Title: Christmas Dance (3/3)
Beta: None
Status: Alpha (Version 1.0)
Rating: PG-13 (to be safe)
Fandom: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
Category: Romance (lighthearted fluff, be warned ^_^)
Pairings: Minako/Hotaru
Continuum/Spoilers: End of Manga, slight bits of
anime. But really nothing dramatic.
Distribution: M&M DreamWorks Blog (http://mysticmew44.blogspot.de), M&M DreamWorks Archive (http://mysticmew.bplaced.net), Fanfiction.net (www.fanfiction.net), M&M DreamWorks archive and blog gets preference
and the desired and best format, all versions will first go to the blog and
archive.
Disclaimer: Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon©Naoko
Takeuchi, Kodansha, TV Tokyo
Story Disclaimer: Christmas Dance©2013 by Matthias aka
MysticMew
Title: Christmas Dance (2/3)
Author: Matthias aka MysticMew (Solarsenshi .at. gmx .
de)
Beta: None
Status: Alpha (Version 1.0)
Rating: PG-13 (to be safe)
Fandom: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon
Category: Romance (lighthearted fluff, be warned ^_^)
Pairings: Minako/Hotaru
Continuum/Spoilers: End of Manga, slight bits of
anime. But really nothing dramatic.
Distribution: M&M DreamWorks Blog (http : //
mysticmew44 . blogspot . de), M&M DreamWorks Archive (http : // mysticmew .
bplaced . net), Fanfiction.net (www . fanfiction . net), M&M DreamWorks
archive and blog gets preference and the desired and best format, all versions
will first go to the blog and archive.
Disclaimer: Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon©Naoko
Takeuchi, Kodansha, TV Tokyo
Story Disclaimer: Christmas Dance©2013 by Matthias aka
MysticMew
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
Pre-Note
And the last one. There is a
small cameo in here, a bit of a tribute to a recently (and finally) watched
show that I truly enjoyed. Can you guess?
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
Christmas Dance (Part 3)
A Minaru Christmas One-Shot
Presented by M&M DreamWorks
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
Azabu Music Hall was a recently completed
building that had only seen a few events but was definitely going to host
bigger concerts and similar shows in the future. As I understood it they hoped
to get more prestigious events into the area and hosting the dance was
certainly one way to get the attention of the younger generation and their most
potential crowd in the following years. The outside was a standard dome design
that still fitted nicely into the area but the inside was what was truly
impressive.
The location divided into several
large halls. A much larger stage area for the main event but also three 'smaller'
halls that could fit a good number of people. This was ideal for such a dance
party since a variety of music could be played at the same time and the large
number of students wouldn't automatically lead to overcrowding.
I took in all this on the side,
my attention entirely on my date. Hotaru had become a little fidgety when we
got to the entrance but shyly accepted my offered arm, trying her best to walk
steadily as we entered the building. I found the reaction really cute and
reassured her that she had nothing to worry about. "When they see you, all
the guys that wanted to ask me out are going to die from jealousy." That
comment seemed to get mixed reactions of pride and insecurity but got her to
settle down again.
I really enjoyed this already.
Hotaru made it easy to flirt and just act naturally while showing affection.
Her revelation had somewhat surprised me. I did recall this happening but
hadn't thought that I had made such an impression on the other girl. If I had
just known before...
No, it was no good to dwell in
the past. I had done that too often in my younger years, especially after my
first awakening and that might have just been a big reason why I had to endure
so many failures on the romantic front. Right now I was content to enjoy what
the present offered me. And it had offered me quite a lovely possibility that I
meant to explore to the fullest.
The main hall was already quite
packed but with still enough room that one wouldn't feel uncomfortable. That
was a good thing since our entrance wasn't quite as obvious in the crowd.
Nonetheless I noted that we immediately drew some attention. Not all of it just
from students of our school either. I hid a smile at that, feeling confirmed in
my observation that Hotaru's appearance would definitely not go unnoticed next
to mine. A lot of the looks were from guys from our school though, bored
expression suddenly turning hopeful. That almost made me scowl but I was really
in too good of a mood. Besides, I had experience how to handle this kind of
attention.
Hotaru had apparently noticed
herself and I admired the resolve I saw in her face, pushing back her
insecurities. Despite that I was worried that some of the other students would
try to ruin this experience given the chance. I did not plan on giving them
one.
