The Distant Days of Uranus
Part 2: Passions Realized
The following day…
Two o'clock the next afternoon Haruka was parked outside of Sky's house. The gate sat open behind her car and the afternoon was warm. The noise of the city drifted softly through the hot summer air.
The front door opened, Haruka did a double take at the sight before her. Sky's beautiful body was sheathed in a dark gray sundress; it had a white floral pattern woven into it. The material was light and floated around her. She wore heeled silver sandals and carried a white and silver purse under one arm. Her long hair was up in an elegant chignon at the back of her head. The sunlight flared off the white and pale gold highlights.
Sky finished locking up and turned toward Haruka. She walked down the steps in a graceful manner. She smiled once she saw the car and driver. Sky approached the car and paused.
"You look great," Haruka stated softly.
"Thank you, so do you. It's nice to see you in something other than a suit."
Haruka looked down at her jeans and blouse. "I feel underdressed."
"Don't. You're so beautiful that no one will be paying attention to the clothes."
Haruka smiled at her, "Get in, I am starved."
The drive through the city was refreshing and the summer heat lifted a little. They had to park a few blocks from the café. Haruka and Sky walked calmly down the sidewalk. No one stared or pointed; they just glanced up and then away. The couple rounded the corner and headed toward their destination.
"Oh, I've always wanted to try this place." Sky said as they approached the doors. Haruka held it open and let her enter first. That was when she noticed they were holding hands. She couldn't remember taking Sky's hand. Oddly enough she didn't feel awkward about it.
They sat outside and their waiter appeared with menus. Haruka couldn't help but glance at Sky as she read her menu. Sky didn't seem to notice. There was something remarkable in her face; the line of her jaw; the fullness in her lips. It was so subtle that one had to really look for it.
"Haruka?"
She blinked and looked away, "Sorry?"
"No, it's okay." Sky touched her hand on the table. The warmth of her fingertips on the back of Haruka hand mad her skin tingle. "You looked intense."
"No, I was just releasing out beautiful you truly are."
Sky smiled gently, "Well thank you. You wouldn't even know I had reconstructive surgery."
Haruka glanced at her, "How bad were your injuries?"
Sky sighed and withdrew her hand. "Bad enough that I had to get a new face; well at least, some new things. It wasn't my idea; but you can't be the face of an international business and be scarred. People don't want to see scars when they are signing ten figure deals."
Haruka looked at Sky and realized how fortunate she was. As a senshi Haruka had been injured, even died a few times. But something cosmic and powerful had always restored her. Wholly and perfectly restored her; on the outside she wasn't scarred. The inside was another matter. Haruka shoved the thoughts aside and focused on her date.
"Tell me something," Haruka relaxed back in her chair. "Why are you in the city? It is just me?"
Sky picked up her water glass and sipped at it. "If I said no?"
"That's okay. I asked."
Sky stared at the ice in her glass for a minute. "I am here for the opening of the new Advanced Engineering wing at the local university. The money donated by my company built it. The committee wanted to put my name on the building. But I asked them to use the company name instead. It's just easier. I don't feel right about having my own name on something like that."
Haruka considered that. "Not many people would say that. Having their name on a building would be seen as an achievement."
Sky shrugged, "The only reason I can do any of this is my company. So it should be used."
Haruka glanced around on instinct, something was bothering her. That's when she spotted Usagi and Mamoru coming down the block; they had the others with them. Usagi looked up as if sensing her and smiled.
"Haruka!" Usagi rushed up, hauling Mamoru with her. "We called your house; no one answered." She looked over; expecting Michiru; not a stranger. The blonde frowned slightly. "Where's Michiru?"
Haruka frowned, "I have no idea. She was in her studio when I left this afternoon."
The ringing of a cell phone interrupted them. Sky reached into her bag and picked it out. She frowned at the number. "Excuse me."
Haruka watched her date walk away into the café. She looked back at Usagi and saw the frown still on that lovely face. "Usagi?"
The blonde stared at her guardian. "What are you doing out with someone else?"
Haruka sighed, "She's an old friend. I knew when I used to race."
Mamoru spoke up, "She's the benefactor of the new Advanced Engineering wing at the university. I thought I recognized her."
Usagi glanced at him, "Oh, so she's here on business." That seemed to ease her back into being happy again.
Sky returned to the table, "Haruka, I am sorry to cut this short; but there is a problem at the office."
Haruka stood up, "We can do this another time."
"I hope so." Sky looked into the blonde's eyes, "I would like that."
The smile was automatic, "Me too."
