Wavering Destiny

Chapter 7: Listen to Your Heart

After dinner, Usagi was combing her hair in the vanity mirror of her guest room when there was a knock on her door. She set the brush down carefully and padded across the rug.

On the other side of the door, Seiya was standing there holding a cream-colored envelope sealed with red wax.

"The Princess asked me to bring this to you," she said. "It's an official welcome, I guess. And an invitation to next week's celebration."

Usagi blinked. "For me?"

"For all of you."

Usagi accepted the envelope carefully. "That's really sweet of her."

"She wanted to make sure you got it tonight."

"Well, tell her thank you for me."

"You can tell her yourself tomorrow," Seiya said.

Usagi smiled and looked down at the seal again. "It's pretty."

Seiya leaned one shoulder against the doorframe. "That view is prettier," she said, nodding over Usagi's shoulder.

Usagi glanced back. "The balcony?"

"Yeah. You scored with this room, the sunset is breathtaking. Come see."

Usagi followed, crossing the room and stepping out onto the balcony. Seiya slid the glass door shut behind them.

The evening air was cool, but comfortable. The ocean rolled towards them in the distance, bringing a faint breeze. The waves crashed against the rocks below them with a salty fizz.

Seiya leaned against the railing, putting her elbows on the cold, hard surface. She exhaled, the humid air exploding from her lungs.

Usagi joined her. The sky was painted a beautiful blend of orange and pink. "It's so nice to see the sunset without buildings in the way," said Usagi, thinking about Tokyo. She realized suddenly that it wasn't the same sun she saw on Earth. Kinmoku revolved around its own star. She really was a long way from home. How long would it take to feel homesick?

"This is my favorite time of day," Seiya said. The wind swayed her dark bangs into her eyes.

The sun dipped further into the lapping ocean. Usagi watched her out of the corner of her eye. The warm colors washed over Seiya's face, making her eyes sparkle the same color as the blue water.

Seiya seemed deep in thought. Usagi sensed it.

"You didn't come by just to deliver that, did you?" Usagi said it like it wasn't a question.

"I did," Seiya answered. She remained quiet for a moment, then added, "But, I don't mind seeing you either."

Usagi felt color heating her face. Under normal circumstances, she would have figured Seiya was just messing with her. Not right now. She could tell Seiya meant it. Usagi couldn't bring herself to say anything witty back.

Seiya looked over at her, finally taking her eyes off of the sunset in front of them. "I've just missed you, Odango."

Usagi met her gaze. Right in front of her, she saw one of her dearest friends. They had been through so much. From the day Seiya had transferred to her school, to the moment she bid them farewell on the rooftop, and the tangle of emotions in between. They shared a special relationship, and Usagi knew deep down that it blurred what friendship meant.

"Seiya..." It was all she could say back.

Seiya closed the distance between them and pulled her into an embrace. Usagi didn't object. Seiya pressed their bodies against each other tightly. Usagi wrapped her arms around Seiya's back. "I really missed you too," Usagi whispered into her chest, feeling suddenly overwhelmed.