Homecoming

by harukaze

A 5-shot following canon, but is also AU, post-Stars. Haruka runs. She's pretty good at it. H&M

4. Family

Chapter 4: Family

I awake to small, but violent shakes, goose bumps riding on skin as my fingertips graze over a cool arm. A sweet giggle reaches my ears and right after, a chattering of teeth.

I open sleep heavy eyes and meet sparkling sapphires, the wide grin on the small, cute face eliciting a smile from mine.

"Morning Haruka," the small tomboy whispers loudly, before the cold brings her mouth to quiver once more.

I chuckle, careful not to wake her mother's still sleeping figure snuggled tightly on my left side and her head comfortably nestled on my neck.

"It's cold."

I laugh at Haru's obvious statement, the inadvertent rumbling my chest makes stirring the violinist minimally.

"Shh," I whisper back, my hand patting down disheveled, short wild aqua locks. "You're gonna wake mama."

"Mama's awake," Michiru states sleepily her head delving deeper in my neck and some loose curls tickling my cheeks. Her eyes, however, remain shut as her child and I look at her warily.

"Mama," Haru calls, her voice still in an incessant loud whisper.

A grumble escapes from my partner causing me to chuckle.

"Mama, it snowed!"

Michiru's arm around me tightens, soft lips grazing my neck as she whispers, "I figured it would."

I raise the blanket over an exposed shoulder, loving how long smooth legs curl further with my own beneath the covers.

"I left my slippers outside—the soft Totoro ones. The snow's all over it now. I don't think I can walk in them for a while...and I really need to pee."

Sleep induced laughter escapes from her and finally we're both graced with the opening of warm sapphires, accompanied by a small yawn and eye rub.

"Have you asked for Haruka to carry you back?" she asks with a smile, eyes twinkling as she looks over the two of us.

Haru and I shake our heads in unison.

"You were sleeping so well and if I took Haruka, it'd definitely wake you up."

She nods in agreement, embracing me deeper. "She's definitely our source of warmth right now."

Her daughter follows in tandem and hugs my right side tightly as well. "Like a skinny teddy bear."

"Oi!"

They laugh at my harassed tone as I poke my partner in the side with my free hand. She jerks, narrowing her eyes at me, but the playful smile on her wakening visage betrays the upcoming reprimand.

"Speaking of having to be carried, I remember vividly that you didn't even bring your slippers Michiru. At least Haru tried."

"Mou," my partner sounds with a pout attached. My heart melts just a little bit more.

I laugh, sitting up and taking both of them with me by doing so.

"Alright," I concede and point at Michiru. "You! Piggy back. And you." I turn over to Haru and pinch cool cheeks. "Piggy front. Let's go."

They giggle from my enthusiasm, scrambling in place while I unzip the tent's flappy door and a shiver involuntarily creeps up my back.

The outside world is pure, blanketed in sheer blindingly white, undisturbed snow. The trees surrounding the perimeter of the backyard are hunched more than usual, the extra weight pulling the branches closer to the earth. But instead of it looking like a forlorn picture, it feels as if the trees almost happily give way to the sudden weight.

The house is also a pristine picture of perfection, the four inches of risen snow from the rooftops painting the whole structure in holiday colors. Three or so weeks back, Michiru and I trudged through her attic and wrestled boxes upon boxes of Christmas ornaments. It took three days of hard labor and my partner's clear instructions to put them all over the house, externally as well as internally. It appears the back breaking labor was worth it, for this perfect picture scene before me spelled home more than any hotel or rented villas I've ever entered-whether or not it had its own decorations isn't a factor.

Haru pulls my shirt, my sightseeing making her impatient. Squatting, I carry her baby/bridal style as her mother climbs her way on my back and clamps her leg at my waist, arms secure around my neck.

A grunt escapes out of me as I hunch out of the tent, almost missing slipping my own slippers on (which totally doesn't help because the snow's too deep), and beeline it to the sliding door.

The bundled flakes sting at my toes causing inward and outward yelps. Sweet laughter reaches my ears from both mother and daughter though which makes the experience worthwhile.

Haru's the one to pull the door, giving me a quick grateful hug before jumping off my arms and sprinting to the nearest bathroom.

As the bathroom door slams, another chuckle rises from us and I feel warm arms tighten around my neck. I turn my head to sparkling sapphires, my expression mirroring hers of mirth and contentment.

"Our hero," she says softly with laughter in her voice making me sigh jokingly.

Smooth legs unravel from my waist, her arms following suit until her feet reaches the floor, but once again she holds me, her hands clasping this time at the base of my stomach. She leans into my back and I hear her breathe in deeply, feel that loving smile widen on her face.

"Yesterday wasn't a dream right?" she asks in a near whisper, and I shake my head vehemently before my mouth can even answer, fingers twining with hers.

I turn fully, grazing my fingertips on warming cheeks and I shake my head again, slower this time, deliberate.

"It wasn't," I say clearly, locking with her eyes. "I'm sorry I took so long..."

I trail off as she shakes her head as well. "I had a feeling it would take a little time so I gave it."

"Good thing you're so perceptive then," I reply back just as cheekily.

She laughs, standing on her tippytoes to give me a chaste kiss. I groan at the quickness of it, but then the padding of feet reach my ears and I understand just a bit more. I see the twinkle of mirth in my partner's eyes as our limbs untangle from one another and Haru comes running around the corner at full speed.

"Haruka! Let's build snowmen!"

I laugh as she jumps up to me and I swing her until her tiny arms are grasping my neck and thin legs rest on my waist.

"Shouldn't we help mama with breakfast?" I ask, all three of us making our way upstairs.

"No..." she trails off and bonks my head as soon as one foot reaches the first step. "Outside is that way," she says, pointing to the frosted window facing the front yard.

"Yes, well we need to brush our teeth and freshen up first, and then we can ask your mama if we can play and then we can build snowmen," I retort.

She huffs, seeing the logic in my words.

"Mama, can we play outside?"

She nods easily. "Hotaru-chan and I are going to go Christmas shopping this entire week. We have to get something for your many aunts and one uncle so it'll keep us busy."

"Haruka's here to keep me busy," she says back with a wave of dismissal.

"Does Haruka get a say?" I ask receiving two shakes of heads. I jab at their sides earning me simultaneous slaps at my arms. "This abuse...I'll have to get used to it."

Their laughter rings in my ears.

O-O

The smell of a Western breakfast frying in the stove floats through the crack of the window, my stomach rumbling in tandem to the delicious smell. I'm rolling a snowball half my height, Haru on the other end of the now ravaged lawn rolling her own ball.

"Do you think we'll need to grab more snow from the backyard?" she asks causing me to chuckle.

I take a second look at the spacious yard and shake my head. "Something tells me we'll be alright."

I give the ball one last lurch before stopping it in place, Haru rolling hers with a bit of difficulty until she's next to me as well.

"Wanna build Totoro snowmen?"

Her eyes light, bright and wide as if Christmas came early at my question and I just laugh at the childish wonder and excitement etched all over her visage. We get to work quickly after that.

As I carry the smaller ball on top of the bigger, stationary one, she digs through the ice and snow for twigs, leaves, and rocks for the details. We work quietly, our gloved hands impeding and quickening the process until several minutes pass, a hill of miscellaneous stuff is piled next to the snowman and both of us are just patting the sides with more snow from all around us to create an egg like shape for the body.

"What're you giving Michiru for Christmas?"

Haru looks up at my kneeling form in the middle of her task, her expression becoming serious momentarily.

"I dunno," she shrugs casually after a brief second. "I usually shop with nee-chan or Suna ba-san."

"What about giving her something you can't buy?"

Sapphires roll cutely at me before she goes back to the snowman. "I'm not Tsuabasa..."

I laugh while gathering more snow with a gloved hand. "Course I know you're not Tsuabsa silly. I was moreover thinking something like...playing one song on the piano."

She doesn't blanch at the idea like I thought she would. Instead, her eyes become seriously appraising at the ball of snow in front of her.

"Is one week enough time?"

"Yep. I won't teach you proper hand techniques or anything like that. Just...we'll play solely on you memorizing the notes after teaching you where they are. One week should be enough. It's all dependent on how well you memorize and assimilate the information."

"And how am I supposed to study with mama at the house?"

"We'll play elsewhere. The pretense: making up with Setsuna and you tagging along."

"For the whole week?"

"I'll talk to Setsuna about it and she can give the excuse that she's hard headed and I am too. It should be believable...seeing as we both are hard headed."

A small smirk graces a small face. "Kay."

I'm taken aback at how simple she accepts it. "Really?"

She nods. "Of course there's a condition."

I sigh outwardly and frown. "Then don't say yes so easily."

She grins, but doesn't miss a beat. "Why'd you keep playing the piano?"

The easy question startles me and I can't recover fast enough to hide the small amount of pain visible through my expression.

"You caught that huh?"

My hands automatically pat down the snowball before me, my actions mechanical and inadvertent. It gets quiet for a moment until I hear her scuffle closer to me, cool hands encompassing my just as cold cheeks wordlessly. Brilliant sapphires look back at me, her smiling face from before replaced by a worried one.

"You like to hide how you feel," she says softly, a frown flittering across her soft visage. Her words make my eyes widen in surprise. She only smiles infinitesimally. "And it would work if I wasn't looking at you all the time. But I do. I guess mama and I are the same in that way...because she's really perceptive about you feel too. To the world, you're hiding your feelings. To us, you're wearing it on your sleeves. But...that's just what's being in a family is all about, isn't it?"

I can feel my eyes widening, silence surrounding us to the point where the little sounds, like a car honking in the distance or the heavy snow finally giving a tired branch reprieve reaches my ears, but doesn't assimilate in my head. All I can see is this little girl before me, her small smile fluttering unapologetically because she knows she's said something that's shattered my mind and her patience, something I know she gets from her mother, shows by how she just holds my widened stare and waits until we're both in the same page, cool hands still holding my face in place.

I close my eyes, my heart feeling like it's bursting into pieces. And again I wonder just how my pitiful existence could have merited such a wonderful child and mother to me.

"How am I so lucky?"

