Author's Note: AU - They're still Senshi, they still did everything they do in the anime, I'm just writing an alternate 'meeting'. Also: I use the Japanese names, but since this fic is written in English the grammar and everything that goes with it will be in English as well – unless there is an idea that cannot be conveyed at ALL unless I used the Japanese term. What does that mean? No 'san' 'kun' or 'chan' attached to names. Using first names instead of last by total strangers. That sort of thing.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but plot bunnies that need to be fed. Reviews are carrots.

Also: The title of the story is "Toccata" for a reason. The name comes from a style of music, translated to mean 'touch' or 'touched'. The style itself is described as the following: "a rapid keyboard composition for organ, harpsichord, etc., dating from the baroque period, usually in a rhythmically free style". The style of music is intended to show off the player's dexterity. I thought that the name certainly pertains to both women, and their relationship itself, rather well – especially when you consider how much they enjoy simple touches throughout the series, and how much 'touch' is featured between them.

And yes, that last bit means you're going to see a female/female relationship. Don't like? Turn back now.

And on that note: on with the story.

~*Prelude*~

If anyone knew anything about Michiru Kaioh and Haruka Tenoh at all, one would think that by this point in time they would have gotten used to the idea of sacrificing themselves for a greater good. Michiru considered the idea briefly with a bitter grimace on her face. No, she hadn't at all. Twice they had willingly given themselves up so that perhaps, in their self-sacrifice, victory could be bought for not only Sailor Moon, but for the earth as a whole. The only consolation that had made such an act bearable was that they would die together. Both previous times, they'd had the other with them.

But not this time. And this sacrifice had not been for the world.

It had been for her, and her alone.

Delicate fingers, those of a seasoned musician, reached out to wrap around the limp wrist of the woman she considered her partner in everything. Carefully. Because attached to that wrist were a needle and tube, as well as some wires connected to a small contraption attached to the blond's index finger. "You should know better," she whispered, though Haruka continued to rest quietly. "I told you before – I don't want to live in a world without you in it. So you'd better come back to me, Haruka Tenoh." She said it firmly, despite the near-whispered tone, the insistence behind it masking the fear she felt.

Because Haruka might not come back to her, not after this. There'd been so much damage. So much blood loss. And the doctors had mentioned something about the possibility of an embolism. And goodness knew what else. They'd said Haruka had been lucky – that the wounds hadn't gotten any major organs, no major arteries. That while they could only fine two of the three bullets, the third should be found soon and removed. But Michiru questioned that luck, doubted it as she looked over her lover. Her best friend. Doubted, because fate could still take the woman away from her.

She drew in a shaky breath, leaning down to brush her lips over bruised knuckles. "You remember when we met?" she asked, knowing damned well that there would be no response. "I was in awe of you, even then. Only twelve, and you seemed to know just what you wanted from life, just what you could expect from everyone, and you were set as stone in what you were going to do," she laughed quietly, though the sound was just a little shaky. Her mind had already gone back to those times, the image of a lanky young girl with short blond hair looking far more like the boys in class than the girls flickering in her mind's eye, insisting in no uncertain terms that she was going to race cars when she got older. She already raced dirt bikes, after all. And she'd driven cars before (not legally, of course). She could do it – and Michiru had stared at the girl in class with an expression of wonder on her face.

She'd determined, right then and there, that she had to introduce herself to Haruka. Had to try and be her friend.

And somewhere, thinking about their past, Michiru Kaioh fell asleep, slumped over on the hospital bed Haruka was laying on, her head resting just to the side of Haruka's own, pillowed by her free arm. And her mind? Her mind continued its trip down memory lane….