help Seiya but I wasn't about to let her pull that stunt again. She's so weak she can hardly sit up, let alone walk around much more.

"Mamo-chan, let go!" She turned her head and glared at me. "I'm just fine. I will NOT meet my family looking like I just rolled out of bed! Not when I have to look the part."

"Prove it. If you can get away from me then I'll leave you alone." I know this doesn't sound fair but to be truthful, she knows that I'd never use undue force against her. If she really is strong enough to struggle away from my loose grip then I'll let go. But I know she won't be able to.

She started to struggle, even stronger then I had anticipated, but still not strong enough and after only a few moments she was flopping against me in exhaustion.

She looked up at me with pleading blue eyes, "Please Mamo-chan, I have to get ready!"

"Let me help Usako, you don't have enough energy to do this the normal way, but you're not in your 'normal' form any longer." I have no idea how to explain this idea to her . . . maybe if I show her.

Serenity's POV

'OH! I get it.' "That just might work Endy. It would save a lot of time too." I closed my eyes as he entwined his fingers with mine and concentrated on our bond and the energy now flowing through it. Suddenly, I felt myself transforming, ribbons forming around my body. However, instead of changing into a new outfit they just reformed into the same dress. The difference was dramatic though. Gone were the wrinkles, stains and tears caused by the recent events, in their place was a perfectly clean and pressed dress. Even my hair had been brushed and washed and it was a shiny as ever.

I looked at Endymion and smiled a quirky smile, "Well, at least you'll never be able to complain that I'll take too long to get ready for formal functions!" He grinned back at me and then stood up . . . with me in his arms!

"Endymion! Put me down this instant!" I protested.

"Iie. You're too weak to be walking around, especially if you want to be able to talk with your parents for any length of time. It'll be better if I carry you out." He proceeded to hitch me higher, and against all my objections, walked toward the closed door.

"I feel like a six-year-old! Please, Endy" and I switched tactics and started to batt my eye lashes at him and put on my puppy dog face, "Please, I don't want the other Scouts seeing me like this." The infuriating man just grinned some more and kissed my forehead . . . I'm starting to feel even younger.

"Look at it this way, at least your parents won't see it! The others have already seen you in bed and will be impressed by how refreshed you look. They won't care that you're being carried. They know why anyway!" This didn't make me feel any better. The newly awoken Princess behaviours were warring with my Usagi behaviours inside me. Half of me wanted to be put down because it was undignified to be carried like this but it was unwilling to create a scene to make him do so and the other half was very willing to make a scene so he'd put me down. Finally, the childish side won out, after all I wasn't fully the Princess yet.

"Mamo-chan put me down!" I finally yelled . . . just as he opened the door to the bedroom.

Meanwhile in the rest of the House . . .

Haruka's POV

We came out into the living room to find Ami talking animatedly with Taiki. I poked Michi to tell her to look. What was going on? I thought Makoto and Ami had worked things out. Why isn't she in the kitchen helping make diner with her girlfriend?

"Hey guys, whatcha talking about?"

"She's picking my brains." Stated Taiki dryly. Ami blushed becomingly but sputtered a negative.

"Taiki offered to tell me about her planet and the planets that they visited before they came to earth. I couldn't pass it up. It's amazing what they've seen!" Ami's face was glowing and I noticed that even as she talked to us her fingers were flying over her minicomputer, writing down everything she was being told for later reference.

"Sounds fascinating. You'll have to tell us about it sometime." I nudged Michi to get her walking, as I noticed she was actually starting to get interested. I knew that if we stayed much longer the three of them would be nattering away and I wasn't all that interested. I hauled her off toward the kitchen . . . um mm . . . chicken with lemon. Makoto would cook up a storm with all of us here and I can't wait to taste some of it. Maybe I could be the taste tester . . .

Michiru's POV

I stumbled after Haruka's nose as I followed her to the kitchen. The scouts all make fun of Usagi when she eats but they haven't seen Haruka in one of her hunger moods, it would put Usagi to shame. I'm sure they'll find out fast enough and the way Ruka is dragging me it might be sooner then later!

We passed Sets and Hotaru-chan talking in the den and I was able to wave quickly as we went toward the kitchen. From the looks of things, Hotaru is talking to Sets about what we did. She understands why we did it, demo it's going to take a while for things to go back to normal.

Just as we were entering the kitchen the doorbell rang. Everyone in the kitchen stopped and looked at us. Makoto was standing at the stove absently stirring something that looked suspiciously like chocolate. Minako was showing Yaten how to put the crinkles in the edges of a pie crust (where did she learn that anyway?) and Rei-chan was standing at the sink wiping something, which looked even more suspiciously like chocolate, off of Hope.

"Well, aren't you going to get that?" asked Makoto.

"Nani?" Haruka had eyes for nothing but the contents of the pot.

"She's right Ruka, it is our house, we should answer the door." I shook her arm a little and she looked at me. "Oh right . . . but couldn't I have a taste first?"