Her sapphires turn confused for a moment by my sudden words, but I shake her unstated question off, smiling wider and pulling her up with me until we're, once again, at the same height. I rest my forehead with hers, a baby lotion smell flittering in my nose as we share the same fogged breaths.

"I completely adore you Haru-chan," I say softly and her smile widening is all I needed as an answer even though I figure she'd say more.

She pats my cheeks. "You're cool too Haruka."

Her words make me laugh, her laughter coming in tandem with mine shortly. And before I can say more, because my head is urging me to tell her just why I still played the piano, I hear a sudden—

Click.

The sound surprises me, Haru's amused laughter ringing even louder in my ears and my peripherals catching a flash. Turning around, I see Michiru at the threshold of the front door, a black camera in hand and a warm smile gracing a beautiful face.

"Couldn't let such a perfect picture pass me by," she says with a smile, making mine widen.

"Mama! Come outside and help us make Totoro!" Haru cries enthusiastically, her finger pointing over our unfinished snowman.

She turns around and deposits the camera on a nearby table without disappearing from our sight, turning back around to us with a sudden mischievous look on her face.

"The thought of Haruka getting a face full of snow is really the only incentive I'd need to go out there," she says rather impishly and with a smirk that raises one of my own.

"Well that action requires you to actually come out of that house…which I can guarantee will prove dangerous for your well-being," I retort easily.

My partner steps through the threshold of the house, her eyes glinting at the outspoken challenge.

"Oooohhhhh…" Haru sounds out as I put her back down to the ground and sweep some snow in my hands in the process.

But then the soldier of the sea runs back in the house again, pink tongue sticking out and sweet laughter trailing her disappearing form even before the snow in my hands can be compacted into anything throwable.

"In your dreams Tenoh!" she calls out. "Breakfast is ready by the way!"

I eye her daughter who's smirking at me, already deciding that I've lost the battle that hasn't even started.

"You're mama's a scaredy-cat."

Haru only shakes her head. "Nah, she knows which battles to fight. That makes her smart."

I laugh at the little girl's words and gather her up again, taking her with me back inside and leaving the half-finished snowman behind.

O-O-O-O-O

The door before me opens, garnet orbs eyeing me back beyond the barrier.

"Hi, Tsuna ba-san!" Haru calls from next to me and drags me in with her, hugging the tall woman before making her way fully into the condo and leaving the time soldier and me at the entranceway.

"Hey…Tsuna ba-san," I greet sheepishly causing those same eyes to roll. A big part of me is relieved though when I see an exasperated smile follow.

"To what do I owe this surprise visit?"

"A favor…possibly." A sculpted eyebrow rises in askance at my almost question. "And a talk…definitely."

She makes her way into her house, not needing to signal me to follow. As we make our way to her living area, Haru's already at an upright piano at the side and touching the keys gently with her fingers.

I sit on one of the sofas while Setsuna deviates to the kitchen, the sound of the stove turning on reaching my ears.

"Do you still take your coffee black with two cubes of sugar?"

Her question makes me smirk, but I nod regardless of her seeing me do so or not.

"Yeah."

It's quiet for a few minutes save for a tinkling of random piano keys and the activity in her kitchen and it gives me enough time to look at her small condominium.

The place is impeccably clean, chic due to her possible internal decorating days (whether she ever said it was a hobby or a profession, I've never really asked), but mostly it was small and homey.

The living room is lowered, a single sofa facing a coffee table, a small TV beyond that and the upright piano to the left of the screen. Behind me is a small dining area, enough to fit only four people and to the right of that the kitchen. A closed door in the living area leads me to assume the room beyond is a bedroom and possibly the only bathroom in the household.

In the middle of my observations, Setsuna places a mug of coffee before me on the table and another at the edge nearest Haru, the sofa lowering to my left side as she settles in. She curls her legs under her and takes a sip of what I smell to be jasmine tea, her garnets eyeing her niece momentarily in askance.

"Has Haruka sparkled your interest in the piano Haru?" she asks in between sips.

I grab my own mug and with a grateful nod, take a sip of its familiar bitter semi-sweet contents as well.

"Kinda," Haru answers casually, places the lid back over the keys and takes her milk tea over to the piano stool to drink.

The time soldier faces me once more, her look shifting to curiosity.

"I'm gonna teach her Wind for Michiru for Christmas."

Her lips curl into a smile—wistful, nostalgic.

"She'll be happy about that."

I nod, my gaze drifting to other parts of her home as my mind pulls me back from day one of my stay at the Kaioh household. "In my one month stay there I haven't seen her pick up the violin," I start softly, my eyes drifting to the right of Haru and onto the black piano. "It's just sitting there in the second living room, accompanied by the piano and other instruments, looking like some sort of…collection."

"MIchiru doesn't play often anymore," the time soldier says, adding to my trepidation. "Maybe it's her way from abstaining a desire she feels is best left untouched."

"How often does she play?"

She shrugs, her attention to the wisps of smoke emitting from her beverage. "Probably only when a muse hits her so hard that she can't resist writing it down. But as I said, for her to pick up the violin and actually play it…it's quite rare these days."

I sight outwardly, my attention now averted to the creamy walls.

"Even before high school…regardless of the stuff all of us had to do, she always made time," she continues. "But that was then…"

The way her voice seems defeated irks me. "Time doesn't change your life's passion," I grunted, my grip on the mug becoming tighter without thought.

"But it does cause deviation."

"Yeah, but that shouldn't make you stop completely. It feels like she's…given up."

"She hasn't. Just…her priorities have changed."

Our stares shift from whatever we were looking at to the subject of our conversation's daughter simultaneously. The little girl answers us with an uneasy look.

"I want to do something for her," I say softly, and lock eyes with sapphires that remind me so much of Michiru. "But it requires everyone's help. She won't say yes unless she's sure it won't backfire to something she'll regret."

"What do you need me to do?"

My attention shifts now to garnets eyeing me in askance.

"This is for Michiru…"

She smirks, eyes rolling. "I know that Haruka. What do you want me to do?"

"Move in with us."

Her eyes widen in surprise at my boldness and I have to look resolute because it would seem as if I'm just going into this without worry or thought. But I'm not. I've been thinking about this, ways to make Michiru happy—as happy as she can be given what I can do about it. She deserves it. Everyone should know…she deserves it the most.

"You're totally going into this without thinking."

I shake my head to refute, but Haru's excited, "Tsuna ba-san's moving in with us?" makes me chuckle outwardly.

Setsuna's hand palms the air in silence, making both of us stop although Haru plopping up and down on her seat in a giddy manner only slows.

She eyes me seriously. "What's going on in that blonde head of yours?"

I chuckle and lean back into my seat. "I want Michiru to resume the violin. For that to happen, we'll have to take out her biggest fears and concerns, the biggest being Haru's well-being. It'll take a lot of her time, possibly traveling, and Haru's at an age where she still needs constant attention and looking over. Michiru won't trust anyone, but the closest people to her to take care of Haru in the cases of long absences. I know I'm not enough. For the majority of her fears to be alleviated, it'll also take you and Hotaru."

I see my words go over Setsuna's mind in the midst of her sipping her tea and shifting her position in the sofa.

"Setsuna…this is me not running away." The sentence comes out too soft, and my attention drifts to the ground because humility, once more, makes it difficult for me to look at her with the same pride and dignity as before. "I'm sorry…about what I've done. I truly am. I feel like this is the best form of atonement for me.

"I know I'm not in any position to ask for favors, especially not from you and Hotaru. But really…you're the only ones I have. You girls are the only family I've ever had. You know this of me. I wouldn't be asking this if I could do it myself—

"Stupid Haruka, who told you, you can do it yourself?"

I note the brashness in Setsuna's voice, but also hear the softness laced within the almost endearment. She gets up and looks at me with a softening in her eyes I haven't seen for a long time. Putting the teacup down onto the coffee table, she raises her arms to me and smiles, and I feel my heart lighten so much it becomes almost unbearable. We hug, her arms coming around my shoulder to pat my back.

"Do you realize how long we've been waiting for you, you dummy?"

My forehead falls on a strong shoulder, my nods coming in repetition.

"Always acting like the world revolves around you."

I laugh and push her away with my head playfully. "That's enough…"

She ruffles my hair endearingly, stepping out of our hug and crossing her arms across her chest.

"Have you spoken to Hotaru about this?"

I shake my head. "I will before Christmas—within the next couple of days. Michiru can't know until it's all taken care of though."

She nods understandingly.

"I'll get in touch with the person who used to be her manager before she gave birth to Haru. They were in good terms and she's risen to becoming a producer last I heard."

I smile, glad that everything's folding smoothly. "One last thing though, it'll take a week to teach Haru the song. Can we use your piano?"

"Better yet, Michiru asked me and Hotaru for shopping sprees. We'll do our best to keep her out of the house for at least a few hours per time."

I snicker. "Shouldn't take a lot of persuasion."

She smiles deviously. "No, it should not."

O-O-O-O-O

"We're telling mama tomorrow right Haruka 'cuz I'm super bad at keeping secrets for too long."

I smirk at the cute pout of the little tomboy before me. "I'll have to remember that…"

"I'm serious!" she yells, her voice echoing down the stairwell.

I put a hand over small shoulders, the familiarity of the action over the last couple of months making me smile as we head our way down.

I nod to the question nonetheless. "Tomorrow."

She grins. "You think she'll like it?"

"She'll love your gift. As for mine, Hotaru's, and Setsuna's…" I trail in apprehension.

She looks up at me thoughtfully. "You think she won't like it?"

I shake my head, mulling over my words now and later for when a great argument is needed. "She'll be apprehensive because it requires leaving you for certain lengths of time. But…we're ready for her."

We stop at the foot of the staircase and I kneel down to the little girl's eye level, palms covering small shoulders and locking with clear sapphire eyes.

"The question that you should be really asking me…"

She groans loudly, her rolling sapphires causing me to trail off. A cross look mars through her soft features making me graze the tips of my fingers over her face in reflex.

She sighs, batting my hand away playfully. "Didn't we talk about this already?"

I nod and open my mouth to clarify only for her to stuff her palms over my lips.

"Haruka! It's okay! It'll be fine!"

