The Tenoh's
Chapter Nine
- Flashback –
Haruka and Michiru pushed her car into the garage and parked it in the blonde's bay area, "I'll take a look at it tomorrow…"
"Alright," Michiru put her freezing hands in her coat pocket. "I'll give you a ride home…" Haruka shut the door to the garage and locked it. The two of them got into the tomboy's truck and drove off to Michiru's apartment building. "Do you have to go anywhere tomorrow?" Michiru had planned on getting some groceries as she had run out of the essentials, "I was going to get some food," she looked out the window it had started to snow harder. "I can take you…I have to get some groceries too, it's my turn," Haruka and her roommate, Makoto shared the grocery shopping, she'd go one week and then the brunette would go the next week and so on. The blonde looked to Michiru and could see her reflection in the window, she looked unsure.
"I don't want to put you out."
"You're not…" By the time they finished their conversation the truck pulled up to the apartment building. "Thanks for the ride…" she undid her seat belt.
"You're welcome…" Michiru opened the passenger's door and started to get out. "Do you want me to take you shopping tomorrow?" Michiru still wasn't sure but had no other choice; she didn't really want to call a taxi. "I guess."
"Okay…" Haruka got out a piece of paper with her phone number on it and gave it to her, "Just give me a call when you are ready." Michiru took the paper and nodded her head then shut the door of the truck and went inside the building. Haruka waited until she was in the elevator before she drove off toward her home.
"Come on Michiru, you have to tell me more about this new friend of yours," Abi was tired of asking her friend. "You'll probably meet her today," Michiru giggled as Abi's eyes grew in surprise. "Are you joking with me?" It's been a month of torture for the dark purple haired girl trying to get information about this mysterious blonde.
"No I am not, she is taking me car shopping." Haruka had tried to fix her beat up car but she's only a mechanic not a miracle worker. "Haruka is picking me up after work and I'll introduce you if you'd like." Abi stopped unpacking the towels that were for displaying in their department, she had a goofy grin on her face. "I finally get to see who this person is, thank God."
Haruka and Michiru have been hanging out since her car had been in the garage. The blonde had volunteered to take her grocery shopping the other day and help take her dad to his doctor appointments. Michiru wondered why this person who she didn't know from a hole in the ground would help her and her father. Haruka plainly stated that she liked helping people and that she would like to be Michiru's friend if she would allow it.
The aqua coloured hair woman just finished restocking her shelf when a flash of blonde caught her attention, a smile formed on her lips. She wouldn't admit this to anyone but she liked having a friend like Haruka, the way she made her feel like she was the most important person around, she had so much kindness.
"Good afternoon Michiru," a tall blonde smiled at the shorter woman.
"Hey Haruka." That name spoken got the attention of Abi who was in the next isle over from them, Abi quickly made her way over to her work mate; she was determined to meet this Haruka. Standing beside Michiru was a blonde who was a little taller than herself; they had on dark blue jeans a black leather coat that made the person look very handsome. Abi was too busy looking at the blonde she didn't notice Michiru trying to get her attention. "Abi…" Michiru smiled at her crazy friend, "Earth to Abi." The dark purple haired woman looked to Michiru; a slight blush came to her face. "Abi I'd like you to meet my friend Haruka Tenoh." The blonde turned her head and looked to Michiru's friend, teal eyes met Abi's eyes, "It's nice to meet you Abi," Haruka kindly smiled.
A big smile formed on Abi's face, "Hi." Michiru couldn't help but laugh at her friends reaction to the blonde it was actually comical to see Abi not have anything to say to her, usually she'd talk up a storm.
"It is nice to finally meet you," Abi had a silly grin on her face, "I have heard a lot about you Haruka." She crossed her arms over her chest, "Michiru never told me that you were cute too."
Michiru looked at Abi in shock, 'did she just say what I think she said?'
Haruka scratched the back of her head, "Uh…thanks."
Silence… If they were outside I am sure you would hear crickets.
Michiru looked to Abi then to Haruka then back to Abi. "I am going to go sign out," she left the two standing there and hurried away.
"So…did Michiru tell you about the pool party I am having?" Abi looked to the blonde who shook her head no, "Isn't it kind of cold for a pool party?" Winter still was going strong outside.
"Not if it's inside…"
"Oh" Haruka stuck her hands in her coat pockets. Abi placed some towels on the shelves so it looked like she was actually working. "You and Michiru are invited to come…its next weekend if you are interested…" Haruka just nodded her head not really sure if she would go or not, "Alright."
"I can't believe your parents let you do this…" Michiru stood in front of a very large pool that had a swim up bar with stools to sit on, a beautiful waterfall that you could swim under and jump off of and to the left of the pool was a eight man hot tub. "This is beautiful."
"I know, right?" Abi was very excited, soon her guests will arrive and then they can get this party started. Michiru couldn't take her eyes off the pool; she wanted to just dive right in.
"You can go swimming before everyone gets here if you want." Abi knew her friend loved to swim that is why she asked her to come earlier then everybody else. You didn't have to tell Michiru twice before she dove in the pool leaving behind a laughing Abi.
Haruka slowly drove down the street; she held a piece of paper in her hand with an address on it. The street was just packed with parked cars making it very difficult to find a spot. Abi was known for her parties according to Michiru, they were legendary. The last party Abi put on lasted two days at her parents cottage on the lake; bonfires every night, barbecues, music, swimming in the lake.
After the blonde finally found a spot to park she made her way up the driveway which was just as packed with cars. As she got closer to the house, the loud thumping of music drifted through the air.
"This is defiantly the right house," the blonde talked to no one as she carefully made her way to the house, carefully not to fall on the ice on the driveway.
On the back door was a sign 'Come on in…Party in Progress.' The blonde opened the door; a gush of warm air blasted her in the face. The smell of chlorine lingered in the air as she made her way down the hallway that was lined with different lockers.
"Michiru…" Abi leaned closer to her friend who was standing beside her, "your blonde friend is here." Abi looked over to the entryway were the tall blonde stood talking to a couple of girls.
"Looks like she got the attention of some of the girls already," Abi giggled to herself.
