The Distant Days of Uranus

Chapter 1: Challenges

The Crown Arcade seemed a strange place to being talking about weddings. But Haruka Tenoh found herself enjoying the constant chatter of the group of girls around her. She had a soft spot for Usagi and Mina had always been that way. She found their joyful attitude refreshing. Plus the two were just so cute; even though they were both well out of their teens; the two girls were still wonderfully youthful.

Sitting next to her was her long time partner, Michiru. The woman was sharing a conversation with Ami about music; who knew the guardian of Mercury was such a classical music fan?

The others were all involved in Usagi's dilemma; what flowers to have at her approaching wedding to Mamoru. Haruka kept out of the conversation; she didn't know much about flowers and arrangements.

Usagi realized she was finished her soda and started to complain. Haruka rose from her seat and went off to get a new one. She was happy to help. As she waited in line; she kept glancing at the racing game in the arcade. She hadn't played in a while; perhaps it would good to try it again.

Returning to the table she set the drink in front of her future queen. Usagi gave her a bright smile; Haruka winked. Usagi blushed and dropped her gaze, intent on flowers again. Haruka was high amused at the reaction; it never got boring for her.

Heading over the game; she put a coin into the machine and sat down. The music started up and she made her selections. It would have been nice to have someone to race against. Everyone was busy and she wasn't about to interrupt them.

"Mind if I join?" A female voice inquired politely.

Haruka looked up and her mouth fell open. Standing inches from her was a stunning woman. There was something slightly familiar; but it refused to surface. Haruka shook herself. Looking at her from head to toe; Haruka had to admit, she was still stunning.

The woman had plantinum white hair; it was natural. No dye job in the world could hold the subtle highlights and shimmer of color that her hair did. It fell in thick, heavy waves around her slim shoulders and down her back. It was held back from her face by a green band around her head. Her make-up was subtle; it was almost as if she wasn't wearing any. But her eyes were notable; thought it could have just been the impossible color. Her eyes were the purest of silver. They seemed to shine with their own light.

She wore faded jeans with a bright green top. The shirt sat off one shoulder; revealing a smooth, pale shoulder. The sleeves were short and showed off her slim, muscled arms. She wore a few silver bracelets stacked together on her left arm. A simple silver band encircled her thumb; another band, made of gold sat on her ring finger. Her right hand held only a black metal ring; it was dotted with gold stones; they glowed in the dark metal.

Her slim, curvy figure was lush and sexy. She stood with calm, almost absent posture. The tight fit of her green shirt hugged her hips; a small silver chain draped around her hips and drew the eye to her long slim legs. She wore black suede boots with a three inch heel.

Haruka made her self breathe inward and nodded. "Sure. If you're up for a challenge."

The woman smiled at her, "I hope you're a gracious loser."

Haruka returned the smile, "I don't loose."

The woman gracefully sat down and glanced at her, "There's a first time for everything."

The game started up; Haruka focused on the computerized countdown. She had to struggle not to glance at the woman next to her. The soft scent of her was intoxicating. Haurka shook her head as the light went green on her screen. The first few laps of the game were easy; that was until she noticed the woman keeping up with her.

She wanted a challenge after all. Haruka pressed her foot down on the gas pedal and watched her speed increase even more. She was surprised that the woman could keep up with her. The race continued for several minutes; they game kept renewing their game as they kept going up in lap numbers.

Finally, at lap 100 hundred the stranger dropped back and Haruka's car shot pass the line. The game ended; flashing that she had set a new record. Haruka looked at the woman beside her as she stood up.

"Why did you drop back?" Haruka asked.

"My phone went off." The blonde took out her cell phone and checked it. "I have to go. Thanks for the game."

She stepped around the machine; Haruka grabbed her hand. It was on instinct; she instantly dropped it. "Sorry."

The woman smiled at her, "I don't mind. What's on your mind?"

"I don't like winning like that. We have to race again."

The woman considered and shook her head, "Sorry, but I am not available for a few days. I am here on business."

Haruka couldn't take no for an answer, she just couldn't. "I don't mind working around your schedule."

The woman arched a slim white brow at her, "It really does matter that much to you?"

"Yes," Haruka smiled gently, "You could say I am competitive."

The woman considered and finally nodded, "I can meet you here in two days; around the same time."

"I'll be here." Haruka had no idea where her compulsion was coming from. There was just something about her that tugged at the sailor senshi. It was like a distant nudge and she had no clue where it was coming from.

