Hotaru's Big First Date
Author's Pen Name: Chibi Steel Brightblade
Rating: PG

AUTHOR'S DISCLAIMER: HELLO ONCE AGAIN ALL YOU MOONIES. BY NOW YOU GUYS KNOW THE DRILL. SAILOR MOON AIN'T MINE NEVER HAS BEEN NEVER WILL BE. CWI AND PIONEER HOLD ALL THE CARDS WHERE THE ENGLISH VERSION OF SAILOR MOON IS CONCERNED. I'M JUST WRITING THIS LITTLE OLD FAN FIC FOR FUN NEITHER FOR PROFIT NOR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. PLEASE DON'T SUE ME I JUST STARTED PAYING TAXES AGAIN AND I DON'T EVEN MAKE ENOUGH TO PAY INCOME TAX YET, SO I'M FLAT BROKE. ANY WAY MY E-MAIL IS: LIKEREDHEADS2K1@AOL.COM. I HOPE THAT YOU ALL ENJOY THE RIDE.

Hotaru Tomoe sat in her bedroom her heart was racing like an engine of a racecar. Of all the evil and terrors that she had faced as Sailor Saturn this was more nerve wracking than all of them put together. In fact Hotaru was mumbling to herself that she would rather be face to face with any of the enemies that she had faced as the Senshi of Death than face what she is facing now. "At least I know how to face down demons and monsters." She told her best friend Chibi-Usa. "But I have no idea how to deal with this." She finished. Chibi-Usa giggled and gave Hotaru a hug. Then she took Hotaru's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, and looked into her eyes. "Hotaru don't worry just relax. I'm sure that you're going to have fun." Chibi-Usa said as she gave a Hotaru a big smile. Hotaru smiled back and returned the hug. "I wish you could come with me Chibi-Usa. I'd feel a whole lot more relaxed if you were there." She sighed. The two girls stood there just holding each other's hand. "This is your date Hotaru but I do want to hear everything that happens when you get back home." Chibi-Usa giggled. Hotaru sighed, grinned and nodded her head yes. Hotaru still couldn't believe that this was happening after all the years of being rejected by her peers because of her strange healing powers, and the fact that she was possessed for so many years by the powerful and evil entity Mistress 9, that made her do so many things against her will and hurt so many people that were close to her. Somebody was finally willing to look past Hotaru's past, past her weaknesses and faults. Somebody who was willing to give Hotaru Tomoe, the person, a chance. The boy's name was Cao Lynn he was a classmate of Hotaru. Their relationship started inconspicuously enough. Hotaru was walking home from school one very rainy day. She hadn't brought her umbrella with her to school that day because the weatherman had said that the chance of rain that day would be less than ten percent, so she found herself walking home in the middle of a down pour. It wasn't long before she noticed that the rain was no longer falling on her head. A voice spoke from behind her. "You're Hotaru Tomoe right?" The male voice had asked her. Hotaru stopped walking to turned to face the voice. "Yes, I am you're Cao Lynn correct?" She replied and asked him. "Yes, I'm Cao Lynn. I noticed that you don't have an umbrella with you so if you don't mind I'll gladly share mine with you." He said as he gave her a small smile. Hotaru could feel herself blush at the offer and the smile. "Thank you, but won't you need it too?" She whispered. He laughed and told her not worry that he would be fine. The two walked until they got to Hotaru's house. Cao made sure that Hotaru stayed firmly under the umbrella for the entire walk. The two made some small talk. Mostly one just asking the other how school was going. When they finally arrived at Hotaru's home, they noticed that the driveway was empty. "Hope that Haruka-papa and Michiru-momma aren't out looking for me." Hotaru mumbled. She turned to Cao. "Would you like to come in for a few minuets, maybe have something to drink or eat?" Hotaru asked. As soon as she spoke she looked away and blushed she couldn't believe what she had just said. She couldn't believe that she just asked a boy that she barely knows inside her house especially when nobody was home. Cao gave Hotaru a smile. "I'd like to but I have to be getting home. Maybe some other time." He answered as he extended his hand to Hotaru. The two shook hands and as Cao was walking away Hotaru called out to him. Cao stopped and turned around. "Well, could we at least exchange phone numbers?" Hotaru asked. Cao again smiled and said he'd like that. Hotaru gave Cao her phone number and Cao gave Hotaru his. Then Cao started on his way back home. That proved to be the first of many walks home that they took together. After that they started eating lunch together at school almost every day. Then one day on the walk home Hotaru's hand had somehow found it's way into Cao's hand. Hotaru wasn't the only one to notice this. Michiru had seen the two walk up to the house hand in hand. She asked Hotaru if that was the new friend that she had been speaking about for the last few weeks. Hotaru blushed and said yes. Michiru grinned. "So you must really like him." She teased. Hotaru just blushed deeper and gave an almost inaudible yes. Michiru gave Hotaru a kiss on the forehead. "Well, I'm glad that you found a new friend sweetie." Michiru said as Hotaru walked into the house. Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna were all glad that Hotaru had found a new friend although they did tend to tease her about Cao being her boyfriend. Just like they liked to tease her about Chibi-Usa being her girlfriend. Hotaru took it all in stride. But, then the one thing that Hotaru never expected to hear was said. Cao had asked Hotaru on a date! It was during one of their walks home. "I don't have anything to do this Sunday would you like to join me for a picnic lunch, and maybe we can even catch a movie afterward?" Had been Cao's exact question. Hotaru had stopped walking stopped moving for that matter. It took her a few seconds to realize that she had been holding her breath. Cao had a concerned look on his face, and asked if she was all right. She said that she was just surprised by his question. He cocked an eyebrow. "Surprised? Why do find it surprising that a friend would ask you to join him?" He asked. Hotaru sighed very deeply. "It's just I've never had a boy ask me to join him in doing anything before." Hotaru finally answered. Cao chuckled at her comment. "You mean to tell me that you've never even been asked out on a date before?" Cao said in a state of shock and disbelief. Hotaru just nodded yes. Cao just could not believe how nobody could have ever asked this girl out on a date before. In the time he got to know who Hotaru was he thought that she was one of the sweetest, kindest, and not to mention prettiest girls that he ever met. However this did explain how all those nasty rumors about Hotaru being a lesbian got started. Cao never did care much for the rumor mill, but not even he couldn't escape all the rumors that had been flying around school about Hotaru. Before that fateful rainy day he had always viewed Hotaru as a lonely soul that was always looking for friendship but never able to find it. He did over the course of time find out that Hotaru did have a small group of true friends. There was Usagi, the blond haired happy go lucky klutz that was kind of on the immature side. Ami, a blue haired genius that was in Cao's opinion way too mature for her age. Rei, a raven-haired Shinto priestess, Makoto, the only way that Cao could find to describe her was a teddy bear trapped in the body of an Amazon. Minako, a boy crazy blond with dreams of stardom. Mamrou, who was a very mature and reasonable young man. Then there was Chibi-Usa, Usagi's cousin and Hotaru's best friend. Then there was Hotaru's family. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna. Even though they were all girls Hotaru looked at Haruka as her surrogate father, Michiru as her mother and Setsuna as an Aunt. Cao never questioned how that arrangement came about, nor did he care to. Cao then put his hand underneath Hotaru's chin and lifted her eyes up to meet his. "Well now you have, and I would like it if that could be the first of many." He stated as he smiled from ear to ear. Hotaru started to say something but lost her voice. Then she found it again. "I'd like that too." She managed to say her voice almost lost in a flood of emotion and tears. Cao leaned in and gave Hotaru a kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you on you on Sunday then." He said as he gave Hotaru a hug. Hotaru hugged him back. She was nearly so overcome with emotion that she felt weak in the knees. She was crying but instead of tears of sorrow or loneliness they were tears of joy. She took a few seconds to compose herself, and then walked into the house. She took off her shoes. Michiru looked at Hotaru for a second. "You look happy about something." She said as she continued to watch her daughter. "Cao just asked me on a date this weekend." She said in an unusually chipper voice. Michiru grinned then the grin turned into a smile. "So, my little Hotaru now has herself an official boyfriend." Michiru teased her daughter. Hotaru grinned and blushed. "Yeah, I guess I do Michiru-momma." Hotaru responded still in a very chipper voice. Hotaru went to her room and called Chibi-Usa right away and told her of the good news. Naturally Chibi-Usa could hardly keep her excitement contained. All that time seemed like nothing to Hotaru right now. The day had arrived and in just a couple hours Hotaru would be on the very first date of her life. Chibi-Usa was going through Hotaru's dresses trying to pick out the one that would best suit the momentous occasion. Chibi-Usa frowned, as all of Hotaru's dresses were black. Now Chibi-Usa will admit that black suits Hotaru very nicely but she thought that something different would look better for today. She continued to look through Hotaru's closet and finally she found a thin-strapped dress that looked to be a little longer than knee length that was lavender with white pin stripes. "This dress is perfect." She declared as she held the dress up to Hotaru's neck. Hotaru grinned and said. "You know Chibi-Usa I hate that dress." But, Chibi-Usa would have none of it; she insisted that the dress was perfect for today, after a brief argument Hotaru finally relented and decided to put the dress on. When Hotaru reentered her bedroom wearing the dress Chibi-Usa took the chance to eyeball her best friend head to toe. "Hotaru you look so pretty." Chibi-Usa stated bluntly. Hotaru blushed. "You were right this dress does look good on me." Hotaru giggled as Chibi-Usa gave Hotaru a round of 'I told you so.' Time passed by like water through a sieve, and the time had finally arrived. Hotaru was all dressed and ready to go when the doorbell rang. Setsuna had answered the door. "Hi Cao come on in Hotaru is waiting for you." She greeted the young man. Cao