Learning About Love

A oneshot from the Water Lilies universe.

Learning About Love

A crescent moon hung in the early summer sky above Tokyo. In many homes across the city, and especially in a western styled home in Azabu Juban a seven-year-old, pink-haired girl was being tucked into bed.

"Mommy?" Chibiusa called out in a quiet voice to the woman who was about to turn off the light and exit the room. There was a question she had to ask, it was growing bigger and bigger within her with every day that passed, ready to burst out at any moment. She just had to say it now.

The beautiful blonde woman with twin tails turned around with a small upturn of her lips. Her blue eyes displayed infinite patience. "Yes, Chibiusa?"

"My chest feels funny," the little girl whispered and Usagi's face was immediately drawn with concern. It took the woman two seconds to return to her daughter's bedside.

"Are you hurt? Can you breathe?" A small line between Usagi's brows appeared and the girl knew her mother had gone into worry mode. Long graceful fingers automatically went to the pale pink cover which was tucked under Chibiusa's chin and pulled it down to expose the little girl's torso.

"No, mom, I'm okay," Chibiusa said in order to reassure the woman.

"Then what's wrong baby? Can you tell me?" Usagi asked, the worry line still visible.

"I get a funny feeling in my chest every time I see Hotaru. And even when I think about her sometimes. Do you know why mommy?" Chibiusa asked in a low voice. She hoped her mother knew what was wrong. Mommy must know what's wrong with me. Her parents were smart, kind and patient. They know everything, Chibiusa thought. Usagi's sigh of relief was not audible but the little girl could tell exactly when her mother relaxed. The worry line disappeared and a small enigmatic smile appeared on Usagi's lips.

Chibiusa's wide crimson eyes stared up into the calming deep-sea blue of her mother's. She felt the comforting touch of her mother's hand on the side of her face, before her bangs were brushed through carefully and the anxiety she felt over the strange feeling passed.

Usagi seemed to think for a long time, or what seemed like a long time to Chibiusa, before speaking. "What do you think of Hotaru?"

"What do you mean?" Chibiusa asked, her little brow wrinkled.

"How do you feel about Hotaru?" Usagi asked and Chibiusa understood the question this time around.

"I like her. A lot!" As Chibiusa answered her red eyes widened again, sparkling with emotion. Her cheeks were pink and her smile was as brilliant as the moon up above.

Usagi's smile mirrored her daughter's. "How much is a lot?"

Chibiusa stretched her arms as wide as possible, rumpling the covers in the process her mother had automatically smoothed back into place. "This much!"

"That much? I see." Usagi nodded sagely and Chibiusa knew she was right to tell her mommy. Her mommy really did know everything.

"It's because you like Hotaru that much. Do you know I feel that way about your daddy? When you like someone it turns into love. I love him so much that sometimes my heart feels like it can't contain all the feelings I have for him." She placed her hand over Chibiusa's heart and the little girl's face grew somber. "That's why it feels strange like it hurts."

"Really?"

"Really," Usagi nodded clasping a pair of little hands in her own.

"I love you that much too Mommy."

"I love you too, baby. You're my adorable little girl."

Chibiusa was scooped up into a hug but not before she noticed the watery sparkle in her mother's eyes. She was suddenly enveloped in a warmth she loved. The scent of vanilla and cookies clung to her mother's clothing and Chibiusa inhaled it, feeling comforted and safe within her mother's arms. Her eyes grew droopy and her head found the perfect spot against her mommy's shoulder. When she was tucked into bed again, her eyes were closed, her breathing even and rhythmic in sleep.