The woman walked out of the arcade and Haruka stared after her. What in the world had happened to her just now? She was puzzling over it as she felt eyes watching her. Looking up she stared at her friends and forced a smile.

Sitting back down at their table she looked at each of them. "What?"

"You looked really intense a moment ago," Makoto muttered, "Something happen?"

"It was the strangest thing." Haruka muttered and shook her head, "Never mind, so have you guys decided on flowers?"

Haruka glanced at her lover. The look in Michiru's eyes made Haruka frown. The artist looked away and continued her conversation with Ami.

**

Two days later, Haruka was at the arcade by herself. She sat at the game; waiting. Each time the Crown Arcade doors whoosh open, she would look up, hopeful. It still wasn't the mystery girl. Haruka glanced at her watch and sighed; perhaps she wasn't coming after all.

"Hey,"

Haruka looked up and felt a strange twinge in her chest. "Hi."

The mystery girl was in leather pants and a black t-shirt; her leather jacket was decorated in red and white stripes. She had a badge on her left shoulder. Air vents and padding gave the jacket a hip, funky design, while being cool and safe. She held a helmet under one arm; it had a matching color pattern on it.

"What do you ride?" Haruka asked pointedly.

The girl looked down at her self and smiled, "A Kawasaki Night King."

Haruka arched a brow, "The new super bike that just came out a few weeks ago?" Those were expensive bikes; very expensive. She wondered absently what the woman did for work that she could afford one.

"Yeah, that's the one." She sat down beside Haruka in the other seat. She set her helmet on the floor beside her seat. "Ready?"

"Yeah." Haruka waited impatiently as the game started up. "Any chance of a cell phone going off?"

The woman laughed, "Not today. I am all yours."

Something in those words struck and odd chord in her. She shoved it aside and focused on the game.

After several games and an hour of challenge; Haruka and the woman gave up. They were matched; neither one could out drive the other.

"Let's grab a snack," the woman suggested and stood up. She grabbed her helmet and crossed to a nearby table. Haruka stood up and joined her. "That is unless your girlfriend would mind?"

Haruka shook her head, "What makes you think she's my girlfriend?"

The woman shrugged, "Takes on to know one."

Haruka noticed the wedding band on her hand, "You're married."

The woman looked at her hand and shook her head, "Not even close. I wear this to keep the guys away. Most women find it amusing. They don't seem to care if I wear it or not."

Haruka sat back in her chair; questions buzzed through her mind. "Do you have someone…special?"

"Nope, still looking." The woman glanced around and waved one of the employees down. She asked for anything like a menu. The young man left and returned a moment later.

The woman held it out, "Want to go first?"

Haruka shook her head, "I know the menu pretty well. My friends and I are here a lot."

"Well, then. I will test your taste in food. I'll have whatever you think is good."

Haruka smiled, bemused. "I don't even know your name."

"You need my name to order a snack?" the woman asked, laughter made her eyes shine.

The young waiter returned and Haruka ordered for them. While they waited for their food; the mystery girl shrugged off her riding jacket. Her black t-shirt was sleeveless; she had wonderful arms.

Haruka forced herself to look elsewhere. "What do you do for a living?"

The girl smiled, "Why?"

"You ride an expensive bike. You have custom leathers. I was just wondering."

"How do you so much about bikes and leathers? Do you ride?" the girl regarded Haruka with doubtful eyes. "No offense but you don't look it."

Haruka was offended and let it show. "What makes you think that?"

The girl shrugged, "You just don't. You can't ride a rocket in an Italian suit. I mean you could, but it would damned uncomfortable. Not to mention unsafe as hell. One skid and you're skinned on the road."

Haruka crossed her arms, "You know mens fashion as well, I see."

"I know a lot of things. Speaking of jobs; what do you do? That's a tailored suit you're wearing."

Haruka smiled despite her mood; she was enjoying this stranger. "I am retired." In more the one way; she hadn't had to use her henshi device in a while either.

The woman grinned, "Must be nice."

"Sometimes."

Their order arrived and they sat quietly for a few minutes while they ate.

Once finished the woman stood up, reaching in her hip pocket. She drew out a small wad of bills. She threw a few on the table. "Thanks again. I had a great time."

Haruka stood up, "Did your phone go off again?"

"No, but I do have to go. I have to work a little bit today."

Haruka smiled, "We should play something harder next time."

The woman smiled and eyes lit up with flirtatious light. "I hope so."

Haruka caught her meaning and shook her head, "I have a girlfriend remember?"

