Family Affairs

Chapter One: You win some, you lose some...

" Michiru, quickly now. Your mother will be here to see you, so you have to be ready to play your best. " Michiru's manager rushed about, worried more about the funds raised from the concert than anything else. The aqua haired beauty peeked outside the curtain, being careful to not let anyone see her. Her eyes scanned the crowd looking for her mother's deep blue hair. What caught her eye was something that came as a surprise to her. She bit her lip in thought as she caught the eye of a stranger. He was leaning against the wall casually, as if the concert wasn't the most important thing to him. He locked eyes with her for moments on end, until Michiru felt that his gaze was become more than intense, it was becoming intimate. Michiru blushed hard as she closed the curtain and remembered the etiquette she had been taught.

" All you have to do is shine. " Michiru whispered to herself as she proceeded to move on stage. Everyone whistled, cheered, yelled or clapped to show their undying support of the beautiful musician. She loved the fact that the lights on stage were so bright that she couldn't see the crowd. It made it easier for her to focus. Michiru closed her eyes. That's all she ever did. She knew the second she placed her bow on the strings she would inspire the hearts of many. Her music wasn't just sound. Her music was her; every essence of the song she had played was the same essence of her emotions. Perhaps that's why so many loved it – they were addicted to the melancholy – no, they were addicted to her. No matter what she had played, the crowd devoured it. That was the most important thing.

After some time, that is to say – more than a few songs, Michiru released the bow from her violin and bowed. She never played for this but she expected that it would come anyways, the crowd went wild. From being as quiet as mice to becoming as loud as a zoo, Michiru had to admire their devotion to her music. They were enthusiastic to say in the very least. She smiled politely and waved.

When she came off stage she was a bit relieved to see her mother awaiting her arrival. " Michiru darling! You were absolutely stunning. With the dress, the violin… oh and the hair! You've grown up so much! " Michiru felt her mother embrace her but realized that for once, she no longer felt the warmth her mother used to provide her. She returned the hug without much thought and smiled falsely. " Darling, do you remember when I told you I had a surprise? "

' That you're coming home? ' Michiru laughed inwardly at the notion. How silly it would be to ask her mother to do such a thing. " No mother, I seemed to have forgotten. What is this surprise you've been speaking of? "

Michiru's mother took her arm and guided her out of the concert hall. " I shall show you. But first, shall we eat? I have reservations at the most exquisite restaurant in town. "

" Very good news. I haven't been able to eat all day. "

" That's terrible! Oh but you looked so fantastic. I love it when you follow my advice. See, if you would have eaten I'm sure you would've been bloated on stage and thousands of people would have noticed it. "

Michiru rolled her eyes. She couldn't believe that her mother would actually say such a thing. " Well, I'm glad I didn't get drunk last night, else I would've looked far worse. " Michiru's mother glared at her as she giggled in response. She would do just about anything to tease her mom.

" Come now, into the car. We have guests awaiting us. "

" Guests? Mom – " Michiru felt her mom shove her unwillingly into the car.

" No questions! Get in the car. "

(((( The Restaurant ))))

Her mother wasn't lying when she said the restaurant was exquisite, that was for sure. Everything Michiru looked at was dipped in gold. It almost blinded her to just open her eyes. Michiru was being dragged by her mother and while she protested from time to time, she had to admit that the interior of the restaurant sufficed in distracting her.

" Michiru, this is Soto Tenoh. "

Michiru glanced back to the topic of discussion and decided to be polite. She held out her hand, with which, the older gentleman kissed lightly. ' That wasn't what I expected. ' Michiru pulled away gently and introduced herself. " Pleasure to meet you Mr. Tenoh. " She momentarily observed his features, noticing the gentle forest green color of his eyes, the wrinkles tightening up on his face and most of all, the large smile he had possessed. He looked sweet.

" No the pleasure is all mine. " Soto came around the table and helped both of them to their seat. He began to smile as he started the conversation. " You were brilliant Michiru. You should think of signing for a label in the US. You would be extremely successful. "

" I stick to charities and fund raising. Being rich really isn't a priority. " She mentioned in return. Her manager was greedy enough, she would rather just stick to raising money for people who needed it.

