Sirens and Beacons
Her life consisted of two things. Racing and existing. And up until now, those two things had never been a real problem for her. So when did it all get blown to the wind?
Maybe when she first met the violinist who wouldn't leave her alone. Or was it when she got the first real taste for speed. Neither, perhaps. Like an evolution, it just kind of happened.
Gradually adjusting to fit snugly between the two necessities, not popping up like random accusations, just slowly settling in and seeping into everything she did. Everything she thought. Everything word she spoke. Every breath she pushed in and out.
Her teal eyes looked down, into the flute glass that was now empty.
Empty.
Empty? What a strange word.
Her thoughts drifted as she looked up, to the star sparkled painting that was the sky. "New moon tonight." She murmured to herself.
The click of heels eventually reached her ears and she straightened from where she'd been leaning on the banister of the small balcony. The heels, worn by a woman who seemed to be the living version of Barbie only with black hair, stalked past.
The owner glanced at her before she whisked past. Haruka groaned when she heard the heels abruptly stop. The woman reeled back, a broad smile on her bright red lips. "Hello, sir."
"Good Evening ma'am." The woman walked up as Haruka wished for a distraction. None was forth coming.
"What is a nice looking you man like yourself doing out here, all alone?" Haruka turned her eyes to the sky as she tried to bite back her wince at the woman's too high voice. She only half-succeeded.
"Admiring the sky, enjoying the music."
"I hear the music is better inside. Join me?" Haruka opened her mouth to object, eyes flickering between the woman and the ground. Would a three-story jump kill me? Flashed across her thoughts before she could stop them.
"Actually—"
"Actually she will be joining me inside, right Ruka-chan?" Both women turned, one with an expression of dread, the other with an expression of relief.
"Right, right. 'Twas a pleasure, ma'am." Haruka said hurriedly as she set the empty glass down on the banister, gave a shallow bow to the woman who stood in baffled silence, and followed her savior inside.
"I suppose I should thank you."
"Or you could just get me another glass of Chardonnay."
"Waiter! Another to glasses of Chardonnay, thank you."
"Always on the ball, aren't we Ruka-chan?"
"When I can be. How have you been, Michi-chan?"
"As well as can be I suppose." The waiter returned with the glasses and left as quickly as he returned. Michiru lifted her glass playfully.
"To another year coming and going."
"To another year."
They sipped the bubbly alcohol. Haruka glanced down at her aqua haired companion, scrutinizing her extensively. Michiru glanced up, taking another sip of her wine. "Something fascinating?" Haruka grinned.
"Always, but that was never the question wishing to be asked or answered."
"Then what was the question, my friend?"
"Whether I was still alone?" Michiru chuckled as she looked up at her tall blonde.
"I thought the saying of blondes was supposed to be false?" Haruka glared and absently swiped at a piece of blonde hair that had fallen into her eyes.
"It is."
"Alright. Well then, here is the question I wish answered. Put into my, words, Tenou." Michiru lightly poked her finger into Haruka's arm. "Why did you run?"
Haruka paused before she continued bringing the glass to her lips, surprised to find this one empty again as well. "Ran? Perception is so wrong, when one is telling half-truths."
"Half-truths? What half-truths are there in a question?"
"Rather a lot, actually. But this is one half-truth that is my fault, therefore I must correct, yes?" Michiru glared up at her, confusion in her eyes. Haruka sighed as she looked down the hall, to the swirling people below.