bloodsong1 | Because I just love these two

"What are you going to make, Sarah-neesan?" Usagi asked. Sarah debated between two shades of orange embroidery silk and put the darker one back.

"Have you ever heard of friendship bracelets, Usagi-imoto?" Sarah responded, grinning at the little thrill running through her. Usagi-imoto. How many fan girls got to say THAT?

"I...um, no."

"Oh. Well, it's a woven bracelet made from floss or silk. I'm going to make one for all of you and weave a little magic into it."

"Really?" Sarah nodded and showed Usagi her selections.

"I'm going to use white for all of you, then the planetary colors. I was thinking a silvery gray and a golden yellow for you." Usagi picked up the cherry red and the emerald green.

"Why silver and gold?" Usagi asked, handing the silk back. Sarah grinned.

"Past, present and future, Usagi-imoto." She winked.

"Hey, kitten, are you taking up embroidery?" A new voice asked. Sarah and Usagi turned around. Sarah tightened her grip on her silk. Oh gods above and below, the Outer Senshi!

"Haruka-san, Michiru-san! Hi!" Usagi waved a hand at Sarah. "This is Sarah-Neesan, she's staying for a week or so."

"You never told us you had an older sister, kitten," Haruka said, sauntering closer. Sarah had to tip her head back when Haruka casually leaned her arm on the silk display and leaned forward a bit. "Shame on Usagi, keeping such a cute older sister from me." Sarah glanced at Michiru, who was giving Haruka a tolerant look. Her sense of mischief sprung alive for the first time in YEARS.

"Oh, how I hate being short sometimes," She said softly. Haruka's smirk got bigger. Sarah stood on tiptoe and alined her cheek right against Haruka's. "I'm 35, Haruka-san and I wouldn't DREAM of robbing Michiru's cradle." She whispered. Haruka choked as she backed off and Sarah threw Michiru a wink. The Senshi of Neptune cocked her head. Sarah winked at Usagi, who was staring open-mouthed at the action, and walked over to Michiru, bowing politely.

"Michiru-san, I would be honored if you would accept a friendship bracelet as thanks for taking care of Usagi-imoto. What is your favorite color?" She asked. Michiru blinked again, glancing at Usagi, then at Haruka. Suddenly she smiled.

"Sandy blonde," She answered. Sarah returned the smile and nodded. Walking back to Haruka, she bowed and repeated her question. Haruka folded her arms and tossed her head.

"I don't want a bracelet," She said huffily. Sarah's smile turned devious and she gently stroked Haruka's hand, making sure Michiru didn't see. Haruka jolted and stared down at the widow.

"Then perhaps, as a token from a fan of your excellent driving skills? Please?" She asked, keeping her voice low. Usagi clapped her hands over her mouth to hold the giggles in. Haruka stared. Sarah did her best puppy-eyes, complete with hopeful smile. Haruka flicked her eyes to Michiru.

"Aquamarine."

"Thank you, Haruka-san," Sarah said and squeezed past the taller Senshi of Uranus to get to the colors she needed. Her head brushed past Haruka's shoulder and Sarah marveled at the strength she felt from the contact. Tapping a finger to her lips, she wondered if she should use a darker main color for the Outers.

"No, they all serve the White Moon," She said to herself, picking out the sand, aquamarine and a green so deep it was almost black for Sailor Pluto. She heard Usagi chatting briefly with the Outers and finally found a good dark purple for Sailor Saturn. She also grabbed more white. Turning back to Usagi, she was in time to say goodbye. She watched them leave, sighing.

"What is it, Sarah-Neesan?" Usagi asked.

"It hurts to see such a loving couple, but it's a good hurt." Sarah shook her head and went to pay for her silk. Usagi patted her shoulder.

"Do you want to get some tea or juice? My treat?" Usagi asked.

"Sure, Usagi-imoto." Sarah took the bag with a smile of thanks and followed Usagi out of the craft store. She slung her free arm around Usagi's shoulders and squeezed gently. "I'm okay. It gives me hope, seeing that kind of love."

"Hope?" Usagi asked, turning to look at her. Sarah dodged an odango.

"Yes. Hope. Hope that maybe I'll be able to feel something like that again. Maybe. It won't be the same, but I have learned Love comes in many forms." Sarah let go and grinned.

"Now, if this was an actual episode of 'Sailor Moon', at some point today I'd be targeted for my heart crystal."

"Oh, don't say that, Sarah-Neesan!"