Disclaimer: Isn't one enough? I don't own Sailormoon
Author's Note: I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!
Seiya broke the comforting silence between them. "Haruka?"
"Mmm-hmm," she lazily responded.
"Will you go out with me?"
Chapter Fourteen: Moonlit Clearing
It was reflex.
Haruka frantically extended her arms to push Seiya off of her. She was disgusted. A malicious expression was drawn on her face. She felt hot. Her head was pounding and it almost seemed like steam would emanate from her.
"Seiya Kou!" she spat, in disgust.
Seiya stood, perplexed. He was sure it was the perfect moment. It felt right. He was dumbstruck on how Haruka's moods could change so quickly.
"What do you take me for? Quit your stupid games!" Haruka yelled.
"Haruka, you misunderstand…"
"Oh, I see it clearly, it's crystal clear!" Haruka turned to leave.
Seiya, in an effort to make her stay, grabbed her hand. It's not fair, he's worked so hard today. He has been led on. They were happy, they were going to be friends. His heart ached. He thought himself a fool for falling for such a temperamental woman. But who was he to dictate what his heart should feel. One could only follow his heart, the heart could not follow one.
Seiya sighed, pondering theories of love would not make Haruka stay. He needs to convince her, right there, right now.
"Ok, just listen to me. Please, just hear me out."
Haruka, reluctantly, stayed. This would be over soon.
"Please, give me a chance. I know I've been a real pest to you in the past. I see you, Haruka, you're falling apart."
"You can't judge me like that!" she yelled, angrily.
Seiya pressed a gentle finger on Haruka's lips. "Please…Haruka. I know your lost. I've suffered the same."
Haruka, for once since her violent outburst, hushed and thought. It was true. Seiya could relate to her. For the first time, she realized the truth in Seiya's words. She loved Michiru, Seiya loved Usagi. Yet, neither of them could have whom they love. Haruka and Seiya were going through the same pains, the same suffering.
Guilt overwhelmed her. There she was, standing in front of him, telling him not to judge her, when Haruka, herself, has judged him long before.
The contours of her face softened. Her angry shield faltered. Her eyes shifted to the ground. Seiya noticed her shoulders begin to shake.
"Haruka…"
Two dainty droplets fell to the ground. Haruka was crying. Seiya's heart broke at the sight. He longed to seize her by the arms and just hold her close. He longed to comfort her, to reassure her.
Before he could take a step forward, Haruka rushed to him, her arms wrapped around his waist tightly. Her whole body spasmed with her uncontrollable tears. Haruka was soaking Seiya's shirt, but that was the least of his worries.
Slowly and gently, he held Haruka by her shoulders and slowly bent his knees to lower himself into a sitting position. Haruka's head now rested on his lap. She was still crying. Seiya stroked her sandy hair with a gentle hand.
"Hush…" Seiya whispered.
The moonlight continued to shine enchantingly. Seiya felt that the two of them could stay like that for eternity.
"Yes…" Haruka said, almost inaudibly.
"Huh?" Seiya asked, perplexed.
Haruka rose from Seiya's lap and faced him. Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were pink.
"Yes, I will go out with you…"