Michiru looked to were Abi was staring and shook her head at the blonde, in the few months she's known Haruka she noticed that the blonde was a big flirt.
"So Haruka…you going to tell us something about yourself or what?" Abi looked to the blonde. The party had died down some as it was getting late at night.
"What do you want to know?" The blonde, Michiru and Abi sat in the hot tub, just relaxing. Haruka rested her head against the ledge with Michiru seating right beside her and Abi sat across from them. Abi scrunched her eyebrows together as she thought of a good question to ask the blonde. Haruka smirk at Abi's face as she concentrated.
"What made you decide to be a mechanic?" The smirk on the blonde's face turned into a grin, out of all the questions that good have been asked that one would be the simplest one to answer.
A month has gone by since the pool party; Michiru hasn't seen or heard from Haruka in two weeks and she is worried she has done something or said something that has made her upset with her.
"I'm sure she isn't made at you Michiru," Abi stood beside her friend as they restocked the shelves.
"You're probably right…I just…" Michiru really didn't believe Abi but she didn't want to talk about it anymore.
A half an hour went by before Abi broke the comfortable silence. "I think you should text Haruka…" she smiled at her concerned looking friend. "It might ease our mind…maybe she has gone away on vacation or something…" Abi was running out of excuses to tell her friend.
Off in the distance Abi noticed a familiar blonde walking toward their department.
"What are you smiling about?" Michiru looked at Abi with an amused grin on her face.
"Nothing…" she avoided looking at her friend in the eyes.
Teal eyes locked with aquamarine. "Haruka?" the blonde now stood beside the two ladies.
"Hello Michiru, Abi." Michiru heart leapt into her throat, after not seeing the blonde for almost fourteen days made her realize just how much she cared for the tomboy.
"And here we thought you dropped off the face of the earth…" Abi punched Haruka lightly in the arm.
"Why? Did you guys miss me?" Haruka smiled uncertainly, the look in Michiru eyes told her she was upset with the blonde; the blonde raised her one eyebrow looking between the two.
"What?" they were both looking at her now with concern which just made her nervous.
"I've got to run to the backroom to get…" Abi looked to the shelves "uh…some more towels." She high tailed it out of there leaving the two alone. Haruka looked to the cart that held ten boxes of towels,
"Doesn't she realize that her cart is full of towels?" her hand rested on the back of her neck, Abi had abandoned her leaving her with Michiru.
"Where have you been these last few days?" Michiru couldn't believe she had enough courage to ask her, they've been friends now for what six months.
"Didn't you get my text I sent you?" Haruka took her phone out of her pocket and looked at it.
"No…" Michiru crossed her arms before her chest, "The last text I got from you was two weeks ago."
The blonde's mouth opened and closed, no words came out. She fumbled with her phone trying to unlock it, "I sent you one just before I left…I swear I did." She scanned through her history of texts finally finding what she was looking for.
"See…" she handed the phone to her friend. "Sorry Michiru…I should have just called you instead…stupid technology."
A slight smile formed on Michiru's lips, she felt better now that Haruka wasn't mad at her. The breath she was holding she finally released. "I thought I did something to upset you and that is why I haven't heard from you…" she couldn't believe she felt that way; now she felt stupid for even thinking that.
"Why would I be upset with you?" The tomboy stepped closer to her friend. Michiru just shrugged her shoulders and looked down to the floor. She was so embarrassed for jumping to conclusions without even talking to the blonde.
"I was on a business trip for work…"
"Oh…" They both stood there, not really sure of what to say after that little misunderstanding. Haruka buried her hands in her pant pockets.
"I…uh…I…I was wondering," she was stuttering, Haruka never stuttered. She mentally slapped herself.
"Would you and your father like to come over for dinner? Makoto really wants to cook you two a meal…she won't stop asking me to ask you two…It seems like she mentions it every day, so the only way I can think for her to stop is if you agree to come over."
Michiru smiled sweetly at the rambling blonde, she was amused. She never heard so many words come out of the blonde all at once.
"What!?" a light tint of red tinted Haruka's cheeks. It was out of character for the blonde, she never got this way. What was it about her friend that caused this reaction?
"I'd love to but I have to check with my dad first, it depends if it is a good day or not." Her father was having more bad days then good this last month and it's been worrying her.
"Okay"
The apartment was quite nice, the living room, dining room and kitchen were all open. The rooms were nicely decorated; a comfy looking couch and a couple of chairs sat in the living room. The kitchen is what most likely sold the place for Makoto; it was well equipped with all the things a chef would need to make a delicious meal.
"You two have a really nice place…" Michiru leaned against the island in the kitchen.
"Thanks...the kitchen is why I bought this place," Makoto looked around her kitchen with a happy grin on her face. The kitchen was her sanctuary, she felt most confident in her element.
"I can see why."
In the living room sat Haruka and Michiru's father, the television was on but the volume wasn't very loud. The blonde stared at the screen but wasn't really paying attention to it, her mind was elsewhere. She had volunteered to pick Michiru and her father up for dinner just to help her out. She was amazed at how much effort it took to get Michiru's father just to stand up for her and get in Haruka's truck. The blonde didn't know how her friend could do that every single day; she looked over to Buraian, Michiru's father who sat in his wheelchair staring at the television. He didn't say much; he lost some of his ability to speak from his stroke he had awhile back, Michiru didn't talk much about it so she wasn't too sure when it happened.
Haruka was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice the cushion beside her had dipped down as someone sat beside her. "Penny for your thoughts?" Michiru leaned against the blonde's arm. Haruka looked at her with a small smile; "Your father is a lucky man…"she looked to Buraian, "to have such a caring daughter to look after him."
Michiru could feel her cheeks getting warm, "Well..." she looked to her father, "he raised me all by himself…I am just returning the favour."
"Dinner is ready guys…" Makoto yelled from the kitchen.
"Come on dad, you have to help me out here." Michiru tried for the umpteen time to get her father to stand up from his wheelchair. "Come on dad, we have to get into Haruka's truck…" he just stared at her with a blank look in his eyes. "Please dad…"she was getting frustrated.
