Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of its characters.
Chaos. It was everything going on around her. She winced as she felt the strength of her mothers hand holding her smaller one tightly. There were screams and shouts through out the surrounding areas of the palace. Bright, innocent blue eyes stared up at the fear stricken ones of her mothers as she was dragged through the corridors of the palace. Loud shots and more screams of agony filled her ears and then her mothers voice, "Hurry child! Get inside quickly." as a large door was swung open and quickly slammed shut behind them. The younger girl felt her hand released followed by the pounding of her heart inside her chest. She spun around to watch her mother lock the door before carelessly pushing a table against it.
The young girl watched her mother brush past her and over to what looked like a large box to her. The older woman frantically pressed a few buttons and the box became alive. The girl watched with curiosity, "Mommy, what are you doing? What is happening?" as she heard another loud explosion echo in the halls outside their location. The woman turned and knelt down to the girl, "Michiru, I don't have time to explain everything. Right now I need to get you as far away from here as possible. Now please get inside the transport." grabbing the girls hand pulling her towards it.
Michiru stared at the box, still not fully understanding what was happening. "Now Michiru!" her mother's stern voice snapped, causing her to jump. She did as she was told and sat inside, staring at her mother once more. She watched her mother remove the necklace around her neck before placing it around hers, "Mommy your necklace, why-"
"It will keep you protected, so keep it close, never lose it Michiru."
Michiru stared down at the necklace, it was the queen's symbol of power and ruler to Neptune. It was to be passed down to her once she became of age, but she was not, "I don't understand, where am I going?" Her mother sat her back inside the transport, "All will be explained, just not until much later. We don't have much time, I cannot let him find you." Michiru clutched the necklace in her small hand tightly, "Who?" she asked. Her mother was about to reply when there was a loud bang on the door to their room. Her mother gasped before there was a deep, dark voice calling out from behind it, "I know you're in there your majesty."
Both of them trembled as there was a long, drawn out scratch along the wood of the door. Michiru became scared, "Mommy who is that?" watching her mother pull her tightly to her. She felt a small kiss to her forehead, "Forgive me Michiru, I should have protected you better." releasing her hold on the girl and pulling the door closed. Michiru began to panic, "No, mommy! Don't leave me please!" she cried as the door closed her inside. She pushed back on it, but it was much heavier than her. She heard her mothers voice trying to sooth her, "It will be alright Michiru, but I need you to stay quiet my darling. I love you so much Michiru, please remember that much of me."
Michiru heard the box coming to life again, but heard a large blast coming from outside the trasport, followed by her mother shouting, "You are not welcomed here and you know it!" She listened as her mother continued before she heard the same dark voice from before, "Come now, I am only here to claim what was rightfully mine. Don't betray me like your dear husband did. You don't want your daughter to be without both parents now do we." The queen retorted, "I would rather die than hand her over to the likes of you." A low chuckle was heard followed by a scream of pain, "That can be so easily obtained your grace."
Michiru could only hear the screams of her mother from the other side, she banged on the door trying to get out, "Mommy!" she screamed. As she slumped against the door, a sudden rush of air hit her as she hit the floor. She glanced up taking in her surroundings. Her mother lay on the ground gasping from pain, blood spilling from a freshly opened wound in her side. A dark figure stood between them, as golden yellow orbs peered down at her from behind a mask. She felt her body shake in fear of the man standing before her, hearing the psychotic glee in his tone as he spoke to her, "There you are my dear." Michiru backed away from him as his hand slowly stretched out towards her. The man inched towards her cautiously, "Now there is no need to fear my sweet. Come." he motioned to her.
"Stay away from her!"
Both the man and Michiru glanced back only before the magic words Michiru knew well hit her ears, "Deep Submerge!" Niether one were prepared for the sudden attack, but the only one effected was the man, who went flying across the room in a loud crash. Michiru felt the water hit her, but it did not harm her. She wiped the water from her eyes and yelped when she felt arms wrap around her and she panicked. "It's ok Michi, it's only me." as Michiru felt her body relax in her mothers arms. Her mother was now weaker than before, but quickly used the last of her strength to get the girl away. Michiru clutched onto her mother as she felt her arms move away, "No, you're hurt! I can't leave you! Please!" she begged.
Blood stained the girls dress and dripped onto her skin as her mother hugged and kissed her head one last time, "It will be alright Michiru. You will be safe. I love you." this time sealing the door and a whirring sound was echoing around them. Michiru screamed and banged on the door as she felt the trasnport shift, "No!" but in mere seconds, her body was thrown back against the inner walls as the transport took off in a warped speed. She knelt to the ground, hugging her knees to her chest as her body wracked with sobs. She had no idea what had happened, who that man was, or where she was going.
