Author's Comments:  I might get some slack for something that might seem
out of character for one of the people in this story (you'll know who when
you get there) but I think once you're done with it, you'll understand why
it was out of character.  Also, the story contains a very mild sex scene
(well it's nothing compared to other things I've read but I'm proud of it
thanks).  Additionally, just be warned that I'm a hopeless romantic so
don't expect anything less than happy stuff here.^_^

The Dream 
A Shoujo Kakumei Utena fanfic 
by Sailor Gothik

         The day was magical.  Then again, every day of my grown-up life
seems to be that way.  The trees caressed each other as the gentle breeze
blew kisses through them.  I could feel the grass sighing with content as
that glowing orb lowered itself on the horizon.  The sky was an artist's
dream--complementary shades of pink, violet and cerulean melted as one,
loving the sheer thrill of being different.  The temperature was enough to
drive anyone mad with desire, ruthlessly tearing off their clothes just to
feel the crisp wind bite gingerly into their flesh.  Yes, the day is truly
magical.
         I sat out in the backyard of my home, entertaining my guests. Our
backyard, a large enough area to build another two-story house, teeming
with verandas and Japanese lanterns, had never been so alive with
enchantment.  We rested ourselves at a small iron table painted with the
colors of pure snow.  We talked of old times and wild nights, and those
relationships that just never went well.  We laughed as merrily as
children at Christmas time, enjoying the sheer delight of being in each
other's company.  We certainly deserved it.  After all, we had not seen
each other for some time.  Three years to be exact.  And yes, those three
years apart were entirely too much for us.  I still remember the looks on
their faces when I picked them up at the airport. We embraced for hours
and succumbed to our tears, thanking God that we were put on this earth
with good people such as they.  And now they're here in my residence--so
hard to believe that they have changed so much.
         I looked over to my darling younger sister, giggling happily as
she held the hand of her true love.  As Miki lightly pressed his lips on
her cheek and enclosed her in his arms protectively, I thought to myself
how ridiculously long it took those two before they realized that they
were made for each other.  They were two idealistic souls who had wandered
the earth, looking for a kindred.  And to their surprise, their future
partners were closer than they expected.  The spark was there the first
time they met--they only chose to ignore it--damn that cursed teen-age
flaw.  But through the years they had changed much, and in time they
expressed their true feelings. Their relationship was worthy of a
best-selling romance novel.  On their wedding day, I was perhaps the
happiest man alive...and I could not help but cry tears of sorrow mixed in
with the ones of joy.  For although my sister was finally happy...she no
longer needed me.  She had her own prince now.
         I'll never forget how she glided towards me in that satin miracle
for a wedding gown, wrapped me in a rose-scented embrace and gently wiped
the tears from my eyes. She said, "No one will ever take your place,
Touga."  Touga.  She called me Touga.  For most of her life, I've only
heard the words "big brother" when she addressed me.  But when she called
me Touga, it signaled the end of her youth and heralded the arrival of a
mature woman.  She was capable of making her own decisions now, and loved
another with the love she had given me.  As her hand slipped out of mine,
I realized it was the end of an era.  Never had I been so heartbroken, yet
so overjoyed. There was only one thing I could have done to bring myself
the closure that I so desperately needed.  I grabbed Miki just as he was
going to leave with his princess, and told him words that even to this
day, have stuck in both of our minds.  "I pass the torch along to you. Now
she is _yours_ to take care of."  Miki only smiled at me, and gave me a
reassuring hug.  But we discussed that moment later on, and indeed he
promised me that he would be her guardian.  Seeing this happy couple made
me realize just how much I missed hearing her girlish voice squeaking "big
brother" every so often.  But it doesn't matter...as long as their union
remains precious, I do not mind that she seeks comfort in his arms.
         My God--I have never seen her look so radiant--a mother's glow I
suppose.  How long has it been?  Three....four months?  I never thought
her fit for parenthood, but she and Miki had certainly planned this for
some time.  They had already bought most of the items and what not needed
to raise a child.  They mused on how it would feel to be called "momma" or
"daddy", all the while teasing me about my new status as "Uncle Touga".  
I can picture those children in my mind--they would have Nanami's hair and
Miki's eyes. They would love all things musical and be as intelligent as
their father.  They would inherit their mother's slyness and will
naturally be just as athletic. Looking at the happy couple, it seems as if
nothing in the world could ever bring them down from their state of bliss