I speak, but a muffled unintelligible version of what I say comes out instead. She giggles and I'm the one to roll my eyes this time. I encase both small hands in one hold and look at her seriously. She sighs again, but looks at me in a just as serious demeanor.

"You'll be saying these exact same words in about twelve hours," she says, getting ahead of me again word-wise. "Tsuna ba-san will be here. Hotaru nee-san will be here. You will be here. I will be fine."

She looks at me seriously, her words painting her features in exactly the right light.

I sigh and look down, conceding defeat.

"On to more important matters, does Wind sound good?" She grins rather proudly.

I match her look again, getting up and ushering her to the kitchen.

"Sounds perfect," I compliment, knowing the words aren't needed.

I've repeated it to the point where Haru would clog her ears and speak nonsensically for a minute sharp just to tune me out—she's a natural at playing the piano. Not only was she able to learn to read the notes quickly, she was able to assimilate proper hand techniques and use them to her advantage. These coupled with great hand-eye coordination and a steep learning curve made me almost wish she'd change her mind about at least learning it to her full capabilities; I want to see just how far she could go.

We step into the kitchen to find Hotaru leaning over the oven, peering at a boneless honey ham in scrutiny.

The smell of the house since I've woken has been magical. I've forgotten how holidays smelled like, becoming more accustomed to the generic aromas of hotel buffets for whatever occasion called for a large meal. The intertwining smell of a western holiday meal had me salivating even after a hearty breakfast and lunch and the only thing stopping me are three pairs of eyes, purple, garnet, and sapphires respectively, dagger staring me to not touch a thing while they slaved over a rich meal to be shared with a larger family I haven't spoken to or seen in ages.

"Michiru and Setsuna ran to the store to grab some last minute things," Hotaru states with her back still to us and her attention to the heated oven before her. "The dinner at Usagi-chan's will be in about five hours."

I nod while Haru and I sit on the island's stools, swiveling every now and then while watching her hard at work. She closes the door and turns to us, giving me her undivided attention as she eyes me in a bit of scrutiny. I must admit, her serious look still doesn't sit right with her angelic face.

My eyebrow goes up in question as she continues to eye me without any word. "…Yes?"

She chuckles a bit, leaning on the island after giving a cookie to Haru.

"Are you nervous?"

I sigh loudly as my mind veers into the other thing that's been making my mind jumbled all day, her question entailing that she's read me like an open book—just like everyone in this household.

"They'll be happy to see you again you know."

I nod, but I know I still look unsure.

"If Usagi-chan cries, know it's because she's happy."

I groan, palms and fingers rubbing across my face as heavy guilt eats at me relentlessly.

"It would be so much easier if everyone just hated me…" I mutter, my words releasing an easy chuckle from my surrogate daughter.

"Life's never easy Haruka-papa!" she says brightly and ruffles my hair.

The twinkle in her eyes makes my lips quirk and for Haru to chuckle in between bites of her cookie.

"Speaking of which, my stuff is already packed. Say the word and I'll move in."

This causes Haru to plop from her spot uncontrollably in excitement, cautions from both me and her sister coming in tandems. I hold her waist just to be sure she doesn't fall as I look back at Hotaru's easygoing expression.

"I still need to talk with Tomoe-san."

She nods, but also adds, "I've told him the reason, but I'm sure he'd like to hear it from you and Michiru."

I nod, adding it to my after holidays to-do list.

"And he's alright with it?"

"Yeah, he understands that it's my decision and it's not something that's going to change."

I smile, her warm words making my chest tighten. "I really appreciate this Hotaru." My voice again becomes soft, almost imperceptible as our eyes lock and all I see in her unfathomable purples is a love for me and this family that I can't understand. I probably never will, even if she sits down and tries to explain. But I'm glad that she's here. That she and Setsuna have not only listened but complied and understood and I know it's not just for Michiru, but for my cause as well. And the only words that I can supply are never ending streams of, "Thank you."

My firefly smiles widely, walking around the island and consuming me into a hug, holding my head in place with warm, strong arms. I wonder to myself when she got this strong, and curse inwardly again at something I've missed. I pull Haru to us and we stay in a comfortable hug, my little tomboy feeding us cookie crumbs while we wait for our housemates in comforting silence.

O-O-O-O-O

I should be used to anxiety eating my stomach like a plague by now, but once again I'm surprised by how little I've changed. A warm hand grips my cold one, causing my uneasy expression to land on beautiful soft features.

"It'll be okay Haruka," she says softly, just low enough for the two of us to hear as the door opens and a loud scream pierces my ear.

An uneasy smile lands on my face, but my stomach settles just a bit easier because of the warm hand still holding tightly on my own.

"Haru-chan you're so big now!"

I have a good view of the blonde idol even though Michiru and I are at the very end of the front doorstep, Hotaru, Setsuna, and Haru all in front of us and holding the holiday dinner the girls have been slaving over the whole day.

Haru gives her a wide dazzling smile and offers the Christmas cake she's holding. "Mama got it especially for me! It's a panda cake!"

Minako laughs, the action simple and genuine, nods, and takes the cake from the little tomboy, sneaking a peak into the box. Her bright blue eyes widen as she stares back at Haru who only grins expectantly.

"It's…adorable!" she squeals and hugs Haru as she juggles with the cake box in one hand. "Thank you Haru-chan. Everyone's waiting inside. You should open the box and show them. They'll love it."

"Kay!" and with that she successfully gets the little girl inside the warm house.

She smiles at all of us mischievously, her smile widening just a bit more as it falls on the unsure one I'm trying to mask. She hugs Hotaru and Setsuna, ushering them inside the house after until it's just me and Michiru at the doorway.

"Michiru-san, I think you should go in first," she says rather resolutely, earning a chuckle from my partner.

The violinist looks at me appraisingly, maybe judging to see if I'm ready for the onslaught I wasn't prepared for, and somehow deciding that I was, unlinking our hands after a brief, but comforting grip.

"See you inside," she says softly, giving me a last warm look before entering the humble abode as well.

My eyes land on mischievous blue ones.

"Am I in trouble?" I ask suddenly, the tightness in my throat making my voice sound croaky more than anything.

Minako bursts out laughing, but only shakes her head. She closes the door behind her until only a slit of light remains from its opening.

"Michiru-san wanted to surprise everyone," she whispers to me, as if relaying a huge secret. It somehow is.

I lean more forward to catch her excited hushed tone.

"Of course it'd be best if there's a kind of delivery to it so she told me about you attending, and I, being the genius that no one else will proclaim I am set up…that!"

I follow her index finger to the side of the porch where a huge brown nondescript box sat on top of a small red wagon. I look back at her still excited face with a look of confusion on my own.

"…What is it?"

She sighs dramatically, making me laugh and poke her suddenly creased forehead. She drags the wagon to us and opens its contents, the porch light enough for me to make out a lot of wrapping paper inside, designed in colorful zooming racecars, two ribbons, one much bigger and longer than the other, and tape. Lots and lots of tape. She opens the box and looks at me seriously.

"Get in."

My eyes widen at the order. "Are…you—

"Yep," she cuts off much too happily and repeats herself. "Get in."

I sigh loudly, protests erupting at the back of my throat until—

"Everyone misses you."

Minako's smile is still there, but laced in her words is an indiscernible hint of melancholy. I swallow to retract the suddenly painful lump in my throat at the sound of it.

She smiles wider, grabbing one of the bows (the smaller one, I noticed) and places it so it's resting on top of my head, tying the ends at the base of my chin. "Don't make us wait a minute longer."

I nod almost instantly in compliance, getting inside the box as the idol keeps the wagon from rolling me away. I sit in the small area, my legs crossed over each other and my head ducking lower as she begins to close the lids above me, the mischievous twinkle in her eyes the last thing I see before total darkness. It takes several minutes of what I assume is preparation as I hear her pulling and cutting the wrapping paper and tearing the tape to look as presentable as she could muster given the cold working environment. Another couple minutes and finally, I feel the wagon begin to move.

The nervousness from earlier returns. The darkness and mystery that await me in the other side of the moving wagon also increases it ten-fold. I feel discernible warmth encompass my surrounding and hear the door click close, the sound of familiar voices coming nearer and nearer.

"Woah…huge box," I hear Makoto whistle.

Footsteps near me as the wagon stops moving fully, a rustle emits three inches from where my head is as a voice states, "To everyone from Haruka?"

Ami…

More footsteps surround me and the box sounds loudly from the patting and rubbing made from the outside.

"So…she's not coming?"

Rei…

Silence. Even curious touches on the box stop to give forth to silence that I wish would just stop stretching.

Suddenly…finally.

"That's…too bad."

I want to get out. Because that voice. Broken. Sad. Lonely. Disappointed. Shatters in my ears and pierces it far more than any scream or noise can. Panic fills me as I look up to find nothing but darkness. I plead for someone…anyone to end the charade. So I can comfort her, and assure her that it's different this year. That I'm home. That I'm here and our family can be happy again. As happy as it was eleven years ago, when running away from their tenderness was, for some reason, the only option.

I'm almost ready to burst out of my cruel hiding spot when familiar footsteps reach my ears.

Michiru…please! My mind screams. I'm beginning to think even screaming it out loud wouldn't do anything, but she saves me, as she always does.

"I say we open it. One present before midnight shouldn't be too much of a tradition breaker."

Silence answers her suggestion.

And then, "Let's open it together Usagi ba-san." I smile at Haru's words, the padding of her soft feet reaching my ears until they stop just before me. "Come on!" she prods. "I bet it's even neater than the bike she'll be giving me!"

I smile widely, shaking my head at her cute words.

"Nh," I hear Usagi concede and an enormous part of me rejoices. "Cute wrapping paper…very Haruka-san like."

The tearing begins, slowly at first and then turns quicker, more eager. My heart thumps so loud it's a wonder to me how they can't hear it, but finally, finally. The top part of the box opens and I see shining blues look down at me in shock, both a lot different and a lot the same from the mischievous blue ones that put me away. Her hand moves to her opened mouth, backpedalling softly as I stand up, careful to keep my balance so the wagon doesn't roll me away. But it seems this was a lost cause.