Her mother watched as the transport disappeared before collapsing to the ground. Her body wracked with pain and gasping for air. Across the way from her, she heard a grunt as the man staggered to his feet. His eyes glared down at the woman as he made his way towards her, "Where is she!?" The woman glared up at him with a satisfactory smile, "Somewhere you will never find her. She is safe from the likes of you. I wish I had only seen it sooner." The man growled as his hands wrapped around her neck, "I will find her, she will be mine, and you will never be in the way of that again." watching the woman gasp and fight until her last breath.
It was in the middle of the night, when suddenly there was a bunch of commotion. Haruka jerked in her bed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes before staggering to her feet. More shouting of men could be heard from outside her bedroom door as she made her way over. Cracking the door slightly, she peeked outside to see guards running and shouting orders. She shrugged it off, she figured she may as well go and see what was going on since she was now up. Grabbing her shoes and yanking them on, she hauled the door the rest of the way open and followed the guards down the halls.
"Where did they say it landed again?"
"Just outside the palace walls."
Now Haruka was really curious, what had landed outside, and at a time like this. She quickly ran down a vacant hall towards a servants passage to cut ahead of them. She has always been fast, so getting there ahead of them was not going to be a problem. She pushed past the door at the other end, leaping out into the main foyer. She ran faster and was almost to the gates when she was yanked back suddenly by the collar of her shirt, "And just where do you think you are going Haruka?" She felt her body instantly jerk back and looked up at the familiar voice, "I'm sorry father, but I overheard the commotion from my room and I was just-"
"You were just what, going to investigate matters that are possily dangerous? Not a chance, get yourself back in bed."
She pouted, "Aw come on, I just want to know what's happening. I mean its not like anything exciting like this ever happens here. I won't do anything, or get in the way." she pleaded innocently as she could muster. Her father rolled his eyes, "Yeah, you and I both know you will do more than get in the way. It is in your nature and you are my child after all." Haruka couldn't help but shrug and snicker. Her father sighed, "Fine, but stay at my side. Do not interfere and do not get in the way." Haruka grinned ear to ear, she knew she could bend his ear easily. She straightened up and followed the man along with several guards towards the outter walls.
She glanced up at him, keeping up with his pace easily due to her long legs, "So what was it that landed here at this time of night?" Her father shrugged, "Not the slightest clue. It is what we are going to find out." as they continued along the path towards the gates. Ahead they can see where there was smoke and broken and bent trees. Everyone continued to hurry as they heard guards ahead shouting out orders in the distance. Once they were close, Haruka noticed a large transport device, "Is that a trasport system?" Her father nodded, "Yes, but it looks like Neptunian design." as they approached.
Haruka glanced at it, "Neptunian?" as she stared at it in awe. It was definitely not of their architech design. More men shouted as they tried to open it, but to no avail. Haruka watched as her father spoke, "What seems to be the problem?" A guard spoke, "Your majesty, it appears it is of Neptunian design, but also of royalty. We cannot open it sir." She watched her father approach reading the inscription, before his eyes widened, "Of course you wouldn't, only one of royal blood can once it has been properly sealed prior." as he placed his hand on the plate. The transport came to life as the door gassed open. Haruka was beyond curious as she watched her father open the door and peered inside, "Well I'll be."
She watched her father step inside slightly, "It's alright, you're safe." she heard his words spoken softly. Now she was beyond the point of curious, what was inside. Men gathered around assisting the king as a small figure was pulled from inside. All panicked as Haruka watched as the small figure took off in full sprint. Haruka watched as the guards scrambled to catch whatever it was, but it managed to get away into the shadows. Haruka took off running after it in the shadows. She was impressed at how fast whatever it was, was managing to do, but Haruka was faster. She saw bushes rumble ahead of her alongside the palace walls.
Haruka cautiously approached, her adrenaline was pumping from curiosity and the chase. Inside the bush she heard a small voice whimpering and Haruka found herself crouching down, "Hello?" she said as calmly as she could. She felt herself reaching to push a few branches aside before she saw the small figure curled up against the wall. Her eyes glanced over it as she realised it was the form of a small girl. She heald out her hand, "It's ok, I won't hurt you." The smaller girl eyed the hand in front of her, her voice trembling as she spoke. Haruka shook her head, "Right, you are from Neptune, you have no idea what I'm saying." as she glanced at her. She was still learning the other languages from the surrounding planets, and only knew so much.
