Disclaimer : I don't own the characters.
A/N : Everyone, thanks a lot for reviewing. I'd like to send all of you a reply but this site won't even get me alerts so, once it's working... Anyway, here's chapter one. I hope you'll like it. (Chapters will remain short like this one)
Summer Heat
Chapter one
- Oh dear -
Haruka backed away a little. Michiru was obviously very angry with her right now. She couldn't blame her though. ''Michi.. It's just a silly week. It's not like..'' Haruka was cut off by the smaller girl.
''Stop excusing yourself!'' The aqua haired senshi hissed. ''You're never home again and when you are you always bring friends. I can't remember the last time we were together. Next to in bed. And now you're going on a vacation with Minako?!''
The tomboy sighed. She already had thought Michiru would act like this. ''What about me?'' Michiru was on the verge of tears now but somehow Haruka didn't even bother to comfort the other. ''Do you like being around others? Are you going with her because that means...'' The smaller girl paused for a moment, pulling back a bit. ''I just don't know you anymore.''
''Michiru, please stop making a scene.'' Haruka finally said. ''I've already promised Minako to go. Maybe we just need some time apart. You've got to admit that things weren't going as they should lately.''
''You're never around.'' Michiru was now crying. Never before had Haruka ever acted this cold. ''Besides that, I hadn't noticed anything. You want to see other people?'' Haruka took another deep breath. That wasn't what she had meant. She just wanted some time to reflect on herself. Some time away from Michiru and all her obligations. ''Ruka.. I love you. Don't do this.''
''I'm not doing anything.'' At this point Haruka simply wanted to hold the other and go back to acting. Pretend nothing was the matter at all. ''You're the one who's asking me stupid questions. This isn't a break-up or anything. I don't want to see other people, do you? Thought so,'' She went on when Michiru shook her head. ''Just see it as one of my race tours. I'll be back in a week. I'll bring you something nice if you'd like.''
''But it's not a race!'' Michiru started to sound desperate. ''You'll be living with another girl for seven days!''
''Five days.'' Haruka corrected the smaller girl. She didn't like to admit it but the other was really working on her nerves now. ''And it's Minako for crying out loud. She's cute but not my type. You're the only girl I love.'' The blonde didn't know why but somehow she felt like she just told Michiru the biggest lie ever. Surely she loved Michiru but... why did she have the feeling that she wasn't honest at all?
Michiru gazed up, looking at her lover with a questioning look on her face. ''Do you really mean that?'' Haruka simply nodded. She didn't know what else there was left so say. She knew Michiru still didn't like the idea of her going away somewhere without her but she knew she had won this argument. ''You're the only one I love too.'' Michiru finally whispered as she stepped closer to Haruka.
The blonde just moved out of habit and cupped the other's face before bringing their lips together in a sweet kiss. Never before had their kisses tasted this bitter. She fliched a bit. Luckily Michiru hadn't noticed anything. 'So it's true after all...'
A few moments later they pulled back again, staring at each other for a few more minutes. Finally a smile appeared on Michiru's face. It wasn't a complete honest smile yet it didn't seem to be fake either. ''Promise me...''
''I'll call every day.'' Haruka promised before Michiru could even finish her sentence. The aqua haired girl seemed satisfied by the other's answer and pulled the taller woman in a hug. She ofcourse failed to notice the distant expression in her lover's eyes.
------
That Friday Haruka and Michiru had decided it was best for them not to part at the airport but at their place. Michiru simply hadn't gotten over the whole idea yet and she really wasn't interested in picking Minako up and hearing all about their plans during the drive to the airport.
The blonde looked aside. Minako sat next to her, staring out of the window at the trees and cars that were passing by. She was smiling brightly. You could easily see that she was really enjoying the idea of going to France. Haruka could still remember earlier this morning. She had picked Minako up as promised. They had planned to be at the airport one hour before their flight would leave but they had wasted at least forty-five minutes with getting all Minako's luggage in the car.
Haruka had never known how much clothes Minako owned. And this was only her luggage for one week. ''So how did Michiru react when you told her you were coming with me?'' Minako suddenly asked when she noticed Haruka's eyes on her.
The taller woman shrugged, looking back at the road. ''She acted like any other girl would.''
''Not good eh?'' Minako replied. ''You know, I hope I didn't cause a fight or anything. You should've just cancelled or something.''
''Don't be silly.'' Haruka said before Minako could say or ask anything else. ''It was my own choice to come with you, remember?'' She paused for a moment. ''Besides I needed some time away from Tokyo and my duty.''
Minako finally looked up, staring at the senshi of the wind with a questioning look on her face. Never before had Haruka ever been this open with her. It made her wonder where it all came from. Maybe the outers were finally going to open up to them. ''Let's just say that I can relate to Usagi sometimes.''
The senshi of love giggled. She knew Haruka had it meant it like it had sounded. She simply couldn't stop thinking of Haruka tripping over rocks and stupid things like that. ''We all can sometimes.''
''That's not what I meant.'' Haruka stated. ''I meant when it comes down to our mission. She has to marry that Mamoru guy because that's what destiny and fate has decided for her. It's a lot like me and Michiru. Neptune and Uranus are lovers. They're meant to be. Just like Endymion and Serenity are meant to be. Usagi herself is madly in love with Rei but,''
''The mission is standing in their way.'' Minako sighed. ''I know.''
''I do love Michiru. But as a friend. She loves me like Neptune loves Uranus and as Uranus loves Neptune.'' The tomboy laughed slightly. ''If that makes any sense.''
