Okay…so I'm back!!! I started to write the beginning of the chapter but then it was erased somehow…so I got pissed off and so yeah. But now I'm in front of my computer writing!!! BE PROUD OF MEE!!!

Disclaimer: I don't own!!!! Well, except for the OC!!

X x x x x x X

Chapter 2: Knowing our Strengths

"Haruko!!"

I turn around and see a man a few years older. I stop for a moment, but continue walking.

"Will you just wait for me?!! Haruko, did I do something to upset you…or what?"

I ignore him and he runs up in front of me.

"Haruko…"

I look up at him and sigh.

"I'm sorry Michael. But I have to make a very important phone call…now, if you'll excuse me." I start to walk away again and he calls after me.

"You could just have told me that…after all, I'm going to be your husband in a few years."

I come to a halt and take a deep breath. "That's not going to happen Michael. I'm sorry."

That's when I walk off faster and faster. I never looked back to see his hurt expression and worried exterior.

X x x x x x x X

Fuji's PoV

After a couple of hours of playing tennis and watching Echizen and Momo argue, I come home opening the door telling whoever is in the house that I'm back. I take off my shoes and go greet my mother and older sister who are in the kitchen preparing an early dinner. Yuuta went into his room after saying he was home. I go to see what he is doing and I see him sit in front of his computer typing. I smile to myself and walk down the hall to my room. I open the door and greet the soothing atmosphere. I sit down on my bed grabbing a book on the way and open to whatever page I was on. I begin to read, but my cell phone starts to ring. I look at the caller ID and smile brightly.

"Hey!" A cheery voice greets me from the other side.

"Hi." I answer back.

"Okay, so I was supposed to tell you something earlier. You got my message right?"

"The Picture? Yeah, I still have my copy in the photo album."

"Really? Well, okay so can you meet me at the café down the street from the park?" Haruko asks.

"Sure. I'll be there in 15 minutes. See you then."

"Okay! See ya!"

I hang up the phone and get off my bed. I sprint out the door and stop by the kitchen to tell everyone that I'm leaving. They say their good-byes and I leave the house. I walk for 15 minutes and I finally get to the little corner café. I wait outside for about a minute or two before hearing a very familiar voice. I turn towards to the source and I see Haruko walking over to me waving on the way. She stops in front of me flashing one of her famous grins.

"Have you been waiting long?" She asks.

I shake my head no and she takes my arm, dragging me inside. The host obviously notices that Haruko has just walked in because he immediately bows and takes us to a table in the corner.

We sit down and Haruko takes my hands in hers.

"Okay, so for the great news…"

I wait for a few moments, still aware that she is holding my hands.

"…I get to move back!! I'm staying for good. I think."

I give her a bright smile and she hugs me from across the small table.

"Aren't you happy?"

"Of course I am Haruko."

"Good. But I also have some other news…"

She let's go of me and she looks down at the table. Her face shows an expressionless emotion and I can tell that she is upset.

"What's wrong?"

"Fuji…I…I'm engaged."

I stare at her for a few moments trying to recover from what I just heard.

"Well…that's great…right Haruko? I mean, you're happy about it right?" I ask.

She looks up at me surprised and I see the hurt in her eyes.

"I-I maybe you just don't get it…" Haruko whispers the last part.

I reach over and grab one of her hands in both of mine.

"I get it. Okay? But…"

She looks at me straight in the eyes and tells me, "But, you want what's best for me…is that it? Haven't you ever thought that maybe you are what's best for me?? Don't you realize that I was willing to give up everything just to stay? You sent me away, and now this is what happens."

I tighten my grip on her hand and just shake my head.

"So you're just not going to say anything, Shuuske?"

"What do you want me to say…I'm sorry? I…I take photographs as a hobby…but look what I was able to do! You were the center of my projects. But…giving you the life you've always wanted was more important to me. And now that you have it, don't tell me that you are going to run away from it. What would your family say? Your parents would be so proud of you…"

I watch as Haruko shakes her head 'no' and shuts her eyes tight.

"My parents left…they left me alone. I don't care what they think. I had to grow up with only two important things in my life…my dream and you."

"There's nothing I can do…is the guy not treating you properly or what?"

"No. But I know of a better guy that would make me happier." Haruko tells me looking at me with a small smile. I smile back but we are interrupted when Haruko's cell phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Haruko…we need to talk."

"Michael? What is it?"

"I'd prefer if we talk in person."

"…Okay…I'm on my way."

Haruko hangs up the phone and I see her play with the ring on her finger.

"I should probably go…Michael wants to talk to me."

I nod my head and stand up offering my arm to her, escorting her out.

"I'll see you later?" Haruko asks.

I nod and she grabs me in a tight embrace. I hug her back and give her a light peck on the cheek.

She let's go of me and smiles.

"You really need to try harder…I've gone through so much just to get where I am. I may be contradictory, but I'll never regret coming back just for you. I think even Michael may understand this…don't let me go just yet."

With that, she turns around and leaves, but not without waving and saying, what I hope, isn't our last good-byes.

Her strength was always me…but my strength was knowing that I would never give up on her.

X x x x x x x X

:sniffle: I like this story a lot. It is, although, a little bit more dramatic than I thought.

Okay, so from here on out, I'm telling you now that parts in the story may be OOC. So there is my warning.

Please review!!! As long as I get reviews, I'll keep writing. But if I don't get at least 2 then I probably will loose interest…knowing what people think helps me. I welcome ideas for this story…so yeah.

Special thanks to:

lianne- I'm glad you like the story. If you review more, then I'll update!

Alasforgotten- Yay!!! My story is awesome. And yes, I am a girl!!! I will keep writing if you keep reviewing!!

White Alchemist Taya- Thanks very much. I'm glad you think it's interesting.

LittleAngel22493- haha. I'm updating!!! Yay!! Will you review so I can update again?