Haruka sighed before she tried again, this time in Neptunian. The girl tilted her head to the side, Haruka struggled a little but managed, "I'm Haruka, princess of Uranus. Who are you?" She watched as the girl shifted slightly, her voice trembling, "Michiru." Haruka smiled, "Nice to meet you Michiru." reaching her hand to her again. The girl eyed her before moving her hand to hers. Haruka gently grasped it and helped her from the bushes and her eyes widened. The girl was covered in blood, it looked fresh, "Are you hurt?" Michiru shook her head as tears slid down her cheeks. Both were completely silent before Michiru jumped behind Haruka after hearing the guards approach.
"Haruka, what did I say about-"
Haruka heard her father begin to speak before he froze. He saw the young girl hiding behind his daughter, "You found her." She nodded, "Her name is Michiru, she says she is not hurt, but she's covered in blood." as she stepped aside. Haruka felt the smaller girl cling to her shirt, obviously terrified. The king knelt down before he spoke to her, obviously better with speaking Neptunian than Haruka was, "It's alright my dear. I am Haruka's father, you must be the princess of Neptune. Where is your mother and father?" Haruka glanced down at the girl, encouraging her that everything was ok. Michiru wiped her face with the back of her hand, "I don't know. I was asleep when my mother came for me, she couldn't tell me what was going on. I've never seen my mom so scared as she dragged me somewhere and put me in that box."
The king and Haruka listened, though Haruka couldn't understand a word, "Why are you covered in blood my dear?" The girl tried to fight back tears, but failed, "The shadow man, he hurt my mother. I think she hurt him more with her magic. She put me back inside the box and now I'm here." as her body grew weak. The king nodded and got to his feet, his voice stern, "I want our best troops sent to Neptune's palace, there has been blood shed. I need to know of the king and queen immediately." Haruka felt the seriousness the moment she heard her fathers tone. She knew something awful had happened and watched the guards gather back with their orders. The king glanced back at them, "Haruka, take her inside and help her get cleaned up. I will come and check on you once we have more information."
Haruka nodded and gently took the smaller girls hand once more, "Come with me Michiru." and gently walked her back towards the palace. Michiru was scared at first, but then followed her. Haruka lead them inside and towards her room upstairs. Haruka watched as Michiru glanced cautiously at all her surroundings before they reached her room. She opened the door and brought her inside before closing the door behind her. Haruka turned on the lights and tried not to frighten Michiru more when she saw just how much blood was on her small body and clothing.
Michiru just stood there before speaking. Haruka turned to face her and shook her head, "I'm sorry, I didn't understand that. I don't speak Neptunian well." she managed to say. Michiru nodded, understanding Haruka enough to see that she wasn't fluent like her father. Haruka glanced around her room and walked over to her closet and pulled out some clothes she never really wore much. She motioned for Michiru with gestures and the occassional conversation to get her to understand, "Follow me." as the girl followed her into the bathroom.
Once inside, Haruka set the clothing down on the table and went over to her tub turning on the water. Michiru watched and glanced around at the bright open room. She looked up to see a large open skylight looking up into the starry night sky. Haruka took notice and smiled, "Pretty huh?" Michiru looked back at Haruka and nodded. As the water continued to fill up, she was actually able to see the smaller girl much more clearer than when they first met outside. Aside from her bloodied attire, the girl was smaller than her, possibly younger than her a bit. Her hair was a pretty shade of aqua, and her eyes the color of the ocean. Though she has never seen the ocean in person, the pictures surely matched.
Once the water reached a certain amount, Haruka shut it off and motioned for the girl to come over. Michiru obeyed and looked at the calming water, which she smiled at. Haruka noticed, of course she would feel calm, Neptune was known for its powerful oceans and water. She stood to her feet, gesturing she would wait outside for her when she was done and shut the door behind her. Michiru had no idea why she was sent here, or what was happening, but felt safe. She carefully removed her clothes before stepping into the lukewarm water. She felt instant relief and a sense of calming rush over her. She quickly got to cleaning herself, being careful not to lose sight of the necklace hanging around her neck.