" Admirable. " Soto nodded in agreement, as if he understood her point of view.

Michiru's mother cleared her throat. " Ahem. Michiru, remember when I told you that I had met someone very important a few months back? "

" Mm, yes of course. " Michiru opened the menu and began to look at the various items they offered. " Some guy, right? " Soto sort of blushed in embarrassment at the statement. Of course Michiru wasn't so blind as to ignore the fact that something was going on, so she smirked mischeiviously. " I take it you wanted to introduce me to Soto, is that correct mother? "

" Well yes, and also, I wanted to inform you that we're getting married. "

Michiru felt like her heart hit the pavement and was run over a few times. Try as she might, she couldn't help but reveal some of her emotions. Her voice became a little shaky. " That's fantastic news. " There was a silence between the three and Michiru finally decided to break it. " Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. "

Soto placed his head on the table is disappointment as he watched his future daughter-in-law practically run to the ladies' room. " You think she's going to take it hard? "

" I don't see why she should. I never once made her life terrible. I gave her everything she needed. She better behave and accept this, or trust me, I will make her. "

" Don't do that, Anaia, please. Don't force her into this. " Soto looked up pleading, with a set of baby eyes.

" That sounds a bit dirty to me. " Soto turned around to face his son and was relieved. " Woah, why such the long faces? "

" Michiru doesn't seem to agree with the marriage. " Soto placed his hands on his cheeks and sighed with frustration.

Anaia stood up, enraged but more embarrassed that her daughter was behaving this way. " I'll make her agree – "

" Easy now, Anaia. Everyone just calm down. " The tall blonde placed his hands up to emphasize that they should just chill out. Anaia sat back down at the word of Soto's son.

" Haruka. " Soto looked up his son with his well renowned puppy eyes. " Please. "

" Nope, sorry. I don't even know her that well. " Haruka didn't even need time to process his father's request. It was what it was, a request. And he wouldn't do it. He would never do it.

" This isn't a democracy. This is a dictatorship – you'll do as your told. " Soto pretended to get angry, then softened a bit. " Haruka please, I don't want to hurt Michiru with this decision. I would much rather just be one happy family. "

" It's a bit more complicated than that. You can't expect her to leap in your arms and call you 'dad' when you break the news you'll be getting married her mom. This is the first time she's met you. " Haruka explained, glancing off in possible directions she could have made out to.

" The restroom. " Anaia replied, as if he had asked her a question.

Haruka only grinned. " Not likely. I'm sure she probably told you that but if I was in her shoes, I would be far from here at this point. You two should finish eating. Let me take care of Michiru – we'll be home as soon as possible. " Haruka waved to them, carrying his helmet in hand.

(((( Ten minutes later ))))

' I can't believe she would do that without telling me first! She's always throwing stuff at me and expects me to pretend her half a dozen unsuccessful engagements shouldn't affect me. ' Michiru sighed with annoyance. She honestly didn't think she would run off, but why not? She should grab the nearest train and let it take her wherever the tracks went. That would be nice. No more star violinist, no more crowds to please, no more impressing other people, she would simply be her. Folding her arms across her chest, Michiru strived to bring some warmth to her body. The winter was coming, it wasn't smart to go out without something warm.

Michiru looked up, suddenly feeling as if someone was watching her. Her gaze drifted upon a man, standing against one of building walls, hands folded across his chest, motorcycle helmet still on with intentions of not moving from where he was. She had the strangest urge to take off his helmet for some reason but she knew it wouldn't be wise or appropriate to do so. Instead she tried to make her way around him and it didn't seem to work. As soon as she was a few steps past him, he joined her in walking without really asking permission to.

" Hello. Are you a fan? " The aqua-haired girl didn't find it particularly strange that she had a new friend almost attached to her, but she was curious in finding out his motives.

