Sailor Santa Claus @sailorsantaclaus - Tumblr Blog

Got my sailorsantaclaus gift in the post yesterday after having to wait for a redelivery as I missed the first one :/ I got the complete set of Christmas Inner Sailor Senshis figurines and they are just so goddamn cute :3 They are just what I asked for and I couldn’t be happier so thank you to my Santa @moonsandrock for this wonderful gift :3

crescentbolt

My Sailor Santa gift came in a while back, and I’d forgotten to post a pic! Thanks so much to my secret Santa, @chibikim88! I love the necklace, and the art book is perfect! I love flipping through Naoko’s gorgeous illustrations. Thanks so much!!!

sailorsoapbox

My Secret Santa gift arrived! I love the doodle & these were lovely surprises (the Tamashii Buddies figures look even better in person). Thank you very much, Santa! 💙💚

amboato

For my @sailorsantaclaus giftee @kittyichooseyou

Lyrics from “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

silvercresent

My @sailorsantaclaus gift arrived today. So many Mercury things!!! And omg I didn’t know adjustable rings were a thing!!!!

Thanks so much @saturnsilence !!!! I absolutely adore my package!!!

silvercresent

My @sailorsantaclaus gift arrived today. So many Mercury things!!! And omg I didn’t know adjustable rings were a thing!!!!

Thanks so much @saturnsilence !!!! I absolutely adore my package!!!

amboato

RinixHelios - Sailor Moon SuperS opening

for my @sailorsantaclaus secret Santa giftee @kittyichooseyou

pumpkinqueenmadness-deactivated

My @sailorsantaclaus gift arrived today! Ahhh thank you so much @silvercresent I love her soooo much. You have no idea how long I’ve wanted her. There was a small hand malfunction…I didn’t realize how delicate these things are but it’s nothing a little hot glue can’t fix lol.

My secret santa present for @sailorsoapbox for the digital exchange! I hope I submitted this right and I hope you like it. <3

I pretty much just started with your request for Sailor Saturn and started sketching Hotaru in different ways and different styles and this sort of became a Frankenstein’s Creature pic of splicing two different ideas together? I hope it turned out well???

Hello!! My giftee was @minibunbon who listed both Inners and Mako/Ami - sooo here are the Inners at a baseball game as a Polaroid selfie courtesy of Mako! (It was supposed to be a date but Mina found out they were going somewhere, and then Usagi wanted to go too, and Rei couldn’t be left out, so…)

Digital Gifts for ncisduckie

Since @ncisduckie gave me free reign to make whatever, I decided I would do a mobile wallpaper of each of the three character pairings she mentioned, using very different art sources and design styles. I did a little snooping to determine her phone’s resolution, too, and used it whenever possible. I’ll include the direct links to the wallpapers in case Tumblr doesn’t display them at the right pixel size (or compresses the file size).

https://s15.postimg.org/zadlqpoi3/Digital_Exchange_1.png

Wallpaper One features Uranus and Neptune. The artwork comes from one of the colouring books.

http://s15.postimg.org/ca6yedqob/Digital_Exchange_2_A.png

Wallpaper two is a stitched pan shot from episode 44 of Princess Serenity and Tuxedo Mask. (I’ve actually been using this one for myself!)

https://s15.postimg.org/5890s6n2j/Digital_Exchange_3.png

Wallpaper three features artwork of Princesses Small Lady & Saturn from an illustration of Artbook IV.

Hope ncisduckie enjoys these, and Merry Christmas!

A Short Reprieve

For @lunamis53

Happy Holidays!

Merry xmas @silvercresent, i hope the holidays were good and the new year will be even better!

A Tale Of Four Birthdays

For @amboato I hope you like this~

Summary: Minako’s birthdays over the years, from before she was a part of a team to long after.

It was the middle of the night when Minako slipped through the window into her apartment. She leaned heavily against the wall, pressing her hand to a bruise on her arm. Artemis jumped through the window after her, flawless and silent as she had aimed to be. She was tired and breathless, her body was sore, and she wanted to sleep for days.

She couldn’t do that, of course. Minako had school tomorrow. School was important, just like fighting evil and keeping up appearances and distracting the eye of enemy before the princess appeared. She repeated this over and over as she moved away from the wall. The words weren’t the same as a bandage for her bruises, but it was something to keep her on her feet.

