I’m drunk so pls forgive types or lost trains of thought but YES also for purposes of this AU Chibs is powerless so if that’s a problem MOVE ALONG FRIEND.
Hotaru never gets up the nerve, but that’s fine because Chibs does. Chibs sends her a carnation for Valentine’s Day. It’s pink, because of course it is, because Chibs decided that it would be that way and when she sets her mind to an idea she’s pretty hard to stop.
Hotaru is so hesitant to move anywhere toward her, because what could she possibly have to offer, other than some math tutoring? But she offers it anyway, and Chibs refuses to be afraid of whatever it is Hotaru is (She thins it’s being gay but lol Hotaru has so much more intersting problems)
Hotaru is forced to transform in front of her when a threat appears in the gym one day. Hotaru fights alone, and she wins, and she turns away from CHibs immediately but Chibs refuses to let her and grabs her wrist.
Literally everyone is opposed to Chibs knowing so much about Senshi business and Hotaru gives literally no fucks.
Being powerless stops Chibs exactly none from being melded with Deathbaby. Michiru finds a deep respect for her refusal to be separated, come hell or high water.
She sleeps curled up next to Hotaru, and Hotaru can’t remember when the last time was that she knew someone loved her without any outside reason to do so.