(24) And we will find your way home
"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know.
Where the tree-tops glisten,
And Children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow."
They were sitting in the Tsukino's living room and singing Christmas songs. Only Rei seemed to find the right notes at the right moment, probably because she sang many sermons at her grandfather's temple, but none of them did mind. The adults, meaning Usagi's parents, Rei's grandfather and Hotaru's father were in the kitchen, drinking wine, talking and trying to put all the food back in the fridge. Sometimes Rei's grandfather would make a pained face when Usagi and Chibiusa sang as loudly as wrongly, but he did not complain. It was Christmas Eve, after all, and they all felt happy and content. If it made the children glad to sing, even if their music teacher would have died of a sudden heart attack, then he would not disturb them or even ask them to stop.
The light in the living room was dimmed. Only the Christmas tree candles were burning just like a fire in the fireside. The wood was cracking and the dancing shadows gave the room a cosy atmosphere.
Both, Usagi and Chibiusa, were holding a big plush bunny in their arms and grinned widely. Rei had her eyes closed and sang with all her heart. Makoto sorted the cookie box while she was humming along to the melody. Minako was opening one of her gifts secretly trying to ignore Ami's stern look as she the water senshi noticed it.
Hotaru was sitting right beneath the tree, looking with bright shinning eyes up to the candles and the golden balls hanging between the green branches. She was holding a gift, as well, but she did not unwrap it. Maybe, because she feared that she would wake up from this wonderful dream if she did. She did not know this song, but Haruka, who sang very silently so that no one could really hear her, helped her by showing her the notes and the lines.
Michiru, who first accompanied them with her violin play, put down her instrument as the pain in her arm increased again. She sat down next to the blonde on the soft carpet and smiled up to her as Haruka put her arm around her body to hold her gently tight. Contented she snuggled up to her. Feeling safe and loved.
Yes, she knew that this was a kitschy Christmas.
However, it was exactly the Christmas she had always wanted to celebrate. Without youmas, without Mistress 9, without all those worries about their future and if they would actually survive.
Usagi missed another tone and Rei could not hold herself back and pulled away the toy bunny to slap her carefully but meaningfully with it on her head. Of course Usagi had to complain and sulk and almost cry and Mamoru had to comfort her. Rei stuck out her tongue and Chibiusa stole Makoto a cookie just to make the chaos perfect. As always.
But with friends.
Hotaru watched them chasing each other around. The little girl had to giggle happily and unconsciously embraced the gift box tighter in her arms.
But with very dear friends.
Haruka shook her head and hugged the sea beauty gently, always concerned about her injury. Michiru leaned back on her and closed her eyes, hearing Haruka's strong heartbeat, felt her tender arms holding her.
But with family.
"Merry Christmas, Michi." Whispered the blonde and put a small black box in Michiru's healthy hand. The young woman squinted almost sleepily and glanced down at it, smiling knowingly.
"Arigatou, Ruka."
I love you, too.
Finally with people where she could feel at home.
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Disclaimer:
The anime "Sailor Moon" belongs to Takeuchi Naoko. The "Muppets Christmas Carol" belongs to the Jim Henson Production (and some minor blokes called Walt Disney) and the song "I will carry you" belongs to Clay Aiken. "I'm dreaming for a white Christmas" is an old folk song.
I only borrowed them all. Not the characters nor the movies nor the songs mentioned in this fanfiction do belong to me. The story and the idea in it, however, do.
If someone wants to write an email to me (to talk about the fanfiction, to talk about the anime or to post the fanfic on their own homepage), please feel free to do so: aprileaglefreenet.de . I will answer every email, just give me some time, because mostly I have lot to do and it can take days before I check my emails (and sometimes the internet breaks down). But I answer every email I get, I promise.
Japanese wordsI used some Japanese words, because this story takes place in Tokyo and I wanted to make it sound authentically this way.
arigatou - thank you
awayuki - light snowfall
baka - idiot
bento - packed lunch
fuku - uniform
gomen nasai - I'm sorry.
hai - yes
henshi - staff (the staffs with which the Sailors do transform)
hime - Princess (Hime-chan - little Princess, as pet name for Hotaru)
matte! - wait!
nani? - what?
neko - cat (baka neko - stupid cat)
sashimi - a fish meal
senshi - warrior (Sailor senshi - Sailor warriors)
youma - monster
I want to thank my readers on who reviewed almost every day, especially amnesia nymph, Rushingwind, Haruka-Clone, Haruka's Knight, Silent King and Azrael-sama. You rock my world :).
Writing time: Many sleepless nights between 17th November and 24th November 2004. Uploaded on 1st December – 24th December 2005.
Famous last words: Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .
April Eagle