Disclaimer: Sailormoon characters belong to their makers, my characters belong to me. I make no money
Author's note: This is the 3rd part in the series which reveals a bit more about Alexia's feelings and personality. Please review this, I need any critisicm to help.
Everything about Alexia was nebulous to some degree, but still there wasn't much that could to be done about that since Haruka wasn't willing to carry on the least bit of conversation to her during school hours. Though that didn't bother her much, still she felt this uneasy tension in the air. The only time Haruka actually carried on a conversation with her was when she was tuning up her bike. Apparently, she knew enough about mechanics to make adjustments to her bike which was a bit unusual for a girl of her... quality. "So" she said, leaning against the wall to observe her, "you know a great deal about Bikes, I gather. So tell me, where did you learn such a skill?"
"From my father. Something we used to do together when tuning up the racing bikes and cars."
"So you do know how to race, I take it?"" Alexia tightened the last bolt on the exhaust system and revved up the engine to listen for certain sounds. It purred like a kitten when it was idol and roared like a Tiger when revved up a bit. It was indeed made for racing, from the different sounds and such, which intrigued Haruka even more. She was looking for a challenge at the tracks and wanted to see just what this girl was made of.
Alexia wiped off her hands and stood up, looking Haruka in her eyes. "Of course I know how to race. What does it benefit me having a baby like this if I didn't know how to race with it?" Alexia placed a hand on her hip, while placing the other on the seat of the motorcycle, smirking at Haruka. "So...why all of a sudden the twenty questions? Is there something you wish of me? Maybe...challenge me to a race?" she said.
Haruka smirked at her with an evil gleam in her eyes. "I don't know about racing amateurs. I'm a professional racer and look for note worthy challenges."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, but it's such a shame. I would have enjoyed beating a pro again. Oh well."
*Man if she doesn't have the biggest ego* she thought, watching Alexia walked by her. "Well" she finally said, "it looks like I will have to put you in your place. Alright, Miss 'Ego Trip', let's see how you race. Since the day is still a bit young, then I say we meet at the track near the outskirts of Tokyo in an hour."
Alexia stopped in her track and turned towards Haruka, looking her in her eyes. "Alright, it's deal. That should give you enough time to prepare for defeat. Why not bring Kaioh-san as well. I'm sure she'll enjoy watching."
"You talk big for an amateur."
"Well, I only talk big cause I have the BALLS to back it up."
"So you have balls to back up your big talk. This I would like to see."
"Hehe, I'm pretty sure you would." She cooed in a low tone with a devilish look in her eyes. Haruka watched her as she walked away to the house. *Did she just flirt with me?* she asked herself, remembering her last words and that look in her eyes.
An hour later, Haruka was waiting at the tracks with Michiru watching from the stands. Somehow or another, Usagi and her friends managed to tag along to the tracks. *Where is she?* she thought, looking down at her watch impatiently. Finally, the roar of a motorcycle could be heard in the distance followed by the light. Pulling up to the track was Alexia in her racing outfit, with a girl riding with her, holding her closely by the waist. Taking off their helmets, Haruka began to examine them closely. "Well, it's about time" Haruka said, placing her helmet in her hands, "So this is what took you so long. Who is this, by the way?"
"This is my best friend, Nia. Nia, meet Haruka, the person hosting me for the remainder of the semester."
"How do you do?" Nia said, holding her hand out. Haruka took her hand and shook it, smirking at her. "My, such a pretty face. How ever did you meet up with Alex here?"
Nia used her hand to shield her girlish giggles. "Well, she's a character. And besides, we've been through thick and thin." Getting off the bike, Nia turned to Alexia and wished her luck, then proceeded to the observation area. "So...are you ready to begin?" Haruka said, turning up the revs on her bike. Alexia smirked and began to unravel her long braid, letting her light green hair sway in the open hair. Placing her helmet on the grass nearby, she took a pair of goggles from the storage department of her bike, carefully placed them over her eyes with special care. "You're not going to wear a helmet? This is, as a matter of fact, a race. Wouldn't want you to scratch that pretty face of yours or worse."
She smirked at the older woman, and revved up her bike. "Heh, death is always one step behind us all. I'll just have to be careful as to how I race, non? Are we going to sit around here and talk, or are we going to race?" she smirked.
From above, Usagi and the others watched the two exchange words. "Wow, who's that like cute guy down there talking to Haruka" Minako said with love sick eyes.
"Yeah, he's like totally cute." Makoto added. Nia sat down near them, watching from above. "Hey, aren't you like that girl who was riding with that guy?"
Nia giggled at their misjudgment, but decided to play on their ignorance. "Well, yes I am." she giggled from behind her hand.