She dragged herself to the bathroom, moving quietly at first, not wanting to disrupt the calm of the night. Once she began taking out bandages and disinfectant, however the silence started to press in on her. She turned on the facet, letting the running water soothe her nerves. It was one of those things that had always been comforting to her, like thunderstorms and sitting by firelight.

She dressed her wounds slowly, wishing that she had another pair of hands but trying not to linger on the thought. She slipped into a nightgown, knowing that she wouldn’t really sleep. She would stay up all night reviewing the battle in her head, berating herself for every misstep that got her wounded, trying to unravel the plans of the enemy.

She walked to the kitchen, maneuvering through the darkened house to the fridge and pulling out the cupcake that she had purchased earlier in the day. It was one of the few luxuries that she allowed herself and she deserved to indulge today. She took a match and lit the single candle on top, carrying it to the table and slumping down in the chair. She laid her head on the table and stared at the flame as it danced in front of her.

Artemis jumped on the table beside her, nuzzling her cheek. “You did well today.”

Minako didn’t agreed, but she was too tired to argue. He was always watching her battles from somewhere and he told her when she improved, when she didn’t, what to do and what not to do. She trusted his opinion, but that still didn’t mean that she agreed. People that did well didn’t come home as battered as she was. With sloppy performances like this she would never be able to protect anyone.

She’d wanted today to be a good, calm day. A day where she could have fun or relax, but evil didn’t take a day off, so neither did she.

“Minako.” She turned her head to look at Artemis. He pressed his nose to hers, bringing a tired smile to her face. “Happy Birthday.”

It wasn’t really, it was a complete and utter disaster of a day, but in this moment, it was.

It was rainning outside. The quiet patter of raindrops was soothing to her as she leaned against the wall, hand stroking Artemis’s fur as he sat in her lap. She was singing softly, some song that she had written when she was younger and never managed to forget.

This was her first birthday since moving to Tokyo and the first birthday in the last few years that she could relax. Usually she had to act cheerful for her classmates as they wished her well and went on with their day like she didn’t really matter. This year, she could just stay home with Artemis. Better than every year she had to train or fight the Dark Kingdom.

The doorbell prompted her to get up. Still holding Artemis, she made her way to the door, wondering who would be stopping by.

“Surprise!” Was yelled out as soon as she opened the door, four familiar and smiling faces waiting for her. She took a steps few back as she took in the scene. They were holding colorfully wrapped boxes, Ami with balloons, Rei and Usagi popping streamers.

“What’s this?” She asked with a confused smile.

“It’s your birthday!” Usagi cheered, launching herself at Minako and barely giving Artemis the chance to leap out of the way. Her princess wrapped her arms around her tightly and Minako returned the hug in a somewhat bemused manner.

“How did you know?” Minako recalled that she had very carefully not mentioned anything about it. Why would she? It didn’t have anything to do with their mission and they really didn’t have much time to spend of trivial things like this.

“Artemis told us,” Mako said as they all filed in. She was carrying a container of her own which she quickly set on the table and revealed to be a cake.

“Sorry it’s such short notice,” Ami said. “We were planning a surprise in the park but then it started to rain.”

“You really thought we would let you get away without a party?” Rei asked her, carefully extracting Usagi from the hug she had Minako still trapped in.

She turned to look at Artemis, trying to hide her confusion, but poorly. He seemed to understand what she was asking though. He smiled at her, soft and kind and familiar like little else was these days. “You aren’t alone anymore, Mina. I thought it would be good if you could have a birthday to finally show it.”

Her eyes began to water for a moment, but she blinked it away quickly, sliding into cheerful Minako mode. “You big dummy,” she said as she picked him up again, hugging him close. “I’m never alone if you’re here.”

There was more to it than that, but Artemis would understand her. He licked her cheek and she knew he understood.

“Well, what do you say we get started?” Rei asked.

“Oh! Oh! Open my gift first!” Usagi said, jumping up and down in her eagerness.

“Don’t be so pushy, Usagi, this is her party!” Rei scolded.

“I know, but…” The argument faded into the background as she turned to Ami and Makoto.

Mako had rested a hand on her cheek, looking at them with repressed humor. “Here they go again.”

“You’d think they would settle down a bit for this,” Ami sad. Noticing that she had Mina’s attention, she reached into her bag and held out a card. “It’s nothing special,” She said with a blush. “I wasn’t really sure what to get you, but I wanted to tell you that it’s been really nice getting to know you. I know it’s been a short time, but…”

Minako’s smile became more real the longer she held it. “Thank you,” She said. “This means a lot to me.”

