Rustic Woman: Chapter 7
Summary: After graduation many people must find their way in life. This is their story of love, loss, ups, and downs while searching for a bright future. Features AmixMakoto, MinakoxRei, HarukaxMichiru and more. A long song fiction story. Many chapters, still being worked on to this day. Mostly Yuri, some Yaoi in later chapters.
A/N: Your fluff is back in full swing now, at least for this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. This chapter is very dialogue heavy.
I do not own Sailor Moon. I am merely a fan and nothing more.
"Where's the diaper bag?" Haruka called as she held a content Hotaru while trying to gather everything they needed together.
"Look in the living room." Michiru called back from her bedroom as she dressed.
"Already did. It's not there." Haruka called back again from the stairs. "Can you check her room before you come down?"
"Sure thing." Michiru called back as she continued to rummage through her closet.
"Well then, since mommy is getting ready why don't we keep ourselves busy?" Haruka said as she turned on her favorite movies. "I'll teach you to drive like that one day." Haruka said as she watched the cartoon cars race around a track. "Just don't tell mommy I told you that. She'll kill me." Haruka said in a ridiculous voice as the baby in her arms just cocked her head slightly confused. "That's my girl. She's so smart. She knows when to act innocent. Yes she does."
"You're such a goofball." Michiru said as she stood by the stairs. "The diaper bag wasn't up there. Are you sure it's not in here someplace."
"Well I don't see it." Haruka answered. "Do you see your bag anywhere?" She addressed the baby in her arms who still looked confused. "She says no."
"She says that Papa needs to keep better track of things." Michiru said as she walked into the kitchen. "And get her eyes checked."
"Whys that?" Haruka asked as she walked into the kitchen to see the diaper bag sitting on the counter. "Oh. I didn't even check in here."
Haruka passed off Hotaru as she went to the fridge to pick out a few needed necessities to pack a cold bag. "Three bottles or four?"
"I'd say four just to be safe." Michiru replied as she made sure all of the non edible items were in order. "Where's the rash cream?"
"I don't know, last I saw it was upstairs in the bathroom." Haruka was still amused as to just how many things one could lose when it came to baby things.
"I'll go check if you'll put her into her seat." Michiru bargained. She really hated to do that.
"Oh no do you don't. You're holding her, you do it." Haruka wasn't buying it. "I'll go get the cream and some extra diapers and wipes from the changing table."
"Drat." Michiru said softly. "Alright honey, I know you don't like this, but it won't be for long." She said softly humming softly. As she placed baby Hotaru into the car seat the child started to cry. She wasn't going to be appeased. She hated that chair; in fact she hated to be put down in a stationary object at all. It simply had to bounce, rock, or be a warm, snugly human. Never mind even putting her in a crib or anything you couldn't keep moving constantly. To keep Hotaru occupied she began walking around with the car seat to help keep her at least mildly contented. "Are we almost ready?" Michiru asked as Haruka came back into the kitchen, supplies in hand.
"Yes, let get going or we'll be late." Haruka said honestly as she picked up the cold bag, and the diaper bag, being sure to sling Michiru's purse into the mix before heading into the garage where the car was parked. Michiru secured Hotaru into the back seat of the car so that the car seat was properly in the base. Michiru sat next to the baby to keep her company. "Are we all set?" Haruka asked making sure it was okay to start driving. When Michiru gave the affirmative off they went to go visit their friends for dinner to celebrate the news they had received the day before about Usagi's pregnancy.
Meanwhile Minako and Rei were already at the location. The place had been like a second home to them as they had grown up. The crown had seen them through the good times and the bad. That's why the party was being held here. "Minako, hurry up with that darn ribbon!" Rei barked with a balloon between her teeth. She seemed to be able to blow them up faster than Minako could curl the ribbons used to tie them.
"Sorry." She said passing another one Rei's way. She picked up the scissors to continued using them to curl the ribbons careful not to cut herself. "How are the tables going?" She asked as she tied another finished balloon to a shimmery paperweight. "How many more of these things do we need?"
"Five." Makoto called back as she continued to set the tables with silverware. "Hey Ami, skip the confetti on the next table. Haruka and Michiru are going to bring Hotaru. We can set them at that one so she doesn't eat any." She said as went about placing a paperweight on the table and looked it over making sure everything was just right.
"Okay." Ami said as she noticed her mother talking with Ikuko, once again exchanging embarrassing baby stories. She grimaced, how many more was she going to tell for goodness sake. "Mother, less talk and more preparation please." She requested as she pretended that the mothers weren't being so open about her and Usagi's past. Some things just shouldn't be dished out.
