2 years ago

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming this weekend, Michi-chan, why should I run all the way over there?" Haruka laughed as she walked around, phone stuck to her ear like it had been for the past two hours.

"Really Ruka, really!"

"I believe you, I do! But why do I need to run?"

"Then take the bus Ruka, or the subway? Or drive your new motorcycle, I want to see it in life, not pictures."

"I'm bringing it this weekend, I promise Michi. Now I have to go, Ashino's coming over so we can get my new piano into the apartment."

"Ruka…Be careful. Something's been off with Ashino."

"Really? I'll be careful Michi. Promise!"

"Okay. Forever, Ruka?" Haruka grinned as she closed her eyes and leaned her back against the wall.

"Forever and a lifetime, Michi." She breathed back, smiling as she heard Michiru's sigh of relief. It was always a relief to hear the words, like a pale of water to remind you that this was real.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow. And you better come this weekend Ruka, or else!" Haruka gave noises of approval as she listened to Michiru finally get off the phone and cut the line. Haruka chuckled as she put the phone back in its cradle and stretched her sore muscle.

A knock on the door made her groan. "Ashino, come on in." Ashino grinned and laughed as he came in, holding up a plastic bag of take-out.

"Ran into our dinner on the way up. Hey man, what's your problem?" Ashino asked casually as he entered and moved to the couch, placing the food on the coffee table.

"Talked to Michiru again."

"Weren't you talking to her this morning?" Ashino felt the jealousy return, hampering it down as he place the Styrofoam containers on the table. Haruka groaned again as she sat next to him, stretching her legs under the table.

"Yeah. She just wanted to tell me all that was happening since this morning. We can get the piano in a bit, after dinner." She said as she tore open all four lids, smiling as her eyes took in the fresh meal before her. She licked her lips.

"Hey man, they're not all for you." Ashino backhanded her arm as she reached for the meat platter. Haruka growled and glared as she snatched the Styrofoam from him and jumped away. Ashino sighed.

They ate in silence, broken only by a 'pass me the chicken' or something like it. Ashino looked to the happy Haruka, feeling hate choke his throat.

"So, does Michiru have a boyfriend?" Haruka choked on the rice she'd just swallowed.

"No! I mean," Haruka looked down, "I mean I don't think so. Why?" Ashino grinned widely.

"Beautiful woman like her? Maybe I do stand a chance." Haruka glared at him, slowly setting her container on the table.

"Ashino, you will not be asking Michiru out. Ever." Ashino glared and stood, looking up as Haruka stood as well.

"Why not? You haven't done anything. And that's cause you know she wants a real man, not whatever you can pull out of that drawer of yours!" He grabbed his crotch and gave a small thrust. Haruka growled and grabbed his shirt, fisting her hands close to his throat.

"No! Because she's too precious!"

"Precious! Damn straight about that, which means she needs someone to take care of her! And you certainly don't fit any kind of description for that. Not really."

His chest contracted as his back hit the wall and Haruka growled in his face. "Back off, Ashino!"

"No! You've always wanted to be a guy Tenou. Always! But guess what, your not, not a real one anyway!" Haruka shook but pried her hands away and let him fall to the ground.

"Out, Ashino. And if I ever see you near here, or around Michiru, I will gladly beat you at what you could never do, Ashino." Ashino glared at her as she stood aside to let him to the door.

"Bitch!" Was his parting word as he left, slamming the door behind him. Haruka glared at the door as she ran a hand through her hair, picking up the phone to call Michiru again.