Haruka stood off to the side, the look in Michiru's eyes made her stomach drop. She could see the tears forming in her beautiful eyes; she begged her father. "Do you want me to help?" Aquamarine eyes locked with teal eyes, a sigh of relieve escaped her lips, "Thank you."
Haruka came over to Buraian and bent down a little so she could look him straight in the eye. "Hey Buraian, you remember I came and picked you and your daughter up for dinner?" He stared at her with same expression as before. Haruka goofily smiled at him.
"You know we could put you and your wheelchair into the back of my truck and I could take you home like that?" A small smile came to the older man's face and he shook his head slightly. Haruka chuckled; she was more than happy to get a smile out of him. "That is what I thought…" she looked up to Michiru who also had a happy grin on her face.
"Alright Mr. Kaioh…let's get you out of that chair." Haruka put his arm around her neck and gently picked him up out of the wheelchair and set him gently into the truck, "It's not every day I get to pick up such a nice man in my arms…you are very lucky Buraian." She winked at him which made his smile grow. Haruka closed the door of her truck and turned to Michiru who hadn't moved from her previous spot.
"Thanks…I…"Michiru was at a loss for words, she didn't know what to say or…or feel. "I…haven't seen him smile in such a long time." She hugged herself, not sure of herself.
"Anytime Michi…come on…let's get you guys home." Haruka held out her hand which Michiru took.
The drive to the Kaioh residence was in a comfortable silence the only thing heard was the noise of the radio. The truck pulled into the parking lot and parked beside Michiru's car. Haruka got out first offering her hand to help Michiru out.
"Okay Buraian, I'm going to pick you up again." She put his arm around her neck again and gently picked him up causing him to groan in pain. "Sorry…" she whispered as she placed him into his wheelchair. He had the same blank look in his eyes.
"I can't thank you enough…" Michiru was so grateful for the blonde and all she has done for her and her dad. Haruka just smiled and nodded her head, "You know you can stop thanking me…" the blonde started to push the wheelchair to the entrance of the building.
"You don't have to do that."
Haruka shrugged her shoulders and continued to head to the door. The three of them made their way up to the apartment, once Michiru unlocked the door Haruka pushed the chair into Buraian room. Once again Haruka picked him up out of the chair and set him on his bed. "I'm getting my exercise today," she said to no one in particular.
"Okay there fine sir, I will leave you in the capable hands of your daughter…" Haruka turned to leave the room.
"Thank you," it was no more than a whisper but she heard it loud and clear. She looked back at him and smiled, "You're welcome…we will have to do this again." He slowly nodded his head; Haruka left the room in search of Michiru and found her in the living room.
"I should get going, it's getting late." The sun had long set. They both walked to the door; "Haruka, I…" Michiru started but was unsure what she really wanted to say. The blonde looked at her curiously.
"Thank…" she started to say but Haruka looked at her with a not-again look and she stopped.
"If you need anything at all call me or text me…doesn't matter if it's in the middle of the night, okay?" Haruka opened the door to the apartment and stepped into the hallway, "I'll see you later."
Michiru stood in the doorway, she nodded her head. How did she get so lucky to find a friend like Haruka Tenoh?
"Haruka?"
Teal eyes met hers, before either of them knew what was happening Michiru engulf Haruka into a hug. Michiru buried her head into the crock of the blonde's neck. This startled her for a split second before she wrapped her arms around the girl and rested her head on her head. They stood in each other's arms for a bit before Michiru let go of her friend; she looked sheepishly up at her. Haruka grinned at her, "See you later," she turned and walked toward the elevator leaving a smiling Michiru behind.
Two eyes opened slightly, the room was dark, and the only thing that illuminated the room was the digital clock that read, 1:48 am. Sitting on the night stand beside the bed was a cell phone that beeped a few times then stopped. They picked it up and looked at the screen, their eyes widen in surprise.
"Michiru?" there voice was full of sleep.
"Haruka…I'm sorry for calling so late…I…"
The blonde sat up in bed, fully awake. "Is everything okay?" She got no response, "Michiru? You still there?" Haruka dropped her legs over the side of the bed.
"He fell on the floor and he isn't getting up…he's…he's…" her breathing was all over the place, she didn't know what to do, and she was panicking.
"Michiru, sweetheart," Haruka's clam voice made her heart jump in her throat. "I need you to take a couple of deep breathes for me." Michiru did as she was told, her heart rate started to go back to its normal beating.
"Haruka can you come and…" The blonde interrupted her "I'll be there in five minutes."
Michiru gripped her phone in her hand as she waited for the tomboy to show up. "She's coming dad…" she feared this day for so long where she couldn't help her dad anymore.
After five long minutes the buzzer finally buzzed indicating Haruka had arrived. Michiru left the apartment door unlocked for the blonde to just come in.
"Michiru? Buraian?"
"In here!"
Haruka followed the sound of the voice into Buraian's room. Lying on his side on the carpet was Mr. Kaioh, he was still breathing; you could see his chest going in and out. "What happened?" Haruka could see the unshed tears in her friend's eyes.
"I don't know…I…heard a big bang and came to see what it was…I found him lying here…" Michiru knelt beside her father and held his hand.
Haruka gently turned Buraian onto his back which caused him to groan in pain. She looked into Michiru's scared eyes. "I think we better call the ambulance." Michiru's father still was unconscious.
"Okay," Michiru whispered and grabbed for the phone, her hands shook uncontrollably. Haruka placed her hands over her friends and gently took the phone from her. Michiru was in no condition to call the medics.
"I need an ambulance at…" Michiru zoned out on Haruka's phone call, she stared at her father lying motionless on the floor.
"Michiru…" Haruka called her name again but still didn't get a reply. "Sweetheart…" Haruka placed her hand on her arm, "You need to let go of your father so the medics can do their job."
Michiru looked up at her confused; she blinked a few times before her eyes refocused. Two paramedics stood in the hallway; one had a large bag over their shoulder and looked at her patiently.
"Sorry," she stood up on her wobbly legs; she couldn't remember how long she had been knelt beside her father. Haruka held her elbow as she noticed her weaving to and through.