"Oh, you'll do this one day too." Saeko said as she laughed at Ami's face. Annoyance mixed with embarrassment. "It's our right after all you put us through when you're still babies." She went around placing a little mint arrangement on each plate Makoto had set up as Ikuko followed behind with a fancy napkin.
"It doesn't get any easier as they get older either." Ikuko further reminisced. "I swear Usagi was such a handful as a teenager." As she placed another napkin she saw the look on Mrs. Aino's face. "Say, do you remember the time the girls decided to die their hair?"
"Oh don't remind me." The blond woman sighed. "That was one of the worse ideas. They haven't seemed to grow out of it either."
"That's nothing." Saeko said. "Once Ami decided it would be a good idea to cut her own hair." Saeko had a far off look in her eyes at the memory.
"I'm still here you know." Ami broke the embarrassing banter once again. "If you must talk about baby stories, talk about Jadeite."
"Oh, don't be ashamed Ami." Ikuko laughed. "I think all girls do that. Usagi did when she was little as well."
"My Minako did too." Mrs. Aino smiled fondly. "She was five at the time. She said she wanted to look cute for the boy in her class."
"Oh god." Minako intervened this time. "Mom, stop it. Not all of us want to hear this."
"Oh yes we do." Rei laughed between clenched teeth. "Do tell, do tell." She raised an eyebrow amused.
"No we don't." Minako cut the balloon Rei was blowing up at the time. "Next time it'll be your nose."
"Yes ma'am." Rei said in a mocking tone. "We wouldn't want to harm your ego."
"All of you shut up and hurry up." Makoto said looking at her watch. "We have fifteen minutes, get in gear."
It was that time that Setsuna strolled in pushing Mr. Tomoe in his wheelchair. "Hey everyone need a hand?" She asked as she pushed the man to vacant spot that a place setting had been set up for him. "Where's my niece?" Setsuna asked looking and not seeing Hotaru any place in sight.
"Setsuna, get right to the point why don't you." Mrs. Aino laughed as she too was wondering the same thing.
"Oh no, I get that child first you hear me?" Minako warned, knowing the fight for baby time was on.
"I trump both of you. She's mine first." Mr. Tomoe said from his spot at the table. "She is from my flesh and blood after all."
"Well, that beats the hell out of the rest of you." Mr. Aino laughed from the proclaimed "table for men" as he took a seat with a beer in his hand.
"Watch your mouth." His wife admonished. "Women are present."
"You do realize we are used to him by now." Rei pointed out. "Besides, we all know there were worse things he could say."
"Agreed." Makoto jumped to his defense. "I've said worse breaking a nail."
It was then that Haruka and Michiru strolled in along with a few other close friends and family. After greeting each other and a few more preparations everything was ready. Hotaru was being fought over as usual, not that Michiru or Haruka minded, happy to have some free time with other adults. Finally Usagi and Mamoru arrived. Everyone spent a good many hours talking, eating, talking more, and then finally starting to wind down for dessert. Then rounds of toasts were made using sparkling cider, instead of alcohol.
After the party ended the Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami stayed to clean up the mess letting everyone else go home. "Well that was fun." Ami said as she packed up the silverware. "We need to do that more often." The night was late and she knew Makoto would need to work the next day.
"What? Knock people up and celebrate?" Rei asked somewhat sarcastically.
"No idiot." Makoto said hitting Rei in the back of the head with a wad to streamers. "Get together like that. It had been a while."
"Yeah, it seems we never get together anymore just for the heck of it." Minako agreed. "We need to do it more often."
"I know what you mean." Makoto sighed. "We've all just been busy lightly."
"I think that's because we are preoccupied." Rei retorted truthfully. "You know, I was thinking, do you guys remember our lists?"
"I know I do." Minako smiled remembering that day. "Why, what are you thinking?"
"I think we need to do it." Rei said somewhat vaguely.
"Do what?" Rei had even lost Ami that time apparently.
"Let's go out to the country." Rei said with a hopeful tone.
"We can't." Makoto sighed in annoyance. "I would if I could. I want to be out there. I want to know what it's like."
"Someday." Rei said seriously. "Someday we will. I truly believe that to be true."
The night continued on with ideas of what they hoped for in the future. What they really wanted. There were so many things that they threw out into the open that night. Dreams filled with laughter, days that would be perfect, nights that would be serene. Yeah, there were many things they talked about. All of it seemed too good to be true, they knew it most likely was, but that didn't stop them from bantering about some silly things.
