Haruka/Michiru: These two are my one true pairing for this show and my one true yuri/shoujo ai pairing. I’m a huge fan of their interaction and I enjoy how much they complement each other. I also like the fact that they are not too dependent on the other. They are perfectly competent by themselves. That’s something that tends to annoy me with many female characters. Put them in the same room with their object of interest/affection, and they lose all sense of competence. These girls can manage. These two also have some truly “aww” moments. For instance, that sly little comment during the third (?) movie (the Chibi-Usa one) where Michiru slyly mentions that there are things that only adults can enjoy and Haruka BLUSHES! Just the look she gives Haruka is so wicked. I’m gushing here because I love. And the cool, competent, tough Haruka (yes, I really like her) gets embarrassed. AH! *squee* Another favorite moment was the “hand” moment. I can’t even describe it. They weren’t necessarily holding hands, but rather they were doing a dance of intertwining their hands. I don’t know. Now if I weren’t all ticked at DiC at that time for making them cousins, I would’ve melted. I’m sure some part of me did. That was precious. So subtle and so full of affection. I just about died. …Too bad the dub part was ruined because they made them cousins. Still, much love goes out to Haruka-papa and Michiru-mama.
Alan/Ann: Yes, using the dub names because I can’t remember their actual names. Forgive me. Okay, these two totally deserve each other. I also like the devotion they have to each other despite the quasi-crushes on other people. It’s a solid friendship, but I think they have a great balance in order to make a long-lasting relationship. And, face it, they’re both villains. They belong together. I happen to like Ann because she was such a bitch to Usagi/Serena. Just because Alan wasn’t as vocal (or whiny when it came to voice actors), doesn’t mean he was any less vicious. Of course, things change along the way and they see the light and whatnot. But, for what it’s worth, I enjoy their interaction and relationship.
Saffiru/Petz: Ah, the love that could’ve been, should’ve been, and dammit! It broke my heart. One episode. That’s all I got. One episode! If I recall correctly, wasn’t there something between the two beforehand? Anyway, the one episode killed me. There was so much warmth and tenderness between them. And they have shared experiences with protecting their siblings. And, and, and, and DANGIT! Something was gonna happen! Aah. Since, I was already fond of both characters prior to the episode, seeing the two of them paired up in such a way made me happy for both of them. Of course, the episode had to end.
Mamoru/Setsuna (Sailor Pluto): This was my very first “just because” pairing. I really had no justification. I just thought that Mamoru could use somebody more mature and I thought Pluto could actually use some company. Thus, after looking at all the possible male options, only Mamoru worked for me. Looking back on this, I feel like such a dork. But, I remember it fondly. Those few months where I was thinking that this couple could work. Of course, I felt slightly vindicated when the manga did indicate that Pluto did have something for Mamoru’s former self.
Mamoru/Fiore or Fisheye: These aren’t pairings I ship. It’s more like giving what Fiore and Fisheye desire. I wouldn’t quite place it under a “just because” pairing because we’ve got canon affection going one way (and it’s reciprocated in Fiore’s case –albeit not to the same extent). Still, it’s one of those things where I just want to give Fiore and/or Fisheye that one magical night with Studly. Besides, one can only handle so much heartbreak and unrequited desire from characters.
Kunzite/Zoisite: Ah, the canon male lovers. I like them. I like them, a lot. Good ol’ strong and steady Kunzite paired off with the exuberant Zoisite. It really was interesting to watch their relationship. They’re both, obviously, competent at what they do. They worked rather well together. If it only weren’t for the scouts and that darned Tuxedo Mask! (kidding.) There were nice signs of affection and comfort. And Zoisite’s swan song was rather touching. I probably would have more to say if it weren’t for the fact that I haven’t seen Sailor Moon in, like, over 4 years.
Rei/Chad: The man has patience of a saint. Seriously, the dude is totally sweet to Rei and it’s nice to see him finally getting something back for all his devotion. Still, she is a very young and hotheaded girl, but dang, once they both mature some more I’m sure they could make a lasting relationship. It’s one of those relationships that come ohsoclose to possibly being romantic, but still remains on the side of close camaraderie. I think I like this relationship because of him more than here. Just that dogged pursuit makes me feel for the guy. And he’s totally not overbearing as he is pursuing her. That’s a bonus in my book.
Other “just because” pairings:
Nephrite/Jadeite: C’mon all the Dark Knights probably needed some loving at some point before heading off to earth. Since two are already stuck on each other, why can’t the other two spend a night together? It mutually beneficial. Seriously, I’ve no idea why this pairing appealed to me because neither really cared for each other during the series. That’s why, it’s relegated to a “just because” pairing.
Mamoru/Kunzite: C’mon, how hot would that be? There were some competitive sparks going on. Who knows? Maybe the passion to best each other flares up into something more and they go at each other like wild animals. Yes, yes, only in the fangirls’ dreams. Got it. It’d still be hot.
Y’know, I think I’ve also had momentary flashes with Diamond and Rubeus. Don’t know why. And I’m pretty sure I’ve slashed the Amazon Trio with one or the other (or the other) at some point in my mind. Of course, nothing came of these thoughts. They’re not even given the status of “just because”. They just were.