A couple of seconds only pass as eager, happy yells of my name surround the house and Usagi, the careless, loving queen that I've grown to love jumps up to me in joy, wraps her arms around my shoulders tightly, and proceeds to knock me and her off the foot high wagon. I lose my footing and begin to fall, the smile on my face mirroring the look of sheer happiness my queen is wearing, and I don't even care anymore that we're falling and it's going to hurt in a nanosecond. Everything just happens in reflex. That I'm going to do all I can so that I land on my back and she doesn't get hurt at all from the fall. That my arms are secure over her body so that she doesn't cause harm to herself when she realizes her mistake. That my body acts as a protective shell and I do what anyone in that room will do for her. A second later and my back smacks the smooth wooden floor.

O-O-O-O-O

A gentle finger runs tentatively over the sore spot of my back located just below my shoulder blades and I turn my head to concerned sapphires. I smile at her, alleviating the repressed anxiety I can feel rolling out of her in waves. It's well past midnight and Haru is on my lap, her arms clutching my neck and even in the depths of her sleep I can still feel the strength hiding in her small physique.

"Are you sure you don't want to spend the night?" Usagi asks again, her blue eyes darting to my eyes and back every now and again.

I chuckle, but keep my voice low for Haru's sake. "No, koneko-chan, we also have things to do tomorrow." As I say this, I stand up, careful not to grunt because of the soreness of my back and with the added weight of keeping the little girl propped securely in my arms.

"I can take her Haruka," Michiru says beside me, and I only shake my head, giving her a sure look before looking back at the married couple before me.

"Thanks for having us," I state gratefully which they both just wave away.

"You're always welcome here Haruka-san," Mamoru says with a gentle smile and gives his wife a soft nudge to hug me a final time before we leave.

"Thank you for coming."

She's cried several times into the evening already. And even though I know it's because she's happy to see me again, I mock glare at her to stop as I see fresh tears start building in her wide blue eyes. She laughs, brushes them away and hugs me again, giving one to Michiru, Setsuna, and Hotaru as well before walking us all into the front door. I glance at the sleeping girls in the spacious living area, Makoto and Ami sharing one loveseat that I'm sure they'll awaken to sometime in the early morning before their back becomes too sore to move the next day and Rei and Minako on another sofa, sprawled comfortably next to each other with the latter still holding onto the karaoke's microphone that she hasn't let go since making me go up to sing one of her new singles. I smile at the lovely scene—at the fact that they all spent a fair amount of time with me this evening to speak about what they've been up to, what I've missed, and catching me up to the speed of the present. And I smile at the fact that I assured them, promised them, that even though they may be far away due to their lives and jobs like I was, that I, like them, will always be open to another meeting with no reasons ever needed.

After another wave and final goodbye to the hosts, I carefully peel Haru off and place her into the cold middle seat of the car, Hotaru and Setsuna taking both her sides after I make sure she still remains lost in her dreams. The drive back home is silent save for the occasional yawns that became more and more infectious as the minutes rolled by. Once we get there, we part from Hotaru and Setsuna, both greeting us a Merry Christmas a final time before heading into the bedrooms that would be theirs when that time finally comes.

Michiru walks with me to Haru's room, spreading the comforters out before I lay the little girl into her bed. She detracts from me and curls to her side just as my partner rolls the blanket atop her, each of us giving her a kiss on the forehead and cheek respectively before leaving the room, turning the night light on in the process.

My partner gives me a concerned look just as she closes the door to her daughter's room, eyeing my back as she did so. Wordlessly, she tugs on my hand and takes me to the direction of her room, the action very similar to how it was the first time she took me there.

It dawns on me suddenly that ever since that night, I haven't gone back into her room. Of course this was mainly attributed to the fact that I was making her wait for a decision I knew the answer to already, but now as I trail behind her, a part of me rejoices that, that part of our ordeal is over. That I no longer have to hide how I feel and that to love her is not only expected of me, but also reciprocated by her.

This thought alone puts a smile in my face and as I look up, I see her mirroring my expression, her soft lips up in a quirk of a smile and her hold on me tightens infinitesimally. She closes the door as we pass the threshold, leading me to her bed after turning on a lamp light and sitting me down at the edge of it. She kneels in front of me, her actions deliberate and precise as skillful violinist hands suddenly begin to unbutton my dress shirt. My eyes widen at her boldness, and I can literally hear my heart thumping wildly against my eardrums at her actions. Loud…so loud. How can she not hear it?

And then she looks up at me with twinkling eyes and her smile widens, and I know she definitely hears it.

"Michiru ecchi…" I mutter and look away, knowing a small blush is painting itself in my cheeks, but letting her continue with unbuttoning the suddenly offending dress shirt nonetheless.

Her sweet laughter reaches my ears and I tell myself to breathe while eyeing a pink tongue dart out to moisten sweet full lips and a small cluster of white teeth biting said lip right after. Seeing just that, I feel all self-control sliding. I lean forward, expelling what's left of the distance between us, not minding that she's fully done unbuttoning my shirt and nothing, but my bra is left as she pulls it down my arms. Before I can reach those sweet inviting lips though, a finger is placed on top of mine to stop me, and the haze in which I gladly gave myself up in is lost almost immediately.

I look at Michiru in askance, wondering suddenly if I read her wrong—if I pushed too hard too quickly, and really she's the one unbuttoning my shirt and I'm definitely the one pushing it too quickly right? She sees my inner turmoil, kisses me once, chaste and quick and moves behind me before I can even respond.

"Let me take a look at your back."

Oh…

I suddenly feel foolish and a bit ashamed that all I'm thinking of are lewd thoughts while she only wanted to check on my back, which I've forgotten through the haze, unsurprisingly enough. I feel like reprimanding myself. Of course it's too soon. It's only been a week. And with our nights camped out with Haru and the days filled with busy errands and last minute holiday shopping, of course there's really no time except a chaste goodbye kiss or a long goodnight kiss.

I sigh inwardly looking at the dim wall in front of me. I wonder how long it'll take for me to be able to read her in this aspect of our relationship. I wonder if she feels it too, a longing every time we simply touch.

Touch.

And there it is, a soft finger sliding against my skin, right on the spot where I landed roughly earlier this evening. My mind says it's supposed to hurt, but I don't feel it—only the gentle caress of a soft hand brushing against the bruised area of my back. The soft touch makes my throat swallow roughly, the beginning of goose pimples riding along my exposed upper body, and I know for certain that it isn't because I feel cold. No, if anything, the small caresses is igniting something in me. A feeling that may be familiar, but in the sense of knowing it's Michiru doing it…starting it…

Too soon.

My eyes close automatically as I savor the feeling.

Does she know what she's doing to me?

A part of me asks and yet another retorts.

Still, it's too soon.

I shake my head, not knowing I've done so outwardly, to better control my thoughts and thereby actions. More goose pimples settle into my exposed skin as another touch, so soft, so deliciously tempting almost makes me want to either growl or moan.

"Haruka, are you cold?" '

The sudden question and how it's delivered sets me aback—waking me a bit from my stupor.

She must know what she's doing to me right?

Lie. Yes, you're cold. So she can help you put your shirt back on and you can go to your room and think about this over a nice cold shower.

"Y…yeah…"

It feels like a small blessing that I can still talk amidst the torrent and the haze and the cluster of emotions my body's feeding into my brain. A warmth settles in a pool just under my stomach and I know that if this doesn't end soon I'm in trouble. As soon as this thought graces my mind though, her words jolt me out of the confusing maze my mind's concocted.

"Then…let me warm you up."

My breath hitches as I feel her soft hands replaced by even softer lips, trailing against my bruised back and up my neck, licking, sucking, leaving marks of heated kisses and I feel myself getting lost in a sea of want and need and passion and the only thing that can come out of me is an unintelligible moan to help process all that I'm feeling. I feel her sly smile, smirking at my inability for coherence and before the thought of making her go through exactly what she's making me go through assimilates fully into my head, her arms embrace me tightly, her lips stopping its lovely ministrations.

I turn my head and lock eyes with her, losing myself into thunderous, stormy sapphires. It dawns on me that I'm about to see a side of her she'll never show anyone—the side she's only reserved especially for me. And I know, without question or words, even if they're uttered or not, that she loves me unconditionally just from the way she looks at me. There's passion and need, want and desire, but always a look of adoration. She wants me. All of me. The good. The bad. The right. The wrong. Everything, without question or complaint. Just… I can only hope I'm showing her the same thing she's showing me.

Her hold on me lessens, just enough for me to turn my body to face her and carry her in my arms. Her hands clasp at my neck, holding on to me as I traverse through the bed on my knees, her legs around my waist and our lips finding each other once again. The sheets are cool against my palms as I softly lay her on the head of the bed, our tongues still dancing together in tandem and I revel in how natural everything feels—physically…emotionally.

We've always complemented each other, from the time we knew we were to fight together and become partners to our first kiss. Even though the two events are so far from each other in the timeline that is our life, the two of us, giving those memories actions fit, like jigsaws to a puzzle. A perfect fit.

How her body responds to my touches as much as hers elicit a response from me. How her mouth sculpts around mine perfectly. How our hands join in a tender, but strong clasp at our sides. How our hearts, impossible as it may, beat as if we're one.

How we can communicate without words.

Our kisses stop momentarily, quick shallow breaths shared in the small space between us and our eyes lock as a final decision is made even without useless words.

It's not too soon. We've been waiting our entire lives to be together. It can't be soon enough.

O-O-O-O-O

A part of me says I have to wake up, but an even stronger, more content part wants me to delve deeper into the blanket. My legs curl into smooth, soft skin, warm strong arms inviting me back into the world of dreams. And I would. I would be more than happy to laze here in my bed all day and not just to sleep, mind you. No…I would spend the better part of it reacquainting myself with the most glorious woman I've come to know—that I've just started to know, in the most intimate way.

But then the familiar pattering of feet reach my ears again, and did I even lock the door last night? I don't remember doing so…Only the look of pain in Haruka's face when she landed with Usagi in her arms and the night progressing that painful look into, what she thinks are, discreet grimaces. So of course I was concerned. And of course I wouldn't let her sleep without me checking it first, but it didn't occur to me just how much of a bad (or good depending on where you look at it) idea it was. Just the memory of her blushing exterior makes me flush all over again.