Looking at the dance floor, I saw
that it was still only lightly filled as the band on stage was playing some
upbeat, fluffy music that I dimly recognized from somewhere. It took me a
moment to place the song but then grinned knowingly. Perfect. Just the right
thing to ease the tension and make my intentions clear to any hopeful suitors
and Hotaru as well.
Stepping away from her, I turned
and offered my hand. "May I ask for the honor of a dance, milady?"
Hotaru blushed, looked uncertain at the dance floor, then back at my hand,
before obviously deciding on something as she rewarded me with a slight grin,
before accepting my hand and allowed me to pull her to the dance floor just as
the song was drawing to a close and a somewhat slower but still lighthearted
rhythm started up. Not enough for a slow romantic dance but enough to allow me
the pleasure of pulling the younger girl a little closer as we started to move
along with the beat.
I marveled at how natural this
felt. Despite never having entertained the thought of being with Hotaru like
this before this Monday, I found myself adapting to her presence with ease that
went far beyond any formal dance lessons or such. It was like our bodies were
meant to fit together and I couldn't help but smile joyfully as I lost myself
in the music and the presence of my beautiful date, for the moment forgetting
about everything else around us.
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
Time wasn't something that
mattered right now. In fact I wasn't even aware of how much had passed as we
danced. The music wasn't awfully romantic yet, but that didn't matter either.
Being so close to Minako-s... Minako was overwhelming, or it should have been.
All I felt right now was the amazing ease with which we seemed to fit together.
I had thought it would be awkward, I had been prepared to make a lot of effort.
After all, it was her who had all the experience and I couldn't even be called
a party person or someone with experience in events like this.
However, Minako was taking charge
so naturally, it was both relieving and somewhat frustrating... only somewhat.
I had wanted to impress her and do my best to not let this evening be our last
one and had been convinced that this was how it was supposed to go. Minako made
it feel so normal though, so wonderfully easy to be around that there was
simply no need. All the time her attention was on me, keeping close distance
without needing full contact and yet it felt to me like we were slow dancing to
a romantic song. I couldn't even imagine how it could get better.
So, when we finally took a break
and I had a chance to look at the time, I was amazed that we had spent almost
half an hour straight on the dance floor. Flushed, I allowed Minako to lead me
off to the edge of the room where tables and other sitting areas were arranged.
In my excited state it took me a moment to recognize that the table we were
heading to had a few familiar faces. As expected Usagi had brought Mamoru along
and I suddenly recalled that Minako had told me about Ami and Makoto going
together, much like us.
"Wow, you two really went
all out right away!" we were greeted by Makoto, one arm lazily over Ami's
shoulders and sending us a wolfish grin that made me blush, yet was quite glad
to be around people that understood and I didn't have to hide from.
"You make quite a lovely
couple," Usagi commented happily when Minako had went off to get us some
drinks – something I really needed after all that exertion. It was a simple and
honest statement, as expected from our princess. Her bubbly and carefree
personality had mellowed out somewhat over the last two years and her royal
heritage showed through in everyday life more often but other than that she had
stayed true to herself.
"It isn't quite like that,
" I mumbled, looking away. "I mean, sure, I hope... I mean..."
Damn it, why was this so hard? There was no judgment here among them. I should
be more comfortable. "I really would like it to be that way. Like all of
you." I looked at the closeness of the other four. I hadn't even known Ami
and Makoto were together but apparently it had been for awhile already
considering how comfortable they were around each other.
Makoto laughed. "Well, we
are not the only ones. Looks like there are a lot of us enjoying a more tender
company," she pointed out amused, letting her gaze roam over the crowd. I
did the same and was surprised to see quite a few girls dancing or sitting on
the side quite close together. I hadn't even noticed that before and I could
honestly say it made me feel a little more at ease.
Of course, that was when I
automatically started to look for Minako and saw the one thing that immediately
managed to crash my good mood. I recognized the guy that had approached Minako
easily enough. Hideo was one of her most fanatic admirers and had not taken the
news of our date rather well. I had been surprised he had not approached me
before but that didn't really matter right now.
