A/N: Thoughts=italics

Bold=flashback

Haruka glanced over at Hotaru that morning, noticing how nervous that the girl was.

"That thing starts at twelve right? Should I be there early?" she asked, earning a shocked look from Hotaru.

"You're really coming?" she asked, disbelief in her tone as Haruka sighed.

"Yes."

Her response sounded almost strained as she closed her eyes and fought against the memories that flooded her mind.

"Are you really coming?" a small blonde haired girl asked a man who she looked similar to.

"Yeah I'll come….just hurry up and get in the car."

The child waited all day until it was time for the fathers to start coming in, though hers never showed.

"Papa?"

The soft term called her from her thoughts and she looked down, noticing that her own daughter had crawled onto her lap.

"Why are you crying?"

Haruka wiped at her eyes, noticing how her hand came away wet though she only shook her head.

"Nothing important. Come on, I'll drive you to school today."

With that Haruka carefully removed the child from her lap and patted her head before leaving the room.

"She just doesn't have the best memories of growing up. Don't worry, she'll be there." Michiru stated, hugging the child from behind before adding "be a bit understanding if she is bit grumpy though."

Hotaru nodded and ran off to get her backpack.

Haruka was waiting outside when Hotaru ran out, almost tripping on the steps but Haruka caught her before she fell.

"careful." The butch admonished lightly, looking her over to make sure she wasn't hurt before setting her on the ground.

"Let's go."

Hotaru followed her quickly, catching up and grabbing her hand.

Haruka looked down and lightly smiled and enclosed her hand around Hotaru's.

Haruka couldn't help but think about her own childhood as she watched Hotaru get out of the car.

"Hey Hime-chan! Try to have a good day!"

Haruka called, earning a smile and wave in return.

When she got home Haruka only glanced over at the house and got onto her motorcycle, heading back into town until it was time for her to head to the school.

I'm not about to let that kid down. I know how shitty that it feels to be stood up.

She thought as she pulled into the parking lot.