then walked to the living room where Hotaru sat on the couch nervously wringing her hands together. "Hi Hotaru, are you ready?" He asked as he walked up to Hotaru and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Hotaru looked at Cao and smiled and in a faint voice said yes. Cao took Hotaru by the hand and helped Hotaru to her feet. Michiru and Haruka told the two that they hope that they have fun and enjoy themselves. They both responded that they would. Michiru gave Hotaru a kiss and a hug Haruka and Setsuna did likewise. Hotaru and Cao headed for Cao's dad's car walking hand in hand. For Hotaru the drive to the park was the most nerve-wracking thing she had ever experienced in her life. A part of her didn't want to believe that this was really happening that this was indeed all some sort of a dream that she would wakeup from at any second, another part of her was saying this was a very elaborate trap set by one of the Senshi's enemies. Then there was the part of her that was excited beyond words, that felt a joy and happiness that she had only felt at one other time in her life, and that was when she had first become friends with Chibi-Usa. Hotaru knew that her and Cao were talking but she couldn't remember what she had said as soon as she finished what she was saying. Indeed the entire ride to the park was just one big blur to Hotaru. They finally arrived at the park. Cao and Hotaru got out of the car and carried their cooler and blanket around the park until they found a place to sit down. Finally they did it was underneath a cherry tree. Hotaru unfolded the blanket while Cao spread the food out on it. They had chicken sandwiches, potato chips, and sliced veggies. They had lemonade for drink and chocolate and vanilla pudding for dessert. "So, Hotaru how does it feel to be on your first date?" Cao asked as he gave Hotaru a warm smile. Hotaru looked at Cao and returned his smile. "It's wonderful I've never felt this happy in my life. I'm so happy that I met you Cao. You mean the world to me." Hotaru replied gave and Cao the biggest hug that she was capable of. Cao kissed Hotaru on the top of her head. "I bet you tell Chibi-Usa that too." Cao chuckled and winked. Hotaru gave Cao a playful slap on the head. They continued to talk and eat. They talked about school, about plans for the upcoming summer break, and just life in general. Truth be told they didn't need to say much because they were just happy to have each other's company. For a few minuets Cao was leaning against the tree and Hotaru was leaning against Cao. Hotaru was feeling a happiness that she never thought possible. She had found someone that didn't just love her, like Chibi-Usa and the girls, but somebody that was in love with her. Hotaru gave a sigh of contentment while being held in Cao's arms. There was a smile on Hotaru's face as she experienced for the first ever being in love with another person. Cao looked down and saw the bright expression on his girlfriend's face. "What's on your mind Taru?" He asked after hearing her sigh and seeing her smile. "I'm just thinking about how happy I am to be here with you, and how happy I am that somebody was willing to look beyond all the rumors that everybody seems to spread about me." She answered still smiling brightly as ever. Cao grinned at the response. "Eh, you know how much I hate the rumor mill Taru. Besides after the very first time walking you home I felt like somehow the two of us are connected that we were, I don't know destined to be together. But, even more than that I just like being with you." He said as he gave Hotaru a kiss on the cheek. After having thrown away their garbage and putting the uneaten food back in the cooler, they decided to walk around the lake. When they got half way around the lake Cao turned to Hotaru. "Taru, there is something I want to ask you and I'm serious but I promise whatever you say won't change a thing that I think about you." Cao said as Hotaru locked her gaze with his. Hotaru could see the seriousness in his eyes. She had a feeling she knew what the question would be. "Sure Cao you can ask me anything." She responded. "Are you and Chibi-Usa... romantically involved?" He asked he could see Hotaru take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "No, we never have been we're best friends that's all." Hotaru said the look on her face was of one who had just been insulted. "Hotaru I didn't mean to upset you, and I'm sorry if I did but I just wanted to know." He explained. "I know Cao so many people think that we are. I guess that I don't blame them since whenever we're together we do act like two people that are in love with each other." She sighed as Cao tightened his grip on her hand. She in turn gave his hand a gentle squeeze. They continued their walk around the lake holding each other's hand. When they got back to their picnic blanket they saw Cao's dad and mom waiting for them. "Did you kids enjoy your lunch?" Cao's mother asked. "Yes we did mom." Cao responded. "Good now you two ready to go to the movies?" Cao's dad asked. Both Hotaru and Cao said that they were. They picked up their blanket and cooler and got in the car. The drive to the theater took about ten minuets. The movie that they had decided to see was "Princess Mononoke" Cao had seen the movie once already but Hotaru had not as yet seen the movie despite all the good things that she heard about the movie