and readiness.  I smiled to myself.  Those will be beautiful children
indeed.
         My gaze turns over to the _other_ couple--the one I never thought
possible.  The lovely elegant woman was sipping tea and snickered
childishly as she ran her fingers through her lover's green richness of
hair.  Her laughter was the most unusual, yet utterly pleasing sound that
has ever graced my ears.  It was so satisfying to be a witness to that
sound.  She kissed her lover's earlobe as he set down his tea and
chuckled.  He then stroked her velvety cheek, and planted a kiss on her
firm, awaiting lips.  How odd--I had never known Saionji or Jury to
display public affection, or any emotion besides anger and apathy for that
matter.  I suppose time indeed does change one.
         To think that these two were at constant odds with each other,
yet had much in common.  In high school, both were the skilled captains of
their respective teams, and were on the student council.  Not only that,
but they were also in the business of unrequited love, which was the one
thing that made these two individuals so angered and forlorn.  Then,
towards the end of Saionji's senior year, they realized that they were the
only ones who could understand each other.  They began to get along, and
even planned events that both of their teams could attend.  Then one
day--at least this is how Saionji tells it--when they looked into each
other's eyes, and saw the pain mirrored into their own, it was enough to
make them cry.  And I've known them long enough to learn that if either of
them discarded their proud exterior and wept openly to another, _that_ was
the person they truly loved.  True, this was outside of Jury's sexual
preference, and Saionji refused every pretty face that wasn't.....that
girl....but I'm a firm believer that true love transcends every obstacle
that could ever be thrown at it. After all, it is only fair that since
they had hopelessly pined away for their impossible brides, they would in
truth, find each other to be more suitable paramours than the latter.  
Jury now keeps a new picture in that locket, and Saionji has become
immersed in their new exchange diary.  And they are now perfectly
comfortable expressing their emotions, as I caught them sneaking a kiss
every so often.  Seeing them now, I think they make a beautiful couple.
         What a truly magnificent day...and yet it would not be complete
without the presence of my beloved.  Her melodious laughter rang in every
corner of my heart as her salmon-colored mane played in tune with the
chilling breeze, the wind seeking to fill the skirt of her rosy sundress.  
She ran barefoot through the yard, chasing our children as they played a
game of tag.  The girls moved like dancers, their delicate bodies framed
by an overabundance of reddish pink hair.  Then there was the boy...my
son. He was just as handsome and reserved as his old man, yet he had the
endurance and stamina of his mother.  They all soon tired, and walked up
to us as we continued jabbering about life. The girls ran up to their
expecting Aunt Nanami, while the boy quickly grabbed his plastic sword
from under the table and playfully jabbed "Uncle" Saionji in the chest.  
My beloved smiled wearily and sat next to me, trying to lose herself in my
arms.  Saionji was staging a mock duel with my son, and the two girls,
with their inquisitive blue eyes, were asking their aunt questions about
their new cousin.  Such beautiful, wonderful children we have, Utena.  
And to think that they might never had been born.
         Saionji was having the time of his life, as our son proved to be
a duellist worthy even of him.
         "You think you can beat me, little one?"
         "You better step back, Uncle Saionji!  _I'm_ gonna win the Rose
Bride! "
         Saionji dropped the plastic sword he was using and stood in a
daze.  The world grew silent as we closed our eyes tightly, trying to
block the memory of those events that forever changed our lives. Our son
tugged at Saionji's windbreaker.
         "What's wrong?  Why are you like this?"
         Saionji looked at him with confusion in his eyes.  He awkwardly
sat down and tried to seek solace within Jury's arms.  Miki tried to do
the same with Nanami, and our daughters backed off of them.  Utena was
near tears, but I kissed them away as her fabled prince had done.  I
pulled my son over and got on my knees to meet his gaze.
         "Listen son.  Don't you ever mention the Rose Bride again,
understand?  You don't want the Rose Bride."
         He was confused as ever.  "But I heard you and momma once talk
about dueling and winning the Rose Bride.  I thought that's what you got
when you won a duel."
         I grabbed his shoulders, struggling to hold back my anger. "No!  
You _don't_ want the Rose Bride!  She is a curse!  A virus!  She had the
power to bring revolution, and that power made us all turn against each
other!  She made your mother and I compete against each other!  She made
your dad and Uncle Saionji hate each other!  She made your Uncle Saionji
and Uncle Miki very unhappy because she never loved them!  We all fought
duels for her heartless power!  We almost went _insane_ seeking that
power!  You don't want it, son!  You don't!!"