Her breathing's different from several minutes ago, and I know that she's awake now as well, so I place myself at her side, skin against skin, my head finding that comfortable nook in her neck and a strong hand rubs my back affectionately as if automatically.

A content sound comes out of my throat, earning a chuckle at her end before her husky voice asks almost cautiously, "Did we lock the door?"

Funny how we're always on the same page. And as if that's all that's needed to be said, inquired door bursts wide open just a second later.

"Mama!"

I curl into my partner in reflex, her strong hands leaving my back and pulling the blanket over until it's covering everything, but our chins and up. I move to accommodate her movement.

My daughter stands at the doorway, a bit frozen for a moment, looking at us in mild scrutiny.

Haruka grins at her, just a bit too innocently. "Morning!" is her cheery greet, earning younger sapphires to roll in cute exasperation.

"You're both naked aren't you?"

Haru's question sends my partner to turn my way and look at me in half-alarm.

"You gave her the talk already right?" she asks in a hushed whisper.

I chuckle and brush back wild blonde strands.

"Yes," I answer. "Although I doubt that's really what she wants from us right now."

Haruka turns back to my daughter, her expression uneasy and I find myself loving how cute and endearing she is amidst her explanation.

"We meant to tell you Haru-chan," she starts, kind of looking like the child being interrogated. "But everyone's been so busy, and you know, the holidays and all—

"Haruka, I-don't-caaaare," Haru cuts off, her words coming out whiny. "Let's go open presents! Nee-chan's separating them in piles as we speak!"

My partner sighs in exasperation, but her smile gives her away—a smile that guarantees my daughter could ask for the world and she'd try her best to give it, regardless of how impossible this feat may be.

"Give us ten. We'll be right down," she supplies, my daughter still at the threshold and now swaying from side to side impatiently.

One more second and, "Kay!" She disappears, the door shutting loudly at her wake.

Haruka sighs in apparent relief, pushing the blanket off our bodies and simultaneously depositing her body on mine, a lovely smirk on her handsome face.

I smirk back, trying to put on an innocent expression.

"Ara? I doubt ten minutes would suffice the actions going on in your head right now," I tease.

She laughs, and then eyes me hungrily, and I feel myself rousing just from the way her emeralds darken. She dips towards me, deliberately missing my waiting lips and clamps her mouth on a sensitive area on my neck. My hips buckle from the contact, my jumbled mind barely noticing that her thigh had placed itself conveniently between my legs until it's too late, and a wave of pleasure gives way to a moan.

My eyes close as automatically as fists claw into blonde strands and warm sheets, and I think I hear her laugh, but now I'm too busy grinding, finding ways to increase this suddenly building pressure at the base of my stomach. I feel her moving lower, to my collarbone, not missing yet another sensitive spot, and my mind screams at the unfairness of the situation; sure we made love more than once last night, but how can she know all these spots? And then she reaches one I'm sure every adult in the world knows would drive their partner crazy and all I feel is wetness and a never ending need, and before I can lose all semblance of control…she slides away.

My lids open just halfway, and I know by just how loud and fast I'm breathing that she's won this round, an evil cackle coming out of her as she beelines it to the bathroom and the door shutting after her. I groan, my unsatisfied body protesting with me, and all I can do is grab the sheets on all sides and pull them in mild aggravation—and really…that part needs to stop throbbing now so I can get my head back in place and actually punish my devious…girlfriend.

I open my eyes fully, meeting the ceiling. Girlfriend…For some reason the word isn't sounding quite right. It sounds…too informal—as if we're not close enough.

Lover? my mind supplies, and I shake at it outwardly as well.

Lover sounds like she'll leave me tomorrow for a mistress…

Before I know it, a frown finds its way on my face, and I'm so lost in thought I don't notice Haruka standing out of the bathroom, her sly smile falling to a concerned look.

"Michiru?"

Her call breaks me out of stupor, and I smile in response but I can tell it's not enough.

She strides back towards the bed, looking absolutely wonderful in nothing and lays down on me again, the dark look from earlier missing.

"Is everything alright? Did I go too far?"

Her question, leading me to her train of thought completely vanishes the frown in my face. I shake my head vigorously before any words can even be supplied from my brain to my mouth. She looks almost convinced, but the small look of worry doesn't vanish.

I shake my head resolutely this time, smiling, loving her more and more just from what she can outwardly show me.

"No," I say loudly, determinedly. "I was just…thinking of what to call you."

She laughs, the confusion in the wonderful sound apparent.

"Just…by my name is not enough?" she asks jokingly.

"Hmm…" I sound out, looking up at the ceiling again in thought. "Girlfriend is too informal…as if we're still in high school. Lover sounds—

"Like I'm your one night stand."

We laugh, the twinkle in her eyes making my stomach do flip flops.

"Hence, my dilemma."

She gets off once more and sits at the side of the bed, grabbing our strewn clothes left and right.

"Well," she says, rather resolutely. "Until I can call you my wife, Michiru and Haruka sound just fine."

I feel my heart skip a beat from her bold statement, and all I can do is stare at her in wide amazement as she stands before me, unapologetic and with a proud smile on her features. My body tumbles out of the bed as if on automatic, arms consuming her in a hug, as our lips crash together again. And in the middle of the wonderful feeling of her lips finding mine and vice versa, I think that we may never leave this room.

O-O-O-O-O

"Put it on."

If we were alone, and she would ask this of me, I would do it without question. I would even be pretty excited. No, I would be very, very excited. But with Setsuna sitting right behind her and our two daughters looking on, it's anything but.

I sigh and shake my head.

"Aww come on Michiru!" Haruka cries exasperatedly, making Setsuna and Hotaru laugh and for my daughter to grab it from her—it being a black blindfold.

"Mama, Haruka wants to surprise you," she explains, her voice sounding strained oddly enough, and when she holds the blindfold over my head, I see her hand shaking a bit.

Before I can ask her about it though, my vision swims in darkness and all I can hear are shuffles made from my housemates. I feel someone grab my hand, and know immediately it's Haruka just from mere touch. She embraces me from behind, whispering to my ear, "I'll lead you" and my body starts moving in tandem with hers, loving the strong arms holding my waist and the firm body supporting my own. I know immediately where we're going, and I'm not quite sure why. She sits me on a straight back chair and I hone in to her sound alone as soon as she lets me go, letting the other squeaks and thumps fall into the background.

An object is placed before me, making a small thud in the process. I can decipher the noise is made by a medium sized case. Two clicks bite the air. Then a shuffle. My eyes open wider as what's going on processes in my mind fully.

"Open your hand."

I reach out with my left hand automatically, and as soon as the coolness of the object hits my hand, my palm immediately encompasses it, the taut strings brushing against my fingertips familiarly.

My mind races.

How long has it been since I've played?

My mouth dries, throat swallowing in reflex as I take the instrument and place it on my lap.

"And the bow."

Haruka, why are you doing this? I want to ask, but instead reach out again, as automatically as the first time. The handle of the bow is placed gingerly in my right hand and it joins the violin on my lap, my head looking up for further directions, but I know in just a moment I won't need any cues.

"You should tune it," I hear my partner say, and I know exactly where she is. I can picture her even. And it's a picture I haven't seen for a long time.

I hear the lid of the grand piano slide back, the pedals being pressed to the floor in assessment. I pull the violin to me, the chin rest finding its way habitually to my neck. I cradle it, pressing the bow against the strings and hear the beautiful sound come out. I can actually feel me palpitating, an excitement coming over me that I have no control over—different from making love, but holding a special place in my heart nonetheless. I tune it, sliding the bow back and forth until my ears are satisfied with the sound that emits. As soon as I'm done, I only hear silence.

I can feel their presence though, and I know it'll start soon.

The tinkling of the keys begin, soft and distant…lonely, making me smile and remembering why this composition was made.

"You play?"

A wistful smile. Then cocky, challenging. "You're not the only one who plays an instrument, you know."

I counter her smirk, sitting on an empty stool beside the one she's sitting on. "Then show me."

It only takes a moment for her to respond to the outward challenge. And at first, I feel her playing for me—displaying her talent, showing off…playing hard pieces just to show that indeed…I'm not the only one who plays an instrument.

And then…it slows, and when I open my eyes I find hers closed.

This new composition is not one I've heard before. It doesn't show the blonde partner I've come to kind of know. It's full of longing and desire, disappointment…sadness…No trace of the confident girl who can hurl massive planetary balls, nor the soldier who's adamant in sacrificing three lives for the sake of the world.

All I see is a little girl…lonely and alone.

"Haruka?"

My soft voice causes her hands to clash into the keys in surprise, emeralds widening at me, as if she's forgotten I was there. Her throat bobs uncomfortably and without word, slides the lid back over the keys, turning her back from the instrument. She stands, and I can tell she's made a decision already.

"Don't go…"

She's frozen by my words, the only action coming from her the closing and opening of her right fist. I stand from my seat, walking closer and closer, until not even a foot separates us, and I realize that this has been the closest we've been since she's picked up her transformation stick and followed me willingly to the depths of this hell we've been forced into. My hand reaches a smooth cheek, noting the warmth, loving how it feels against my exploring thumb.

"Let me in."

I press the bow into the strings, joining the composition just in the right time—the perfect accompaniment.

A lot of people would say that the violin makes a pretty anguished sound when played—that usually next to a tinkling piano, it's morose and serious. Not a lot get that an instrument is a mirror to the musician's heart.

"Play it again for me."

She looks at me in confusion for a second before the request is understood fully. Before that day a couple weeks ago, I believe she would've questioned me…even refused. Now, she gives a shrug that she means to seem nonchalant, but can't pull off and leads me to the same music room. I smile, gripping my violin case against me protectively and follow her.

She starts as she did a couple weeks before. She barely notices that I'm sitting closer, that my violin case is already propped open at my feet. The tinkling of the ivory keys fill the warm afternoon air again, the sound of an eager after school club barely registering in my head. She plays, just as magnificently…just as tragically. And before the song could dip into helplessness, my violin begins singing.