Makoto’s smile widened at that. “Come on, you better have some cake before Usagi gets to it.”

Minako was smiling as she watched the others bustling around the room. There was excitement in the air, and the almost frantic energy made her want to get up and do something, but she had been forbidden from helping.

Minako had told them that they didn’t have to throw her a birthday party this year but they were really insistence about it, Usagi especially. They didn’t try to surprise her this year, which was why she was able to watch as this all came together, but she thought that was probably the results of their newest additions to Earth more than she could have done.

Her attention was drawn across the room as at the sound of a deflating balloon. Berthier was jumping away from the hellium tank as the balloon she was holding escaped her hand and streaked wildly through the air. Ami giggled beside her as she tried to calm the girl and teach her the correct way to operate the machine, Berthier blushed as she refocused. Around the room, all the Ayakashi sisters were having similar experiences.

“Strange, isn’t it?” Artemis asked her as he jumped onto the table. “Wasn’t too long ago they were our enemies, now look at them.”

“It is strange,” She admitted. “That’s not the weirdest part to me.”

“What is?”

“These people are from the future,” She whispered. “Our future. A future where we lost. It doesn’t really seem worth celebrating the symbol of our downfall.”

Artemis reached out to place a paw on her arm and she turned to look at him. “You can’t think of it that way, Mina. The future is always changing. We won’t win every battle. It’s impossible. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have hope though.” His eyes turned to look out at the rest of the girls. “We lost during the Silver Millennium and Queen Serenity gave us a new future. We lost the future, but Pluto and Chibiusa gave us the chance to try again. That’s what we need to focus on.”

“I guess you’re right,” She sighed. “It’s just… I’ve trained so hard. We’ve all trained so hard. It’s difficult to accept that it could all come to nothing.”

“Nothing?” Minako snapped to attention as Calaveras came over to her. “You think this is nothing?”

Calaveras seemed to be the only person to have noticed the conversation. Rei and Petz were putting up streamers and balloons, Koan was helping Makoto set out the food while fending off Usagi’s sticky fingers. Calaveras sat down across from her, her expression between distress and a glare.

“You think this is nothing?” Calaveras asked again, gesturing around them.

“No! No!” Minako protested. “Not that this is nothing. Just… the future falls apart and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to save it.”

“You won’t be strong enough,” Calavares told her with a stern look. “We fought you in the future. You were strong, nearly unbeatable, but that isn’t what saved you. We aren’t here because you were strong.” Her eyes moved to Usagi, laughing on the other side of the room. “All four of us are here because you were kind. Because you were willing to show us kindness. My sisters and I were strong, but that wasn’t enough. Strength alone can’t hold something together. It didn’t hold us together. We nearly lost each other. You guys, even in the future, stay together and strong because you’re kind.”

“She’s right, Mina,” Artemis told her. “Think about what’s kept you together all this time. From Queen Serenity, to the princess, to Usagi, think about what really kept you going.”

“You, too.” Minako whispered, reaching out to stroke Artemis’s fur.

“If you want to get stronger, that’s something you can only do together,” Calaveras said softly. “That’s something my sisters and I forgot.”

Minako thought on this, but her thoughts drifted to the sad look on Calaveras’s face. The Ayakashi sisters had been trying really hard to fit in with 20th century life, but she knew that it wasn’t easy for them. “Hey,” She said slowly. “When are your birthdays?”

Calaveras shrugged. “Time wasn’t measured the same way on Nemesis.”

“How about today?” Minako asked. “We can celebrate your birthday’s today with me and if you want, we’ll pick a day to celebrate all of you in the future!”

The astounded look on Calaveras’s face made Minako’s grin widen. She knew what it was like to be alone, to be a stranger to kindness. These girls deserved a little more of that kindness from her.

Minako woke up to Artemis jumping on her head, groaning slightly, but taking the wake up more gracefully than she would have in her youth. “Morning,” She grumbled as she sat up, reaching up to pull Artemis into her arms. She could see a bouquet of yellow roses of the bed beside her once her eyes opened fully. “Did you get those for me?” She asked as she hugged him close.

“It’s the least that I could do,” Artemis told her. “The others were already here.”

“For what?”

Minako looked around the room, seeing the cluster of things from her open bedroom door.

“You work too hard,” Artemis told her. “You’re starting to become forgetful again.”