The woman tucked her helmet under her arm, "I know. But the way I look at it; you're a grown up. You can make your own choices. I am here for a couple of weeks; it would be nice to have company that I enjoy for a change. Think about it."

"It will never happen," Haruka told her flatly.

The woman smiled at her, "So be it."

With a smooth turn; she headed out the door.

Haruka called out, "What's your name?"

The woman paused and looked back; her white hair flashed in the sunlight as the doors opened. There was something familiar in that image. It bothered Haruka that she couldn't place it.

The woman smiled gently; her eyes flared with laughter. "I guess you really are retired."

Haruka was confused by the statement. She watched the woman walk out of the arcade and frowned.

And that's when it hit her. The twinge of recognition; the sense of comfort…the mystery girl wasn't a stranger. It came to Haruka like a slap to the head. It couldn't be her; she was dead. The papers had said so. But that would explain the bike, the leathers and the sense of familiartiy.

Haruka ran out of the arcade and saw the woman swing her leg over her bike. "Sky, wait! You're dead."Haruka stopped beside the sleek, shiny bike. "The crash; the papers…they said you were dead."

Sky smiled, "Obviously I am not dead."

Haruka stood staring at the woman and couldn't believe her eyes. "But…"

Sky places a gloved finger of Haurka's lips. "Thanks for the game, Tenoh. It was nice to see you haven't lost all of your skills."

Haruka smiled, "You held back."

"I was being polite." The girl slid her helmet on and started the engine. "See you around."

Haruka stepped back and watched as the woman took off. She quickly vanished into traffic. The smile still played on her lips as her communicator went off. She drew I tout of her pocket and answered.

"We are meeting at the house."

Haruka made her way to her car; as she closed the door she stopped; there was something resting on the passenger seat. She hadn't left it there. Curiosity peaked she picked up the beautifully wrapped gift. She carefully unwrapped and stared in shock and surprise at the small leather case. She opened it and stared at the keys inside. It took her a moment to put the pieces together. She saw a white card tucked under the keys; she took it out.

Kenji Motors

Super Bike Specialist

There were two numbers written under the words. It took a few moments for her to realize what she was looking at. Then it hit. She grabbed her cell and dialed the first number.

"Did you get my present?" The mystery woman asked in answer.

"Yeah. But why? I didn't even recognize you."

"Reconstructive surgery." The woman answered. "As, to why, I don't need a reason to give you presents. I know that Japan Racing has been begging you to join the consulting team."

Haruka frowned, "So?"

"So, have lunch with tomorrow. We can pick your bike tomorrow."

"I don't want to work for them, Sky."

"Fine, don't work for them. I want to talk to you about working for me."

Haruka felt her breathing skip a beat, "Work? For you?"

"Yeah, me. Is that so bad?"

"No," Haruka thought for a moment, "Well, it might be."

"Oh?"

It dawned on Haruka that there was no sound from the motorbike. "Why isn't there any engine noise? Are you parked somewhere?"

"No. I am still riding. I constructed the helmet to include a noise-reduction lining that allows for normal cell phone calls. Why do you think I am so rich?"

Haruka chuckled, "Typical response from you."

"Well, yeah." The woman paused a moment, "So, lunch?"

Haruka had to think about it. "I am serious about my girlfriend, Sky. This can't happen if you don't know that."

"Did I say anything about it?" Sky muttered. "It's a business lunch. Hell she can come if she wants. Though I doubt Kaioh Michiru is interested in cutting-edge engine design or streamline mechanics."

Harkua considered, "Alright, I'll meet you tomorrow. When and where?"

Sky gave her the address. It was an extremely exclusive location. One had to be a private member. And normally they didn't allow women into the club. It got Haruka wondering just how Sky had managed that.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Sky."

"Later."

Haruka hung up and sat in her car for a moment. She stared at the leather box with the keys inside. She had wanted one of the new Night King bikes for months; even before it was available. To think that Sky had arranged for one; just for her. Haruka knew the bike would be completely customized. It would be a one-of-a-kind and it would be tailored to Haruka right down to the body color and handle grips.

Shaking her head; she started her car and drove toward Rei's temple. Her mind was consumed with the idea of the new bike. She wasn't even paying attention to the first half of the meeting. Until a familiar name came up; one that Haruka knew very, very well.

"Are we sure about that?" Haruka asked. "I mean it's been peaceful for years. There is no way that can be right."

"We have double checked everything." Artemis confirmed. "This is serious."

"What does King Technologies had anything to do with this?" Haruka asked pointedly.