"We could all just shove our things in Makoto's truck and go on a long road trip." Minako suggested happily.
"Yeah, I could drive and you could navigate." Rei said getting lost in her own amusement.
"Oh no, I'd be the driver." Makoto defended her title. "I refuse to be shoved with the luggage. Not after your stunt last time you drove."
"Yes. That wasn't safe." Ami agreed. "You or I would have to navigate Rei, that is, unless you're trying to get us lost on purpose."
"Hey, I'm not that bad." Makoto retaliated. "Besides I'd be the driver."
"Thank goodness." Ami smirked. "Because even if I love you dearly, you still can't find your way out of a brown paper sack."
"Well this one's not any better." Rei said gesturing to Minako. "One time she got drunk and got lost in a walk in closet."
"Key words." Minako looked annoyed. "I was drunk." Flipping her hair over her shoulder she continued. "You aren't a prize either in that state of mind."
"Well in any case, a road trip is out of the question unless we all want to look like a bunch of gypsies." Makoto sighed taking a seat.
"Oh, whys that?" Rei was lost this time it seemed.
"Honestly, when was the last time any of us took a road trip that didn't result in our little army following us?" Makoto pointed out.
"Uh…" Rei couldn't think of one. "I'm not sure."
"The answer is never." Makoto answered for her. "That's why it's not a good idea."
"Besides that." Ami piped in again. "Travel is expensive. We don't have the funds."
"I'd like to travel around the world one day." Rei thought aloud.
"Well, I've traveled a lot." Minako explained. "Really it depends where you go. Some places are just run of the mill tourist traps. Others are amazing."
"I like to just be on the road." Makoto explained. "As long as I can just drive nice and slow I'm happy. I want to see the sights one day too you know."
"It would be awesome to just say screw it, hop in that old truck and make a break for it." Makoto admitted. "But Ami is right. It's not the best plan."
"Yeah…" Rei said slightly saddened by that. "I wish we could though."
"Well then just do it." Minako replied. "Don't worry about it so much and really get reckless."
"Have you lost your mind?" Ami squeaked. "That falls under bad idea big time. No way would it ever work to just up and leave like that."
"Yeah, but we wouldn't be gone forever." Rei countered.
"Perhaps not, but then there's still that caravan issue." Minako reminded. "I hate to say it, but Haruka would be all over that plan in a heartbeat."
"No duh." Makoto agreed. "And you'd be right along within the masses helping to spread the word." Needless to say, Minako blushed at being caught.
"Either way, I need something to spice up my life a little bit." Minako replied honestly. "I think I'm losing my touch." She kissed Rei on the cheek and the girl didn't blush. "See? Nothing, not a squeak, a blush or anything." She sighed dramatically. "I'm losing my touch."
"That or I've just become immune to the effects of Minako overload." Rei smirked.
"Oh really…" Minako raised an eyebrow at that. "So, if I just walked over too you like this." She began doing as she described. "Put my arms around you like this." Again, she did her actions as she spoke them. "Looked you in the eyes," Her voice became slow, gentle, and very deliberate. "And did this." She pulled Rei into a fierce, searing kiss. A true full on lip lock that lasted a good few moments before she released Rei from her hold. "Are you telling me you wouldn't blush?" Minako smirked as slowly backed away. "Then Hino Rei, I do believe you're lying."
"Get a room if you're going to do that." Makoto scoffed as Ami averted her eyes to her hands. "And I thought I was a horn dog. Good going Minako. Good going." She took a moment to look at the blush on Rei's face, it was possibly able to rival Ami's at any given time. "Here we have it class. Hino Rei, the human tomato."
"Watch it!" Rei said flinging a crumpled newspaper they had used to wrap the clean plates in at Makoto. "I wasn't the one who started this. You did!"
"See? It's fun to be spontaneous!" Minako giggled at the looks she had received. "Now think of that on the open road where we make our own rules."
"I think you've had a little too much activity tonight." Rei sighed. "The party had made your head start doing and thinking weird things."
"Well, if I'm doing weird things, shall I kiss you again?" Minako joked before going over to the shortest of the group. "Or perhaps Ami?"
"Or perhaps no." Makoto said as she saw the shorter girl run behind her. "I'd have to draw the line at that. Go back to Rei and leave my Ami outta this."
"I can just see what it would be like living in the country though." Minako laughed. "Haruka would own a bunch of cars. You would own a diner and somehow we would all end up being coworkers." Then she draped herself across the table. "And on top of that, we could all move into a big house or something." She had that smile in her eyes. Her brain was off to la-la land again.
