"That's the one," she said to her traveling companion. She ran to the controls and focused all their sensors on the blue and green planet that was third closest to the sun. "Crystal, it's beautiful," she whispered to her silver-haired sister. "I think it's the prettiest planet I've seen since Jaspy's."
Crystal glanced up from her prism at her older sister. "So that's where you want to make your home? It's okay�, if you like that sort of place." She stared back into her prism, which allowed her to get a closer look at the planet and the people of it. "Oh, yeah, this place should be a pushover. There's only a few of this solar system's Senshi even living on that planet right now. You know, Amethyst, you should probably go check it out first. Before we bring everyone else here, that is."
Amethyst was barely listening to her. Her ever-changing eyes were bright green, indicating just how enchanted she was with the small planet. Her adoration of it must be strong, Crystal realized. It was the first time in days that Amethyst hadn't been moping about leaving her precious Jasper behind, as she and Crystal scouted ahead.
"Home," Amethyst said softly, running her finger across the planet on her screen. She would do anything to get it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was apparent to everyone that Neko's attempt to get Hoshi to like Tenshi was a complete failure. The couple decided to keep their distance for the rest of the week, with the exception of pole vault and Mi-chan's race, which Tenshi was determined to go to.
Therefore it was no surprise that the entire morning before the race, Neko was practically walking on air. She had spent almost a week without seeing Tenshi and had decided that was more than enough time. Now, after endless hours away from her love, she was going to get to see her!
The girls had shown Hoshi all over town, but Neko continued pointing out landmarks as they rode to the racetrack. "Over there's the arcade," she said, pointing to it. "That's Tenshi-kun's beach," "There's the ice skating rink," and so on.
When they arrived at the track, they ran to get good seats and wait for the race to start. Mi-chan had already arrived and was getting ready for the race. They called to her from the front row of the stands and waved so she could see them. Seeing they were there, she smiled broadly back, before she put on her helmet and prepared for the race, which was set to begin soon.
"Did I miss anything?"
"Tenshi-kun!" Neko practically threw herself at Tenshi, she was so happy to see her.
Hoshi was less enthused. "Shh, the race is going to start soon."
Neko remembered that she had brought along Tenshi's handkerchief, now clean from the load of laundry Mi-chan had done. "Here. It's clean, I promise," she said with a smile.
"Keep it," Tenshi suggested. She leaned over and whispered in Neko's ear, "A lady's favor."
Neko giggled and put her hair up with the piece of cloth. Hoshi watched them whispering to each other. *They act like they have more secrets between the two of them than I have with the twins combined* she thought. If she was honest with herself, she knew that she was mostly just disgusted by how cute they were together. Looking at them together almost made her understand why Neko would like being in Tenshi's presence, which of course upset Hoshi further. "You know, the race is about to start," she told them sternly.
Neko ran to the railing, waiting anxiously for the race to begin. She knew Mi-chan would do well and was excited to see her race, but she also got really nervous watching Mi-chan's racing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The flag was down and Mi-chan was off. The adrenaline rushing through her veins kept her alert as she made turn after turn perfectly, inching herself ahead of the guys.
Having Neko there was both a blessing and a curse. Neko had a birds-eye view of the race, which gave her a slight edge over the other racers. But at the same time, every risky move she made caused Neko alarm, which did nothing to keep Mi-chan's much needed self-control.
But though Neko's presence pretty much ended in a draw in whether it helped Mi-chan during the race, it was much desired in Mi-chan's victories. She was glad Neko and Hoshi could come today.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mi-chan made a turn very quickly, causing Neko to freak out. She gasped and hid her face in Tenshi's shoulder, unable to watch for a few seconds, until she realized Mi-chan couldn't possibly have fallen off. She would really know that! Cautiously, she ventured a look, but refused to leave the comfort of Tenshi's presence.
This did not go unnoticed by Hoshi, but she was too excited and worried about Mi-chan to give it much thought at the moment.
All three of them watched with bated breath as Mi-chan and some other guy reached the finish line, neck and neck. The race was so close, but in the last second Mi-chan pulled ahead, clearly the winner.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The trio ran down to congratulate Mi-chan, but before they got there, they hit a crowd of people, all wanting to speak to the winner who'd be going to the championship race, or take her picture, or just be closer to the winner's circle. Soon Neko was separated from her friend and girlfriend.
She forced her way out of the crowd and tried to see them. Fortunately, Tenshi was even taller than she was and saw her after not too long. "Gomen nasai, Koneko, but I don't think we're going to get to see your sister."
"It's okay," Neko said. She didn't mind being stranded with Tenshi for a little bit. She knew it was only going to be for a few more days, but she missed her. She briefly wondered if it would be okay to bring her to the party that concluded the conference the next evening. Hoshi had suggested she bring a date, but naturally that wasn't going to happen, unless she brought Tenshi as a "friend." But Mi-chan was bringing Jian-wa, and it just seemed natural that Neko should bring Tenshi.
"Ne, Tenshi-kun? What are you doing tomorrow night?"
Tenshi had been scanning the crowd for Hoshi, but gave up. "I have plans with my family. Why?"
"Nothing." It was a stupid idea anyway, Neko realized. She was completely failing at this "best friends" thing. Every time she was near Tenshi, she couldn't help but let her feelings show just a little bit. No, it was best if she
Home
