DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sailor Moon. Thank you to Takeuchi-sama for giving us such awesome characters to play with.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I received several requests for a sequel to "The Concert." It looks like you all are just a bunch of die-hard romantics, so I decided to continue this romance series.
The Concert: The American Tour
Haruka Tenoh
I watched Michiru's private jet fade away. My legs still felt weak, so I decided against going to the track to practice and opted to take a drive instead. I got in my car and immediately picked up Michiru's scent still lingering on the passenger seat. My chest tightened and I cursed myself for not grabbing Michiru's pillow before leaving her place. I started up my car and headed far away from the airstrip.
When I arrived home, I was feeling better. The long drive helped, but my mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Michiru. I put my key in the lock and as I entered, I tripped over a box in front of my door.
"NANI?!" I exclaimed.
I picked up the box and carried it inside. It must have been delivered by messenger service, because there was no postage on the box. I opened it and was immediately engulfed by Michiru's scent. Shocked, I dropped the box.
"Michiru," I mumbled and stared at the opened box on the floor.
I wiped my eyes with my sleeve and picked up the box. Gently, I removed her pillow from the box and hugged it tightly.
"Michiru," I mumbled over and over, as I buried my face in her pillow, reveling in her scent.
After several minutes, I picked up the empty box and carried everything to my bedroom. I sat down on my bed and hugged Michiru's pillow. Somehow, I managed to kick the box onto the floor and an envelope fell out. I picked it up. My name was written on the front in Michiru's handwriting. I opened it and read the contents.
My beloved Haruka,
I hope you did not think it too forward of me to send you my pillow, but I felt it only fair, since I have something of yours. I already miss you. The next three months cannot pass fast enough for me. I will do my best to contact you at least once a day, as time permits.
I love you,
Michiru
I sat staring at the letter in my hand. The tightening in my chest returned. My eyes could see only three words clearly. I blinked several times, but those three words were still the only ones I could see clearly.
"Michiru, aishiteru yo," I said softly and subconsciously twiddled my ring.
I plopped back onto my bed and drifted off into a blissful sleep hugging Michiru's pillow.
The next morning, the telephone jarred me awake. I sat bolt up in my bed and chuckled to find my arms still wrapped around Michiru's pillow. I checked the time and saw it was almost three o'clock in the morning! Grumbling about how early it was, I leaned over and answered the telephone.
"Hai?"
"Haruka?"
"Michiru!"
"Gomenasai, did I wake you? I forgot about the sixteen hour time difference, gomenasai," Michiru apologized profusely.
"No, no. It's so good to hear your voice. Are you settled in?"
"It is good to hear your voice as well. Hai, all settled in. My first concert starts in thirty minutes."
"You'll be fine. You're an exceptional violinist and America is lucky to have this opportunity to see you perform."
"Arigato Haruka."
I could tell by the tone of her voice she was blushing.
"I got the package you sent me. Arigato. It helped me sleep last night."
"Haruka...I miss you."
I heard Michiru sniffle and my chest tightened.
"I miss you too. I wish I were there for your opening night."
"I think the arts and entertainment channel may broadcast the concert."
"I'll check the guide," I said excitedly and ran into the living room.
I flipped on the television and checked the programming guide.
"Yes, the concert will be broadcast tonight. I'll be sure to watch it."
"You do not have to."
"I know…I want to."
I could hear voices calling Michiru in the background.
"You have to go?"
"Hai. I miss you," Michiru said sadly.
"I miss you too," I said glumly.
"Haruka…," Michiru paused, "Bye-bye."
"Bye."
I reluctantly pressed the button to hang up and hugged the telephone. Several minutes later, I returned the telephone to the charging cradle and went back to sleep.
Several hours later, I woke and got ready to go to the track. I had a race tomorrow and needed to get in some practice time, since I hadn't had much time over the past few days. Before I left, I made sure to set my digital video recorder to record Michiru's concert, just in case I get delayed at the track.
My first lap was terrible, but I made better time as the day wore on. By my last lap, I'd beaten my best time. I was extremely happy and confident I was ready for tomorrow's race. As I got out of the car, my manager intercepted me.
"TENOH!"
"Crap," I mumbled under my breath.
I was not in the mood to deal with him today and by the look on my manager's face, my mood must have shown on my face.
"Where have you been?"
"Taking care of some personal business…why?" I slammed the car door shut and gave him a chilling look.
"When Japan's number one racer just disappears without any notice…"
"Gomen, I thought I left you a message," I lied.
"No, but you're here now. I was watching your laps. It looks like you're more than ready for tomorrow."
"Hai."
"Right! See you tomorrow."
I left the car with my mechanic and went to clean up.
When I arrived back at my place, I immediately grabbed the television remote and turned it on. Michiru's concert was just starting. I watched the show's opening sequence from the kitchen as I made some instant dinner.
I brought my instant dinner to the coffee table and made myself comfortable. The camera panned the audience at Carnegie Hall and the lights went down. A single spotlight shone on the piano and the audience began clapping as an exotic young woman with deep pink hair took her place behind it. I wondered who she was.
"Do all piano accompanists have pink hair?" I chuckled.
A second spotlight came up and shone on Michiru, already standing in front of the piano. She bowed to the audience, picked up her violin, and began to play. My chest tightened as I watched her. I stared mesmerized at Michiru. When she turned, a glint of red showed me she was wearing her ring. I subconsciously twiddled with mine. The time flew by and Michiru was about to begin her last number. She glanced over to the side of the stage. A young woman handed her a microphone. Michiru bowed and addressed the audience.
"Hello New York City. I am Michiru Kaioh. Thank you for attending my first concert here in America."
The audience applauded. Michiru looked directly into the camera.
"This last number is dedicated to my beloved Haruka. Aishiteru yo."
The audience applauded. My chopsticks hit the table.