         He began to cry.  "I'm sorry daddy!  I'll never talk about the
Rose Bride again! Don't be mad at me!"
         My heart broke.  How could I be mad at my child?  I carried him
in my arms as he sobbed on my shoulder.  "Don't worry son; I'm not mad at
you.  I just don't like the Rose Bride.  In fact, none of us do.  She
almost ruined our friendships, almost took our sanity." I met his azure
gaze.  "Just don't mention her again, okay?"
         He nodded assuredly.  "Okay daddy."
         I kissed his forehead.  The rest seemed to have calmed their
nerves by now. Utena smiled gently.  "I think it's time for you kids to go
to bed." They all said their good-byes and followed their mother inside
our house, our luxurious French-style mansion.  My guests were made aware
of the passing time.
          Miki closed his eyes.  "The sun had set some time ago...we must
proceed to our hotel before it gets too late."
         Nanami kissed me lightly on the cheek.  "I had a wonderful time
Touga.  I'll see you in the morning."  Miki gave me a gentleman's
handshake and husband and wife soon departed through the house.
         The music of crickets filled the night air, as the same breeze
whipped my scarlet locks over my eyes.  Jury put it behind my ear and
smiled that dazzling smile, as if she was happy for the first time in her
life.  "We'd better go too."  She kissed my other cheek and motioned for
Saionji, who was still in a bit of a shock.
         "I'll catch up with you honey...why don't you go start the car?"
         Jury blinked, then smiled softly.  "I see....all right then." She
was so
 understanding--such a good match for Saionji.
         As Jury made her way to the house, we were left to ourselves. I
could tell that the mentioning of....that girl....made Saionji somewhat
ill at ease.  He stared at the ground for some time.  Then, as if he
summoned all of his courage, he stood up and look at me square in the
face.
         "You....have beautiful kids, Touga."  He smiled weakly.
         "Why thank you....I'm sure someday you will too."
         "Yeah, I....I really like kids....well, I guess I better go now."
         He didn't succeed in walking very far before I grabbed his elbow.
         "Are you going to be okay, Saionji?"
         He smiled weakly once again.  "I'll...I'll manage."
         "You _are_ coming over tomorrow, right?"
         He grinned.  "Of course!  What are old friends for?"
         I smiled at him.  "Old friends indeed."
         It had been a long time since we shared an embrace.  It certainly
felt good to do so, for there was a completeness that I could find _only_
with him.  We _are_ best friends after all.
         I followed him through the house and out unto the driveway. Utena
and I watched them speed off into the distance.
         "Are the children asleep?"
         "Like babies."
         I put my arm around her.  "Good."
         We went upstairs and into our lavishly decorated room.  Utena
sneaked into the bathroom as I removed my clothes and plopped down on our
king size bed, wearing only blue silk boxers.  I hear the bathroom door
open with a slight creak and there was Utena, clad only in a bathrobe.  I
took a step back as I gazed at her beauty. Her medium-length hair glowed
in the dimmed lights of the room, her eyes twinkling like pure diamonds.  
I could forever lose myself in that sea of blue.  But no body of water
could ever hope to be as lovely.
         She sauntered towards me at first, but when I rose from the bed,
she ran into my arms and nearly tackled me.  Her lips met mine as she
removed my undergarments.  She then placed her hands on my chest and gazed
momentarily into my eyes before kissing me again.  I undid the cord of her
bathrobe and let it slide off her shoulders.  And there she was before me,
smooth and immaculate, like a Greek goddess of myth. Aphrodite and Artemis
packaged inside one amazing creature.  I crushed her in my arms, taking in
the scent of roses.
         "I love you Utena Tenjou."
         "You mean Utena _Kiryuu_, don't you?"
         I grinned at her.  "Of course."
         I carried her in my arms and laid her on the bed.  She welcomed
me, and I slowly sunk into her.  The thought of making love to her had
always crossed my mind when we were younger.  I mused that she would
probably be like every other girl I had been involved with.  How wrong I
was.  This was far better than anything I could possibly have imagined.  
Because unlike those other girls, Utena is very special to me.  I love her
with every fiber of my being.  I love her unconditionally.  Not _once_ had
any female given me this feeling...this passion....and I have Utena to
thank.
         I could see her through my partially closed eyelids.  She grabbed
onto the bedspread, closing her eyes and moaning euphorically every so
often. She smiled that smile--the one that was meant for me alone.  As she
neared her pinnacle of pleasure, she began to grow louder, until.....
         "Oh big brother!!"
         That was enough to get me to stop.
         "What?!"
         She opened those soulful eyes and looked at me innocently, as she
tenderly stroked my face.
         "Oh big brother......time to get up big brother....."