Outside, Haruka sat on her bed waiting for her to finish. She had so many questions as to what happened back on Neptune and to this poor girl. She never saw her father so panicked before, nor have their best men sent to another planet without just cause. It wasn't much long afterwards when she heard the door to her bathroom open and Michiru standing there. Haruka couldn't help, but laugh at the sight of her. Michiru stood in the door frame with clothing that was obviously much too big for her, and couldn't help but giggle herself, "It's too big for me." Haruka understood the word big and nodded in agreement, "Yes it is."
Haruka patted the spot next to her bed, "Tired?" Michiru nodded and walked over to her before hopping up next to her. Haruka smiled and pulled at her blankets to help Michiru get under them. She watched as she slipped underneath and curled up next to her side letting out a small sigh. Haruka couldn't help, but feel protective over this girl. She watched as her heavy eyelids flutter shut, her breathing becoming a steady rhythm as she fell asleep. Haruka leaned against her bed post staring down at her, her fingers brushing a few stray blue hairs from her face.
She had no idea when it happened, but soon was being gently shaken awake from her sleep. She glanced up and saw her father sitting on the edge of the bed, "Sorry for an early rise, but we have returned from Neptune. I wanted to see how you two were doing." as he saw the smaller ball that belonged to Michiru curled up next to Haruka. Haruka carefully sat up and stretched a little, "She was fine after I got her cleaned up and she fell asleep right away. What happened father?" Her father sighed before pressing his fingers to his brow, "It is quite the shame really. I am not sure of what had happened, but both the king and queen of Neptune are dead, along with many of the staff and members of the palace."
Haruka gasped, trying not to wake the sleeping girl next to her, "What will happen with Michiru?" Her father glanced back at the two of them, "We managed to find some things out, but its still a very grey area." Haruka tried to remember some of the conversation, but with the language barrier, it was hard, "Didn't she say something like a shadow?" The king nodded, "She called it the shadow man. We looked into it, but without further information on this entity she saw, I cannot say for sure what that was. We managed a small investigation, a few members that survived mentioned something similar. A masked man of a dark power was seen confronting the king before all hell broke loose. No one knows what the dispute was about, but only the kings personal adviser would know of any information, but he is missing."
Haruka was furious, but her father calmed her, "For now we will continue to support Neptune with aid since that is our ally. Once Michiru becomes of age, then she can return and take her rightful place as queen, but for now we will have to provide care for her until then. I swore an oath with the late king and queen that I will serve them in a time of need as they swore the same for me and your mother at one time. For now, watch over her, we will continue to investigate and seek out peace for everyone." as he stood to his feet. Haruka nodded before curling back into her bed. She wrapped her arms around the smaller girl, swearing an oath in her heart and soul, that she will protect Michiru, and help her find refuge.
10 years later
It was just another glorious day, and Haruka couldn't have been more enthused. Today she was finally of age and will be able to complete her training as the new queen and ruler of Uranus. She was taking advantage of every moment of today that she could, and the first thing she wanted to do was chase the wind as she called it. The weather was decent enough, but had enough of an edge that gave Haruka enough of a thrill to enjoy her morning run. She sprinted across the plains of the surrounding palace with such grace, her short sandy blonde hair whipping through the wind. Her smile would not fade as today she will fulfill her destiny.
Years of training and learning all lead up to today, and she wasn't about to let her father down, nor her planet when she took the oath today. She saw her usual finish line of the palace gates and decided to sprint even faster, always testing herself to push more than the last time. As she rounded the corner of the gate, her speed failed her as she collided with a familiar body, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Haruka grunted before staggering to her feet, her hands reaching out to the one she had ran over, "Michiru, I am so sorry, I didn't see you, are you ok?" Michiru giggled as she felt Haruka haul her back to her feet, "For one as fast as you, one ought to slow down just a bit before turning that corner." as she dusted her dress off.
Haruka shook her head, "You should know me better than anyone that I never slow down." as she walked alongside her. Michiru nodded, "I am very much aware, just let us be thankful it wasn't Gran you ran into again this time." she teased. Haruka laughed remembering that last time she had done that, she was smacked over the head repeatedly and reminded of what a proper future queen should behave like, "Oh Gran, what would we do without her?" Michiru smiled, Gran had been there since the beginning when she first arrived on Uranus, being the one to help her speak Uranian and help with the barrier of language between everyone outside of the king. She was also the one who helped her grow and become independent whenever Haruka wasn't around. It brought back wonderful memories, but also long forgotten dark and sad ones.