“I’m not forgetful,” She said as she got out of bed. She walked toward the living room ad stopped in the doorway. There were balloons and streamers along the sides of the room, a pile of present boxes around her living room table, a large cake with unlit candles, and a small pile of card sitting on the chair.

“Happy Birthday,” Artemis said. “Serenity gave you the day off, so I turned off your alarm to let you sleep in.”

“Artemis,” She whispered, kissing his forehead. “Thank you.”

She decided to indulge herself with a eating a piece of cake early, delighting utterly at the taste of Makoto’s deliciously made desserts. She moaned to herself at the taste and Artemis rolled his eyes at her.

“They’ll be back tonight, you kow.”

“You’re right,” Minako said, standing up once she finished her piece of cake. “I should be getting ready.”

“This is your day off!”

“That makes this the best time to do it,” Mina answered as she went to her room to dress. “Better early than late, I’d say.”

She put on something causal, wrapped up a piece of cake, and placed a wrapped present into her bag. “I’ll be back!” She called as she headed out. The was rushing through the crystal halls of the palace, excitement making her rush as she maneuvered to the most forbidden part of the castle. The corridors were like a maze the closer she got to her destination, making her slow down to assure that she did not lose her way.

She knew she was close to her destination once mist began to surround her. The fog was slightly disorienting, as it was meant to be, but she had been this way often enough by now. “Sestuna!” Minako called out.

Slowly, the fog began to lift and Pluto walked into sight. “Minako, what are you doing here?”

Minako help up the present and wrapped piece of cake. “Happy Birthday!”

Sestuna’s face softened as she accepted the gifts. “You are early,” She told her.

“I know,” Minako answered. “But I have most of the day free, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to come and visit. Just in case something happens between now and then.”

“You’re sweet, Minako. I don’t know why anyone would want to give up their free time to come here.”

“I just don’t want you to be alone,” Minako said. “You spent too much time alone and we can’t bring a party here.”

Setsuna set down her present and unwrapped the cake, taking a bite. “You didn’t make this yourself, did you?”

“Oh no!” Minako said. “Mako made this. It’s a piece of the cake she made me.”

“When are you going to make me something yourself?” Sestuna asked.

Minako flushed. “I’m getting there…”

Setsuna reached out and squeezed Minako’s hand. “Thank you, Mina. And happy birthday.”

My giftee was kitsunebaba. This was actually my first time writing some Usagi/Haruka friendship, so I hope you enjoy it!

I Wanna Look Cool! Usagi Learns to Drive!

This was supposed to be a simple request: teach Odango how to ride a motorcycle. It wouldn't be difficult for someone like her; Haruka hadn't met a vehicle she couldn't learn to drive. And teaching couldn't be that much harder, or so she thought. She saw Michiru and Setsuna do it all the time when they were teaching Hotaru when she was younger, and Haruka had down a little bit of instructions as well. Sure, Hotaru preferred for “Michiru-mama” to explain academic matters, but “Haruka-papa” was still her preferred parent for fun and games.

So, again, teaching Usagi how to drive a motorcycle shouldn't be hard. It shouldn't be, but clearly Haruka wasn't accounting for the Odango Factor. Thinking back on it, maybe she should have just told her princess no. It would have saved her a lot of bruises and scrapes down the line. But saying no to Usagi was like dumping a bucket of water on a puppy. Sure, you could do it, but why would you? It's too cruel to even consider. Plus, when Usagi had made the trip out to their cozy little home, her eyes beaming with hope and promise, Haruka was already feeling her well-shored defenses begin to crumble. And then Usagi had begun to explain why she wanted to ride a motorcycle.

“Well, Mamo-chan has a bike, and I thought it would be so cool if I drove it once or twice! But then Rei-chan said if I tried, I would go flying, and I told her she was being mean and then she wouldn't share her snacks-” and then Haruka sorta tuned out the rest of what Usagi was saying about Rei. The two of them were the best of friends, but their bickering was only cute from a distance. And Haruka didn't really have an opinion on whether this manga or that manga was the best one, or who got to read it first if they both paid half the cost on it. Of course, Michiru was following the conversation and giving her own input, occasionally sipping daintily from her teacup. Haruka knew without a doubt that her girlfriend was immensely amused by Usagi's plight. Haruka just knew she was going to have to deal with Michiru's teasing if she refused Usagi's request. Then again, she would do it anyway. It was one of the things she loved about Michiru, even if Haruka complained at the time.