Both of them stood off to the side as the paramedics did what they had to do; they put an oxygen mask over his face and gently rolled him on his side so they could get the stretcher board under him. "Are you his daughter," the one looked at Michiru who nodded her head in agreement. "Would you like to ride with us or meet us at the hospital?" Michiru looked to him then to her father, "Uh…"
Haruka squeezed Michiru's arm trying to give her strength. "You should you with your father." Michiru had lost her voice through this whole ordeal so Haruka had to speak up for her; Haruka didn't want to push herself on her friend.
"You're coming too right?" Michiru looked to Haruka; she didn't want to do this all on her own. The blonde sadly smiled, "If that is what you want?"
Michiru nodded her head, "Please?" she spoke in a quiet voice.
"I'll meet you at the hospital, okay?"
The paramedics loaded Buraian into the ambulance with Michiru right beside him; she wrapped her arms around herself in a comforting gesture. Haruka stood a few feet away from them giving them the room they needed.
If anything happened to Buraian Michiru would be at a loss, she would have no one, she'd be all alone in the world; no uncle, aunts, grandparents, no one.
The ambulance pulled out of the parking lot leaving behind the blonde, she watched as it turned onto the street and drove toward the hospital.
Haruka quickly got into her car, on the dash board was the clock; it was now 2:30 in the morning. She grabbed her cell phone and called work and left a message for her boss that she was taking a personal day today. She headed off to the hospital with one important person on her mind.
Two bodies sat beside each other on very uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room, one rested their head on the taller ones shoulder with their eyes closed; they weren't asleep but just rested their eyes. "I'm tired…" two eyes opened ever so slightly.
"Yeah, me too." Haruka rested her head against the wall behind her. "You know you can go home if you want…" Michiru moved her head slightly so she could look up to the blonde. She really didn't want the blonde to go but she couldn't hold her back from leaving especially waking her up so early in the morning and she hasn't left her side ever since.
"I believe you are stuck with me for the rest of the day." A small smile came to Michiru's lips; she was so thankful for the blonde, not too many people would have stuck around with her.
"Come on Michiru, you've been going to the hospital every chance you got. You need a break even if it's just a few hours." Abi pleaded with her friend. Buraian had been in the hospital for almost two months now, and he seemed to not be keeping any better. He had suffered another stroke; this one was the worse one he has had. He hardly talks, his appetite is gone. He is slowly fading away.
"When is the last time you and I and Haruka have hanged out?" Abi looked to her friend. Michiru looked paler than normal and a lot thinner.
Michiru shrugged her shoulders, she had no idea. The two of them would come up to the hospital with her once and awhile but that isn't really hanging out.
"Come on…Haruka said she'd even drive." Abi was running thin on ideas to get her to go out with them.
"Please…" it was a quiet whisper. Abi got her puppy dog eyes out.
"Okay Abi, I will go out with you guys." It would be good to get out and see a different scene other than the hospital and work.
"Awesome…I will text Haruka." Abi whipped out her phone and got busy typing out her text.
Abi and Michiru stood at the bar slowly sipping there drinks, Michiru stared in the direction of a certain blonde who stood in amongst a group of women. One by one the women somehow all touched the blonde on the arm, which made the smile on the blonde's face grow.
"I think you should go over there…" Abi looked to her friend.
"Why…why would I do that?" Michiru took a large swallow of her drink.
"Because…" Abi looked her straight in the eyes, "Because it is bothering you that she is being flirted with by those women and…" she glanced at the blonde, "you want Haruka to flirt with you…" she took a quick glance at Michiru who's eyes grew in surprise.
Michiru looked into her almost empty glass, "Is it that obvious?" She thought she had hid her feelings pretty well.
"Yes it is, well to me it is but I am not too sure about Haruka…" Abi put her now empty glass on the bar, "I think you should go over there."
Michiru looked to Abi then back to the blonde then back to the Abi, "I can't Abi, I just can't," she shook her head. Michiru couldn't risk her friendship with Haruka; she cared for the blonde too much to lose her friendship over her feelings.
"You do realize someone has been looking at you the whole time we've been standing over here, right?" Abi had been watching Haruka for the past little while and every chance she got her eyes would drift over to Michiru.
"I think you are seeing things," Michiru didn't believe her, why would Haruka be looking over here when she is surrounded by three gorgeous women. Abi shrugged her shoulders, "Whatever, just telling it how it is."
"I need some fresh air," Michiru couldn't breathe all of a sudden; she needed to get out of the overcrowded bar and fast. The air was crisp and welcoming, winter was long gone and spring was in full swing but the nights still had a chill to them. She wrapped her arms around herself as she walked over to the parking lot. The three of them came together so there was no way she could actually leave unless she wanted to grab a taxi. She leaned against Haruka's truck and looked up to the sky; it was a clear night, maybe two or three little clouds floating by. If it wasn't for the lights of the city you probably could see the stars.
"I love the smell of nighttime in the spring." Michiru didn't hear anyone approach her; she was too deep in thought. She did however recognize the voice of the person who now stood beside her. "What are you doing out here?"
"Just needed some fresh air," Michiru looked into familiar teal eyes.
"Too many people in there for you?" The blonde leaned against her truck and dropped her hands into her pockets. Michiru nodded her head but didn't say anything. They stood in a comfortable silence for a while just enjoying each other's company, it was rare that the two of them where alone by themselves.
"What's the real reason why you're out here?" Haruka leaned her head against the cab of the pickup and glanced over to her friend who still was staring off into space.
"I need to get out of there, too many people…" Michiru closed her eyes
Haruka still didn't believe her but let the subject drop for now. "Did you want to go home? I can give you a lift."
Michiru shook her head no, "I don't want to be a party pooper."
"Really?" the blonde chuckled.
"Really," Michiru turned so she was facing the blonde and just looked at her. There was no way she'd risk losing Haruka even if it meant just being friends.
"Do you want to go back in or-"
"Only if I can buy you a drink?"
Haruka's grin on her face grew as she looked at the goofy smile on Michiru's lips. "Well I can't pass that offer up." She held her hand out for Michiru to take which she gladly did. "Come on."