" No. I mean, yes. Well, not really. You play well, is what I mean, I've just never had time to listen to your music before. "

" Ah, then you went to the concert. " Michiru mentioned politely. Before she could let the other respond, she found it a bit peculiar that the man was still wearing his motorcycle helmet. " Why are you wearing that? "

The man looked at her as if she were weird for not wearing one as well. Then he began to look around as if he were about to reveal a secret. " If everyone knew you were a star, your shine and brilliance would force them to wear helmets just as I do. We wouldn't be able to handle the beauty that emanates from you. "

Michiru had to giggle. That was possibly the worst pickup line she had ever heard and yet, it seemed as if the young man was being completely honest about it. " That was cheesy. "

" I admit, I am the master of cheesy. " The young man suddenly stopped and gently removed his helmet. Michiru surprised herself as well, when she found herself waiting for him as if they were friends. She looked towards the ground then back up and once again was taken aback.

" You're the guy. " Michiru observed him carefully. His looks could get him anywhere he wanted. He had the most piercing green eyes she had ever seen, with skin looking so smooth she wanted to touch his cheek. His hair was more of a sandy-blonde color, a bit messy, but definitely adding to his boyishly cute features. It also helped that his grin was nothing short than breathtaking. Of course, this wasn't the first time she met an absolutely handsome man, but it had been such a long time since she appreciated the physical aspect of any boy.

" I'm sorry, I – uh, what, uh… - what guy? "

" At the concert, you were the one I saw. "

" Yes, I'm sure that's uh, possible – because I was there, and everything. " The blonde laughed at his dry humor and stupidity. " I'm sorry, I was the one standing by the wall. And I'm sure you were the one peeking from the curtain like a little girl waiting for her school play to start. "

Michiru bit her lip and only kept walking. She was beginning to like this young man who had not yet introduced himself. It didn't matter though; even if she did like him, she knew what his intentions were going to be. She knew at the end of the night, he probably had set his mind on, more or less, "scoring" with her. And that wasn't going to happen. She was after all, a girl with a reputation and she had to keep herself at a respectable level.

" So, Michiru, was it? "

" That's not fair. "

" What's that? "

" That you know my name. "

" I would tell you mine but… there's something I want you to do in return. "

" Forget it. "

" Why not? "

" I'm not some girl that you persuade to have s- "

" Wait! Don't finish that sentence please. I think you're misunderstanding me. I'll tell you my name so long as you promise to take a ride with me. " He held out his hand to an absolutely stunning black motorcycle. " I'll even let you wear the helmet so that when I ride, my shine and brilliance won't hurt your eyes. "

Michiru had to laugh. She had no particular reason to deny this man his request. However, she knew she would be in loads of trouble if she accepted. Her mom would most likely be furious because riding on the back of a stranger's motorcycle was not the same as 'going to the restroom.' She shrugged. You win some, you lose some. Or that's what she was told anyways.

" Okay Mr. Helmet Man, let's go for a ride. "

The blonde smiled and helped her on to the bike.

(((( Some time later… ))))

Michiru had become too comfortable with the stranger on the ride, leaning her head into his shoulder, holding his waist almost a bit too intimate. She couldn't help it though. She felt all of her problems disintegrate into thin air as she ventured through the city street. Or was it the ride? Somehow she felt safe with Mr. Helmet Man. For once she didn't think he had intentions of taking advantage of her; which of course, made her even more curious as to why he was interested in her. Finally they arrived at their destination. She dismounted and found herself at a house. No, just a house, her house.

" How did you know? "

" I'm a stalker. " The blonde joked as he approached the front door and knocked on it. Michiru watched intently as she too, dismounted the bike. Her mother opened the door, looked past him and waved. This was getting a bit strange for her own liking. The blonde ended up jogging back to her side when he noticed she wasn't too keen with what was going on. " Michiru Kaioh, my name is Haruka Tenoh. " He grabbed her hand and kissed it the same way Soto had kissed it. " I'm your stepbrother. "

Author's Note: I went a way for a while. I was sure I would be too busy to write but we all know how addicting it can be to just sit down and write... which was what happened when I got bored for 15 min. Now I'm determined to finish this, one way or the other just be patient with me. -- Silas of the Sky.

To the Reviewers: Thanks for reviewing. I do try to fix the things you guys talk about but if there's something specific, just let me know.