I feel more than hear her surprise at my sudden accompaniment, but as soon as she gets over what I hope doesn't feel like an invasion to her private world, she plays again, just as she had before. I show her, through music, that she's not alone. I play around the moroseness of the piece and act as a relief, a backdrop. Most importantly, I play to make her understand…that I can be more than her partner in saving the world. I can be her shoulder, her resting place, her sanctuary, her confidant…her best friend. Someone who's there that knows her, inside and out—that can understand her…that knows that this is a piece she made for her dying mother…a woman who had understood and accepted her even when everyone else, including her father, didn't. A woman that told her to pursue her dreams, to never lose her way. A woman that proudly said she was perfect, just the way she was.

Warm emeralds are looking at me as the piece ends and she tweaks it to sound differently. Like mine, it has a note of hopefulness that was absent a couple weeks prior. I mirror the smile she gives me, warm and thankful, and as she gets up from the piano bench and encases me in her strong arms, I know for sure that what I'm feeling is not an infatuation built from loneliness of wanting to share the burden of the world with her.

No…I can't even lie to myself anymore.

I love her…and I have no idea what to do about it.

It's nearing the end of the piece and I find myself wishing it wouldn't end. The sudden shuffles around me does not impede my playing, proof that I've gotten caught into the song once more…as if we're in junior high all over again. I've missed this feeling, like the violin's an extension of me rather than a separate entity, and to live without it would feel as if I'm not alive at all. And it's this train of thought that crashes me back to reality…the why's and how's falling in place to build the perfect reason why I've abstained from playing for the longest time.

The blindfold comes off suddenly, the illumination of the room not over glaring so that my eyes adjust quickly enough, only to find the person I'm least expect sitting in front of the piano. The music cuts abruptly and similar, young sapphires stare back at me, a beautiful smile capturing a cute face. My eyes are wide in a surprise I can't hide and I look in wonderment at Setsuna and Hotaru sitting in one side clapping and at Haruka sitting very close to me, playing with the blindfold casually.

"Merry Christmas mama!" Haru greets earning laughter from everyone. I remain sitting, frozen for a moment, but not for long. I place my instrument down, still careful, but the need to hold my daughter becomes so empowering I don't even care that it's not properly in its case before running to the sitting girl and carrying her up in the air, her sweet laughter reaching my ears and her arms tight around my neck in a strong hug. I kiss her, spreading loving kisses all over her face and nuzzling her neck until she becomes too tickled at my actions and begins pushing my face away.

It takes a moment for me to settle down, Haru telling me exactly how she learned and eyeing a smiling Haruka the whole time as she did so.

"Only a week?" I ask again, the incredulity in my voice still there as if I haven't voiced that question within the last ten minutes.

"Haru has a real talent in playing," my partner says, standing up from her chair and walking to us, stopping just as she's a couple feet away. A serious expression changes her easygoing one, and the confusion isn't shared by me with the others. On the contrary it's almost as if they're expecting it. Haru scrambles off my lap and sits herself beside Hotaru and Setsuna, and I know they know I'm confused, but no one's shedding any light on the current situation.

I look at the time guardian who smiles at me warmly, her eyes appraising somehow.

"We'd like to have a serious conversation with you," Haruka says suddenly, drawing my attention back to her.

I nod, my voice coming out perplexed. "O…kay?"

I see conflict ride through her emeralds for a moment before finality. "We want you to resume the violin."

My eyes widen at words I definitely wasn't expecting. My head begins shaking even before my mind can fully assimilate the statement.

"Michiru—

"No."

"Why?"

She kneels to me, long fingers curling into my own and her eyes piercing me with just one look.

"Haruka…"

"Just answer why."

I frown. She should know why…even without me saying…

I feel pained and confused, and this shouldn't have been brought up.

I answer her pointed look with one of my own. "You know why."

"And if we can make that go away, would you still have a reason?"

I laugh mockingly. "You plan on taking Haru away?"

She shakes her head, her patient smile making my smirking one slink away. "No…we," she looks over to Setsuna and Hotaru, "We plan on being there for her when you can't."

My mouth opens to protest, but her index finger stops me mid-thought.

"Michiru, you're more than a mother," she states resolutely. "We all know why you haven't picked up your violin. We all know why you've divided your attention to fit all your other hobbies except playing. We all notice it. You have a folder full of compositions you're dying to bring to life. Your hands…just…fifteen minutes ago were shaking just from the prospect of holding your violin again. And of course we know why you're abstaining from it. Because even before Haru…even before…being a soldier, you've known you can lose yourself in it easily. But here's what's different from eleven years ago…and I'm not saying this to stroke my ego. I'm here. Setsuna's here. Hotaru's here. Haru's surrounded by people who love her—who would never ever let anything bad happen to her. We would protect her with our lives, because we love her. Just as we love you. And we're tired of sitting here, watching you abstain from your life's passion. It's like…watching a piece of you fade away in front of us. And you know it in your heart…that if this situation was reversed and it's us in your shoes, you'd be doing the exact same thing."

Her words sink in slowly, every word of it true. I can't match the fire burning in her eyes so I look away, not wanting to get sucked in to such temptations. I see Setsuna stand from her spot on the sofa and walk towards us, stopping just as she's beside my still kneeling partner.

"Michiru." Her voice comes out clear, mature.

That voice of authority I've never questioned. I lock with her garnets and I know she sees all the fears running through my eyes. But her smile…steady, even, comforting…alleviates me somewhat—makes me turn Haruka's words in my head again and again, questioning myself, asking…doubting.

"It may feel as if we have forever," she states, her voice resonating through room. "But you know as much as everyone that we don't have the luxury of eternity. A part of you knows that these peaceful days won't last. So before it's all over and your chance fades with it, seize the opportunity, and let us handle the rest. It's not to say you'll devote your life to music and forsake everything else—we'd never allow something like that to happen. But while you're busy, and your attention can't be divided in even doses, we'll take care of the rest. My bags are packed. So are Hotaru's. We've all spoken about this and we feel it's time for you to begin living for yourself again. But when it feels as if everything's falling around you, we'll always be here. When the outside world is too much to bear by yourself, know that we're always here to share your burden.

"You can't lie to yourself…especially now when you're happiest. There may come a time when regrets are at their highest…don't make this decision be one of them."

My eyes land on sparkling sapphires, her small mouth in a wide, innocent grin and at the light skinned hand on her shoulder, supporting her, always protecting her.

"Reach for the sky mama!"

I feel stings prick at the corner of my eyes and my heart feels so full it's close to bursting. Warm, strong arms encompass me, a husky voice chuckling at me in a sort of reprimand.

I stare at the violin, still haphazardly sitting on the case where I've left it and for the first time in a long time I can really look at it without second thoughts or hesitance. I lock eyes with similar sapphires again and lean fully into my partner's arms, my embrace around her tightening.

"I've contacted Kageuchi-san," Setsuna says, earning my attention. "She's quite excited to hear from you, but I assured her she won't be contacted again until after the holidays, because being with family is most important right now."

I smile widely, letting Haruka's wandering hands rub the moisture from my eyes. I kiss her soft and quickly, whispering a thank you in the small space between us before getting up from my position and hugging my longest friend. The long haired woman just chuckles at my gratitude and pushes me softly to the direction of my daughters, both of them hugging me on each shoulder as I kneel before them.

Every part of me feels complete. More importantly, my family is complete. I can, once again, come home to a picture of all three of them, curled up in the sofa watching a movie, making room for me. Or staying home and cooking a meal with my sous chefs, kicking out two hungry tomboys trying to rob an early meal. I can picture all of us, huddling into the small tent Haruka's made and Setsuna sighing loudly at how much of a bad idea it is while curling up to Hotaru who just laughs it off. And just as my partner's been doing all week, she'll be in the middle, her right shoulder home to Haru's small head, and her left neck my sweet nuzzling spot. I realize that nothing can top this day. Not being in front of a sold out crowded theatre nor all four of them nudging me to take the plunge back towards my career.

Them, being here, with me. As it was before.

My family's back…and I doubt anything can ever top this gift.

O-O-O-O-O

I smile in exasperation at the non-descript box right next to the brightly wrapped one that says from Haruka to Haru. I hear my partner sigh next to me as her chin makes its way to my shoulder, my peripherals catching her looking at the same non-descript box.

"Do you plan on giving Haru-chan two gifts every birthday she has?" I ask jokingly, making her sigh once more.

"It's bad enough that I'm so indecisive. It took me forever to plan her gift, and finally when I get an idea, I realized I had to get another one…" she trails off in exasperation making me laugh.

"Or you can just tell her that it was you the entire time."

She gives an uneasy look. "Somehow that seems anti-climactic…"

"She'll find out sooner or later."

"I like later."

I chuckle and give her a small peck on the cheek before heading back to the kitchen.

"The guests will be coming soon, so accommodate them!" I call, earning a confirming yell back from her.

Setsuna and Hotaru greet me in the kitchen, finishing up a fruit cake Hotaru's baked for the occasion.

"How's Haruka doing?" the time guardian asks me, her eyes glinting in a mix of concern and laughter.

"Better," I answer, pulling the refrigerator door and taking out the marinated meats for the grill. "She's trying to act tough, but I know she's nervous."

I look out of the window to see the first of many guests entering the backyard, Haruka there with an apron over her clothes greeting them.

"Ahh, Shiraishi-san's here."

I see the sliding door to the backyard open widely, my daughter's loud, "Tsuuuuuu!" trailing out of her mouth as she makes a mad dash towards one of her best friends.

Hotaru laughs just from hearing this since her attention's still on the cake. "You'd think they didn't see each other yesterday."

I smile warmly at seeing Haru interact with the other girl, bowing lowly as she receives her gift and then shaking it cautiously after to try to inspect what's inside.

"Ne, Michiru-mama?"

I chuckle at my other daughter's term of endearment and give her a questioning look.

"If Haru does…end up liking women—

"I just hope Tsubasa-chan doesn't break her heart."