* * *

         "Big brother...time to get up, you'll be late for school."
         I woke up, in the middle of the sweetest dream I've ever had, to
that voice.  My hair was strewn over my eyes, so I couldn't see who was
calling me....but I know of only one person that would call me by that
name....
         Her hands brushed the hair from my face.  Her eyes sparkled with
new life, her hair let loose, her nightgown a wrinkled mess.
         "I hope you had a good night's sleep, big brother."  She smiled
that adorable little girl smile, the one that did not have a chance to be
seen often.
         I opened my eyes dreamily as I sat up.  "Hmm.....Nanami?"
         She giggled feverishly, something else that didn't see the light
of day regularly.
        "Of course it's me!  Get up or you'll be late for school, Touga!"  
She laid my uniform on a chair and left me to my privacy.
         As I groomed myself, I heard the sound of a large door opening.

         "Come on big brother, or I'm leaving without you!"
         "I'm going, I'm going!"
         There we were, brother and sister, walking to school among the
other masses.  As ususal, I acknowledged the waves and sighs from several
lovestruck girls, while Nanami warded them off with her scowl.  And then I
remembered my dream.  It spoke truer of me than anything else I've ever
encountered.  This arrogant, power-hungry playboy--this isn't me!  Like
everyone else in this world, I wear a mask.  Should I ever reveal my true
self, it will only be at the right time and with the right people.  Call
me a hopeless romantic, but that's the way I've planned it.
          That dream was truly was the best dream I ever had, for it was a
doorway into what I really wanted for myself and my future life.  I want
my sister to be happy.  I want my friends to be happy.  I want to be close
to Saionji again, just like the good old days.  I want to settle down with
Utena, the girl of my dreams, make love to her, and raise a family.  
Lastly, I want to obliterate the power of Dios.  I seek it only to destroy
it.  The revolution really is a curse, and I hope that we can vanquish
it....somehow.

End


Didn't I tell you I was hopeless?  If you wanna send any comments, just
email me at sailorgothik@hotmail.com.  Thanks! ^_^

(Gee, for someone who calls herself Sailor Gothik, I sure do use a lot of
those smiley faces and whine about being a romantic.  Oh well.^_^)

Disclaimer:  Utena and her Ohtori crew are in no way associated with me.  
I wish they were but they aren't.  They are the property of some other
people that unlike me, get paid for what they do.  I really want to meet
them one day, so don't sue me or I'll never be able to go to Japan. ~_^