So, Usagi.

After finishing her complaints about Rei, she then turned her earnest gaze onto Haruka. “So! Haruka-chan, I told Rei I would learn from the best! And since that's you, I was really hoping you would teach me?” Usagi had asked. Haruka had taken a long drink from her teacup to stall for time. She already knew that agreeing to Usagi's request was a foregone conclusion, but that didn't mean she couldn't tease her kitten a little. “Learning how to ride a motorcycle takes a lot of dedication and focus, Usagi. You could get seriously hurt.” Haruka warned. If anything, Usagi's gaze only intensified with its bright focus, and she placed both hands on the table. It was with a bit too much force and the teacup rattled slightly on their plates. It brought a smile to Haruka's face, especially because Usagi didn't even notice. “I know, Haruka-chan! Buuutttttt I really want to learn! I promise I'll focus and listen to everything you say! So please? Please, please?” Usagi asked, stretching out the last word. Haruka looked over at Michiru, who was smiling as well. “Now, Haruka, can you really say no to that face?” Michiru asked. She was enjoying this far too much. Haruka looked back at Usagi and blanched. Oh no. Now her eyes were filling with tears. It was already too much when she was looking at her so earnestly. “Haruka-chan...” Usagi wibbled. Haruka sank back into her chair. “Ok, ok. Don't look at me like that. I feel like some sort of youma.” Haruka had acquiesced. Usagi had given a whoop of delight and hopped to her feet.

“I'll do my best, Haruka-chan, you'll see!” Usagi had promised. “Oh, but these snacks are tasty...” Haruka had to place her hand over her mouth to prevent herself from chuckling as Usagi sank back into her seat and finished drinking her tea and eating the cookies Michiru had brought out. Hopefully, Usagi would maintain her focus when it came time to learn how to ride the bike. Still, there was something cute about Usagi's dedication to not leaving any cookie uneaten. Haruka supposed she could take the time to finish her tea as well. After all, Michiru had taken the time to set all of this up.

Once the tea had been drunk and the cookies eaten, it was time to get started. Of course, there was some delay as Hotaru wanted to show Usagi something, and then Usagi got distracted chatting with Setsuna, but Haruka got her to focus. She most assuredly definitely did not in any way whatsoever get sucked into looking at the new painting Hotaru had made. Haruka definitely did not have to deal with her girlfriend's knowing smile when they finally made it outside, a half hour later. And she definitely was not blushing. Nope, not at all.

Haruka asked Usagi to wait outside the house while she brought out the motorcycle. The dirt road that ran past would be a good place to start practicing; if Usagi fell, it would hurt a lot less than asphalt. Haruka's smile returned to her face when she saw how Usagi's eyes lit up upon seeing the motorcycle. It honestly reminded her of the first time they had met: both she and Minako had the same eager look on their faces. You would think Odango wouldn't still be acting like this, but Haruka always thought Usagi's behavior was part of her charm.

“Ok Usagi, before you get on the bike, let me go over the different parts.” Haruka said. She then explained the basic components of a motorcycle, from the frame to where the horn was, and where the throttle and clutch were located. Haruka glanced up every so often to make sure Usagi was still listening and paying attention, and it actually looked like she was trying to retain the information. Haruka wished she could take a picture of Usagi's focused expression, and she inwardly chuckled to herself. Sometimes it was hard to believe this girl was their princess.

Haruka went over the parts a second time to make sure Usagi understood, and then briefly quizzed her on what part was which. “Whaaattt? I didn't think I would be quizzed! No fair, Haruka-chan!” Usagi pouted. Haruka poked her cheeks in retaliation. “Don't think making cute faces will get you out of answering my questions. Knowing where everything is, is part of being safe. Whatever would I do if my dear princess got injured?” Haruka asked. Usagi crossed her arms. “You're making fun of me again.” Usagi said. Haruka smiled. “Of course not. Now, what is this part called?” Haruka asked. It took Usagi a moment, but she answered correctly.

Once Haruka was certain that Usagi knew what the most important parts of the bike were, she let her get on. There were practically stars in Usagi's eyes as she gripped the handlebars. Haruka chuckled; they weren't even moving yet. “I feel super cool!” Usagi exclaimed. She looked over at Haruka, who was still holding onto the bike to keep it leveled. “Is this how you feel when you ride, Haruka-chan?” Usagi asked. Haruka could feel her face heating up. Why was this girl so cute? Haruka ran her free hand through her hair. She needed to say something cool. “Y-Yeah, more or less.” Well, that was not it. She could recover! “Riding makes me feel like the wind, as if I'm a part of it. It's the same way with running.” Haruka added. “Like the wind...” Usagi murmured to herself. She then looked forward and nodded. Something Haruka said must have motivated her, but Haruka wasn't sure anything she said was cool enough to do that.