I shrug helplessly as they both laugh. I grab some hot dogs and burger patties and begin making my way out of the house, greeting some more guests as I step into the patio. Tsubasa greets me with a bow and I pat her head and Haru's before greeting her mother who has by now gotten up to help me bring the things over to the grill that Haruka's just starting to heat up.

Shiraishi-san makes light conversation with me, asking about the recent rumor of me releasing an album which I answer in confirmation as I enjoy the lovely looking day, the several cherry trees around the backyard in lovely spurts of pure white and pink blossoms. A light wind dances through the air, sending a wonderful flowery fragrance around us and I feel this day could not be more perfect for my little girl to celebrate her birthday in.

Toshi arrives twenty or so minutes later, his father dropping him off with only a bye to spare and an hour into the backyard party, it looks like it's already a success.

Full white clouds cover a brightly shining sun now and then and the children, all from Haru's class, played with their mightiest around the spacious yard. I bite into a hamburger Haruka's passed to me a few minutes back and eye her somewhat hungrily, looking handsome in her apron and laughing at something one of the male parents is saying to her.

"Kaioh-san?"

I turn my attention back to Tsuabasa's mother and smile inquiringly, giving her once more my undivided attention.

"This may be…a weird question," she starts off, apprehension clear in her voice. "But it's been in my mind for a few months now…and what with Tsubasa-chan spending some nights here for sleepovers, I just…really would like to know."

My smile turns knowing and I nod in confirmation even before she asks her obviously burning question. "Yes, Haruka and I are together." I trail off as I look at Tsubasa, Toshi, and Haru playing tag with the rest of the children. "Does it change anything?" I ask and worry coat my voice because of the consequence it may bring to my daughter.

Shiraishi-san merely laughs, shaking her head. "My older brother…has a husband." My eyes widen at her sudden statement as she only nods her head in succession. "He lives in the States and has a nice American doctor for a husband. We visited them, during the holiday."

The pieces of what she says connect in my mind. "Your skiing trip?"

She nods again. "They live in New York."

A smile tugs at my lips.

She bows her head apologetically. "I'm sorry if I came off too strongly. I really did just want to know. But I trust you with my daughter. And with Meioh-san and Hotaru-san here now as well, your home has become livelier. Tsubasa comes home after every weekend spent here wanting to come back and I'm only glad you're able to accommodate her while I'm busy."

I shake her words away and merely smile wider, my peripherals catching my partner coming our way. She sits to my right, hands occupied with a paper plate and a hotdog and eats while appraising the running children, her eyes glued on one particular child. I eye her endearingly, catching a stray dust mote on her hair and brush it back only for my actions to freeze from seeing someone standing at the sliding door just a couple meters from our sitting position.

His brown eyes are kind of wide, darting from Haruka to me, and a couple moments pass before he can come out of his stupor. I stand up from my seat, my partner eyeing me in question before her gaze falls on Daiki as well and gets up almost too quickly.

He gives a small bow to her and then smiles at me, the crinkle in his eyes familiar and kind. "Hey."

I smile back, my hand curling on Haruka's arm. His chocolate eyes stray at us momentarily, until he gives his undivided attention to my partner and bows again.

"Tenoh Haruka," she says, bowing also, and I feel the strain in her body and voice just from the small greet.

"Abe Daiki," he returns, bowing for the third time in the last long minute span since we've gotten up.

Before the tense situation can electrify even more, I call for Haru who has been unaware of the situation. She stops playing, looks at all of us and gets tagged in the process, rolling her eyes and yelling that she's obviously not playing at the moment, before running to us on the porch. She stands awkwardly at my side and a part of me saddens at seeing her so tense towards someone who she's not supposed to be feeling that way to.

"Happy birthday Haru-chan," Daiki greets with a warm smile and hands over a wrapped present.

She takes it, eyes still somewhat trained on the ground and nods.

"Haru…what do you say?" my partner beckons, earning a look from my ex-husband and daughter.

Haru sighs and bows. "Thank you."

Daiki smiles warmly, a hand brushing back short aqua strands. "You're very welcome."

She looks back at me and Haruka before looking at the rest of the children having fun without her. "Can I go now?"

Haruka extends her hands towards her. "Give me your present and I'll put it with the others."

She smiles widely, gives the blonde her present and jolts off again, a loud, "Thanks Haruka!" following her.

My partner and I separate wordlessly and I lead Daiki to the grill where he chooses a hamburger for me to prepare for him. I catch him eyeing Haru and feel a sense of melancholy from the way his chocolate eyes only train on her.

"How are Abe-san, Mika-chan, and Eiko-chan?" I ask, giving him the plate and sitting beside him.

He nods, taking a bite of the burger and making a sound of affirmation as he does so. "They're good. Mika-chan started pre-school this year."

I smile wistfully. "Time flies."

It's silent between us, broken only by shuffles made from his end as our attention drifts back towards our child. The sliding door opens once again revealing my partner and she gives me and Daiki an unfamiliar look before striding to us, long and purposeful, and deposits herself on my right side.

"How's the cake coming along?" I ask and lean my head against her strong shoulder, her lovely scent reaching my nostrils pleasantly at the close contact.

She smiles, placing a cheek against my hair. "Hotaru's tweaking it. Haru-chan's gonna love it."

My lips pull into a smile, my peripherals catching Setsuna as she strides out of the house with a piñata in hand. A specialty shop downtown makes them, given the proper time and picture and I remember giving the shopkeeper a picture of Totoro while Haruka stood beside me with an uneasy look.

"You really think Haru-chan would want to split Totoro in half?"

It was a very valid point and after watching the movie again for the sake of a Totoro themed birthday party, we decided on a big black dust bunny for the piñata instead of the grey furry monster.

"Haruka, help me set it up," Setsuna calls, bounding down the patio steps as a crowd of screaming excited kids circle her.

My partner excuses herself again, planting a small kiss on top of my head before joining the older woman, coaxing the kids to remain calm while they set it up on an old, blooming cherry tree.

"You're together."

I'm expecting the delivery of the statement and how fast it comes out of the man next to me.

I nod, eyes straying from a chuckling blonde trying to bat an eager Haru away, towards asking brown eyes.

"We are," I state, my orbs locking seriously with his.

He merely nods, unable to meet my stare far longer than a couple seconds and resume his meal slowly.

"It is partially your business, just so you know."

He looks at me incredulously, my words clearly not what he was expecting.

I only stare at him resolutely. "Haru's your child too Daiki. The decisions I make affect her and therefore affect you too. We may be separated and you may have a family of your own—same as I have a family of my own…but we're forever bonded because of her. Don't think I'd ever keep something like this from you. I never planned to. The world will know in due time that I love Haruka…you're just one of the first to know."

His eyes are wide in surprise by the time I finish, and I smile at the way his mouth has started to hang open.

"You're so different now."

My smile falters a bit at his open declaration, remembering the same woman I was once before that he's gotten to know shortly after Haru's birth. A side of me that reinforces the fact that I am human. I nod in agreement, my eyes falling to the wooden planks underneath us.

"It makes me happy."

And I find myself staring at him incredulity this time.

He only smiles warmly, his gaze falling on his half eaten burger. "I've seen you at your worst Michiru," he says softly. "For a long time I thought maybe it was me, even though you kept assuring me otherwise. The only thing that kept your eyes alive was Haru. I remember the disappointment you know. I remember your eyes fill with rage after the divorce was settled and I didn't even fight for our daughter."

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat at his open declaration, unable to stop him from resuming his thought.

"I know it looked bad…that I looked bad. A man who had a beautiful wife and daughter, impregnating someone else—a perfect looking marriage shattering in a blink of an eye. In the midst of it all I knew I lost you, but your eyes still looked at Haru so differently. As if I was pushed out and Haru took all of you in—

"Daiki, I'm so sorry…"

He shakes his head vehemently, his eyes widening in alarm at seeing the anguish I'm trying to hide. And I can tell from his expression that he didn't mean for the conversation to take this turn.

"No, Michiru—

"Is everything okay?"

I feel Haruka next to me suddenly, her strong hand cradling my neck and fingertips curling into my hair. But her emeralds remain steady and strong towards my ex-husband.

He freezes under her stare. I've always known Daiki to be a non-confrontational man. His kindness and warmth is what led me to him to begin with.

I curl my finger around my partner's, hugging her close as she stands imposingly before us.

"Everything's fine Haruka."

She looks back at me, emeralds darting to the moisture gathering at the edge of my eyes and I feel her breathe deeply to assess and respond to the situation.

"We were just reminiscing," I assure, my hand going up to cup smooth cheeks.

She nods, half in understanding and half to appease me and sits back beside me, her gaze never faltering from Daiki's tense posture.

He bows from his seat again, looking very apologetic. "It was my fault…" he says softly, the screaming of excited children and rooting parents almost drowning his words out. "It's clearly not the right time or place and…I'm sorry."

It's silent between all three of us, broken only by the noise made outside the patio. My back curls into my partner's strong body and she engulfs me in her arms, her posture still stiff, but now with worry about my well-being more than anything.

"Thank you…Tenoh-san."

Her back shoots straight up in surprise at his sudden words of gratitude. He chuckles and nods, as if trying to reassure that she has heard him properly.

"See, I knew Michiru would find herself again someday," he says, trying his hardest to explain. "You would not know how much I prayed and wished for it. And I won't lie and say that I've always felt this way. It's been more of an evolution more than anything. But from the time I knew she'd be okay, til now, I vowed that whoever can change her mind…whoever that can bring back the woman that I saw prior to marrying her…is someone that deserves every bit of her.

"Of course I was expecting a man…"

I can't help but laugh a bit brashly at his words, his chuckle coming out in tandem to mine.

"But I should've known," he said and shrugged. "You would not believe how many times she spoke about you purposefully and most of the time, inadvertently."

This causes a wry smile to appear on my handsome tomboy's face, and I reach up and pinch her cheek earning me a playful scowl. When she looks back at Daiki though, I see a softness in her eyes that wasn't there before and she bows in gratitude from where she's sitting at his honest words to her.

"Papa!"

My daughter's voice rings the air around us, causing both my partner and Daiki to swivel their heads automatically to her direction. She comes running up the porch steps hurriedly, grabbing Haruka to her and begin the impossible task of dragging her towards the group of waiting children.