"Yeah, and we could camp out or something." Makoto laughed. "I like sleeping in the bed of the truck on hot nights."
"I think you've both lost your marbles." Rei sighed. "Come on Ami let's get this stuff done so I can go home and sleep."
"Indeed." Ami was happy someone was still at least somewhat logical. "Makoto has to work tomorrow."
Meanwhile, back at a house, a sleepy couple spent another night pacing around with an unhappy baby. This was normal it seemed as she continued to cry. "Come on Hotaru. Calm down so that Mommy can get to sleep." Michiru tried again to coax the child to calm down. It was a failing endeavor. "Please honey calm down." She talked soothingly and then continued her humming.
"Here, give her to me." Haruka came out of the bedroom at one in the morning in a pair of boxers and a tank top with her eyes half open. The joys of children who didn't sleep. "Leave mommy to sleep for a bit." Haruka sighed as she took the baby and walked downstairs. She flipped on the television to her favorite sports and news channel before walking half awake into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of formula and putting it in the bottle warmer. She then went into one of the drawers and rummaged around until she found a pacifier that had been capped, taking it and a burp cloth with her along with a soda for herself. She went and placed all of that on the side table near her favorite recliner before going back to retrieve the bottle. Finally with all of that complete she plopped herself down with Hotaru, flipped the seat back, and spent a long night holding her daughter. Thankfully by this time she had stopped crying. Happy to be held in a place she knew she wasn't going to be set down on.
Two in the morning rolled on by, and Hotaru was still awake. The same held true at three and then at four. By two diapers and another bottle later it was already six in the morning. The sun barely rising and Haruka was still awake with a very bright eyed, if not persistent Hotaru. Haruka went in to the kitchen to start the coffee for Michiru, not at all minding the fact that she too would enjoy the caffeine boost. The baby was happy enough suckling her binky as if all was right with the world as long as she wasn't put down. "You know, I can just foresee you having everything you want out of me when you get older. I haven't been able to say no to you yet."
"You'll learn one day." Michiru yawned as she came down into the kitchen. "Have you two been up all night long?" She already knew the answer as Haruka passed the baby to her. "Why didn't you let Papa sleep just a little bit?" She asked in a soft tone. "She's not the energizer bunny. You seem to be one though." Looking to Haruka she took pity on the poor blond. "You sit down and I'll make the coffee." Michiru offered. "Or better yet, go sleep for a few hours. It looks like you need it." Haruka nodded and kissed Michiru briefly before dragging her tired body upstairs and flopping into bed, not caring to do much else.
"Alright you." Michiru redirected her gaze to the baby in her arms. "I'm going to have my coffee, and pay the bills. You'll go in your bouncer until I finish." She said as she placed the child into the device and buckled her in. Michiru sat sideways and bounced the contraption with her foot to keep the child occupied as she went about tending to the stack of envelops that littered the end of the kitchen table. After that was completed Hotaru started to wine shortly after. Once Michiru looked at the clock she realized it was about time for another bottle. "I don't know why I'm giving you this right now; it just goes right through you."
The day progressed in a similar fashion. Michiru never changed out of her pajamas and soon it was late afternoon. A fussy Hotaru wasn't easily appeased and hadn't been sleeping well. Michiru was tired as well due to having very little sleep and so a compromise had been made. All was well and good until Haruka decided to wake up from sleeping. She was dressed in casual clothing, and looked refreshed from a shower. It was too bad for her that Michiru was more focused on taking a nap herself.
"Michiru?" Haruka looked confused.
"Yes?" Her voice seemed tired and annoyed for being disturbed.
"What are you doing honey?" Haruka seemed worried.
"Sleeping." Michiru said as she could barely keep her eyes open.
"Yes, but on the floor?" Haruka didn't seem to grasp why.
Michiru pointed to her feet where her foot seemed to constantly keep the bouncer going softly as Hotaru took a nap. When she stopped her foot Hotaru soon stopped bouncing as a result and she started whimpering causing Michiru to start back up again to keep the child quiet enough for an afternoon nap. "See?"
"Oh." Haruka said as she watched the child settle down and return back to a relaxed state with her eyes closed. "I'll just take her and you can go rest in the-"
"Haruka, if you so much as annoy that child I will clobber you into next week." Michiru warned with her eyes closed.