from her classmates, and the inner Senshi. Before walking into the movie Hotaru made Cao promise that he wouldn't ruin it for her. Cao agreed and promised not to say anything to Hotaru about the movie. Cao ordered popcorn and drinks for the both of them. To their surprise they were the first ones in the theater. They took their seats in the front row. Once again Hotaru's hand found its way into Cao's hand. Hotaru leaned her head on Cao shoulder. "Thank you Cao I've really enjoyed myself today. You've made me the happiest girl in the world." Hotaru whispered. "I love you Hotaru, and I'd do anything for you." Cao whispered back as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I love you too Cao." Hotaru smiled and looked Cao in the eyes. Cao did like wise and looked Hotaru directly in the eyes, and then in one brief moment their lips met in a tender kiss. Hotaru could feel herself blush. Cao grinned, "Let me guess your first kiss?" He asked as he saw Hotaru blush. "Yes." Hotaru responded and she started to grin herself. Cao put his arm around Hotaru's waist. "Lot of firsts for you today Taru." He said as Hotaru put her arm around his waist. The movie started and the whole theater fell silent. From almost the opening sequence Hotaru found herself lost in the movie. Between the story, the animation, and the characterization Hotaru had only one thought about the movie 'this is the best movie that I've ever seen.' Cao was true to his word he didn't spoil any part of the movie for Hotaru. As the young couple walked out of the theater Cao called his parents. "Mom said that it would about fifteen minutes before they get here, so would you like to get ice cream while we wait?" He asked her as he pointed to a small ice cream shop. "Sure that sounds wonderful." Hotaru responded as she wrapped her arm around Cao's arm. Just inside the shop's door Cao saw a crane game machine and pointed over to it asking Hotaru if he should try to win her something from the game. Hotaru told him if really wanted to. Cao and Hotaru walked over to the machine. Hotaru frowned when she saw that most of the prizes in the machine were Sailor Senshi dolls, but Hotaru reminded herself it's the thought that really counts. On Cao's first try he snagged and won a Sailor Saturn doll. Hotaru giggled at seeing the prize that was won. Cao looked at Hotaru and asked what the giggle was for. "Oh it's just that Sailor Saturn is my favorite Senshi." Hotaru chuckled. Cao looked at Hotaru for a second and smiled. "Well, I guess it's a good thing that I won the Saturn doll then." He laughed as he handed Hotaru the doll and kissed her hand. The couple then ordered a banana split. While they ate they talked about how much they enjoyed having the chance to spend the day with each other. Hotaru couldn't imagine a more perfect first date. Everything about it was just as she had always dreamed; no it was better than she had dreamed. Hotaru felt as though she never wanted this day to end. This was one of those few days that Hotaru felt like a normal teenager. No attacks by some enemy out to kill her or take over the world. No need to use her powers that made more than human. This was one of those rare days that Hotaru Tomoe could be Hotaru Tomoe, and not the Senshi of Death and Rebirth. Hotaru was indeed happy, and she never wanted it to end. The fifteen minuets went by in what seemed like a blink of an eye, and Cao's parents arrived to pick up the young couple. They got into the car and began the ride back to Hotaru's house. Cao and Hotaru sat holding hands the entire ride back. Talking about upcoming tests at school, and how much they look forward to being able to spend some more time together that week. They finally arrived at Hotaru's house. Cao walked Hotaru to the door. "Taru, I just wanted to let you know again how much fun I had today. I really enjoyed everything." He stated as he hugged Hotaru. Hotaru hugged Cao back. "Cao, this was one of the best days of my life. I hope that we can do it again soon. I love you Cao Lynn!" Hotaru said as she gave Cao a kiss on the cheek. Once again Hotaru's eyes met Cao's eyes, and once again their lips met in a very tender and sweet kiss. "I love you too Hotaru Tomoe." Cao replied. The two kissed once more then said their good byes. Hotaru watched as Cao walked back to his parent's car she waved and blew him a kiss then walked in the house. After telling Michiru, Haruka, and Setsuna all about her date Hotaru went to her room and called Chibi-Usa and let her know all the details as well as she had promised earlier in the day that she would. Hotaru and Chibi-Usa talked for a few hours. The one thing that Hotaru could not get over was that in spite of everything that had happened to her in life. She was able to find a bright spot that was filled with the love for another that loved her equally in kind. For Hotaru Tomoe that day many of the silver linings that she always heard accompanied gray clouds were starting to show themselves. She began to think for the first time in too many years that life was indeed a precious gift, and not just one tragedy after another. Hotaru had caught a small glimpse of what she was truly fighting for as Sailor Saturn, and it made her feel truly happy to be alive. 'It's hard to imagine how a rainy afternoon can change the lives of two people for the better.' Hotaru thought as she readied herself for bed that night.

THE END.