Michiru frowned before looking away and her face went blank. Artemis continued in a firm and serious tone.

"There is something strange about King Technologies, specifically the person who runs the company."

Haruka frowned, hard. "You're talking about Sky King?"

"Yes, she survived a fatal crash almost a decade ago. How?"

"Oh come on!" Haruka shook her head, "Just cause she's a survivor doesn't meant she's an alien or anything like that."

Michiru shot her lover a cold look. "And how would you know?"

Haruka couldn't keep the surprise off her face, "What?"

"I asked, how would you know what she is? You make it sound as if you know her."

Haruka sighed, "Michiru, we've been over this."

"Well, perhaps we should go over it again." Michiru shook her head, "You're seeing here again aren't you?"

The group quietly left the living room; Haruka barely noticed. "It's a business meeting. She wants me to join her company here in Japan."

"Sure, she does." Michiru pointed a slim, elegant finger at Haruka. "What has she given you? A car? A sponsor?"

Haruka kept her mouth shut about the bike. "Nothing, yet."

"I don't want her in our life, Haruka. I made that clear before."

"Sky is a friend, Michiru. I don't see why you are so upset."

Michiru stood up and grabbed the tea tray; hard enough that it's contents rattled. "I saw the way she looked at you the other day. That's not how friends look at each other."

Haruka rubbed her temples; trying to ward off the headache she felt coming on. "Okay, fine. Think that way if you want. I am meeting Sky tomorrow for lunch, a business lunch. She's invited you to come along."

"No." Michiru set the tea set down and glared at her lover from the kitchen. "I don't want to be near her."

"Why not?" Haruka asked pointedly. "She's not going to bite you."

"It's not me I am worried about." Michiru stared hard at Haruka. "There isn't much point in warning you not to do anything with her."

Haruka was angry now. "Meaning what? You don't trust me?"

"When it comes to her? No, I don't."

Haruka stood up and grabbed her jacket. Angrily she tugged it on and glared at her lover. "It's been almost ten years, Michiru. Ten years! And you still won't let it go."

"You kissed her!" Michiru threw her dish cloth into the sink. "You kissed her Haruka."

"Yeah, ten years ago. Once, at a party and I never saw her again after that."

Michiru crossed her arms; crossing back into the living room. "Lucky you she shows up a few days before Usagi's wedding."

"Meaning what?" Haruka was not following that logic at all.

"Another party you'll both be attending. Need I say more?"

Sky was going to Usagi and Mamoru's wedding? That was news to her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Haruka headed to the door.

Michiru followed her, "Just think about this before you do anything with her. I am not going to stand by and let you do this to me again. We've been through too much for you to just throw it all away on some…fling."

Haruka spun around; her hand on the door handle. "Michiru, you'd think after everything we have been through you'd know me better. You'd understand my feelings for you. But perhaps it's you that needs to reconsider things; not me."

Haruka threw open the door and stormed out; too angry to even speak anymore. Vaulting into her car; she roared the engine to life and took off. The city lights blurred around her as she sped thoughtlessly through the streets.

After an hour of reckless driving; she grabbed her cell phone. Pressing redial she listened to the phone ring steadily on the other end. She didn't even know what time of night it was.

The line stopped ringing. "I never expected to get a call from you."

"I need to talk to you."

Sky gave her address and Haruka changed her direction. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"See you in twenty minutes."

Haruka slowed as she turned down the residential area. The house was huge; it had once been two separate homes but they had been razed and the two lots had been combined into one large; modern mansion. Lots of windows occupied the top half of the house; the lower half was scarce with windows but it was welcoming and felt open. It could have been the large garden off to the left of the driveway. There were two very sleek, fancy cars sitting on the concrete pad. The gates were open. Haruka turned up the driveway and parked. As she got out the gates whirred shut softly. She admired the traditional garden that filled the front of the house. It was meticulous and beautiful in the darkness of night.

Very few lights were on in the house; the one of the front step flicked on as the door opened. Sky stood framed in yellow light. She was in grey sweat pants and a t-shirt that was t-shirt that hung loose on her body. Her platinum hair was loose and free around her body. She looked like a goddess.

Haruka approached and they stood staring at one another. After several long minutes Sky stepped aside and Haruka entered the house. Sky closed the door and leaned on it; hands tucked behind her back.