"Good." Sky reached into her purse and drew out her wallet. Haruka stopped her. Sky glanced up. "But…"
"No, I am covering it. This was my idea."
Sky smiled, "Okay. Call me later."
It wasn't until after Sky left that Haruka realized the others were still there. She glanced at them and sighed. The expressions weren't good. Usagi looked confused and the others were upset. Mamoru was watching Sky as she walked down the block. He his expression was unreadable.
Haruka drew in a breath, "Any luck on flowers?"
Usagi nodded, "We just came from ordering them."
"Good. So, have you heard from rest of the guests? Any last minute people?"
The shift in conversation worked; Haruka avoided having to talk about Sky or their date and instead listened to the woes of pulling together a wedding.
Arriving home, Haruka shut the door and called out for Michiru. There was no answer. She checked the bedroom; perhaps her lover was napping. The bed was empty. Haruka went to the back of the house; they had added a studio onto it in recent years. Michiru was working so much that it was a very sound investment. The studio, which had been occupied this morning was empty. Haruka frowned as she closed the door and went to the kitchen. Perhaps there was a note?
She found one on the fridge; held in place by a magnet. The note was short, and gave little information. Haruka stood beside the sink and frowned at the note. Michiru had seemed fine this morning. It was a usual morning. The had shared breakfast, washed the dishes and went into their own chores. Michiru had several projects she was working on these days; so she had went to work. Haruka had spent the morning working on her car. It was the usual routine. So where was Michiru now?
Picking up the phone Haruka considered calling her. But what would say? Where are you? Are you coming home? The questions didn't seem right. She set the phone down and sat at the table. She hadn't done anything wrong; had she? She'd come home last night; instead of sleeping with Sky. True, she'd gone a date with her. But nothing had happened; they didn't even get the chance to eat.
The phone rang as Haruka struggled to sort out her thoughts. "Tenoh-Kaiou residence."
"You went on a date?!"
Haruka flinched at the voice of her adopted daughter. Hotaru had grown into a very serious; intelligent woman who was fiercely independent and strong-minded. She was in advanced studies at a university in Hokkaido.
"It was a business lunch." Harkua regretted saying that; because it was a half-truth; but she honestly couldn't think of anything else to say.
"It was a date." Hotaru stated firmly. "Michiru-mama told me."
Haruka sighed; sometimes having a psychic as a partner was annoying. "Nothing happened."
"Something did happen." The young woman snapped, "You forgot your responsibility to Michiru-mama. You aren't supposed to just go on a date with some woman. That's not how you treat someone you love."
Haruka was getting angry; why was everyone telling her how to live? Why was it there business? Couldn't she have one piece of her life to herself? Everyone else had something just for them. Haruka had given up racing, motor sports and countless other passions to her senshi duty. Now that was over; she was entitled something of her own. Right?
"Look, Hotaru, I am allowed to have friends."
"And you do have them," The woman wasn't giving up, "Or at least you did until the afternoon. I know they saw you with that other woman. You try explaining this to them."
"I don't have to explain anything to anyone." Haruka snapped angrily. "Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing."
"Keep it that way." Hotaru reminded her coldly. "I am coming home for the wedding; I was able to finish my work ahead of schedule; so I will be there. I don't want to see this other woman while I am there."
"Well, tough. She's going to be at the wedding."
"With you?" Hotaru inquired icily.
"No, she was invited by Mamoru." At least that's what made sense. Sky's company built the new wing at the university he was studying at. It would seem logical he had invited her.
Hotaru was silent. "I'll see you in a couple of days."
The line clicked; signally Hotaru had hung up. Haruka replaced the receiver and stared at the empty house. What was she going to do? Heading out of the house she went to her car and stopped. Why was she always turning to Sky these days? It was stupid. Seeing Sky is what had caused all this in the first place. It would be better if she just avoided from now on.
Haruka jumped at the sudden ringing of her cell. It wasn't Michiru. "Sky."
"I got you into trouble."
"It wasn't you." Haruka had no trouble being honest with her. "Well, perhaps a little bit was your fault."
"I am sorry."
A thought dawned on her, "There wasn't any trouble at the office was there?"
"Actually yes, our second driver is still recovering from the flu. We are having trouble testing the new cars. There's only so much data you can get from a single car."
Haruka realized where this was going. "And you need a second driver."
"Yes. I will of course pay you. And it's not permanent. Think of it as a temporary assignment."
Haruka smiled, "I'll meet you at the track."
Sky sighed, it sounded like relief. "Thank you. I'll see you there."
"You're going to be there?"