Haruka noticed, "You ok Michi?" reaching for her hand with hers. Michiru paused and glanced over, smiling reassuringly, "Yes, of course. Just remembering my time here and all. I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for you and your father." Haruka nodded, "Do not fret over things that were not of your control. You were only 10 when it happened. No one knew what would have happened had you not been removed." giving her hand a small squeeze of assurance. Michiru smiled, "I know, its still hard, the memories are becoming more and more difficult to remember. It's as if I don't remember anything as time continues on. I don't ever want to forget my mother, but it ever since I got here, it's faded." pressing fingers to her temple. Haruka pulled her to her in a small embrace, "Michi, it's not your fault. You experienced such a horrific trauma at such a young age, your mind is doing what it thinks is best, by blocking it. Who know's, it may return one day."
Michiru felt the warmth surround and comfort her, like it always has all these years. She felt herself drawn to it and hugged her back, "I know, maybe then we can finally get answers that have been long overdue." as she pulled back and shook it off, "Besides, today is not a day we should be gloomy over my lost sorrows. Today is a very special day. Happy birthday Ruka." she smiled. Haruka smiled in return, "Thanks. I just hope I can do my father proud. I know he won't be around forever, but I just want him to be proud." Michiru nodded, "I know he's proud of you Haruka, he's always been proud. I'm proud of you too, you will make a wonderful queen." as they continued walking. Haruka grinned, "You really think so?"
Michiru nodded, "Of course I do. That is, as long as you don't run away with the wind before the ceremony this evening." she teased. Haruka rolled her eyes, "Oh ha ha, very funny. I cannot help that I was blessed with the abilities of the wind and sky. I am only doing what comes natural." she boasted. Michiru rolled her eyes in return, "Okay miss wind and sky, race you back to the rooms." casually sliding her foot between Haruka's legs tripping her before taking off running into the palace. Haruka sat there stunned on the ground before jumping to her feet, "Oh it's on!" as she dashed after her.
Michiru had surprised Haruka many times, but she was the only one able to keep pace with her. She was never able to fully outrun her, since the wind was more on her side than Michiru's, but was able to challenge her in more than her usual ways. Michiru made it to the top of the stairs before she heard Haruka's thundering behind her, laughter filled the halls as they made their way down the familiar pathways. Along the way, shouts were heard as maids and guards leapt out of their way, Gran being one of them, "You two knock it off already!" Both women shouted back in return with heartfelt laughter, "Sorry Gran!"
Haruka saw her challenge inches in front of her, she was growing ever closer to her, as her instincts turned to more hunter and prey style. Michiru rounded the corner and felt Haruka's presence one with hers as they both reached the door. A loud thump as they both collided against the door panting slightly, staring in awe of the other. Haruka grinned, "Have you secretly been practicing without me?" she gasped. Michiru laughed lightly between breaths, "No I haven't, you're just getting older Ruka." as she opened her door to her room. Haruka followed, "Hey I am not that old!" Michiru teased, "Just a tiny bit unfortunately, but hey I won't let anyone know you're slipping." as she turned to remove her belt from her waist.
Haruka growled playfully, "That's it, get over here." she came up behind her wrapping her arms around her waist pulling her back. Michiru squealed, "Hey, that's not fair, put me down!" she squirmed to break free, but Haruka had height on her. Haruka tisked and tossed her onto the bed, pinning her beneath her, "Now I will give you the chance to redeem yourself, and maybe just maybe, I will be lenient." Michriu wiggled to break fee, but was of no use, "Redeem myself? I will do no such thing, I speak the truth." she laughed. Haruka shrugged, "Have it your way then princess, you shall know your queen has no mercy." as her lithe fingers traced up the sides of her ribs before curling into a tickling frenzy.
Michiru squealed beneath her, "Th-that's not fair!" Haruka chuckled, "What, I never claimed to be fair. You brought this upon yourself, all you have to do is take it back." as she continued her assault. Michiru continued to struggle and laugh against the torment of Haruka's fingers, "N-never!" she giggled. Haruka sighed, "Such stubbornness Michi, why don't you just surrender to me now and save yourself this torment." as her fingers slowly rotated south towards her legs. Michiru's eyes widended, "No, don't you dare Haruka! No!" she laughed and squirmed even more as she felt her fingers tickle her legs. Haruka chuckled, "Oh, but I would." as she continued. Michiru gasped, "S-stop Ruka, I c-can't take it!" her body trying to get out from under her. Haruka smirked, "Then take it all back, and I'll let you go. Simple as that." trying to sustain her laughter.