The hardwood floors were pale oak. The stone gray walls were decorated with beautiful sceneries; all of them were from various places in Japan. The high, soaring ceilings made the place feel open and airy. Haruka continued down the hall until it spilled to the left; the floor plan was open. There were as few walls as possible here; over head concrete beams supported the second floor; there were open sections that allowed one to view glimpses of the upstairs.

The furniture was minimalist; two couches; two arm chairs were framed around a huge glass topped coffee table. As one walked further into the living room they could see the kitchen. This too was open and huge. It was Spartan and sparkled. Everything was a high shine and spotless. Nothing was out of place and nothing was cluttered.

Off to the right the open space lead to a series of screens; all the screens combined to show one continuous; huge image of Mount Fuji framed by Sakura trees in full bloom. To the right of the screens there was a large, spiral-shaped staircase that led up to the second floor.

"This a is a great place, Sky." Haruka murmured as she faced the woman. She still hadn't moved from the door.

"Thanks, they finished it a few months ago." She stood there; watching her guest. "You needed to talk to me?"

Haruka looked around at the hallway and glanced at the living room. She turned and headed toward the couch. Sky followed, a good distance behind her. Haruka sat in the leather couch and it welcomed her.

"Michiru and I had a fight." Haruka told her pointedly.

"I figured." Sky settled in the arm chair across from her. "About me?"

"Yes, actually." Harukal sighed and settled more comfortably. "I told her it was ridiculous."

"What was?" Sky asked quietly.

"Michiru thinks I am going to have an affair with you while you're in town. All because I kissed you at that party ten years ago."

"I see." Sky folded her hands across her stomach. "And that's totally not going to happen."

"No." Haruka hesitated and frowned, looking at Sky. "Why say it like that?"

Sky shrugged, "Just stating what you told me earlier."

Haruka wasn't satisfied. It suddenly occurred to her the distance between the two of them. "You've never put this much space between us before. Why now?"

Sky was motionless for a few minutes. "Because I can't help myself."

Haruka sat up and looked at her, "What?"

The woman sighed heavily, "How can I put this?" She seemed to think about it, "All I want to do is tear the clothes off you and make you forget about Michiru. Needless to say, I am fighting a loosing battle. So, in order to keep from ravishing you, I am sitting here."

Haruka watched her for a long time; slowly she smiled. "I guess Michiru was right to be worried."

Sky gave her a very expression, "Yes, she was. But it takes two and I am not about to jump on you. I may have trouble controlling myself around you; but I am not a fiend."

Haruka chuckled, "No, you're not. You're just ruthless."

"That's business. This isn't." She paused a second, "You aren't business to me, Haruka. You never have been."

Haruka let the words sink in. "So that is why you avoided me all those years on the circuit."

Sky nodded. "I knew that if I was close to you I would kiss you again. Or something more. And you're with Michiru. I don't like her; I admit it. But that's only cause she has you all to herself."

Haruka sat back in the couch; folding her hands behind her head. "Not anymore. She really doesn't trust me with you."

"She's right not to." Sky admitted.

Haruka laughed gently, "She didn't have to say it all like that. As if I am some child and can't decide for myself."

"You can," Sky told her flatly. "Leave, right now. Drive back to your house and make love to her. That will show her just how much she can trust you."

They sat staring at one another for a long time. Haruka knew Sky was speaking sense. It was logical. But the look on Michiru's face; the anger in her words; going back was the last thing Haruka wanted. But still…

"Damn," Haruka stood up, "For someone who wants me so badly, you're sure coming up with reasons not to keep me."

"I want you, Haruka. With everything in me. But I want you to come to me because you want me too. You have to know how I feel or it wouldn't be honest. I won't sit here and deny that I want you; or tell you that I don't envy your girlfriend. I want you to be with me, even if only for one night, because you want me. Not because you're girlfriend pissed you off and now you're throwing it in her face."

Haruka sighed and headed toward the front door. "Are we still on for the meeting tomorrow."

"Yes, of course we are." Sky followed her.

Haruka opened the door and stepped out, Sky stood in the doorway. "You know, I would give you the bike even if you decided not to show. I am not trying to bribe you. The bike is something you want; it's mine to give."

Haruka faced her, "I want to have lunch with you."

Sky sighed and regarded her coolly, "But would you work for me?"

It took some thought before Haruka could answer. "I don't think it's wise. It would be cruel to tempt you and never satisify you."

Sky smiled lightly and chuckled, "Yeah it would, but perhaps I am a bit of a masochist and I like being tortured."

Haruka reached out and touched Sky's hair with her fingertips. "No you're not. You're a lot of things, but that's not one of them."