"Yes, I am one of the designers. Who better to analyze the data then me?" Sky chuckled softly, "And don't worry there will be lots and lots of people there. I'll play nice."
Haruka laughed, "See you there."
**
The security at the track had been alerted to Haurka's arrival. They let her pass the gates after giving her a security pass. She parked in the lot reserved for drivers. As she walked toward the track house she felt giddy. It was like the old days; the rush of excitement before a race. The tingling in her blood was a little painful but also welcome. She had missed the heady rush of adrenaline before a race. Technically this wasn't a race; it was a test run. But still, it was driving and it was her passion.
The security guards at the door nodded as she showed her pass. Haruka walked down the hall; looking at the pictures of past races. She spotted her own face in some of the older photos. Haruka focused on following the signs; a few things had changed since her days here.
Making her way to the change area; she found Sky waiting. The woman had changed to a black pant suit with neon yellow silk blouse. Her platinum hair was still up in the same style as earlier. She stood in heeled boots and had a very firm expression on her face. She was on her cell phone. A leather case was tucked under one arm.
Haruka knocked on the door; Sky glanced up and nodded. Haruka entered.
"Tamori, I'll call you back." Sky hung up and sighed; absently she rubbed her forehead. "Okay, so we got a suit for you."
"How'd you get it so fast?" Haruka eyed the gold, blue and white suit. Sky's company logo was across the chest; along with Haruka's last name. There was a matching helmet and gloves.
"I know people," Sky muttered absently. "Suit up and meet me on the track. I have to introduce you to a few people. This shouldn't take more the a couple hours."
"I have all afternoon."
Sky glanced up and nodded, "Good. Well, I hope not to keep you too long."
Haruka realized the shift in the woman's demeanor. She was all business, tough and cold. This was a business deal; there was no fun, no teasing. Nothing warm or welcoming; not like before. This was a different side of Sky King. One, Haruka, had forgotten. This was why Sky was so powerful; and her company was so powerful.
Sky's cell phone buzzed in her hand. She cursed softly, answering it in a cool tone. "King, here." She turned and headed out of the dressing room as she spoke. "I have back to back meetings on Thursday, speak to Yuki about when I can see you." She paused, "Well, to be honest I can only remember so much. That's why I have assistants. Plus there is a lot going on this weekend. That university thing is happening Friday. I have a friend's wedding next Sunday and I am sure I have forgotten something."
Sky's voice faded as she walked away.
Haruka sighed and looked at the suit. There was a bag next to it. Her last name was stitched in Kanji one side and English on the other. She knew what was in it. The bag held everything she would need to clean up after work. Plus it would probably have promotional gifts and thank-you presents.
Sitting on the bench; Haruka realized she was shaking. Not from fear; but excitement. It had been so very long since she had done this. There was a flash of doubt in her mind. Would she remember how to do this? Could she really drive well enough anymore? This was a test run; she had to drive well. If she didn't the data would be wrong and that could lead to all sorts of problems.
She realized in that moment how much faith Sky had in Haruka; not just as a driver but as a person. This was a big deal and Sky was trusting Haruka to do well.
It had been a long time since anyone had tasked her with anything important. There was no mission to find talismans or fight aliens; those days were long gone. But here and now; she had a mission. She felt better once that thought sank in. A mission was something she knew how to handle. She knew how to deal with it.
Once changed into the suit; Haruka picked up the helmet and walked out to the track. Sky was standing next to a sleek car. The frame was gold; with blue accents and white and red strips. The front wings were red. Sky's company logo was on the front nose of the car and the rear spoiler. The woman herself was leaning over the car; inspecting the engine; she seemed to be working on something. She absently picked up a rag that sat on the edge of the frame; wiping her hands as she stood up.
Sky nodded toward. Haruka stepped up beside the woman. "Gentleman, meet our replacement driver, Tenoh Haruka. I am sure you all remember her."
There was a muttering of acknowledgement.
"Tenoh, this is the pit leader, Hashi Ito."
The man bowed as he was introduced, Haruka returned it. This was the routine as Sky introduced everyone. Once they were all settled; Haruka climbed into the car, put on her helmet and let her crew strap her in and set the steering wheel.
Sky leaned in once the crew was finished. "Take a few laps, get comfortable. Let us know when you're ready. We need data on this car first. Then we can test both cars together."
"Got it." Haruka was in business mode too. Driving was something she took very seriously.
Haruka guided the car onto the track and relaxed into her comfort zone. The world fell into a crystalline clarity that was calm and peaceful. There was no one outside the voice of her pit leader. The man spoke only when needed and otherwise kept quiet. It made focusing easier.