"Hey, are you two an item?" Usagi asked. Nia giggled even more. "No, we're only friends, that's all. Why ever do you ask?"
"Oh"
" just wondering"
"Yeah, just had to ask"
Ami giggled at them and continued to type in a few key commands to calculate the track and 'Alex's' chances of winning. The odds were against her taking into account the track and Haruka's experience, but then again, she had never collected any data on Alex's racing techniques. Michiru listened to their conversation while watching Haruka and 'Alex' rev up their engines at the starting line. The lighting for the track was on, thanks to a few friends Haruka had working this particular track, and they even had a flag person to let them know when their final lap was approaching. *Come on, Tenou-san* she thought, observing their concentration carefully.
The lights glowed the usually color of red, yellow...then green, and like a shotgun, the two motorcycles made a mad dash forward. Each fought for a position ahead of one another, but non yielded. As the entered the first curve on the track, Alexia managed to win the position just five feet ahead of Haruka. Looking over her shoulder to see where Haruka had drifted, she spotted her and gave her a taunting smirk, before changing to forth gear into the straight away. Haruka's brow creased as she kicked her motorcycle into forth, then fifth gear. *I'll show you, kid* she yelled angrily in her mind. The second and third curves were nearly ahead, when Haruka passed Alex with authority. One and one this game of tag, which Haruka leading for the most part, went on until the last lap was up.
From the observation area, the girls cheered on. They couldn't believe how close the two were.
"Wow" Usagi said, eating a donut, "That Alex is pretty good. Racing against Haruka like that, I thought he would have been left in the dust on the first lap."
"Well, "Ami said, looking at the statistics, "It seems that, although Alex remains about 10 feet behind Haruka, he seems to make slow advancements in closing the distance around every turn. My calculations show that the distance between the two of them will be about a foot when the race is finished. I think that Alex may actually win this race."
"I don't care who wins" Minako chimed, "as long as I get to meet Alex after the race."
"You know, he kinda reminds me of my old boyfriend Andrew" Makoto sighed to herself.
Rei may have saw the race, but her eyes were watching something more ethereal to reality. She could see something distant...as if from the future when she focus her attention on Alex. A feeling of evil was present and followed Alex closely. *I have a bad feeling about this* she thought watched the race.
A little lower on the observation stands Michiru, too, began to have a strange feeling about Alex as well, but somehow it was different. It felt a bit...warming. In a sort of admiration and kinda prideful manner, she watched the Alex. Mentally, she still cheered for Haruka, but...like she had in the past. This time, a small voice in the depths of her mind, cheered for Alex. Strange indeed.
Haruka had to give the girl credit, she was good and even proved to be a challenge. Too bad she was going to lose...or so she thought. Into the first turn Haruka went, not expecting to hear the roar of Alex's engine for another 30 seconds, but such was not the case. As soon as she entered the turn, she could hear an engine roar close behind her, not even downshifting gears to compensate for the centripetal force of the curve. *What the hell is she doing* she worried. A few seconds later, Alex passed her as if she were standing still. *She was playing with me all this time* she yelled angrily, speeding up in hopes to catch her. Her efforts were futile as Alex turned into the second and third curves without even decelerating. When she entered the turn, Haruka noted that the bike began to sway. Luckily Alex gained control without spinning out of control. Then, it was all over with. Alex had crossed the finish line 25 seconds before Haruka did. Parking her bike on the sideline, Alex stood with her arms cross, smirking as Haruka finished. She quickly parked her bike and strolled over to Alexia, taking off her helmet and looking really angry. "What the hell were you thinking?!?!" she yelled, "You could have been killed taking a curve at full throttle!!!"
"What's the matter? Mad cause you lost to an 'ameteur'?" Alexia smile at her then changed her expression quickly seeing how Haruka was not in the least bit amused by her act. "Sorry...that's how I usually race. My father didn't like the way I raced as well, but I've been doing this for so long, I usually don't think about the dangers involved." Haruka could do nothing, but shake her head in frustration. Never before had she seen such aggressive skills and yet she had to admire the girl for the guts she showed. Shortly, the others met them at the finish line. Usagi, Minako and Makoto rushed over to Alex.
"Hi, Alex. Great racing, you have such guts. Oh, where are my manners, I'm Usagi-"
"And I'm Minako, how do you d-"
"I'm Makoto. Did anyone ever tell you that you have the most exotic eyes?"
Alex sighed and rubbed the back of her head, wondering what had gotten into these girls. Michiru took Haruka by the arm to catch her attention. "Haruka...what's the matter? Are you upset that you lost for the first time in ages?"