It definitely wasn't all that cool to just guide Usagi up and down the dirt road. However, it was important that Usagi got a feel for the weight of the bike and that her feet were in the right place. Once they started for real, Haruka would have to go get the helmets out for the both of them. It took a few passes back and forth on the dirt road before Haruka judged that Usagi was ready for the real thing.

Haruka set down the kickstand on the bike and got Usagi to temporarily get off (“But Haruka-chan, I wanna go fast now!”). She came back once she had helmets for the two of them; she had been worried the helmet wouldn't fit around Usagi's odangos, but the helmet managed to go down over her head. Haruka amused herself with the thought of Odango getting an odango-shaped helmet. Haruka got the keys out of her jacket and ignored Usagi's grabby hands for them. “You have to get used to the lean first, Usagi.” Haruka gently chided. She got on the bike and turned it on, smirking at the rumble of the engine. Haruka turned to Usagi. “C'mon, we'll do a few with me driving, then you.” Haruka said. Usagi hopped onto the bike and wrapped her hands around Haruka's waist.

Usagi's grip was a lot tighter than Michiru's, but it was to be expected. First-time passengers always held on harder due to nervousness. “Ready? Here we go!” Haruka announced. Haruka gave a short laugh at Usagi's yelp when they took off. Honestly, they were maybe only going 20 down the dirt road, but Usagi was acting like Haruka had revved it to 50. Haruka slowed down slightly and waited for Usagi to relax. It took several minutes, but Usagi's grip lessened around her waist. Haruka carefully turned the bike and was pleased that Usagi leaned into the turn like she had explained earlier.

They did a few more passes back and forth on the road before stopping in front of the house. Haruka knew Usagi wasn't the best at keeping focus on a new topic, so a break was in order. Usagi was pouting a bit when she removed her helmet, but the promise of more snacks had improved her mood. Besides, they had been practicing for a few hours now.

Usagi went to see what Hotaru and Setsuna were up to, and Haruka went off in search of Michiru. Michiru was in their backyard, working on a painting. Haruka approached her and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's waist. She placed a kiss on Michiru's neck. “Having fun?” Michiru lightly teased. Haruka chuckled into Michiru's neck. “We haven't fallen off yet, so it's going pretty well. We'll see once I let her drive, though.” Haruka replied. She looked at what Michiru was painting. The image wasn't complete, but the canvas held the beginnings of the Moon Palace. “What made you decide to paint this?” Haruka asked. Haruka loved all of Michiru's paintings, but it was rare for her to do something from the Silver Millennium. “It came to me not long after Usagi arrived. Do you remember that time, Haruka?” Michiru asked. How could she forget such a time? They may have been solitary guardians of their planets, but the beautiful radiance of the Moon Palace and their wonderful royal family was not something Haruka could never forget. The image of their princess, brightly shining under the stars was an image burned into her mind.

“I remember.” Haruka said at last. “That time...felt like a dream. Spending that time, alone on my planet watching over the Moon Kingdom...” Haruka mused. She hugged Michiru a bit tighter for a moment. “But I think the time I spend with you and our family is much better. I no longer have to dream of holding you in my arms.” Haruka murmured. “Oh? You only dreamt of holding me? My dreams were a bit different, then.” Michiru flirted.

While Haruka was blushing at her girlfriend's words, Usagi was trying the snacks Hotaru had made. In her opinion, they were very tasty. “I wish Haruka-papa would let me drive.” Hotaru complained. “I'm sure she will eventually.” Setsuna replied. “Probably once you get a bit taller.” Usagi added. Hotaru pondered for a moment. “Maybe if I shape my hair like yours, Usagi. I'd be a bit taller then.” Hotaru considered. “Ehhhh, I tried that once with Mama, but she said it didn't count.” Usagi advised. When she was younger, Usagi had tried to tell her mother she was too old to have to eat vegetables, as evidenced by her height, but her mother had only placed more vegetables on her plate. Truly troubling times for child Usagi, to be certain. Then again, even though she was finally a high school student, her mother still lectured her about the importance of eating healthy. It wasn't her fault though! Snacks were just too tasty to resist! Speaking of...Usagi grabbed another mini danish that Hotaru had made and ate it. These were just too good not to eat!