Minako nodded but then realized Haruka was still looking at the road. ''Yeah. I think I do. You're lucky though. I've always wondered how it would be to be destined to be together with someone. Destined lovers. There's just something about that phrase that attracts me.''
''Everyone is destined to be with someone. But just in a different way. I'm sure your true love is somewhere out there. Maybe you'll meet him in France.'' Haruka stated, smiling a bit.
''Her.'' The other corrected.
''Her.'' Haruka repeated with a calm smile on her lips. It stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before Minako's words finally hit Haruka like a wave of cold water. ''You mean...'' Her smile immidiately faded. She surely hadn't been expecting something like that.
Minako giggled. ''I didn't know that it was possible but Ten'ou Haruka really can be surprised.''
Haruka smirked. ''Just don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my reputation.'' She paused for a moment before slowing the car down. ''We're here. Now let's hurry. We'd better not miss our plane.''
The smaller girl's eyes lit up. ''What are we waiting for, let's hurry!''
------
''Aaaaahh!'' Minako cheered, walking out of the building while twirling around happily. After a flight of five hours they had finally arrived in France. Haruka had slept through most of the journey though. ''It's so pretty out here!''
''What are you talking...about?'' Haruka yawned while looking around. She how a few people looked into their direction. Most of them ofcourse never heard a word of the japanese language. It must sound kind of funny to them. Then again, Haruka had to admit that she found that french language of theirs a bit crappy. They always talked too quickly. ''We've got identical stations in Japan.'' She finally finished.
Minako sweatdropped. ''Just play along, will ya!'' She pouted before taking Haruka's hand in her own. ''We'll just have to find a cab and...''
''Wait... a cab?'' Haruka interrupted the other in shock. ''I thought we were going to rent a car or something. I don't want anyone behind the steeringwheel besides me.'' The smaller blonde rolled her eyes in amusement.
''That's the Ten'ou I know.'' She giggled. ''By the way, do you know any french?''
''Yeah. Unfortunately I do. Unlike someone here I did pay attention in class.'' Haruka joked as she let Minako pull her towards the station. ''How about your luggage?''
''Oh I asked someone to bring it to our hotel.'' Minako chirped with a proud smile on her lips.
''How? In french?'' Haruka wondered out loud.
''Ofcourse. I just gave him the address of le hotel et il... nodded and said something that sounded like...'' Minako thought about it for a moment. ''Itiot.''
''Idiot.'' Haruka corrected the smaller girl while sweatdropping. ''And that doesn't mean...''
''Doesn't matter.'' Minako cut the taller woman off as she pointed at a yellow cab. ''Look. Just on time.'' Haruka just kept her mouth shut and followed the other girl. This were going to be five, very long days.
At first both blondes had a little trouble trying to communicate with the cab driver but after a few minutes he finally got the point. Haruka was amazed by the fact that this man hardly knew a word english. After all, it was an international language. During the way towards their hotel neither of them spoke up. Minako simply didn't know what they could talk about.
Haruka on the other hand wasn't saying a word because her mind kept replaying the conversation she and Minako had earlier in her car. Could it be true? Was the only reason she was with Michiru because of their duty? Because of their mission or could it be something else? Maybe she had just grown a bit bored with repeating the same thing over and over. It was kind of hard to explain.
After a twenty minute ride the cab finally stopped in front of a huge hotel called 'L'etoile'. Haruka paid the man behind the steering wheel and both thanked the cab driver in perfect french before making their way into the hotel.
The moment they set foot through the front door however was the same moment both knew something was wrong. ''I have a bad feeling about this.'' Haruka muttered inaudible. Minako ofcourse didn't hear the other and kept walking to the counter. Behind it sat a skinny looking woman with black hair. ''Morticia Adams.'' She heard the tomboy comment next to her but just ignored it and tried to hide her smile.
''You must be Ten'ou Haruka and Aino Minako..'' The woman spoke in perfect japanese. This surprised both Haruka as Minako. They surely hadn't been expecting that. ''My name is Ayano Soignants.''
''Nice to meet you.'' Minako said, extending a hand for the woman to shake.
''The pleasure is all mine.'' Ayano said with a smile. ''I saw you on tv a few months ago. You were in that idol contest with Kou Yaten. You really deserved the first prize.''
Minako blushed. ''T-thanks...''
Haruka just stood there, listening to the pointless conversation which had just started. If she wanted to listen to this kind of talk she could as well walk into a beauty shop or something like that. After ten more minutes of talking about music, singing and the three lights Minako finally remembered the blonde next to her. ''Well I guess we'd better get going again.'' She giggled. ''My companion is getting annoyed.''
Ayano nodded and giggled before handing them a key. ''Your luggage arrived a few minutes ago. Would you like someone to bring it upstairs to your room.''
Haruka rolled her eyes. She knew what was coming next. ''That's cost you twenty-five extra euros I'm afraid.''
''But it's a free trip.'' Minako mocked causing the black haired woman to laugh slightly.
''Your stay and flight were free. Other extras aren't. Except for the food.''
Minako's eyes lit up once again upon hearing that. ''Did you hear that Ruka, unlimited food!''
''Yipeekayee...'' Haruka rolled her eyes although she couldn't help it but smile upon hearing Minako calling her 'Ruka'. It was something Michiru always did but she had to admit that it sounded pretty good coming from the smaller blonde.
''Oh right...'' Ayano started, ignoring the sarcastic tomboy. ''The manager only found out earlier this morning that there has gone something wrong with your reservations. The two of you will have to share a bed together but I guess that's not going to be a problem right?''
Both Haruka and Minako blinked a couple of times. Ayano looked up at them just as the colour started to drain from their faces. ''Wrong guess?''
To Be Continued...
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