"No Michi-chan. It's just...she almost got herself killed!" she sighed, letting her anger simmer down. "She's good...and she played with me like a cat does a mouse, then took the victory. I have to hand it to her, she's as good as she says she is. And she takes stupid risks. I'd hate to see her hurt herself over something as stupid as racing."
Michiru sighed and smiled at the activity suddenly developing around their exchange student. "Are you actually concerned about her? Could my darling Haruka actually be concerned about out exchange studen?" Haruka gave her an akward look which caused her to giggle even more before gathering her composure. "Don't fret it non Haru-kun. She's probably raced like that for a while...and it could be luck. From the look of things, it seems she's developed a few fans." she giggled, pointing to Alexia. It seemed that almost all the inners were crowding Alex, barely giving her breathing room. Haruka smirked as well, remembering the first time she met Usagi and Minako and how they followed her. "Well, should we break the news to them?" Michiru offered.
"Nah...they'll figure it out sooner or later."
Alex was barely able to beat the trio off. *Geez, what the heck have they been drink...NIA!* she realized looking at the smirk on her best friend's face. She tried to back away, but they seemed to follow her every step. "Ehehe, uhm...hey look at the time. It's all nice and everything, but I have to get to studying. I guess I'll see ya around...NIA! Let's Go!!" She was finally able to rush away from the mad trio and get her helmet, before peeling off to go on about her ways. Michiru and Haruka chuckled in humor, knowing Alex's secret. "So young and impressionable" Michiru noted, placing her helmet on.
"Well, girls. It's getting late, so I suggest you hurry and get home before your parents worry sick over you. Oh, and that was Alex, our exchange student. Alex will be here until the end of the semester. Well, we have to run. See ya around, kiddies"
The duo didn't exactly go home, per say. Instead decided to go out to eat before going in for the night. Since it was the weekend, they could always sleep in late...for the most part. They expected that Alexia...or Alex as the inners called her, would be resting for the night.
Though Haruka wouldn't admit it, she was beginning to like their exchange student, despite her quiet arrogance and big ego. As she discussed the race with Michiru, she could see a change in her perspective towards the girl, maybe even a bit of admiration, despite her daring racing methods. For the first part of dinner, Haruka kept going on and on about Alexia and the race. "If I didn't know any better" Michiru said, taking a sip of her tea, "I would say you admired the girl...almost like her in a friendly manner."
"No way, Michi-chan...she's so...she's aggressive, hard headed and flirtateious."
"Hmmm, sounds like someone I know" she said, placing her tea down on the coaster. "And what's this about her being flirtateous? Do you think she's been flirting with you?"
"Well...I think she made a pass at me about an hour before the race." Haruka said, taking Michiru by the hands, "Why...are you jealous, Michi-chan?"
"Someone actually having the nerve to flirt with you...did you flirt back at her?"
"Well, no"
Michiru crossed her arms and cocked a brow at her.
"Well...actually she walked away before I could recover from the shock of it all. And besides, why would I flirt with her when I have the best thing that ever came into my life her in front of me?" Michiru blushed as Haruka took her hand once again and began to caress it against her cheek. They stayed out for quite some time and didn't think to venture back to their dwelling until the hour of 12 midnight. "Haru-kun it's getting late, maybe we should head back."
"Anything you say, Michi-chan" she said, taking her by the hand. Soon they arrived at their apartment, greeted only by the light of the porch. Opening the door to their apartment and ascending the stairs, Haruka kissed Michiru goodnight before hitting the showers. The smell of fall air, exhaust fumes and dust clung to her like fine perfume and she so eagerly sought to rid herself of the odor. Michiru, on the other hand, decided relax her mind with a little painting, possibly listening to her favorite violin pieces. Opening the door to the art studio, she was greeted by the sight of Alexia in the darkness of the room.
She sat in the art studio of Michiru and Haruka's apartment in deep thought. The painting she was supposed to finish sat idly on the easel. She didn't even sit upon stool on which she should have stared into the vast hue of coloration spread across the canvas. No, she didn't do this...instead she was firmly planted on the windowsill, watching the lights of the city. *It's so...Beautiful* she thought with one leg folded up to her chest. Resting on her folded leg was a spiral notebook and in her left hand was a slightly sharpened pencil laying between her delicate fingers. Her mind wandered through the events of reality, wanting to find some release or escape from this time, this place...this world. Taking the pencil, she began to add writing to the blank pages of her notebook.
Michiru stood quietly in the doorway of the studio with her arms cross. She was having her suspicions about Alexia just as Haruka, but her feelings towards her were somehow different. She didn't feel uncomfortable around her, but instead she felt a sense of...motherly love towards her. Strange indeed, but somehow it felt comforting. Michiru thought over the past few weeks of Alexia's arrival. Her musical skills were very professional, more like hers but unique in a way. Her artwork was splendid, even if her technique was a bit unorthodox. It still had its charisma in its constitution. But in everything she did, there seemed to be a sense of sadness and sorrow. Maybe it was the distance from home or the uncomfortable feeling in the atmosphere from time to time.
