RACING AGAINST THE WIND

CHAPTER 4

Chase threw herself onto a bench and couldn't go any further. Looking around she realized she was lost. She sat there and put her head in her hands; her hair fell forward and was still damp. She remembered the shower, the way Haruka had looked with the water down her back.

That image filled her up until she threatened to break. It was followed by the memory of the kiss goodnight. Chase still couldn't breathe, but it was for a different reason now.

Standing up she found a telephone booth complete with phonebook. She picked it up and looked up Haruka's name and number. A moment later, Chase was dialling it. The other line rang and finally an answering machine clicked on. Chase sighed, of course, it was late and Haruka was probably asleep.

A moment later the machine clicked off, "Hello?"

Chase was speechless for a second, "Hi, it's-"

"Chase? Are you alright? You sound upset."

"I need to see you, now, tonight."

Haruka was quiet for an instant, "Where are you?"

"I have no idea, I just took off." She looked around, "I'm near a park with a statue of people hugging."

"I know where you are. Stay right there, I'm coming."

Chase sat down on the edge of the fountain and had to crack her knuckles. Her mind was spinning; her heart was racing inside her chest. She knew running from her problems wouldn't fix it, but at least she wasn't taking the pills anymore. She had won that battle, at least for tonight.

"Chase, are you okay?" Haruka's voice reached through her thoughts.

Chase looked up and threw herself into the other woman's arms. "Yes, I'm fine. I just panicked."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now."

Haruka stared at her; whatever she saw kept her from questioning. "Let's get out of here."

Haruka was warm as Chase held her close. The bike was roaring down the empty streets of Tokyo. Chase felt her problems and fears being lifted away as the wind whipped over her body.

They came to a stop and Haruka pulled off her helmet. Chase blinked and realized they were parked on a bluff overlooking the water. It was stunning; with the full moon glistening against the gently rippling water. The stars sparkled like diamond chips in the dark sky.

"It's stunning." Chase muttered.

"It's a good place for thinking." Haruka said gently.

Chase rested her chin on the leather encased shoulder, "Did I wake you?"

"No, I was reading."

"Oh,"

They sat quietly.

Haruka turned suddenly and Chase lifted her chin; they're eyes met. "Chase, it's late, you should probably stay with me."

Chase smiled, "I like that idea."

Haruka guided the bike back into town and Chase was relaxed.

Once the door was closed, Chase realized she was standing in Haruka's living room. Chase stood holding her bag; not sure what to do next. She turned and realized Haruka was staring at her. Her dark green eyes were unreadable.

"So, I should take the couch," Chase said and looked toward the piece of furniture. It looked comfortable.

"No need."

Chase looked up and suddenly Haruka was kissing her. Chase dropped the bag and wrapped her arms around the other woman. Haruka's leather coat was so soft as she pressed her hands into it. It was only then that Chase realised Haruka was naked beneath it.

They parted for a moment; to catch their breath. Chase muttered, "I did wake you."

Haruka cupped her face and kissed along her jaw, "In more than one way."