The truck ride was in mostly silence, someone would occasionally say something but nothing to important. Haruka pulled the truck into Abi's drive way and put the truck in park.
"Thanks for the invite tonight Haruka, I had a good time." Abi gathered her purse and bid them farewell and got out of the truck leaving just Michiru and Haruka by themselves. Haruka put the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, and headed for Michiru's apartment.
Michiru's leg touched Haruka's as the truck turned the corner. Goosebumps went up her arm and leg; she knew she should have moved over once Abi got out of the truck.
Before Michiru knew it Haruka pulled her truck into the parking lot of the apartment and parked beside Michiru's car and turned off the engine. The two sat there in silence, each thinking their own thoughts.
Michiru knew she had to be brave, it was just so hard with the person you had a huge crush on was basically sitting on your leg. She took a deep breath trying to calm her stomach and racing heart.
"Do you want to come up for a drink?" Michiru looked straight out the wind shield afraid to look the blonde in the eyes.
Haruka looked to her friend, she was avoiding her eyes. Since they had gotten into the truck Michiru had been very tense, she didn't say two words to the blonde which confused her but she tried to let it go.
"I guess, but I can't stay too late." Haruka reached for the door handle opening the door and got out follow by Michiru. The two made their way into the apartment building and up to the Kaioh residents. The apartment still looked the same as it did when the last time the blonde was here. It was quieter though, it didn't look like anyone had actually lived in here for a few months.
Michiru went into the kitchen leaving Haruka alone in the living room. Haruka sat on the couch and waited for her friend to reappear from the kitchen.
Michiru leaned against the fridge with her head in her hands; her heart felt like it would beat right out of her chest. She had to keep telling herself to breath. 'This is ridicules.'
"Michiru…" Haruka had sat on the couch for ten minutes waiting for Michiru but she never came out of the kitchen. "Is everything alright?"
Michiru looked into concerned eyes, "Yeah, I will be…" she smiled at Haruka but it didn't reach her eyes. The blonde walked over to her and stopped mere inches from her, she looked into her eyes. Michiru couldn't take the intense look the blonde was giving her so she glanced down at the floor.
Michiru felt two arms wrapping around her bringing her closer to Haruka, at first she tensed up but relaxed into the hold leaning against Haruka's chest. She tightly wrapped her arms around the blonde's back and rested her head just under Haruka's chin. Haruka kissed the top of her head.
"How is your dad really doing?" the grip around Haruka's waist got tighter. She hoped Michiru would tell her, she knew it wasn't good. Every time she went up there to visit Buraian looked worse and worse, he never looked better.
"He's dying, slowly." It was muffled, almost unheard. "Its…it's just a matter of time." Tears rolled down Michiru's face and soaked into Haruka's shirt.
They stood in each other's arms until Michiru's tears had stopped rolling down her face; she lifted her head off of Haruka's chest and looked up into teal eyes.
Haruka brought her hand up and brushed the few remaining tears from her face with her thumb, Michiru closed her eyes at the touch. Haruka looked to her lips then back to her closed eyes. She leaned in ever so slowly and brushed her lips against Michiru.
Michiru's eyes shot opened, the butterflies in her stomach started to flutter around. A happy smile came to her lips at the realization of what just happened. Haruka just kissed her.
"That probably wasn't the best time to-"Michiru cut her off with her lips on hers. She had wanted to kiss her for such a long time. They both broke the kiss and rested their forehead together.
"I've wanted you to do that for so long…" Michiru whispered
Haruka grinned, "So I take it you like me then eh?"
"Just a little bit…"
The aroma of the apartment was over whelming; pots were clinked and banged about. The usual cruse came from the kitchen as something didn't quite work as it should have.
"Someone is a little nervous," Haruka leaned against the counter with an amused look on her face. The blonde's roommate and close friend was having a nervous breakdown. She chuckled as Makoto shot her her finger. "You've had her over for dinner plenty of times Mako…there is no need to be nervous."
Makoto took a deep breathe trying to calm her nerves and her queasy stomach, "I have every right to be freaking out…" the brunette went back to her frying pan that was sizzling away. She almost looked like she was defeated, like she was just about to give up on her plan tonight. Haruka never seen this side of her friend before, she never freaked out about her abilities in the kitchen or about her friend that was coming over for dinner.
The blonde came closer to Makoto and placed a caring hand on her shoulder, "She will say yes Makoto, I see the way she looks at you. She'd be stupid if she didn't." The brunette nodded her head. Haruka seemed like she knew what she was talking about.
The apartment now smelled like baking apples, "You're going to spoil this girl, you do realize that right?" Both roommates sat in the living room watching some cooking show. Makoto pushed Haruka on the arm, "Shut up!" she couldn't help but smile at the blonde. "So when are you leaving?"
Haruka had agreed to leave the apartment so Makoto and her friend could have some privacy.
"As soon as she comes I will go…" Haruka flipped the station to racing.
"Are you sure you don't want to leave before?" Haruka rolled her eyes ignoring her.
The intercom buzzed alerting the two that someone had arrived; Makoto flew off the couch which Haruka couldn't help but laugh.
A few minutes later there was a knock on their door, "Will you be useful for once and get the door for me?" Makoto took off to her bedroom for something. Haruka shook her head, unbelievable. The blonde opened, standing on the other side was a shorter woman; she had short blue hair but not as short as Haruka's.
"Hello Haruka," the shorter haired woman clasped her hands together in front of her.
"Hi Ami…" she opened the door wider letting her come in.
"It smells wonderful in here…" Ami took her coat off and hung it beside the other coats in the hallway.
"Makoto has been torturing me all afternoon with all the different smells." They walked further in the apartment.
"Where is Makoto anyways?" Ami looked around the empty apartment.
"She's gone to make herself more beautiful."
Haruka didn't know why she dashed off to her bedroom; she was already beautiful before Ami came over. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Are you joining us for dinner?" Ami leaned up against the counter in the kitchen.
"Your girlfriend has kicked me out," Haruka goofily grinned at her. Ami raised her eyebrow in surprise,
"Really?"