"Where did you learn how to paint in such a manner?" she asked, walking further into the studio to observe the idol painting.
Alexia stopped her fingers in their writing and looked to Michiru in slight shock. "My mother taught me to paint and play instruments when I was very young." she responded, shifting her seating slightly, "I guess in my artworks, I just started making up different ways to get an unusual effect."
"It's beautiful."
"Arigato...Kaioh-san"
"Please, call me Michiru."
"Arigato...Michiru"
"Do you enjoy painting?" Michiru posed. Alexia suddenly got really quiet when the words escaped from her lips. *good going, Kaioh-chan* she thought, fearing that she scared the poor girl even further.
"Why do you ask?" she finally asked, not looking towards Michiru. Suddenly the mood in the art parlor of the apartment went cold. "It just seems that the painting has sadness in it...and a bit of nonchalance in the paint strokes. I was just wondering," she said, fighting back the sudden tense feeling which came over her.
Alexia sighed a bit. "To tell you the truth...Michiru, I do enjoy it...but I'd rather compose music and write poetry." she said, looking back out to the city.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"...sure why not..."
Michiru pulled up a chair from near the piano and sat next to her. Alexia took in another deep breath, still keeping her eyes upon the city lights. "I love to write poetry. It's like an art form for me. I can shape and form a painting with words instead of with pigments and colorations. As far as playing an instruments are concerned, I didn't want to really play instrument. I really enjoy composing music. The manner in which the strings, the brass instruments...the woodwinds blend together in a harmony which can soothe the heart and soul, or it can change the thought process of the mind. And putting my poetry to music is something of a joy to me. Heh. That's what I enjoy most about music...playing instruments isn't something that's the joy of my life, unlike my mom. She truly enjoys music...and painting."
"What about your dad."
"*sigh*....my father. It's usually something about racing with my father. There were times when we enjoyed being together: racing, fixing things, looking out upon the city and sometimes going out to the music halls to hear the orchestra play classical pieces, but then that changed...when..."
"When what?"
A lone tear fell from her right eye and rested upon her cheek. Michiru could see the hurt and pain in her eyes, even if they were turned towards the city. "I'm....I'm sorry..." she said, giving the girl a comforting hug. It took a few moments for Michiru's actions to register, but slowly Alexia accepted and responded by embracing her. ".......Arigato..." she whispered as Michiru hugged her even closer to her heart. Michiru sighed softly, then finally broke the silence. "Hey...maybe one day soon we'll take you to the concerto that's in town. I'm sure you'd enjoy that wouldn't you?"
Alexia wiped away the few tears that rolled down her cheek and pulled away from the embrace. Her emerald eyes gave off a sparkle of slight joy "...yeah. I would enjoy that a lot. Hopefully, those girls won't be there."
Michiru giggled in humor thinking back to the tracks. "Are you going to tell them that you're a girl? You friend DID tell them that you're a guy." Alexia sighed. "I know, it's so cruel she did that...but I think I'll let them find out on their own. It might give me a form of entertainment for a little while. Who are they anyways?"
"Oh, just a few associates of ours that seem to want to hang out with us. They're not all that bad, just maybe a bit immature and obnoxious at times, but they're good people. Maybe you should try to get to know them after you tell them you're a girl. You don't seem to hang out with many people your age."
"I know I don't. I just don't want to get attached and then suddenly leave behind friends. It's always heart aching to do so. Nia, for the most part, usually travels to about the same places as I do...I guess that's why we're so close, despite her tricks." Michiru giggled a bit then looked at the clock to her right, then back to Alexia. "It's getting late, you should get some sleep. Wouldn't want you health to start going downhill because of lack of sleep."
Alexia smiled slightly, looking back to the city lights. "You know, you sound like my mother." She said, getting up from the windowsill and stretching her muscles a bit before turning towards the door. "Really? Michiru said with surprise in her tone. "What was you mother like, Kainou-san?"
Alexia turned to Michiru and gave her a peaceful smile. "She was...and still is the greatest woman in the world. She was the best mother anyone could have...and the wisest person I have ever met." Michiru sighed contently, then felt a warm hand upon her shoulder. "Michiru...you should get some rest as well, you're only human you know, and getting sick isn't something that's in your best interest." She took her hand away from Michiru's shoulder and walked towards the door. "Arigato, Michiru for listening." she said before disappearing through the door.