"..ru-chan... Hotaru-chan, you
need to calm down," Ami's quiet but insistent voice brought me out of my
intense focus and I realized that I had been tearing at the leather of the
chair. The embarrassment didn't quite manage to overwrite my anger or the
rising insecurity that I had thought to have combated by now.
"You have to trust in
Mina-chan," Usagi added. "She is not going to abandon you." That
wasn't even what I was worried about, not really. I was upset about him trying
to ruin this so far wonderful evening. Hideo could be quite persistent and he
had to know that this might be one of his last chances. I doubted he would give
up just by being told no... "See, I knew that... Oh my..."
My focus snapped back to where I
had last seen the two of them talk and my eyes widened when I saw a brunette
girl now confronting Hideo who was squirming uncomfortably at whatever the girl
was saying. But the relief about that was somewhat short-lived seeing as Minako
was back on the dance floor, with another girl!
Gaping I could only stare at the
short black-haired girl with twin ponytails dancing with my own date, a surge
of intense jealousy threatening to consume my entire being. Jealousy and
despair. Was that it after all? Had I been so wrong? To be so quickly
discarded...
Thankfully my shock didn't last
very long before someone suddenly blocked my view of the pair. Blinking I
looked up at the same girl that had been talking to Hideo before. She smiled a
little awkwardly, scratching her head. "Ano, Hotaru-chan, right? I am
Hirasawa Yui. This might be a bit sudden but... Do you want to dance?"
What? Huh? I don't understand... Really I didn't. My head and heart were a maelstrom
of shock and confusion right now. What did the strange girl want from me all of
a sudden?
But Yui just grinned at my
bewildered expression, adding with a wink: "I think your date and my
girlfriend would enjoy the company." Blinking slowly, I glanced around
her, seeing that Minako and the other girl were actually maintaining quite a
healthy distance and it really looked more like something two friends out to
have some fun would do. And with that everything suddenly became a lot clearer.
I had no idea who these people really were but where before I had been one step
shy of contemplating outright murder, I was now rather grateful for their
apparent assistance.
Still somewhat dazed, I allowed
the girl to pull me up, my earlier exhaustion for the moment forgotten. Briefly
I looked around for Hideo but he was nowhere to be seen and when I focused back
on the brunette she just smiled mysteriously without giving an explanation.
That was fine though. I could
live with that as long as this magical night could continue.
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
"What exactly is she telling
him?" I wondered as I saw the persistent Hideo getting more and more
red-faced before finally slinking away in disappointment and actual
resignation. I knew how hard that was to be once he got something in his head.
The only reason he hadn't bothered Hotaru was because I intercepted him once
and made it quite clear to him what I would think of such an action. Of course,
that probably had just encouraged him, taking my attention as some kind of
sign...
My current dance partner
shrugged. "Yui's got a knack for dealing with obsessive fans. I have no
idea how she does it honestly." I watched the brunette making her way over
to our table, hoping that Hotaru wouldn't take this the wrong way. "Don't
worry. Yui-senpai might be an airhead most of the time but she knows what she's
doing when she puts her mind to it."
I had to agree from what little I
knew of the college girl. The first time I had met her and the rest of her band
mates was during a show hosted by my company. They had also been scouted to
perform and we had actually run into each other quite a few times. That was why
the music in the beginning had been so familiar. Apparently they were here
partly on work but also with time to enjoy themselves in between. I was quite
grateful for that since Yui's timely intervention had saved me from a lot of
stress right then.
Seeing Hotaru relax and accept
Yui's offer made me sigh in relief and I could at least spare some focus to
what I was doing. This was merely a temporary ploy after all but I didn't want
to be rude either. I had heard about but never met Azusa in person before, yet
I could certainly see why Yui was so excited when she talked about her former
kohai. The girl was definitely cute. Very much so that if we both weren't
already otherwise committed, I might have tried to flirt with her.
There was one thing that I
realized fairly quickly though. As attractive as the other girl was, I couldn't
get into it at all, relying solely on my dancing and acting skills to keep up
the appearance. That had nothing to do with the other girl personally. No,
Azusa simply wasn't Hotaru. By the time Yui and Hotaru got close enough to
perform a switch, I was glad to feel the easy, natural connection again that
had been there from the beginning.
"Hey there, miss me?" I
smiled at Hotaru, seeing clearly the relief and a similar comfortable ease
returning to her features and movements. "Sorry about this, but I had to
think quickly. And this seemed the best way to discourage more than just
Hideo."