She stood there for a moment wondering what to do before she settled on the best possible one. She lay on the floor, pulled Michiru into her arms and placed her foot on the bouncer as Michiru removed hers. Nothing more was said as Haruka kept the baby happy so that both of the women in her life could take a nap.
Onto Next Chapter
A/N: Your fluff is back in full swing now, at least for this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. This chapter is very dialogue heavy.
I do not own Sailor Moon. I am merely a fan and nothing more.
"Where's the diaper bag?" Haruka called as she held a content Hotaru while trying to gather everything they needed together.
"Look in the living room." Michiru called back from her bedroom as she dressed.
"Already did. It's not there." Haruka called back again from the stairs. "Can you check her room before you come down?"
"Sure thing." Michiru called back as she continued to rummage through her closet.
"Well then, since mommy is getting ready why don't we keep ourselves busy?" Haruka said as she turned on her favorite movies. "I'll teach you to drive like that one day." Haruka said as she watched the cartoon cars race around a track. "Just don't tell mommy I told you that. She'll kill me." Haruka said in a ridiculous voice as the baby in her arms just cocked her head slightly confused. "That's my girl. She's so smart. She knows when to act innocent. Yes she does."
"You're such a goofball." Michiru said as she stood by the stairs. "The diaper bag wasn't up there. Are you sure it's not in here someplace."
"Well I don't see it." Haruka answered. "Do you see your bag anywhere?" She addressed the baby in her arms who still looked confused. "She says no."
"She says that Papa needs to keep better track of things." Michiru said as she walked into the kitchen. "And get her eyes checked."
"Whys that?" Haruka asked as she walked into the kitchen to see the diaper bag sitting on the counter. "Oh. I didn't even check in here."
Haruka passed off Hotaru as she went to the fridge to pick out a few needed necessities to pack a cold bag. "Three bottles or four?"
"I'd say four just to be safe." Michiru replied as she made sure all of the non edible items were in order. "Where's the rash cream?"
"I don't know, last I saw it was upstairs in the bathroom." Haruka was still amused as to just how many things one could lose when it came to baby things.
"I'll go check if you'll put her into her seat." Michiru bargained. She really hated to do that.
"Oh no do you don't. You're holding her, you do it." Haruka wasn't buying it. "I'll go get the cream and some extra diapers and wipes from the changing table."
"Drat." Michiru said softly. "Alright honey, I know you don't like this, but it won't be for long." She said softly humming softly. As she placed baby Hotaru into the car seat the child started to cry. She wasn't going to be appeased. She hated that chair; in fact she hated to be put down in a stationary object at all. It simply had to bounce, rock, or be a warm, snugly human. Never mind even putting her in a crib or anything you couldn't keep moving constantly. To keep Hotaru occupied she began walking around with the car seat to help keep her at least mildly contented. "Are we almost ready?" Michiru asked as Haruka came back into the kitchen, supplies in hand.
"Yes, let get going or we'll be late." Haruka said honestly as she picked up the cold bag, and the diaper bag, being sure to sling Michiru's purse into the mix before heading into the garage where the car was parked. Michiru secured Hotaru into the back seat of the car so that the car seat was properly in the base. Michiru sat next to the baby to keep her company. "Are we all set?" Haruka asked making sure it was okay to start driving. When Michiru gave the affirmative off they went to go visit their friends for dinner to celebrate the news they had received the day before about Usagi's pregnancy.
Meanwhile Minako and Rei were already at the location. The place had been like a second home to them as they had grown up. The crown had seen them through the good times and the bad. That's why the party was being held here. "Minako, hurry up with that darn ribbon!" Rei barked with a balloon between her teeth. She seemed to be able to blow them up faster than Minako could curl the ribbons used to tie them.
"Sorry." She said passing another one Rei's way. She picked up the scissors to continued using them to curl the ribbons careful not to cut herself. "How are the tables going?" She asked as she tied another finished balloon to a shimmery paperweight. "How many more of these things do we need?"
"Five." Makoto called back as she continued to set the tables with silverware. "Hey Ami, skip the confetti on the next table. Haruka and Michiru are going to bring Hotaru. We can set them at that one so she doesn't eat any." She said as went about placing a paperweight on the table and looked it over making sure everything was just right.
"Okay." Ami said as she noticed her mother talking with Ikuko, once again exchanging embarrassing baby stories. She grimaced, how many more was she going to tell for goodness sake. "Mother, less talk and more preparation please." She requested as she pretended that the mothers weren't being so open about her and Usagi's past. Some things just shouldn't be dished out.