The car handled like a dream and was easy to guide around the large loop. It didn't take long before Haruka was comfortable. "Let's start."
"Go when ready." Sky's voice came over the headset. "Don't hold back; we need to test this car. I want to know what it can do. But be safe; don't be stupid."
"Right."
It was closer to three hours later when Haruka finally got out of the car for the last time. Sweat soaked her clothes inside the leathers. She unzipped her suit to the waist and let the cool evening breeze dry her skin. Pulling off her helmet she swept her wet hair from her eyes and pulled off her gloves. Her hands weren't as sweaty as the rest of her; the gloves were a new design. She studied them while waiting for Sky to come over. The woman was currently talking to a local newspaper reporter.
"Tenoh," Sky waved her over.
Haruka knew what was coming and sighed. She walked over. "Yes?"
"These gentlemen have questions for you. We can talk later." Sky excused herself; leaving Haruka to face the reporters.
Another thirty minutes passed while Haruka answered endless questions. Eventually the reporters left and Haruka relaxed again. The sky was darkening over head; stars were starting to glimmer in the deepening blue sky.
Haruka found Sky examining the engine; she didn't look happy. The tall blonde quietly stepped up to the car. "What's wrong?"
Sky looked up; her expression startled. "Hmm? Oh, nothing. I was just looking over the interior. The noise reduction readings weren't up to par; at least not for me. I was just checking the seals."
"You wanted to talk to me?"
Sky nodded and closed the hood of the car; wiping her hands on a rag. "How'd it feel out there?"
"Good, the car is solid; handles well. The response is faster then normal. Powering shifts and gear changes were smooth; there is something different about the gear box. I couldn't feel as much drag as normal; something about the weight of the car is different too."
Sky was nodding at everything. "I redesigned the whole thing. From the frame to the material in the wire coatings; the whole car is new. I spent the last three years on it. I am glad to hear your opinions. We've had several drivers test it. A few of them are able to give me good feedback; I need to know how it runs."
"Why not drive it yourself?"
"I have, hundreds of times. But I am so caught up in the finer points that sometimes I forget how the car just drives. I know what it should be like and how the readings should come out; I forget to just drive."
Haruka nodded, "You're too much inside the car."
"Exactly." Sky looked upwards. "It's late. Sorry to keep you so long."
They started toward the building; the area was mostly clear of people. They walked along the hallway leading to the change rooms; talking about the car. Sky stopped at the entrance of the room. Haruka turned to face her.
"Well, thanks again. I'll have your check ready by tomorrow afternoon." Sky turned to go.
Haruka reached out on instinct; the kiss was deep and surprised them both. Sky stepped back; her eyes wide.
"I am sorry." Haruka muttered, "I wasn't thinking."
"Neither was I or I would have stood back farther."
Haruka stared at the woman, "Why are you fighting it so hard?"
"What?"
"You said last night you wanted me. So why pull away?"
Sky stared at her for a long time. "I thought you had a girlfriend. As you reminded me the first day we met."
Haruka looked away; walking into the change area. "I do."
Sky frowned, "You don't sound very convinced."
Haruka sat down; staring at her reflection in the helmet visor. "Michiru left this afternoon. I have no idea where she is."
Sky leaned up against the wall with one shoulder; crossing her arms. "She's just gone?"
Haruka nodded silently.
The silence continued; after several minutes Sky sighed. "I am sorry."
Haruka looked at her; there must have been something in her eyes; because Sky didn't look pleased.
"What's that look for?"
It took Haruka a moment to think about it. Did her face hold something; an expression she wasn't aware of? She tried to think about it.
"You look relieved." Sky answered for her.
"I am not sure if I am sorry." Haruka whispered more to herself then Sky. "Your being here has made me realize that my feelings for Michiru have changed."
"You're saying you've fallen out of love with her?"
Haruka considered, slowly nodding. "Perhaps."
Sky let out a heavy sigh, "That's rough."
"I know. And it took seeing you to help me realize it."
"Now wait a minute!" Sky said sharply, "I told you not to point fingers at me."
Haruka shook her head and unzipped her suit further; shrugging off. The top half; it hung around her hips; where the suit was still belted and zipped shut. Her skin seemed to sigh in relief.
"I am not blaming you."
Sky didn't look appeased and shook her head. She straightened, turning to leave. "I'll make sure you get your check tomorrow." With that she left.
Haruka frowned and chased after her, "Wait!"
Sky paused, turning to face her. They were standing in the hallway. The light from the open doors at the track entrance threw dim light into the hall. Sky was framed by it and looked exotic for a moment.