"Anytime, Alexia-san....anytime." she whispered, looking at the city lights.
Author's note: This is the 3rd part in the series which reveals a bit more about Alexia's feelings and personality. Please review this, I need any critisicm to help.
Everything about Alexia was nebulous to some degree, but still there wasn't much that could to be done about that since Haruka wasn't willing to carry on the least bit of conversation to her during school hours. Though that didn't bother her much, still she felt this uneasy tension in the air. The only time Haruka actually carried on a conversation with her was when she was tuning up her bike. Apparently, she knew enough about mechanics to make adjustments to her bike which was a bit unusual for a girl of her... quality. "So" she said, leaning against the wall to observe her, "you know a great deal about Bikes, I gather. So tell me, where did you learn such a skill?"
"From my father. Something we used to do together when tuning up the racing bikes and cars."
"So you do know how to race, I take it?"" Alexia tightened the last bolt on the exhaust system and revved up the engine to listen for certain sounds. It purred like a kitten when it was idol and roared like a Tiger when revved up a bit. It was indeed made for racing, from the different sounds and such, which intrigued Haruka even more. She was looking for a challenge at the tracks and wanted to see just what this girl was made of.
Alexia wiped off her hands and stood up, looking Haruka in her eyes. "Of course I know how to race. What does it benefit me having a baby like this if I didn't know how to race with it?" Alexia placed a hand on her hip, while placing the other on the seat of the motorcycle, smirking at Haruka. "So...why all of a sudden the twenty questions? Is there something you wish of me? Maybe...challenge me to a race?" she said.
Haruka smirked at her with an evil gleam in her eyes. "I don't know about racing amateurs. I'm a professional racer and look for note worthy challenges."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, but it's such a shame. I would have enjoyed beating a pro again. Oh well."
*Man if she doesn't have the biggest ego* she thought, watching Alexia walked by her. "Well" she finally said, "it looks like I will have to put you in your place. Alright, Miss 'Ego Trip', let's see how you race. Since the day is still a bit young, then I say we meet at the track near the outskirts of Tokyo in an hour."
Alexia stopped in her track and turned towards Haruka, looking her in her eyes. "Alright, it's deal. That should give you enough time to prepare for defeat. Why not bring Kaioh-san as well. I'm sure she'll enjoy watching."
"You talk big for an amateur."
"Well, I only talk big cause I have the BALLS to back it up."
"So you have balls to back up your big talk. This I would like to see."
"Hehe, I'm pretty sure you would." She cooed in a low tone with a devilish look in her eyes. Haruka watched her as she walked away to the house. *Did she just flirt with me?* she asked herself, remembering her last words and that look in her eyes.
An hour later, Haruka was waiting at the tracks with Michiru watching from the stands. Somehow or another, Usagi and her friends managed to tag along to the tracks. *Where is she?* she thought, looking down at her watch impatiently. Finally, the roar of a motorcycle could be heard in the distance followed by the light. Pulling up to the track was Alexia in her racing outfit, with a girl riding with her, holding her closely by the waist. Taking off their helmets, Haruka began to examine them closely. "Well, it's about time" Haruka said, placing her helmet in her hands, "So this is what took you so long. Who is this, by the way?"
"This is my best friend, Nia. Nia, meet Haruka, the person hosting me for the remainder of the semester."
"How do you do?" Nia said, holding her hand out. Haruka took her hand and shook it, smirking at her. "My, such a pretty face. How ever did you meet up with Alex here?"
Nia used her hand to shield her girlish giggles. "Well, she's a character. And besides, we've been through thick and thin." Getting off the bike, Nia turned to Alexia and wished her luck, then proceeded to the observation area. "So...are you ready to begin?" Haruka said, turning up the revs on her bike. Alexia smirked and began to unravel her long braid, letting her light green hair sway in the open hair. Placing her helmet on the grass nearby, she took a pair of goggles from the storage department of her bike, carefully placed them over her eyes with special care. "You're not going to wear a helmet? This is, as a matter of fact, a race. Wouldn't want you to scratch that pretty face of yours or worse."
She smirked at the older woman, and revved up her bike. "Heh, death is always one step behind us all. I'll just have to be careful as to how I race, non? Are we going to sit around here and talk, or are we going to race?" she smirked.
From above, Usagi and the others watched the two exchange words. "Wow, who's that like cute guy down there talking to Haruka" Minako said with love sick eyes.
"Yeah, he's like totally cute." Makoto added. Nia sat down near them, watching from above. "Hey, aren't you like that girl who was riding with that guy?"
Nia giggled at their misjudgment, but decided to play on their ignorance. "Well, yes I am." she giggled from behind her hand.