Hotaru merely shook her head,
smiling shyly. I expected her to ask questions but either she already had done
so with Yui or simply didn't care at the moment. The next action though took me
completely by surprise, yet I couldn't help but notice the thrill of warmth and
excitement spreading through me as Hotaru hugged me close, head on my shoulder.
I enjoyed the closeness, not even caring what it might look like. The little
incident just now had made me realize something quite important after all.
Hotaru slowly pulled away, a little embarrassed and looked up at me. "Just
don't scare me like that again. I thought..."
I shushed her with one finger to the
lips. "There's no need to worry. I'm right there I want to be." The
joy that lit up her face was reward enough and only further confirmation for my
realization. So when the next song began, an undeniable slow song, I did not
hesitate to slip my arms around and pulling her closer against my body. Hotaru
flushed but didn't pull away or question, simply allowing herself to be pulled
into the dance.
Once again I marveled at how
right this felt. I had certainly not looked for this but somehow this charming,
brave girl had wormed herself into my heart faster and more persistent than I
thought possible. Something so special... For a long time I had been convinced
it wasn't for me. Too many disappointments had made me somewhat bitter towards
the subject. Yet from the moment Hotaru had walked so brazenly into my
classroom and asked me out something had changed.
And now, being so close together,
moving along to what was clearly a romantic, close couple song, I could admit
that I was most definitely more than just curious or attracted. This felt
right. There was no better way to describe the wonderful feeling enveloping me
right now, not just our bodies fitting perfectly together, but so much more.
My eyes stayed on hers all the
time, noting all the different emotions, the joy and excitement reflecting my
own. When I had first heard her reasons, I had wondered how much of her
feelings were a crush, a result of deprived attention and thus simple
admiration, but all I could see in those amethyst orbs as well as in her aura
was love.
No, I had not looked for it, but
I might just have found my special person after all.
It made my heart beat faster,
feeling suddenly like the young schoolgirl again, back before Artemis found me.
Just living a normal life and crushing on older boys. Of course, this was far
from an innocent crush. This was real and that made it all the more special,
sending shivers down my spine along with an electric feeling when Hotaru put
her head on my shoulders, our bodies now close enough that barely any air would
fit in between.
I did not want to be anywhere
else right then or ever again.
So caught up had I been in the
fantasy-like moment that, when the song was coming to an end, I acted without
thinking about it. Once again the action felt just right and so there was no
second-guessing or thoughts of moving too fast and possible consequences. Even
if I had been in a more rational state I would probably not have done anything
different. The moment had just been too perfect.
As soon as the final beats of the
song echoed through the large hall, I slid one hand into soft black hair,
tilting Hotaru's head upwards, bending down before she could react...
The kiss was the last
confirmation I needed. The moment my lips touched her own ones, I knew that I
had found what I had been looking for. The how and why wasn't important. The
elation in my heart as I touched those soft lips with mine in the barest
flutter of a first, shy kiss was exquisite and left no room for question.
I had fallen in love.
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
I thought my heart would stop
right there. Perhaps it actually had for a moment, I honestly couldn't tell
right now. After the wonderful, dreamlike dance, I didn't think something could
affect me more than the closeness to the girl I liked. I had been wrong once
again. Somehow this night seemed to be only getting better and better, even when
I didn't think it possible to top anymore.
Still in a trance, heart
fluttering from the thrill of dancing so close together, like a real couple,
enjoying the warmth and security of the older girl's arms around me, I had not
been prepared for what came next. In fact I got barely a moment's warning
before it happened. Not that I was complaining.
I had not dared to hope this
could happen tonight outside of my most perfect fantasy. And even within the
realms of my mind, it had always only happened towards the end or even just a
goodbye peck. This... this was so much better. Oh, the touch was brief,
alright. Yet it could have just as well been going on for minutes. My arms had
gone around her neck and I held on for dear life, legs wobbly and unsure of
whether or not I wouldn't collapse right then without the hold, a hold I never
wanted to let go of anyway.
Eventually though, faster than I
had hoped, yet longer than it actually was in reality, the touch ended and
Minako pulled away, leaving me with the strong memory of those sweet lips
brushing ever so gently over mine, conveying a soft-spoken message of affection
that still rang in my heart and would surely linger there all night. Her
radiant smile was contagious and I found myself replying in kind.