Usagi looked over at Setsuna. Setsuna was much more mature, and only had a few mini danishes on her plate. Usagi admired her restraint, but also had no problems with the mini pile on her own plate. Life was meant to be enjoyed to the utmost. “Say, Setsuna-san...” Usagi began. “I'm not telling you if you're going to succeed at learning how to ride a motorcycle.” Setsuna replied succinctly. Usagi visibly deflated, and Hotaru giggled. “Maybe just a hint? A small hint? A mini hint?” Usagi asked, waving one of the pastries as an example. Setsuna chuckled into her drink.

She just wanted to make sure things were going to go right. Usagi had learned the parts of the bike and had a better sense of how to ride it, but it was all so different when she was the one driving, this much she knew. It would be good to be fully prepared, that's all. Usagi considered calling Ami-chan on the communicator, but then Ami-chan would want to break down the proper method to learning how to ride, and Usagi would get sleepy. Or it would all get jumbled in her brain and just make her more confused. Ami was so amazing that she could keep track of all these different facts and data, but that definitely wasn't for Usagi. She would just have to rely on her instincts and Haruka's instructions to master the motorcycle.

She really did want to learn. Mamoru always looked so cool riding his motorcycle, and even cooler when he was Tuxedo Kamen riding a motorcycle. Thus, it made perfect sense for her to learn as well! Then she could show up to one of their dates in a super cute outfit, looking super cool on her motorcycle. Or, one that she borrowed from Haruka, anyway. Yeah! This would work, she just had to believe in herself. She had done so many miraculous things with nothing but the strength of her heart, so that had to apply to driving a motorcycle.

When Haruka appeared, looking as a red as a tomato, Usagi had thought to ask if she was ok, but Haruka just quickly guided her back outside. Usagi put her helmet on, watching as Haruka followed suit. Usagi supposed Haruka would be fine in a little bit. As for her, she felt fine when she took the driver's position on the motorcycle, but she jumped a bit when Haruka held onto her. Right. Haruka had to hold on somehow. Usagi turned the key in the ignition and stared down the road. She could do this.

Haruka waited patiently for Usagi to begin driving. She figured the other was just giving herself a mental pep talk. Haruka recalled doing the same the first time she drove. At last, Usagi began driving down the road. They started out slowly at first, but began to increase in speed as Usagi got used to the controls and the weight of the vehicle.

Haruka had been hyper-focused on their surroundings when Usagi first started, but once she realized that Usagi was managing on her own, she could relax a bit. It was a bit amazing: if someone had told her that she would be teaching this girl to ride back when they first met, Haruka would have laughed in their face. Her past herself would have doubted that this sweet crybaby of a girl would ever willingly get onto a motorcycle, let alone try to drive it herself. She seemed like the type to cry when she had to get a on a bus with a frightening driver.

Even so, even the Haruka from back then couldn't deny that she had been drawn to Usagi. The woman had radiated light, even back then. Of course, after everything she had done, Haruka didn't feel like she deserved to be near that radiance, but Usagi was nothing if not persistent. Haruka felt you had to have a heart of stone to reject Usagi's attempts at friendship. She had certainly tried to be that way, but Usagi had still slipped past of her defenses, all of her walls. You wouldn't see Haruka complaining, though. Being a friend to her princess was more than she ever thought she deserved. Finding someone to love, having a family...all of these were so precious to her.

They had all been through so much to get to this point. The Death Busters and their attempts to destroy the world with Pharaoh 90, the search for the talismans, Galaxia...things had certainly been chaotic for a very long while. But they had all pulled through, one way or another. Haruka had regretted that they had to leave Usagi to face Galaxia alone, but she had been wishing for Usagi's success while within the Galaxy Cauldron just as strongly as the other Senshi and Mamoru.

Haruka drew back from her thoughts and focused on the present. Usagi was attempting to turn, but she wasn't leaning enough into the curve. Haruka had to tug on Usagi's shirt, but that was all it took. The turn was a bit shaky, but they came through it successfully. Of course, Haruka made Usagi do several more turns to make sure she understood what to do. The third turn was much better than the first, and by the time they finally finished practicing, Haruka felt confident enough in Usagi's ability to drive. Provided that Haruka was accompanying her.