"Oh, you'll do this one day too." Saeko said as she laughed at Ami's face. Annoyance mixed with embarrassment. "It's our right after all you put us through when you're still babies." She went around placing a little mint arrangement on each plate Makoto had set up as Ikuko followed behind with a fancy napkin.
"It doesn't get any easier as they get older either." Ikuko further reminisced. "I swear Usagi was such a handful as a teenager." As she placed another napkin she saw the look on Mrs. Aino's face. "Say, do you remember the time the girls decided to die their hair?"
"Oh don't remind me." The blond woman sighed. "That was one of the worse ideas. They haven't seemed to grow out of it either."
"That's nothing." Saeko said. "Once Ami decided it would be a good idea to cut her own hair." Saeko had a far off look in her eyes at the memory.
"I'm still here you know." Ami broke the embarrassing banter once again. "If you must talk about baby stories, talk about Jadeite."
"Oh, don't be ashamed Ami." Ikuko laughed. "I think all girls do that. Usagi did when she was little as well."
"My Minako did too." Mrs. Aino smiled fondly. "She was five at the time. She said she wanted to look cute for the boy in her class."
"Oh god." Minako intervened this time. "Mom, stop it. Not all of us want to hear this."
"Oh yes we do." Rei laughed between clenched teeth. "Do tell, do tell." She raised an eyebrow amused.
"No we don't." Minako cut the balloon Rei was blowing up at the time. "Next time it'll be your nose."
"Yes ma'am." Rei said in a mocking tone. "We wouldn't want to harm your ego."
"All of you shut up and hurry up." Makoto said looking at her watch. "We have fifteen minutes, get in gear."
It was that time that Setsuna strolled in pushing Mr. Tomoe in his wheelchair. "Hey everyone need a hand?" She asked as she pushed the man to vacant spot that a place setting had been set up for him. "Where's my niece?" Setsuna asked looking and not seeing Hotaru any place in sight.
"Setsuna, get right to the point why don't you." Mrs. Aino laughed as she too was wondering the same thing.
"Oh no, I get that child first you hear me?" Minako warned, knowing the fight for baby time was on.
"I trump both of you. She's mine first." Mr. Tomoe said from his spot at the table. "She is from my flesh and blood after all."
"Well, that beats the hell out of the rest of you." Mr. Aino laughed from the proclaimed "table for men" as he took a seat with a beer in his hand.
"Watch your mouth." His wife admonished. "Women are present."
"You do realize we are used to him by now." Rei pointed out. "Besides, we all know there were worse things he could say."
"Agreed." Makoto jumped to his defense. "I've said worse breaking a nail."
It was then that Haruka and Michiru strolled in along with a few other close friends and family. After greeting each other and a few more preparations everything was ready. Hotaru was being fought over as usual, not that Michiru or Haruka minded, happy to have some free time with other adults. Finally Usagi and Mamoru arrived. Everyone spent a good many hours talking, eating, talking more, and then finally starting to wind down for dessert. Then rounds of toasts were made using sparkling cider, instead of alcohol.
After the party ended the Rei, Minako, Makoto, and Ami stayed to clean up the mess letting everyone else go home. "Well that was fun." Ami said as she packed up the silverware. "We need to do that more often." The night was late and she knew Makoto would need to work the next day.
"What? Knock people up and celebrate?" Rei asked somewhat sarcastically.
"No idiot." Makoto said hitting Rei in the back of the head with a wad to streamers. "Get together like that. It had been a while."
"Yeah, it seems we never get together anymore just for the heck of it." Minako agreed. "We need to do it more often."
"I know what you mean." Makoto sighed. "We've all just been busy lightly."
"I think that's because we are preoccupied." Rei retorted truthfully. "You know, I was thinking, do you guys remember our lists?"
"I know I do." Minako smiled remembering that day. "Why, what are you thinking?"
"I think we need to do it." Rei said somewhat vaguely.
"Do what?" Rei had even lost Ami that time apparently.
"Let's go out to the country." Rei said with a hopeful tone.
"We can't." Makoto sighed in annoyance. "I would if I could. I want to be out there. I want to know what it's like."
"Someday." Rei said seriously. "Someday we will. I truly believe that to be true."
The night continued on with ideas of what they hoped for in the future. What they really wanted. There were so many things that they threw out into the open that night. Dreams filled with laughter, days that would be perfect, nights that would be serene. Yeah, there were many things they talked about. All of it seemed too good to be true, they knew it most likely was, but that didn't stop them from bantering about some silly things.
"We could all just shove our things in Makoto's truck and go on a long road trip." Minako suggested happily.
