Title: Little Bit of Understanding
Author: Atarashii
E-Mail: kitsune_atarashii@hotmail.com
Rating: G
Started: October 10, 2000
Completed: October 11, 2000 (just typing it up ^_^;;;)

Disclaimer: Haruka and Hotaru aren't mine. I'm not making any profit from this fic. Please don't sue.


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Little Bit of Understanding (One-Shot)

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The door slamming and the sound of small footsteps running up the stairs informed Haruka that Hotaru was home. Placing the magazine she had been reading down, and standing up, she walked upstairs, stopping just outside of Hotaru's door. It pained her heart to hear the soft, muffled cries emitting from inside.

"Hotaru-chan?" the blonde called out huskily as the door creaked open softly. The youngest senshi in the time then was huddled in a ball, her body wracking with sobs. She looked up when she sensed the other kneeling beside her. Her red rimmed deep purplish violet eyes filled with sparkling tears. "What happened, Hotaru-chan?" Haruka questioned quietly.

Hotaru tried in vain to wipe the ever flowing tears from her eyes. "In art today, Haruka-papa, we were to make sculptures of animals. I made one of a scottish terrier.[1] But when I was leaving school to come home, some..." Hotaru broke off with a sob, and Haruka held her, soothing her and patting her back. Feeling somewhat calmed down, Hotaru continued, "Some older kids stopped me and they smashed my scottie! They told me that it was no good and that I should not even try to make another."

Haruka's eyes flashed briefly with anger, but it then just as quickly subsided. She sighed heavily, "I'm sure it was a lovely scottie sculpture, Hotaru-chan." she nodded, "But, you shouldn't let what they say get to you. I, myself believe that if they're picking on kids younger than themselves...or anyone who picks on anyone else are the ones with problems."

"But..."

"Hotaru-chan, don't let them get to you. What others think of you doesn't matter as much as what *you* yourself think of who *you* are. Don't let them put you down. All they feel is that they're better than you...when in truth, they aren't. You're unique...we all are. In our own special way. There are some who can't handle knowing that. But, one day, you'll shine above the ones who discouraged you before."

Hotaru nodded, her eyes brightening as she hugged her papa tightly. "Hai." she whispered, letting go and setting back, a smile finally gracing her face. "Thank you, Haruka-papa. Next time I won't let them hurt my feelings...and if they do, I won't let them know it. I won't let people like them waver my feelings about myself...about who I am."

Haruka smiled softly as Hotaru turned and rushed out of the room, suddenly filled with the strength other kids her age held. Standing up, she sighed to herself. "Go get them, Hotaru-chan."


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[1] Scotties are one of my favorite breeds of dogs. ^_^