"You sound so sure of that." Sky whispered gently.

Haruka leaned in and buried her hand in that silver-white mane. Sky shivered at the touch; resisting the urge to lean in for more.

"Sky-"

Sky forced herself to step back and put space between them. "Go, Haruka. Return to your lover. I won't expect you for lunch tomorrow. I guess you won't be able to work for me. Too bad really, we could use your skills. I'll have the bike delivered to your house."

Haruka stared at her; the distance was small and she could have closed it. Some part of her wanted to go back into the house and forget about Michiru. But she held back; one did not forget all of their history in one night.

"You know where I live?"

Sky smiled, it was coy and mysterious. "I know a lot of things." She blew Haruka a kiss, "Goodnight, Haruka."

The drive back to her house took longer; mainly because she wasn't racing down the road. She couldn't get the image of Sky in her t-shirt and sweats out of her mind. It was such a comfortable, relaxed image. Sky was rarely that relaxed; that calm. Normally she was all business and hard as nails. But tonight; she had been warm and honest and even vulnerable.

Harkua parked in her driveway and sat in her car. Her hands were gripping the steering wheel so tight her knuckles were white. What had possessed her to leave Sky? Haruka was curious to know what it would be like to hold her. To kiss her and spend one night with someone else. Just once; to know that another person could love her too.

As she sat in her car she came to realize something. Something that had been eating her for years; it scared her a little. As much as Haruka loved and cared for Michiru; there was something lacking in their relationship now. Something that had nothing to do with comfort and trust; but it had everything to do with desire. Haruka found herself longing for the days of old; when they used to battle monsters. Michiru had been so much more passionate and willing. These last few years she had withdrawn into her work; into her own world. One that Haruka didn't have access too. Their love-making wasn't as frequent and they were spending more and more time with their own friends. Not that Haruka had many other friends; outside of the senshi group she had a few; but not many. And certainly none she could talk to.

Haruka sighed and picked up her cell.

Sky answered on the second ring, "Having second thoughts?"

"Yeah, actually."

"I figured as much. What's up?"

Haruka took a deep breath, "I am going to meet you tomorrow. But not for business."

Sky was silent.

"Sky?"

"I heard you, I just…" The woman stopped, "Haruka, this is a choice you have to make and live with. I won't be responsible for the fall-out."

"I am asking you out, Sky King." Haruka stated firmly. "Interested."

Sky let out a long breath, "Very much interested."

"Good, but not that fancy place, somewhere less business-like."

"Sounds fine." Sky said gently, "Should I wear anything in particular, my leathers perhaps?"

Haruka heard the teasing jest in her voice. "No, I might want to take them off you."

"That would be okay too."

Haruka chuckled, "Wear anything you want. I'll pick you up. What time? One o'clock?"

There was a rustling of paper and a moment of silence. "Make it two. My afternoon is open. I am still going to drop off the bike."

"I am hoping so. I want to ride with you on it."

Sky laughed gently, "I'll make sure that happens."

Haruka hung up and stared at the phone in her hand. There was a slash of guilt in her; but it was quickly erased. It had been years; too many for her to count, this growing problem with Michiru and she. There was no need to feel badly; as Sky had said, they were both adults. It would be nice to spend time with someone who wanted her; rather than endured her.

Haruka quietly opened the front door of her house. The lights were out; Michiru was asleep. Their adopted daughter had left for college six months ago. They wouldn't see her until Christmas break, several months away.

The quiet of the house was cold and Haruka stood in her door way. She could have been in Sky's arms right now. But instead she stood in her house and felt unwelcome. She closed the door with a heavy sigh and made her way down the hall to the bedroom.

She was tired; shrugging off her suit jacket and unbuttoning her shirt took so much energy. Haruka managed to shrug off all her clothes and pull on a t-shirt and boxers. She climbed into bed; Michiru's back toward her. Haruka lay on her back; staring at the ceiling.

A single thought swirled around her mind. Did it count as cheating if you weren't sure you loved your partner any more?

Haruka had no answers for that. She could only think of Usagi and Mamoru. They loved each other; they were destined together in the future. But the rest of them? Nothing had ever been said about that. She wasn't even sure if she existed in the future of the world. The others did. They all knew that and had seen it. But what about her? Haruka made a note to ask Setsuna about that when she arrived for the wedding. She would be here in the next few days.

Haruka closed her eyes and dreamed of plantium blonde hair and silver eyes. She dreamed of laughter and motorbikes; and for the first time in a long time she was peaceful in her sleep.

**