"Yeah, I could drive and you could navigate." Rei said getting lost in her own amusement.
"Oh no, I'd be the driver." Makoto defended her title. "I refuse to be shoved with the luggage. Not after your stunt last time you drove."
"Yes. That wasn't safe." Ami agreed. "You or I would have to navigate Rei, that is, unless you're trying to get us lost on purpose."
"Hey, I'm not that bad." Makoto retaliated. "Besides I'd be the driver."
"Thank goodness." Ami smirked. "Because even if I love you dearly, you still can't find your way out of a brown paper sack."
"Well this one's not any better." Rei said gesturing to Minako. "One time she got drunk and got lost in a walk in closet."
"Key words." Minako looked annoyed. "I was drunk." Flipping her hair over her shoulder she continued. "You aren't a prize either in that state of mind."
"Well in any case, a road trip is out of the question unless we all want to look like a bunch of gypsies." Makoto sighed taking a seat.
"Oh, whys that?" Rei was lost this time it seemed.
"Honestly, when was the last time any of us took a road trip that didn't result in our little army following us?" Makoto pointed out.
"Uh…" Rei couldn't think of one. "I'm not sure."
"The answer is never." Makoto answered for her. "That's why it's not a good idea."
"Besides that." Ami piped in again. "Travel is expensive. We don't have the funds."
"I'd like to travel around the world one day." Rei thought aloud.
"Well, I've traveled a lot." Minako explained. "Really it depends where you go. Some places are just run of the mill tourist traps. Others are amazing."
"I like to just be on the road." Makoto explained. "As long as I can just drive nice and slow I'm happy. I want to see the sights one day too you know."
"It would be awesome to just say screw it, hop in that old truck and make a break for it." Makoto admitted. "But Ami is right. It's not the best plan."
"Yeah…" Rei said slightly saddened by that. "I wish we could though."
"Well then just do it." Minako replied. "Don't worry about it so much and really get reckless."
"Have you lost your mind?" Ami squeaked. "That falls under bad idea big time. No way would it ever work to just up and leave like that."
"Yeah, but we wouldn't be gone forever." Rei countered.
"Perhaps not, but then there's still that caravan issue." Minako reminded. "I hate to say it, but Haruka would be all over that plan in a heartbeat."
"No duh." Makoto agreed. "And you'd be right along within the masses helping to spread the word." Needless to say, Minako blushed at being caught.
"Either way, I need something to spice up my life a little bit." Minako replied honestly. "I think I'm losing my touch." She kissed Rei on the cheek and the girl didn't blush. "See? Nothing, not a squeak, a blush or anything." She sighed dramatically. "I'm losing my touch."
"That or I've just become immune to the effects of Minako overload." Rei smirked.
"Oh really…" Minako raised an eyebrow at that. "So, if I just walked over too you like this." She began doing as she described. "Put my arms around you like this." Again, she did her actions as she spoke them. "Looked you in the eyes," Her voice became slow, gentle, and very deliberate. "And did this." She pulled Rei into a fierce, searing kiss. A true full on lip lock that lasted a good few moments before she released Rei from her hold. "Are you telling me you wouldn't blush?" Minako smirked as slowly backed away. "Then Hino Rei, I do believe you're lying."
"Get a room if you're going to do that." Makoto scoffed as Ami averted her eyes to her hands. "And I thought I was a horn dog. Good going Minako. Good going." She took a moment to look at the blush on Rei's face, it was possibly able to rival Ami's at any given time. "Here we have it class. Hino Rei, the human tomato."
"Watch it!" Rei said flinging a crumpled newspaper they had used to wrap the clean plates in at Makoto. "I wasn't the one who started this. You did!"
"See? It's fun to be spontaneous!" Minako giggled at the looks she had received. "Now think of that on the open road where we make our own rules."
"I think you've had a little too much activity tonight." Rei sighed. "The party had made your head start doing and thinking weird things."
"Well, if I'm doing weird things, shall I kiss you again?" Minako joked before going over to the shortest of the group. "Or perhaps Ami?"
"Or perhaps no." Makoto said as she saw the shorter girl run behind her. "I'd have to draw the line at that. Go back to Rei and leave my Ami outta this."
"I can just see what it would be like living in the country though." Minako laughed. "Haruka would own a bunch of cars. You would own a diner and somehow we would all end up being coworkers." Then she draped herself across the table. "And on top of that, we could all move into a big house or something." She had that smile in her eyes. Her brain was off to la-la land again.