"Hey, are you two an item?" Usagi asked. Nia giggled even more. "No, we're only friends, that's all. Why ever do you ask?"
"Oh"
" just wondering"
"Yeah, just had to ask"
Ami giggled at them and continued to type in a few key commands to calculate the track and 'Alex's' chances of winning. The odds were against her taking into account the track and Haruka's experience, but then again, she had never collected any data on Alex's racing techniques. Michiru listened to their conversation while watching Haruka and 'Alex' rev up their engines at the starting line. The lighting for the track was on, thanks to a few friends Haruka had working this particular track, and they even had a flag person to let them know when their final lap was approaching. *Come on, Tenou-san* she thought, observing their concentration carefully.
The lights glowed the usually color of red, yellow...then green, and like a shotgun, the two motorcycles made a mad dash forward. Each fought for a position ahead of one another, but non yielded. As the entered the first curve on the track, Alexia managed to win the position just five feet ahead of Haruka. Looking over her shoulder to see where Haruka had drifted, she spotted her and gave her a taunting smirk, before changing to forth gear into the straight away. Haruka's brow creased as she kicked her motorcycle into forth, then fifth gear. *I'll show you, kid* she yelled angrily in her mind. The second and third curves were nearly ahead, when Haruka passed Alex with authority. One and one this game of tag, which Haruka leading for the most part, went on until the last lap was up.
From the observation area, the girls cheered on. They couldn't believe how close the two were.
"Wow" Usagi said, eating a donut, "That Alex is pretty good. Racing against Haruka like that, I thought he would have been left in the dust on the first lap."
"Well, "Ami said, looking at the statistics, "It seems that, although Alex remains about 10 feet behind Haruka, he seems to make slow advancements in closing the distance around every turn. My calculations show that the distance between the two of them will be about a foot when the race is finished. I think that Alex may actually win this race."
"I don't care who wins" Minako chimed, "as long as I get to meet Alex after the race."
"You know, he kinda reminds me of my old boyfriend Andrew" Makoto sighed to herself.
Rei may have saw the race, but her eyes were watching something more ethereal to reality. She could see something distant...as if from the future when she focus her attention on Alex. A feeling of evil was present and followed Alex closely. *I have a bad feeling about this* she thought watched the race.
A little lower on the observation stands Michiru, too, began to have a strange feeling about Alex as well, but somehow it was different. It felt a bit...warming. In a sort of admiration and kinda prideful manner, she watched the Alex. Mentally, she still cheered for Haruka, but...like she had in the past. This time, a small voice in the depths of her mind, cheered for Alex. Strange indeed.
Haruka had to give the girl credit, she was good and even proved to be a challenge. Too bad she was going to lose...or so she thought. Into the first turn Haruka went, not expecting to hear the roar of Alex's engine for another 30 seconds, but such was not the case. As soon as she entered the turn, she could hear an engine roar close behind her, not even downshifting gears to compensate for the centripetal force of the curve. *What the hell is she doing* she worried. A few seconds later, Alex passed her as if she were standing still. *She was playing with me all this time* she yelled angrily, speeding up in hopes to catch her. Her efforts were futile as Alex turned into the second and third curves without even decelerating. When she entered the turn, Haruka noted that the bike began to sway. Luckily Alex gained control without spinning out of control. Then, it was all over with. Alex had crossed the finish line 25 seconds before Haruka did. Parking her bike on the sideline, Alex stood with her arms cross, smirking as Haruka finished. She quickly parked her bike and strolled over to Alexia, taking off her helmet and looking really angry. "What the hell were you thinking?!?!" she yelled, "You could have been killed taking a curve at full throttle!!!"
"What's the matter? Mad cause you lost to an 'ameteur'?" Alexia smile at her then changed her expression quickly seeing how Haruka was not in the least bit amused by her act. "Sorry...that's how I usually race. My father didn't like the way I raced as well, but I've been doing this for so long, I usually don't think about the dangers involved." Haruka could do nothing, but shake her head in frustration. Never before had she seen such aggressive skills and yet she had to admire the girl for the guts she showed. Shortly, the others met them at the finish line. Usagi, Minako and Makoto rushed over to Alex.
"Hi, Alex. Great racing, you have such guts. Oh, where are my manners, I'm Usagi-"
"And I'm Minako, how do you d-"
"I'm Makoto. Did anyone ever tell you that you have the most exotic eyes?"
Alex sighed and rubbed the back of her head, wondering what had gotten into these girls. Michiru took Haruka by the arm to catch her attention. "Haruka...what's the matter? Are you upset that you lost for the first time in ages?"