"I did not," Makoto came to her own defence; she had redone her hair, instead of being in a ponytail like it always was she had let it hang loosely over her shoulders. She defiantly was one beautiful girl.
"She didn't…I have some things I have to do…" Haruka looked to Makoto and winked at her. The two roommates bickered back and forth a bit before Makoto basically told her not to let the door hit her on the way out.
"Haruka…" the blonde looked to Ami who pointed to a cell phone on the counter. "I think someone is calling you."
Haruka grabbed her phone and looked to the caller ID, unknown name and number. She hit the accept button. "Hello?"
"Haruka? It's Abi." Haruka was puzzled as to why Abi would be calling her as she was out of the country on vacation with her parents. Makoto and Ami looked to Haruka curiously, the blonde's face got paler and paler as the conversation continued.
"Okay, thanks Abi." Haruka disconnected the call and sighed, two pairs of eyes were staring at her.
"It's Buraian…it's not good." She put her phone in her pant pocket and grabbed her keys and wallet from the table, "I've got to go…" before Makoto or Ami could say anything Haruka had left the apartment.
The hospital was unusually quiet; most of the patients were in their beds just about ready for bed. Haruka walked done the hallway toward the room she often visited over the past little while. She tucked her hands in her pant pockets as she slowly made her way to Buraian's room. She stopped in the door frame and leaned against it and crossed her arms over her chest. Her stomach dropped at the scene before her. Sitting beside the hospital bed in those so not comfortable chairs was Michiru who had her head resting on her hand. Michiru stared at her father who was lying very still on the bed.
Haruka quietly made her way into the room and stood beside her friend, "Michiru?" the blonde looked down to her friend who didn't even move a muscle. Haruka knelt down beside her, "Sweetheart…"
Haruka tucked a loose strand of hair behind Michiru's ear. Michiru turned her head slightly and looked into concerned teal eyes, "Ruka…" it was no more of a whisper. Her face was tearstained from crying earlier. "What are-"
"Abi called me…I came as fast as my car would drive."
Michiru raised her eyebrow, "Really?"
"Not really but…" Haruka stopped talking; it really wasn't the right time to be joking around.
"How's your father doing?" the blonde looked to the bed. Michiru closed her eyes and shook her head. She had been crying for the past hour and she didn't want to start again, especially in front of Haruka.
"He's…He's…" she couldn't finish the sentence. A fresh batch of tears ran down her face and landed on her shirt. She felt Haruka's thumb on her face, wiping the tears way. She opened her eyes; those same concerned eyes greeted her. "Sorry, I…" Michiru began to speak.
"No need to apologize Michi," Haruka stood and grabbed one of the plastic chairs from across the room and sat beside Michiru. She sat down and groaned at the stupid chair for it had bite her in the butt, 'Stupid chair'
The room was darker than normal, the only light was from the hallway that crept into the room and a very dim light was on over top of the bed. Haruka still sat in the uncomfortable chair and looked to the bed that Buraian laid on. She watched his chest raise and fall as he breathed. Michiru just left to use the bathroom leaving the blonde by herself; Haruka had lost track of time since she came to the hospital, it seemed she had been sitting in that chair for years but in reality it's only been four hours. Her eyes drifted up to Buraian's face, two eyes stared back at her.
"Buraian…?" Haruka's eyes grew wide in surprise; she stood and came over to his side.
"Haru…" it was a low whisper. Haruka bent over slightly so she could hear him better.
Buraian looked into her teal eyes, "Prom-mise…" his lips trembled as he tried to from words. Haruka placed her hand over his trying to reassure him.
"Look after…" his eyes were fearful. "Michi…ru"
A sad smile came to Haruka, after all Michiru's father has been through over the past years he always tried to make sure his daughter was taken care of. Haruka looked to him seriously; she didn't even have to give it a second thought. "I promise Buraian, I'll take care of her, she will be in good hands," she squeezed his hand reassuring him again. The past months Haruka has been looking out for Michiru. Driving her places when her car won't work and also helping her find a new reliable vehicle.
"Ruka…" the blonde looked to the door. Michiru looked so pale, so fragile standing there with her arms wrapped around herself tightly. "Hey sweetheart…" Haruka walked over to her and stood a foot away from her, "your dad is awake." Michiru looked to her father and smiled sadly.
"Thanks," Michiru was very quiet; teal eyes met hers. "I'll give you some privacy…" Haruka leaned in and kissed her on the forehead then left the room in search of a decent cup of coffee.
The lights were on giving it an eerie feeling as Haruka walked down the hallway of the hospital. She couldn't find a cup of coffee this late at night –or was it too early- so she had to do with a soda instead. She walked by the nurses' station where two nurses were sitting reading a book not really paying attention to anything else. She continued her way down the hall, stopping in the door frame of Buraian's room. The scene before her made her lose her breathe, her heart leapt into her throat, 'Oh no…'
Michiru sat on the bed with her father, she held his hand firmly, and her head was down. Haruka could she tears falling off her face and landing on the bed. The blonde slowly made her way into the room. She stood beside the bed; she didn't know what to do. She was never that good with emotions.
"Michi…" Haruka broke the silence in the room. Michiru looked up to the blonde; her eyes were puffy from crying and red. Her lips were trembling, "Ruka…" she reached out to her.
Michiru gripped the blonde's waist as she still sat. Michiru rested her head against the blonde's stomach and closed her blurry eyes. Haruka sighed and held onto her friend. She kissed the top of her head. They stood there in each other arms trying to get comfort from each other.
Michiru left numb. She felt like someone took her heart out of her chest and step on it, kicked it around. Her arms were heavy; her legs felt like rubber, she couldn't breathe. Her brain stopped working.
This person she'd known for her whole life just left her alone in this world. This person who taught her how to play the violin. How to swim. How to live. And he just left her.
Haruka stood there for almost an hour with Michiru tightly holding on to her. She looked to the door where a nurse and a gentleman stood. "I'm sorry to have to do this but we need to…"
Haruka nodded her head at them stopping the nurse from saying what she was about to say. Haruka looked down to Michiru who still had her eyes closed. "Michiru" she nudged her a little, "we have to let them…" Michiru shook her head "no…" she didn't want them to take her father away from her, even though her father was no longer there just his body.