"It's too strong!" Haru explains mid-tug. "You'll have to open it…plus I want candy! And it's not like I can grab candy while blindfolded and hitting the piñata."

The older tomboy laughs, her mirth showing in her sparkling emeralds. She pulls my daughter to her and carries her to her shoulder, and before she can step towards the waiting party, Haru turns to Daiki as well and smiles.

"You need to come too. We'll need everyone I think…Mama! You too!"

I chuckle and get up from my seat, brushing her wild strands out of her eyes. I help Daiki out of his seat as well and take his empty plate away from him, discarding it in a nearby receptacle. We follow the excited tomboys to the waiting piñata, and my smile can only widen at their enthusiasm as the game of hitting it begins.

"She's really good with her."

I nod, laughing as the kids circle and turn my blindfolded partner around enough to make any normal person dizzy.

"I'm happy to see you so happy Michiru."

He smiles softly at me and I mirror his easily, gratitude splaying in my eyes.

"No matter what happens you're her father and she's your daughter," I say just low enough for the two of us to hear.

He nods, hearing this from me before from previous years.

"Just because Haruka's good with her doesn't mean you shouldn't visit anymore. There'll come a time when she'll grow up and have questions and it's best for her to remember you this way, rather than not remembering you at all."

He sighs loudly, nodding in understanding at my clear words.

We watch in silence as Haruka does a good impersonation of her Space Sword Blaster attack using a plastic bat, and several swings later, the kids are showered with the goodies from the piñata. Hotaru comes out of the house in the middle of this chaos with the cake she's been working on all day, two number one candles shining lightly and a drawn, frosted Totoro standing on his top in the middle of it. A chorus of the birthday song erupt, Haru coming out of the middle with pockets full candy and her eyes erupt in absolute excitement at seeing what Hotaru has made for her. A kiss and thank you later and we find ourselves with a dilemma.

"She's not gonna cut the cake is she?" Haruka asks, suddenly standing beside me with laughter in her eyes.

Just one look at my daughter and I can safely agree. "No, I think she'd rather everyone not eat a piece than cut any part of Totoro out…"

"Mama!" she cries, real sadness in her voice and I make my way through our guests to sit beside her, carrying her into my lap and eyeing the still lit candles.

"First off let's blow the candles and make a wish," I say into my daughter's ear.

She looks at me in alarm. "I wish to not hurt cake Totoro!"

"Baby, if you say it out loud it won't come true."

Her look of panic makes me laugh and I have to hold her in my embrace tighter so this moment doesn't slip away from my grasp too quickly. Emeralds from across the table sparkle at me in love and mirth, chocolate browns warm and kind.

"Does it change anything if I say there's a small, personalized one in the refrigerator that I've also made today?" Hotaru asks, making my daughter's eyes widen in shock.

I laugh at how quickly she blows the candles, the little hesitation marking the moment where she closes her eyes to make a wish, and then grabs a plastic knife from an untouched plate.

"Let's eat cake!"

Everyone cheers and claps, as she remains on my lap, waiting for me to slice the cake in divided portions and for poor Totoro to get cut up enough to distribute to everyone.

"Thanks for the great day mama," she says softly, holding my cheeks in place and kissing me on the lips.

I laugh and hold her tighter, kissing her sun touched hair. "This day wouldn't have been great without you Haru."

She grins, gets off my lap, and takes two small plates of cake, giving one to Haruka first and then to Daiki. She smiles at both of them widely, earning their smiles in return and turn back to me, her eyes lovely and bright. And I know, just by looking at her, that everything's going to be alright. That she knows the power she has over the people around her, but would never do anything to take advantage of it. She merely wants everyone to be happy. And with everything pertaining to her wants, I'll try my best to grant her wish.

AN: I'm still alive? Yeah…:\ I am…How long has it been? Lemme double check my last update...June 6th huh? Woooow…I am so sorry D: Umm…I dunno what else to say except that. This is not the last chapter -.- Expect an epilogue. I promise it'll come out much quicker than the more than a half a year wait like this one. Yes, Chumba Wumba, it'll be an about a five years later epilogue. Why oh why can't I just end this story?

petiyaka: Yes, it'll be even more…longer. I should just change it to say five shot -.-;; Thank you for the review and I hope things have been good to you this past year :D

Meneldur: My gosh I love long reviews…sorry for the sudden gush. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Having Haruka explain uncomfortable things to Haru is fun…it also lets me create ways to get their characters closer together. I hope I managed to make the mending between Setsuna and Haruka good as well…it feels as if they have a much more mature relationship that's harder to work with. I'm glad you liked the scene between Tsubasa and Haru. To be honest it was fun and easy to write. Yes, I do see them as a younger version of H&M, and the epilogue will explain how their relationship is like mainly because I plan on making it in Haru's perspective. Not to say Haruka and Michiru won't be in it, but yeah…maybe I'll make it multiple POVs like this one. The Haruka you have painted in your mind is exactly the one in mine which I think is why I've been so keen (inadvertently) in showing that she may look strong outwardly, but she's anything but inside. I wasn't planning on making the Inners, but then the scene grew in my head and now I'm glad I put it there…the holidays is a time spent with family after all. Thank you for the lovely review and I hope you enjoy this read as well.

TinkaStar: :D I'm glad you like this story and thank you for reading FwB as well.

ReaderMarz: Haha I guess there's yet another chapter to "enjoy". Thanks for the review and comment.

Tripower: Hahaha omg don't tell me to update next year! Look what happens! I've seen your posts in FB about Diablo 3. Will you be playing? :D

Chumba Wumba: Hahaha reading your plights made me laugh. I always tell it to people, and I'm pretty sure I've told you this before…but the story'll be here when you get back! Anyway, thanks for the long review…I enjoy reading every bit of it, probably as much as you enjoy reading what I put out. Playing on perspectives is fun for me as well so I try to make it a guessing game before saying who it is. Haha, yeah a part of my head was thinking you know, Haru's there…sleeping and these two are kinda making out. I thought to myself, maybe I shouldn't have put her there, but there it is. You reading my mind now with all the scenes huh? Haru and Tsubasa…haha…yeah I still have no idea what I'll do there…Hmm…You probably already know, but I'm taking your "suggestions" and running with it. Ten years seems too long, so I'm making it a five year spurt for the epilogue. I meant to write it here with this chapter but then it became super long so…one more chapter until I can safely say that this planned 3 shot is done. Yes, a guilt trip always goes wonderfully with brownies. I hope the summer wasn't unbearably hot…and the winter wasn't unbearably cold…and the present spring refreshingly nice. Wow…I've been gone for a while…

Icha-kun: Future Haru and Tsuaba's waiting in the epilogue…look forward to it! Thank you for patiently waiting and sorry for making you wait for so long. But I hope it was worth it.

itou: Haha my apologies come automatically. I realize I say them more than I should, although I doubt I can apologize enough for how long it took me to take this chapter out. Little Haru was really asleep during Haruka and Michiru's conversation. Before this scene on top where she finds Haruka in her mother's room, she didn't realize they were finally together. I'm glad you like Haru's perspective cuz more is coming, although she will be older, and definitely wiser, and definitely not as bold as she is now.

omnomnom: Another extra chapter coming! Thank you for the review and this has more Haruka perspective for your enjoyment.

SHonLMicK: Thank you for the review :D

SangLune: Sorry the wait for this chapter was pretty long and thank you for reviewing after finding my story :P

MRAZI: You don't have to apologize for not reviewing. I appreciate any time a reader takes for a word or two and no apologies are needed when the time can't or won't be made. Thanks for the comments, I do try hard to make the story flow as best as it can given what the characters are feeling and seeing. Haha what the others are asking for…ending plus epilogue is going to happen. I hope you like this installment as well as the next.

.: :D thanks…I love my amazing Haruka! I have no idea where in my profile says that I like the Haruka/Michiru/Usagi pairing. Can you show me so I can take it off cuz…I don't like any pairing aside from H&M haha. I don't like to share these two…they belong exclusively together.

AlterEgoErin: I'm glad you liked Haru's perspective and no, Tsubasa's response wasn't from being overprotective of their third friend. Guess I'll delve into that in the epilogue. I imagine Haru to be much shorter than Chibiusa, although I can't really pinpoint just how much shorter. She seems like such an adorable small kid in my head. The next chapter will be last! So save being unthrilled for that one haha.

nomask: I like not rushing stories. Sometimes I feel that maybe I even write them too much at a snail's pace. Thanks for finding the slowness of it appealing and please look forward to the epilogue as well.

RubyNury: :D Thank you for your wonderful review. You always find ways to make me blush haha. As far as being a mother, yeah…u know I think my biological clock is ticking. I seem to be writing fics more often these days that have kids in them…I've always wanted kids and I'm glad what I want to become kind of shows when I write about a child having good standing with her parent(s). Yeah I've always seen Michiru as the strict one while Haruka the "cool dad" figure. And thank you for adding the bit about Michiru's character—how you portray and explain her is every bit what I'm thinking her as in regards to her and Haruka's relationship. I wish Haru existed too :( When I first made her I was afraid she would be a two dimensional character…one of those OCs people grew to hate and was just there in the background haha. I'm glad she wormed her way into some of the readers' hearts. Thank you for waiting, I apologize for it being so overdue but please wait for the other one as well :D

Haruka racer: Haha k.

bleh: Just like Haruka racer up top…not even a please? I guess I don't deserve it.

FlorLola: I will finish it! I promise! I'm sorry for breaking your heart…I never meant to make anyone sad.

anonymous: Thanks for the review and I'm sorry this isn't posted soon enough.

anne: Updating now! As soon as ffn gives me the go.

madhatter: :D thanks for taking the time and reading the rest of my stories as well as your review. As for the sequel for Her Protector…:\ it feels like something that may not happen anymore. I'm kinda speechless about your predicament. I can only wish I can be as strong as you are if I were to be put in that situation…it must be hard. Something tells me I'd run like Haruka did…haha. Anyway, thank you for waiting patiently for this and I hope the read was worth it.

rumiteka: Good day to you too! I'm sorry I haven't updated in forever. I will right now! :D