"No Michi-chan. It's just...she almost got herself killed!" she sighed, letting her anger simmer down. "She's good...and she played with me like a cat does a mouse, then took the victory. I have to hand it to her, she's as good as she says she is. And she takes stupid risks. I'd hate to see her hurt herself over something as stupid as racing."
Michiru sighed and smiled at the activity suddenly developing around their exchange student. "Are you actually concerned about her? Could my darling Haruka actually be concerned about out exchange studen?" Haruka gave her an akward look which caused her to giggle even more before gathering her composure. "Don't fret it non Haru-kun. She's probably raced like that for a while...and it could be luck. From the look of things, it seems she's developed a few fans." she giggled, pointing to Alexia. It seemed that almost all the inners were crowding Alex, barely giving her breathing room. Haruka smirked as well, remembering the first time she met Usagi and Minako and how they followed her. "Well, should we break the news to them?" Michiru offered.
"Nah...they'll figure it out sooner or later."
Alex was barely able to beat the trio off. *Geez, what the heck have they been drink...NIA!* she realized looking at the smirk on her best friend's face. She tried to back away, but they seemed to follow her every step. "Ehehe, uhm...hey look at the time. It's all nice and everything, but I have to get to studying. I guess I'll see ya around...NIA! Let's Go!!" She was finally able to rush away from the mad trio and get her helmet, before peeling off to go on about her ways. Michiru and Haruka chuckled in humor, knowing Alex's secret. "So young and impressionable" Michiru noted, placing her helmet on.
"Well, girls. It's getting late, so I suggest you hurry and get home before your parents worry sick over you. Oh, and that was Alex, our exchange student. Alex will be here until the end of the semester. Well, we have to run. See ya around, kiddies"
The duo didn't exactly go home, per say. Instead decided to go out to eat before going in for the night. Since it was the weekend, they could always sleep in late...for the most part. They expected that Alexia...or Alex as the inners called her, would be resting for the night.
Though Haruka wouldn't admit it, she was beginning to like their exchange student, despite her quiet arrogance and big ego. As she discussed the race with Michiru, she could see a change in her perspective towards the girl, maybe even a bit of admiration, despite her daring racing methods. For the first part of dinner, Haruka kept going on and on about Alexia and the race. "If I didn't know any better" Michiru said, taking a sip of her tea, "I would say you admired the girl...almost like her in a friendly manner."
"No way, Michi-chan...she's so...she's aggressive, hard headed and flirtateious."
"Hmmm, sounds like someone I know" she said, placing her tea down on the coaster. "And what's this about her being flirtateous? Do you think she's been flirting with you?"
"Well...I think she made a pass at me about an hour before the race." Haruka said, taking Michiru by the hands, "Why...are you jealous, Michi-chan?"
"Someone actually having the nerve to flirt with you...did you flirt back at her?"
"Well, no"
Michiru crossed her arms and cocked a brow at her.
"Well...actually she walked away before I could recover from the shock of it all. And besides, why would I flirt with her when I have the best thing that ever came into my life her in front of me?" Michiru blushed as Haruka took her hand once again and began to caress it against her cheek. They stayed out for quite some time and didn't think to venture back to their dwelling until the hour of 12 midnight. "Haru-kun it's getting late, maybe we should head back."
"Anything you say, Michi-chan" she said, taking her by the hand. Soon they arrived at their apartment, greeted only by the light of the porch. Opening the door to their apartment and ascending the stairs, Haruka kissed Michiru goodnight before hitting the showers. The smell of fall air, exhaust fumes and dust clung to her like fine perfume and she so eagerly sought to rid herself of the odor. Michiru, on the other hand, decided relax her mind with a little painting, possibly listening to her favorite violin pieces. Opening the door to the art studio, she was greeted by the sight of Alexia in the darkness of the room.
She sat in the art studio of Michiru and Haruka's apartment in deep thought. The painting she was supposed to finish sat idly on the easel. She didn't even sit upon stool on which she should have stared into the vast hue of coloration spread across the canvas. No, she didn't do this...instead she was firmly planted on the windowsill, watching the lights of the city. *It's so...Beautiful* she thought with one leg folded up to her chest. Resting on her folded leg was a spiral notebook and in her left hand was a slightly sharpened pencil laying between her delicate fingers. Her mind wandered through the events of reality, wanting to find some release or escape from this time, this place...this world. Taking the pencil, she began to add writing to the blank pages of her notebook.
Michiru stood quietly in the doorway of the studio with her arms cross. She was having her suspicions about Alexia just as Haruka, but her feelings towards her were somehow different. She didn't feel uncomfortable around her, but instead she felt a sense of...motherly love towards her. Strange indeed, but somehow it felt comforting. Michiru thought over the past few weeks of Alexia's arrival. Her musical skills were very professional, more like hers but unique in a way. Her artwork was splendid, even if her technique was a bit unorthodox. It still had its charisma in its constitution. But in everything she did, there seemed to be a sense of sadness and sorrow. Maybe it was the distance from home or the uncomfortable feeling in the atmosphere from time to time.