"Yeah, and we could camp out or something." Makoto laughed. "I like sleeping in the bed of the truck on hot nights."
"I think you've both lost your marbles." Rei sighed. "Come on Ami let's get this stuff done so I can go home and sleep."
"Indeed." Ami was happy someone was still at least somewhat logical. "Makoto has to work tomorrow."
Meanwhile, back at a house, a sleepy couple spent another night pacing around with an unhappy baby. This was normal it seemed as she continued to cry. "Come on Hotaru. Calm down so that Mommy can get to sleep." Michiru tried again to coax the child to calm down. It was a failing endeavor. "Please honey calm down." She talked soothingly and then continued her humming.
"Here, give her to me." Haruka came out of the bedroom at one in the morning in a pair of boxers and a tank top with her eyes half open. The joys of children who didn't sleep. "Leave mommy to sleep for a bit." Haruka sighed as she took the baby and walked downstairs. She flipped on the television to her favorite sports and news channel before walking half awake into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of formula and putting it in the bottle warmer. She then went into one of the drawers and rummaged around until she found a pacifier that had been capped, taking it and a burp cloth with her along with a soda for herself. She went and placed all of that on the side table near her favorite recliner before going back to retrieve the bottle. Finally with all of that complete she plopped herself down with Hotaru, flipped the seat back, and spent a long night holding her daughter. Thankfully by this time she had stopped crying. Happy to be held in a place she knew she wasn't going to be set down on.
Two in the morning rolled on by, and Hotaru was still awake. The same held true at three and then at four. By two diapers and another bottle later it was already six in the morning. The sun barely rising and Haruka was still awake with a very bright eyed, if not persistent Hotaru. Haruka went in to the kitchen to start the coffee for Michiru, not at all minding the fact that she too would enjoy the caffeine boost. The baby was happy enough suckling her binky as if all was right with the world as long as she wasn't put down. "You know, I can just foresee you having everything you want out of me when you get older. I haven't been able to say no to you yet."
"You'll learn one day." Michiru yawned as she came down into the kitchen. "Have you two been up all night long?" She already knew the answer as Haruka passed the baby to her. "Why didn't you let Papa sleep just a little bit?" She asked in a soft tone. "She's not the energizer bunny. You seem to be one though." Looking to Haruka she took pity on the poor blond. "You sit down and I'll make the coffee." Michiru offered. "Or better yet, go sleep for a few hours. It looks like you need it." Haruka nodded and kissed Michiru briefly before dragging her tired body upstairs and flopping into bed, not caring to do much else.
"Alright you." Michiru redirected her gaze to the baby in her arms. "I'm going to have my coffee, and pay the bills. You'll go in your bouncer until I finish." She said as she placed the child into the device and buckled her in. Michiru sat sideways and bounced the contraption with her foot to keep the child occupied as she went about tending to the stack of envelops that littered the end of the kitchen table. After that was completed Hotaru started to wine shortly after. Once Michiru looked at the clock she realized it was about time for another bottle. "I don't know why I'm giving you this right now; it just goes right through you."
The day progressed in a similar fashion. Michiru never changed out of her pajamas and soon it was late afternoon. A fussy Hotaru wasn't easily appeased and hadn't been sleeping well. Michiru was tired as well due to having very little sleep and so a compromise had been made. All was well and good until Haruka decided to wake up from sleeping. She was dressed in casual clothing, and looked refreshed from a shower. It was too bad for her that Michiru was more focused on taking a nap herself.
"Michiru?" Haruka looked confused.
"Yes?" Her voice seemed tired and annoyed for being disturbed.
"What are you doing honey?" Haruka seemed worried.
"Sleeping." Michiru said as she could barely keep her eyes open.
"Yes, but on the floor?" Haruka didn't seem to grasp why.
Michiru pointed to her feet where her foot seemed to constantly keep the bouncer going softly as Hotaru took a nap. When she stopped her foot Hotaru soon stopped bouncing as a result and she started whimpering causing Michiru to start back up again to keep the child quiet enough for an afternoon nap. "See?"
"Oh." Haruka said as she watched the child settle down and return back to a relaxed state with her eyes closed. "I'll just take her and you can go rest in the-"
"Haruka, if you so much as annoy that child I will clobber you into next week." Michiru warned with her eyes closed.
She stood there for a moment wondering what to do before she settled on the best possible one. She lay on the floor, pulled Michiru into her arms and placed her foot on the bouncer as Michiru removed hers. Nothing more was said as Haruka kept the baby happy so that both of the women in her life could take a nap.
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