Michiru struggled a bit longer, before she gasped again in a fit of laughter, "Ok, ok! You w-win!" Haruka smirked, "Say it Michi!" she taunted. Michiru sighed, "I take it b-back already!" feeling her tormentor laughing at her response before her fingers finally ceased. Michiru threw her head back in relief as felt her body finally relaxing from her previous torment, "You're so cruel and unfair Ruka!" she sighed as her breathing finally slowed down. Haruka half sat on her hips, "Next time, don't be so honest." she teased. She glanced down at the woman beneath her and grinned. All these years they have been together and learned everything there is together, it was truly blissful. Michiru glanced up at her, "What, do I have something on my face?" she asked. Haruka shook her head, "No, you don't, you're just pink." as she traced her fingers gently across her cheeks. Michiru gasped as she felt her cool fingers brush against her skin. Haruka stared in awe of the woman beneath her, her fingers soon tracing her soft lips before pulling back, as if mentally slapping herself. Michiru frowned, "What's the matter?" she asked curiously. Haruka shook her head, ridding herself of this strange feeling and hopped off, "It's nothing. I'm gonna go shower and get ready for the ceremony. Shall I see you there?" Michiru sat up, "Of course I'll be there, why wouldn't I?" as she watched her make her way to her room. Haruka shrugged, "I don't know, perhaps you have better things to do." Michiru sighed, "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I will see you in a couple hours."
Haruka left to go to her room, yanking her shirt over her head as she closed the door behind her. She made her way to the bathroom starting the water to her shower before stripping the remainder clothing from her body and stepping into the hot water that awaited her. She felt it rush over her head before running down over her body. She ran her fingers through her short locks, "Gah, what's the matter with me!?" as she recalled earlier. She and Michiru had always been competitive before, but after today's stunt, what on earth was she thinking? During her tickling fight for dominance, she felt different this time. Her body shivered at the thought of having Michiru squirming beneath her, her mind wandered. She mentally slapped herself, "Dammit Haruka, this is Michiru we're talking about." feeling heat rise to her cheeks at the random thoughts run through her head.
Over the course of the ten years she has been there, they grew up together. Now that they were much older and no longer kids, or teenagers, Haruka couldn't help but think about how much they had changed. Michiru was beyond stunning and felt her heart flutter slightly at the thought, again she mentally slapped herself. She shouldn't be thinking of Michiru in that manner, should she? The more she thought about it, the more this odd feeling continued to fluster inside her chest. She heard a knock to her door, "It's me, I'm coming in." hearing the familiar voice of Gran. She shut the water off and stepped out wrapping a towel around herself. She watched as the older woman laid out her ceremony outfit. Haruka eyed it, "It looks great." Gran shrugged, "You already knew that, but what's got you in such a damper?" Haruka glanced at the woman, she could never hide anything from this woman, "I don't know what you are talking about." as she grabbed the suit, leaving the bathroom.
Gran followed, "Bullshit Haruka, I know you the best of anyone, including Michiru." Haruka froze in mid step into her outfit, "I don't know what you're talking about." as she continued dressing. Gran rolled her eyes, "Like hell you do. I've seen the way you two are, always around the other the moment you get the chance. The way you've looked at her as of late, but then again who wouldn't. She is breath taking, and many eyes have glanced her over wanting to snatch an opportunity with her." Haruka felt flustered at the idea, "Like they would ever stand a chance with her." Gran snickered, Haruka gasped, "Shit, I didn't mean it like-what I mean to say is-fuck Gran what's wrong with me?" Gran laughed, "My dear, it's called feelings. You have strong feelings, romantic feelings towards Michiru. Stop being such a coward and just acknowledge them." helping her put on her jacket and adjusting the decor on it.
Haruka sighed, "It's not that easy Gran, I just don't get it. Why all of a sudden now?" Gran shrugged, "No one ever truly knows when and where the heart will grow affectionate towards another, you just have to listen to its guidance, or lose any chance you get. There, you look wonderful. I wish your mother was here to see you now." Haruka smiled, "Don't tell me you're gonna start crying over me now." yelping as a sudden swat to her behind followed her comment, "Always such a smart sassy mouth Haruka. I don't know how Michiru can see past that." she taunted. Haruka rubbed at the sting slightly, "I wouldn't understand if she thought anything the way I feel towards her." Gran shrugged, "Only time can tell that. Anyways, it's almost time for the ceremony. After that, your party will begin. I helped Michiru pick her gown out for the evening, I'm sure you will like it as much as I had hoped." she said with a wink before leaving the room. Haruka stood there stunned, and for once without a comeback.