Haruka grabbed her hand and felt Sky's tension. "I am tired of fighting with the women I care about."
Sky's eyebrows shot up, "Care about?"
"You know what I mean." Haruka muttered absently.
"No, I don't, actually." Sky took back her hand. "Don't tug me around, Tenoh. I don't mind having you for a night; but this back and forth stuff isn't for me. Once you know what you want, find me. If you want her, I hope Michiru comes back."
"Sky…" Haruka sighed.
Sky walked away; arms crossed over her stomach.
Haruka ran a hand through her wet hair. She needed a shower; perhaps that would help her mind clear up and she could think straight. Turning back the change rooms; she grabbed her bag and headed to the showers. She didn't rush to leave and it was officially night-time as she climbed into her car and headed home.
There were cars sitting in her driveway as Haruka parked and climbed out. She recognized them both; and was curious what they were doing here. The front door was unlocked and Haruka was expecting the people in her living room.
Dropping her bag at the door she slid off her shoes and walked in. "Hey, Mamoru." She looked at her future king. He was sitting comfortably on the couch with a teacup in his hands. Across from him was Hotaru. She sat cross-legged in the armchair with as second teacup; her expression was empty. Her eyes weren't, she didn't look happy.
"Haruka," He stood up, "We tried calling."
"I've been busy all afternoon; sorry." She hadn't turned her cell phone back on after leaving the track; she'd forgotten about it.
Mamoru set his cup aside, "I hope you're doing well."
"I am actually," Haruka muttered, "How is everything for the wedding?"
"Fine." He paused, "You know Sky King, I take it?"
Haruka nodded, "We've been friends for years. Why?" She hoped he wouldn't ask anything personal.
Mamoru drew something out of his back pocket. "The dean of my program is leaving the country; he was invited to Europe for a couple weeks. He wanted to make sure she got this. Apparently it's important."
Haruka was surprised as he handed it to her. "Why give it to me?"
Hotaru spoke up, "You'll be seeing her tomorrow. Why not?"
Sometimes her adopted daughter was unnerving. This was one of those moments. "I'll give it to her." Haruka promised. She put the envelope in her back pocket.
Mamoru said goodnight and left; Hotaru came back from showing him out. She stared at her adoptive mother. The two of them had a silent moment; Haruka wasn't sure what to say so was quiet.
"Michiru-mama called," Hotaru announced quietly, "She'll be home late tonight; she was called away by the museum."
Haruka kept her relief to herself. "Okay, well, I am going to bed early." She headed toward the hallway leading to their bedroom.
"Where were you all day?"
Haruka paused, looking back. Her teenage daughter, almost twenty, really; was staring at her with dark, cool eyes. Her black outfit enhanced the cold personality that she had at the moment.
"I was working," Haruka told her calmly.
"Doing what?"
She was too tired to be angry; but she was annoyed. "Sky asked me to test drive one of her new cars."
Hotaru frowned; Haruka realized something in that moment. "You knew that. So why ask?"
Her daughter crossed her arms, "Goodnight."
"You don't get to walk away from this," Haruka was angry now. "You doubted me."
"I have reason to." Hotaru yelled.
"No, you, don't. You weren't even born with this all happened. Sky King has nothing to do with you. So why are you getting involved?"
"Because, Michiru-mama was crying and I don't like that."
Neither did Haruka; but she was getting so fed up with this. Haruka went to her room and slammed the door. She sat on the bed and stared at her hands.
She was far too tired to try and think about much. Her body wasn't used to the demands of driving professionally anymore. It took a lot out of her; but she loved it. The exhausted feeling and yet she was buzzed with adrenaline. She could feel the vibrations of the engine even as she sat in her bedroom. The whole experience still rang strong in her memories.
Haruka settled on her bed and stared up at the ceiling. In her mind she could hear Sky's voice as she spoke over the radio in the helmet. Her voice had been so strict; so exact. It was like listening to a drill sergeant give orders. But there was something in her voice that hit a chord in Haruka. Even as she was being business-like and the cold professional, Haruka couldn't shake the surge of longing in her body. Her emotions were going nuts and she was foggy-minded. It had nothing to do with exhaustion. She felt like a giddy-schoolgirl. As if her secret crush had just admitted she liked her too. It was ridiculous; she was thirty plus years old and it made no sense for her to feel this way. Still, the emotions were jumping through her body.
Her eyes closed as sleep gently pulled her under; her mind filled with visions of the race track and the vibrations hummed through her as she drifted into deep, calm sleep.
**