Neither of us said anything and
it wasn't necessary. Minako's actions all night and now this, there were no
words needed. The message was as clear as any words could have been and right
now I was quite content with the unspoken promise and as the music flowed into
the next slow song, I found myself responding on my own, keeping my arms
lightly around Minako's neck, her own holding me close in return as we lost
ourselves into the lull of music and the movement of our bodies and yes, our
hearts moving together.
Time truly lost all meaning this
time as we continued to dance. It was like some fairytale story, something I
could have only fantasized about and somewhat cling to years ago when I had
still been the sickly, lonely girl, all by myself in that room in the big
mansion. If I had needed another reason to believe that this time was truly
over, then tonight would be the decisive one. Chibiusa had pulled me out of my
loneliness, Haruka and other two had given me a real family for the first time
in years, but Minako... Minako had given me the greatest gift of all. Right
then and there I felt as normal as any other girl out here tonight. Just a
schoolgirl enjoying the most amazing, romantic time possible with her
significant other. I could not possibly be any happier.
Nothing could faze me anymore,
confident in my knowledge now that this night was already a far bigger success
than I could have hoped. The rest of the time flew by with far more ease,
interacting with the other Inners, even exchanging a few dances with them, the
two other girls from before joining in as well occasionally. I never had
enjoyed myself this much in my life before.
"You are radiant
tonight," Minako commented as we came together for the final dance of the
night, all the couples around us also taking the opportunity for one last
conclusive moment together.
"It's all because of
you," I replied, much more comfortable now to voice and reveal what I was feeling.
There was nothing to fear, only acceptance and affection in return. No, not
just affection. So much more.
Minako just smiled and pulled me
closer again, the final dance definitely the most romantic, only meant for the
real couples. Like us. The thought once more made me positively shiver in joy
as I felt myself once more melt into those slender but secure arms, amazed at
how well we fit together, how easily I could lose myself within her presence.
As if I was being absorbed by a glorious sun, not getting burned, but becoming
a part of her, never to be separated again.
In the end that made the
realization that the night was ending along with the final dance actually
harder. Secure now in my knowledge that my feelings were returned, it was this
time my turn to boldly tug her head down and steal another kiss. This one with
all the emotion I could master poured into it, never wanting to let go, at
least not until I had transferred all of my love for this wonderful and true
Goddess of Love to her, making sure it stayed there forever and ever.
And for a timeless moment, as the
world fully faded away around us, I could feel our spirits touching in a way
that pushed all the joy and happiness I felt right now to an euphoric height
and knew nothing in the world could ever take this away again. The memory at
the very least would stay forever and with some luck it would not just remain a
memory. Without breaking the kiss, the words flowed into our minds, no straight
into our hearts and I knew them to be true.
I love you.
*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****MINARU*****
Ending
Note
Ah... *sniff* How sweet. ^_^
Done. Faster than I thought
actually. This entire thing took me from Tuesday evening to Sunday
morning/midday to compose. The initial and final scenes done pretty much in one
sitting.
I don't have much to say really.
I am amazed at how... well, at least decent this turned out considering we had
pretty much no plan aside from the beginning as we went into this. Everything
past the first part and Hotaru asking out Minako like this was done on the fly.
For that, I suppose, I am fairly satisfied. Of course, I realize that aside
from the time setting, it wasn't much of a Christmassy story. Oh well... All in
the spirit of love or something like that. ;)
Cameo. Yes, those were Yui and
Azusa from K-On!. Frankly I have no idea why I never got around to watching
this before, aside from generally not liking Slice of Life too much. However
K-On! is simply epic and anyone who has yet to watch it, take it from someone
who normally doesn't watch the genre that you definitely should.
With that Christmas Dance is
done. I'll release a worked-over full file to my archive within the next days,
perhaps I'll even include a small extra, since I doubt I'll find much more
mistakes on my own, having scanned over every part twice already before
release. So if you are interested keep a watch on the M&M DreamWorks blog
and archive site.
Merry Christmas to you all. Leave
us some gifts (reviews) and other than that have nice holidays and a Happy New
Year as well.
With love, yours
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