"Come on sweetheart…" Haruka made her stand from the bed, not once letting her go. Michiru shook her head again but stood none the less.
Haruka led them out of the room so the nurse and the gentleman who Haruka was sure he was from the morgue into the room so they could do what they had to do with Michiru's father's body. Haruka had her arm firmly around Michiru's waist leading them down the hallway toward the waiting room. Michiru held onto Haruka like her life depended on it, she would not let go of the blonde. It was like Haruka was her life line.
They sat on the couch in front of a large TV that wasn't on; Haruka still had her arm wrapped around Michiru's shoulder. Michiru leaned her head against Haruka's shoulder and looked down to the blonde's hand that rested on her leg. Haruka watched as Michiru slowly moved her hand and placed it on top of hers. Haruka turned her hand so she could link their fingers together.
The apartment was quiet. The sun just started to peek its head out and casted the apartment in a warm glow. Haruka stood in the kitchen leaning against the counter, coffee in hand she watched the steam escape the cup and slowly rise into the air and disappear.
"How is she doing?" Haruka looked to her right; she didn't even hear anyone come into the kitchen.
"I finally got her to sleep a few hours ago." Haruka looked back to her coffee; a tired sigh escaped her lips, she could hardly keep her eyes open.
"Have you gotten any sleep, you look exhausted." Makoto could see the dark circles under her friend's eyes.
"A few hours I think…" She swallowed the last mouth full of coffee and sat the cup in the sink, "I have to go to work." Makoto looked at her in surprise, "Are you serious? You can barely keep your eyes open." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"It's only for a half a day; I will be back after lunch sometime." Haruka grabbed her keys, cell phone and wallet from the counter. "You don't mind keeping an eye on Michiru do you?"
Makoto shook her head, "No that is fine."
Haruka smiled, "Thanks." She made her way to the door but stopped just before she opened it and turned back to her roommate.
"How did it go last night with Ami?" Haruka was so preoccupied with Michiru she had forgotten to ask. Makoto's huge grin on her face told her everything she needed to know.
"Congratulations Mako…I knew she'd say yes," Haruka was happy for her friend and her new fiancée.
The sun crept in between the curtains, shining brightly on the body that was asleep. The sun rays slowly moved to the persons face. Two tired eyes opened, blinking a few times trying to wake up. They glanced over to the clock on the bedside table, 1:17. They sat up and brought their feet over the side of the bed, for a split second they had forgot what had happened early that morning. Once her brain registered what had happened her heart sank. She looked around the room; she'd been in Haruka's room a few times in the past but never actually slept in her bed. She stood from the bed and made her way out into the living room in search of the blonde. She couldn't really stay in bed all day even though she really wanted too.
Lying on the couch with her arm over her face was the one person she was looking for. She stood beside the couch not really sure if she should approach her or not. "How was your sleep?" the blonde spoke but still had her arm draped over her face. Michiru gripped her chest, Haruka had scared her.
"How did you know I was standing here?"
Haruka uncovered her face and looked to her friend, she was still very tired. "I heard you walking, the floor creaks by my bedroom door."
"Oh…" Michiru looked everywhere but the blonde, "Sorry I woke you."
Michiru looked like a lost puppy just standing there not really sure of what to do. The blonde did have to admit to herself that 'just the woken look' on Michiru was defiantly something she could get used too. Michiru hair was sticking up in places, she had no makeup on. She was gorgeous. Haruka sat up so Michiru could sit beside her.
"Come sit with me." she patted the cushion next to her. Michiru sat right beside, leg touching leg. "How are you" she knew it wasn't the best question to ask but she'd like to know.
Michiru shook her head, she didn't want to talk about it; she didn't want to break down crying again, she shed all her tears early this morning. Instead of answering she leaned her head against her friends shoulder like she had done so many times in the past few months.
"Is there anything you would like me to do? Are you hungry?" Michiru shook her head no and closed her eyes, she felt exhausted even though she just woke up. Haruka leaned her head on the back of the couch and her eyes drifted close. Before either of them knew it they were both fast asleep.
The sun shined brightly in the sky. The birds chirped happily. Buds on the trees started to show on the branches. It was a very beautiful spring day.
"It's not fair; it should be raining and miserable out…" Michiru wrapped her arms around her chest, "Not warm and sunny and beautiful." Today was the day she would put her dad in the ground, her final goodbye. She felt awful, and the sunny weather outside was making her feel even worse.
A hand reached out and took hold of hers; their thumb rubbed a circle pattern on her hand calming her a little bit, at least she wasn't standing here alone.
The two stood under a canopy set up by the funeral home, a few fold up chairs sat behind them but they remained empty as no one else was coming. A cool breeze would blow making Michiru shiver but she refused to move she stood still staring at a small hole in the ground where her father's ashes would be buried. Her father didn't want to be buried in a casket; he just wanted a simple burial nothing to fancy.
Michiru gripped Haruka's hand as if her life depended on. She didn't want to be here. She wanted to be at home with her father sitting in his favourite chair listening to her play the violin; she wanted to hear his laugh as he tried to cook them dinner like he had done many times before.
The wind blow against her tear stained face. She watched at the funeral director gently placed her father's urn into the small hole and stepped back giving them space.
Michiru took a deep shaky breathe, "I…" she couldn't continue as fresh tears rolled down her face and landed on her shirt.
Haruka let go of Michiru's hand so she could wrap her arm around her shoulders trying to give her some support, she would be there for her in this awful time. Michiru leaned her head against the blonde's shoulder and let all her tears out.
Standing not too far from the two girls stood two figures; the taller of two was a brunette who had her hair in a high ponytail and the shorter girl had blue hair that went just past her shoulders.
"Should we go over there?" The brunette looked to her shorter friend.
"Maybe we should give them a few more minutes." The shorter woman watched as the two lone figures stood under the canopy.
"Alright…" the brunette came closer to the shorter woman and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.
The apartment was rather quiet; the television was turned on for some back ground noise. Four people sat in the living room, Haruka and Michiru sat on the couch and Makoto and Ami sat in the two other comfy chairs.