Makoto looked at me a little oddly and I just smiled. No point in giving them more hints then they need. "No dear, lets go open the door before Luna tries to and it turns out to be the gardner and she scares him half to death."

"Oh ne." Ruka finally turned back toward the door with a pout and only left the room after a final look at the delicious pot which was being taken off the stove as the other girls followed us out of the room.

Rei's POV

I wouldn't miss this for the world. I've only known Usagi's parents for about three years but that's long enough to know that the next couple of hours are going to be interesting. I followed the other Inner Senshi toward the front door and we were met by Fighter-san and Kakyuu-hime half way there. I silently handed Hope over to her parents (maybe they'll be able to get the chocolate stains out of her dress) and continued on to the front foyer. I arrived in time to see Haruka opening the door.

"Tsukino-san, please come in." And she took a step back to let Usagi's family in.

"Arigato Ten'ou-san, for inviting us to your home." Mrs. Tsukino smiled brightly at Haruka. She motioned to Shingo who had entered behind his parents and from the look on his face wants to be anyplace but here right now. "This is our son, Shingo-chan." Shingo bowed and muttered, "Nice to meet you." Haruka only smiled. "Don't worry, Shingo-san, this evening won't be as boring as you think! This is my partner, Kaiou Michiru." Michiru walked up and bowed politely to the Tsukino's before taking Haruka's hand.

"And this is my husband, Tsukino Kenji." Mr. Tsukino managed a credible smile but it wasn't all that convincing. Oh my gosh! He thinks Haruka is a boy!

Mina's POV

Why on earth is Rei giggling? Mr Tsukino's expression is a little odd, but nothing worth giggling over.

"Hey Rei . . . what's so funny?"

She whispered back, "Tsukino-san thinks Haruka-san is a boy!" and she was off giggling again. Even louder.

"He what??"

Makoto's POV

What are those two going on about? I poked Minako's back and asked "What's gotten into you too? The others are looking!" Rei did a masterful job of pulling herself together long enough to reply, "Tsukino-san thinks Haruka-san is a boy!"

"Nani?" I did a double take and sure enough the look on Tsukino-sans' face was as welcoming as a gorilla protecting his young. The fact that Haruka was already attached didn't appear to help all that much. "He's not doing that badly! It'll be okay."

"Yeah but just think about how he's going to react to Mamoru if this is what Haruka's getting."

I turned back to see Michiru watching us with a funny look on her face. Suddenly she went up on tip toes and whispered something into Haruka's ear. Haruka turned and looked at her oddly but finally nodded.

"Finally, may we introduce our daughter, Hotaru-chan." She motioned the smallest Senshi over (she had followed us all out to the door when the bell had rung) and Hotaru bowed politely. "Nice to see you again Tsukino-san."

Mrs. Tsukino looked at her oddly, "Have we met before young lady?" Hotaru suddenly paled and looked quickly at her parents.

"Hai, Tsukino-san, she has been over a few times with Usagi-chan." Michiru quickly explained.

"Well, I'm terribly sorry dear, I don't remember you." Mrs. Tsukino looked horrified.

"Oh, that's all right, it was a hard meeting to remember, a lot was happening then." Hotaru smiled brightly and took Michiru-san's hand.

Suddenly, Tsukino-san got a funny look on his face and started staring hard at Michiru and Haruka. His face got even more confused as he said, "Partner?"

Ami's POV

I think Mrs. Tsukino's face is going to burn off, it's so red. "Kenji! Mind your own business!" She hissed at him while trying to smile apologetically at their hosts.

"Iie, it's all right Tsukino-san. We were trying to find a way to explain out situation to you and your husband ourselves, but he appears to have figured it out already." Michiru smiled comfortingly at Usagi's mother and then turned to Usagi's father. "Yes, Tsukino-san, Haruka is a girl, we both live in this house with our adopted daughter and our friend Meioh Setsuna. It's an odd combination I know, but it works for us."

It was Mrs. Tsukino's turn to look slightly shocked. Mr. Tsukino, on the other hand calmed down considerably, not totally, but enough that his smile was more genuine. "Well then, that's okay." Mrs. Tsukino looked at him like he had three heads but didn't say anything.

"Well then, where is Usagi? The four of you are here," and he pointed at the me and the rest of the Inner Scouts, "so she must be here somewhere."

Oh my gosh, I hadn't realized we were that inseparable. "Yes, she is Mr Tsukino." I replied in my blandest voice. "She'll be out in a minute. Let me go tell her you're here. Why don't you come in and sit?" I turned around and headed back down the hall into the living room and everyone proceeded to follow me.

Michiru's POV

As we neared the living room, I started to hear voices. Then, when as we entered the living room, I realized that it was Endymion-sama arguing with Serenity-sama. I glanced quickly at the Tsukino's but they didn't seem to recognize the voices, even though they were looking directly at the bedroom door. Ami glanced worriedly at Usagi's parents as well and hurried over to the door but she wasn't there in time. It was flung wide open and our Prince stepped out with an obviously angry Princess in his arms.

"Mamo-chan put me down!"

Oh dear, I think we're in for some trouble.

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