There were these minutes in which time just sped up, taking everything down in an avalanche of events and emotions, and leaving nothing but broken bones and broken hearts behind.
Minako Aino sat in front of her ever-turning washing machine, staring at the tumbling, listening to its swishing and waiting to drown.
*
She had slowly tread down each step that brought her closer to the waiting man, who had expected nothing but rage from the woman she called her friend. Looking at him, she silently shook her head, while tears formed in her blue eyes. No words were spoken between them on the way back, but they did exchange numbers and addresses and even though none of them voiced it, both felt utterly miserable in a way that made it hard for them to breath.
*
Ami and Umino had spent hours in the freezing cold, but it had healed worse wounds than the sinking temperatures could inflict. Things were awkward between the two of them and both knew that changing this would take more time than one day could offer, so they decided to return to the company of those they held dear. Ando didn't pick up his phone, but Umino yearned to meet his lost friends and Amy needed Makoto's comforting warmth to help her find her footing in this shaking world.
*
Rhythmic sweeps kept the priestress occupied. Her grandfather had dared to tell her that after two hours, the shrine was cleaner than it had ever been and that nothing could be gained from continuing, but he didn't understand and an accusatory glare sent him into silence. Her hands gripped the broom tightly, and her fingers were so pale that they resembled the tumbling snow more than human skin under which blood was supposed to be flowing. But the rhythm was not to be alienated, and so she went on and on and on.
*
“There is something going on today.”, Mamoru said as he stroked his wife's hair.
She raised herself on her elbows and met his eyes shrewdly.
His hands stopped their caress, wanting to know what she was keeping from him, but nothing would prompt the future queen to speak on this matter. It was rare, but there were times when she reigned her emotions and her words in, all of them, and allowed the world to unfold without trying to rush it. Watching the snow fall, she cuddled back into the crook of his arm, leaving Mamoru's curiosity unsatisfied, but his worry crushed. His trust in her judgement was absolute.
*
They had lost sense of time completely, all they knew was that this was a rare moment of friendship forming. The air resonated with promises of a happy future and even Takeshi allowed himself to briefly hope while watching these two people who were clearly destined to be together. How he had not seen this in a lifetime past was beyond him now, but the love in Hiromasa's eyes said it all. Looking around the shop, he wondered when he would be allowed to sit here and enjoy their company again.
*
A shy smile accompanied her words. “This is it, Makoto's shop. I'd be very surprised if we wouldn't meet Hiromasa in here.” Umino had started to tap his feet against the icy pavement, but there was no rhythm in his movements. They were erratic, frantic, lost. After a polite knock, Ami opened the door. Her silent question as to why the closed-sign hung in the window when it wasn't even six p.m. was answered when she beheld the long silver hair of the man whose very straight back was turned to her. Umino teetered on the spot for what felt like eternity, before following the blue-haired woman into an ocean of remembrance.
*
Meeting not one, but two of his shitennou was more than he had anticipated. Takeshi had been within these walls for more than twelve hours by now, but it still only felt like minutes.
Darkness had fallen outside, and the small space was filled with words and smiles that seemed to belong to other men and other times. Umino had tried to reach Ando, but to no avail. The number of messages on the man's answering machine had now moved into a towering two-digit zone, but it remained the three of them in the company of two welcoming senshi. Takeshi had asked Makoto to quietly arrange a meeting with Mamoru for the following day, and the brunette had happily obliged him hours ago by notifying Usagi, who would tell his prince sometime tomorrow.
Tonight, he had yet another reunion to initiate, one that would have to happen before he pledged his heart, soul and loyalty to the future king of this planet. Especially his heart.
*
He had never believed that slowly taking a plaster off would hurt less than ripping it off without warning. She had always been the same. He quietly pulled Makoto aside, but Hiromasa's eyes followed her anywhere she went. His voice sounded like a doctor's upon delivering the news of death. “Call her now, please.”
*
Minako Aino sat in front of her washing machine, and counted the turns the single sock in it made time and again. The firm knock on her door caused her to miss the last one. She opened the door and the avalanche rushed from the mountain, making no prisoners. She drowned.