"Where did you learn how to paint in such a manner?" she asked, walking further into the studio to observe the idol painting.
Alexia stopped her fingers in their writing and looked to Michiru in slight shock. "My mother taught me to paint and play instruments when I was very young." she responded, shifting her seating slightly, "I guess in my artworks, I just started making up different ways to get an unusual effect."
"It's beautiful."
"Arigato...Kaioh-san"
"Please, call me Michiru."
"Arigato...Michiru"
"Do you enjoy painting?" Michiru posed. Alexia suddenly got really quiet when the words escaped from her lips. *good going, Kaioh-chan* she thought, fearing that she scared the poor girl even further.
"Why do you ask?" she finally asked, not looking towards Michiru. Suddenly the mood in the art parlor of the apartment went cold. "It just seems that the painting has sadness in it...and a bit of nonchalance in the paint strokes. I was just wondering," she said, fighting back the sudden tense feeling which came over her.
Alexia sighed a bit. "To tell you the truth...Michiru, I do enjoy it...but I'd rather compose music and write poetry." she said, looking back out to the city.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"...sure why not..."
Michiru pulled up a chair from near the piano and sat next to her. Alexia took in another deep breath, still keeping her eyes upon the city lights. "I love to write poetry. It's like an art form for me. I can shape and form a painting with words instead of with pigments and colorations. As far as playing an instruments are concerned, I didn't want to really play instrument. I really enjoy composing music. The manner in which the strings, the brass instruments...the woodwinds blend together in a harmony which can soothe the heart and soul, or it can change the thought process of the mind. And putting my poetry to music is something of a joy to me. Heh. That's what I enjoy most about music...playing instruments isn't something that's the joy of my life, unlike my mom. She truly enjoys music...and painting."
"What about your dad."
"*sigh*....my father. It's usually something about racing with my father. There were times when we enjoyed being together: racing, fixing things, looking out upon the city and sometimes going out to the music halls to hear the orchestra play classical pieces, but then that changed...when..."
"When what?"
A lone tear fell from her right eye and rested upon her cheek. Michiru could see the hurt and pain in her eyes, even if they were turned towards the city. "I'm....I'm sorry..." she said, giving the girl a comforting hug. It took a few moments for Michiru's actions to register, but slowly Alexia accepted and responded by embracing her. ".......Arigato..." she whispered as Michiru hugged her even closer to her heart. Michiru sighed softly, then finally broke the silence. "Hey...maybe one day soon we'll take you to the concerto that's in town. I'm sure you'd enjoy that wouldn't you?"
Alexia wiped away the few tears that rolled down her cheek and pulled away from the embrace. Her emerald eyes gave off a sparkle of slight joy "...yeah. I would enjoy that a lot. Hopefully, those girls won't be there."
Michiru giggled in humor thinking back to the tracks. "Are you going to tell them that you're a girl? You friend DID tell them that you're a guy." Alexia sighed. "I know, it's so cruel she did that...but I think I'll let them find out on their own. It might give me a form of entertainment for a little while. Who are they anyways?"
"Oh, just a few associates of ours that seem to want to hang out with us. They're not all that bad, just maybe a bit immature and obnoxious at times, but they're good people. Maybe you should try to get to know them after you tell them you're a girl. You don't seem to hang out with many people your age."
"I know I don't. I just don't want to get attached and then suddenly leave behind friends. It's always heart aching to do so. Nia, for the most part, usually travels to about the same places as I do...I guess that's why we're so close, despite her tricks." Michiru giggled a bit then looked at the clock to her right, then back to Alexia. "It's getting late, you should get some sleep. Wouldn't want you health to start going downhill because of lack of sleep."
Alexia smiled slightly, looking back to the city lights. "You know, you sound like my mother." She said, getting up from the windowsill and stretching her muscles a bit before turning towards the door. "Really? Michiru said with surprise in her tone. "What was you mother like, Kainou-san?"
Alexia turned to Michiru and gave her a peaceful smile. "She was...and still is the greatest woman in the world. She was the best mother anyone could have...and the wisest person I have ever met." Michiru sighed contently, then felt a warm hand upon her shoulder. "Michiru...you should get some rest as well, you're only human you know, and getting sick isn't something that's in your best interest." She took her hand away from Michiru's shoulder and walked towards the door. "Arigato, Michiru for listening." she said before disappearing through the door.
"Anytime, Alexia-san....anytime." she whispered, looking at the city lights.