Haruka put the motorcycle back in the garage and put up their helmets. She turned and almost bumped into Usagi. The eager look was back on her face again. “So? So so so?” Usagi asked excitedly. “Your first turn was a bit shaky, Odango.” Haruka chided. “Haruka! Stop teasing me!” Usagi huffed. “Oh? Is that a command, princess?” Haruka teased. She just couldn't help herself; Usagi's pouting face was too adorable. Haruka laughed as Usagi began lightly beating her fists on Haruka's chest. “Meanie!” Usagi cried over and over. “Arara? Haruka, how could you be so cruel to our beloved princess?” Michiru asked. Usagi and Haruka both turned to look at Michiru. “It's actually making me feel a bit jealous...” Michiru confessed, sighing dramatically.

Haruka was surprised at how quickly Usagi's face turned red. “Ah, wait, no! Michiru-san, it's not like that at all! After all, I have Mamo, and-” Usagi continued to ramble even as Michiru giggled at her. Haruka finally patted Usagi on the head. “You did fine, Usagi.” Haruka said. And then Haruka had to catch Usagi as the other jumped into her arms. “Woohoo! I did it, I did it!” Usagi cheered. Haruka grinned and spun them both around a few times, caught up in Usagi's infectious mood. “Ah, Usagi-chan, don't you have to get home soon?” Michiru asked once they calmed down a bit. Usagi made a face and hopped down. “Ahhhh! You're right! If I'm late again, Mama will lock me outside! Oh no oh no oh no!” Usagi cried. It took a few minutes, but Haruka managed to calm Usagi down enough to remind her that she could just drive her home. Usagi chuckled sheepishly.

–

Mamoru looked at his watch again. This was the time that Usa wanted to meet, and this was the cafe that she said to meet at. So where was his girlfriend? It wasn't a school day, so she couldn't be stuck in detention, and if there was an enemy, he would have sensed it, or gotten a call from one of the others. Maybe she was just running late? Mamoru mentally reviewed the list of things that could make his girlfriend be late, but stopped after considering the tenth item on the list. Usually, their dates overtook anything else Usa wanted to do, like nap or eat snacks or play video games. Maybe she ran into one of her friends. He had made sure to sit in the patio seating so Usagi could easily find him.

Just when Mamoru was considering calling Rei or Ami (as he had already tried to call Usa), he watched a motorcycle come down the street. The driver carefully weaved around other cars, but braked a bit too hard when approaching the cafe. The driver hopped off the bike too quickly, forcing the passenger to hold onto the bike so it wouldn't fall over. Mamoru tried to keep his face neutral, but it was pretty clear what his girlfriend was up to now.

He watched as the driver took off their helmet, shaking their head slightly to move their hair. Mamoru wondered if he should mention that effect worked better when her hair wasn't in odangos. Not that it mattered, because the moment Usa looked at him, he felt like he was falling in love all over again. “Mamo-chan! I made it!” Usagi called out. Mamoru got up and walked to the edge of the patio seating; annoyingly, there was a waist-high fence keeping him from Usagi. “You know I would have missed all that if I sat inside.” Mamoru teased. Usagi made a face, her hand moving to her mouth. “Crap! I forgot to include that in my text!” Usagi exclaimed. Mamoru smiled. Usagi's expression turned shy. “So...did I look cool?” Usagi asked.

He may not be able to hug her properly, but he was able to give Usagi a proper kiss. “You always look amazing to me, Usa.” Mamoru said. He then looked down at the helmet Usagi was still holding. Usagi glanced down as well. “Right! I need to give that back.” Usagi said. She turned back around and strode back over to the motorcycle, giving the passenger back their helmet. Usagi gave them a hug and waved as they drove off. Mamoru waited until they were both sitting at their table to continue talking.

“That was Haruka-san, wasn't it?” Mamoru asked. Usagi was looking over the drinks menu. “Yup! She taught me how to drive the motorcycle.” Usagi replied. “That's good. For a moment, I was worried you had found some interesting guy to drive you here.” He teased. Usagi looked away from her menu and into her boyfriend's smiling face. “You're just as bad as Haruka-chan and Michiru-san! A maiden's heart is sensitive, you know?” Usagi responded. Mamoru made his apologies and they began their date.

I hope this makes it! Happy holidays :)

Happy Sailor Santa Claus, @lunariangypsy!

Wishing a Happy New Year to @everybodyknows-everybodydies

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