"Does anyone want something to drink or eat?" Makoto broke the silence of the room; she couldn't take the silence for much longer.
"I wouldn't mind something to eat," Ami smiled at her fiancée. The brunette stood from her chair and walked into the kitchen with Ami following close behind her.
Haruka looked to Michiru who stared off into space. She hadn't said much since they left the grave yard, it broke her heart every time she looked at the sadness in those beautiful eyes.
"Are you hungry Michi or thirsty?" Haruka squeezed Michiru hand that she held for the past few hours. Michiru didn't want to let go off it which was fine with the blonde.
Michiru shook her head not even bothering to look at her.
"Alright…" the blonde went back to looking at the TV still holding Michiru's hand firmly in her own.
The sun had long set leaving the moon to light the dark world outside. A few stars twinkled in the black sky. The city was bustling with energy as night had come.
Michiru stood on the balcony leaning against the railing; she looked down at the people walking by the apartment building, everyone seemed to be in a hurry. They all had some place to be.
The sliding door slid open revealing Haruka; she stepped out and slid the door closed behind her. She came over to Michiru and stood right beside her, her elbows came up to the railing and rested them right beside Michiru just barely touching hers.
"I put out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for you…" Haruka looked out to the city. Michiru looked over to Haruka's elbow. She looped her arm with the blondes and rested her head on her shoulder.
They stood in a comfortable silence; the only noise was from the city below. A police siren ripped through the hustle and bustle of the city. All the cars cleared out of its path way.
"Thanks Ruka…" Michiru whispered. Haruka placed a loving hand over her arm, she smiled.
"You're welcome sweetheart," Haruka knew the thank you was just not for the clothes but for everything she had done for her the past while.
"Are you ready to go in? I think Makoto and Ami have gone to bed already."
Michiru turned so she could look into the apartment, there was only one small light on and the rest of the apartment was in darkness. Michiru nodded her head in agreement and allowed Haruka to lead her inside and into the bedroom.
"I'll give you some privacy to get changed." Haruka closed the bedroom door leaving Michiru to get changed. On the bed sat a shirt and shorts. Michiru picked up the t-shirt, on the front was a red dodge viper with the word Tenoh in bold black lettering on the car door. She quickly got changed and climb into the bed, the bed was so soft and the sheets smelled of Haruka, she inhaled the unique smell that was Haruka.
Haruka stood in the hallway, changed into her pyjamas with her clothes neatly folded under her arms. She placed her ear against the door, no noise. She knocked lightly on the wood door, "Michiru?"
"You can come in," it was muffled slightly but still hearable. She opened the door; the table light was the only light in the room. Haruka looked to the bed; Michiru had wrapped herself up with the blankets. She could only see the top of her nose. The blonde chuckled quietly as she placed her folded clothes on her dresser ready for the next day.
Haruka made her way over to her bed and sat on top of the covers, she really didn't want to sleep on the couch but she would for Michiru. She needed a good sleep for once. "Are you all set for the night now?"
Michiru took down the covers so she could see the blonde. "Yes, thank you."
Haruka stood from the bed, "Ok, I will see you in the morning and if there is anything you need come and wake me up ok?" Haruka bent down slightly and turned off the side lamp.
Haruka laid on the couch, her one foot stuck out from under the covers, her head rested on her pillow at an odd angle. She defiantly would be sore tomorrow.
The floor creaked as weight was put on it, two teal eyes shot open. She was not used to sleeping out here on the couch. She lifted her head a bit to see who had made the floor creak.
"Michiru?" she whispered but it sounded loud in the quiet of the night.
"Sorry Ruka…" Michiru wrapped her arms protectively around herself.
"Is everything alright?" Haruka sat up and moved over so Michiru could sit beside her. Michiru shook her head no.
"Come here," the blonde patted the spot next to her. Michiru took the offered seat, her leg touch the blonde's. She needed to be next to her, touch her just to make sure she was actually there and it wasn't a dream.
"I can't get to sleep," she rested her head against the back of the couch and closed her eyes. Her eyes felt very heavy and her body scream for sleep but it just wouldn't come.
"Is there anything I can do?" Haruka was very concerned for her friend.
"I…I don't know…" she tilted her head so she could look at her, "Can you whack me over the head and knock me unconscious?" she smiled a sad smile. She was desperate.
"No sorry." She chuckled.
"Bummer," Michiru closed her eyes again. She sighed. She was so tired but her mind wouldn't shut off enough so she could relax.
Haruka abruptly stood up making Michiru's eyes shoot open.
"Come on…" Haruka offered her her hand. Michiru looked at her curiously but still took the offered hand. They headed back to the blonde's bedroom. She pulled down the covers a bit so the Michiru could get into the bed.
Haruka lay on her back on top of the covers and Michiru lay next to her. Michiru heart was in her throat, she was excited to be lying next to the blonde. Haruka pulled the covers back up covering Michiru, "Now I want you to close your eyes." Haruka whispered softly. Michiru did as she was told. "Take a deep breath and try and relax your body."
Michiru took a few deep breathes calming her body, calming her thoughts as well. Before she knew it she was out cold. It was a dreamless sleep, one that she needed so badly.
Haruka sat in the living room of Michiru's apartment waiting patiently for Michiru to get changed out of her uniform from work. Haruka was taking Michiru out on a 'date.' The last month and a half had been busy for Michiru and Haruka but mostly for Michiru.
Michiru never knew how much stress the death of her father would cause her, all the paper work, all the lawyers appointments, everything. Haruka noticed Michiru was losing weight, she looked very tired. Michiru needed to get away from all this stress even if it was only for one night.
"So how do I look?" Haruka was lost in thought she didn't even hear her come into the room. The blonde looked up. Her stomach flipped.
"Wow, you look…" Haruka was speechless, she stood. "Beautiful."
The way Haruka looked at Michiru caused a shiver to go down her spine. Michiru looked down at her outfit, "You sure it isn't too much?" She wasn't used to getting dressed up or going out to dinner. Her father and her just got take out or delivery.
"Nope, you look very nice." Haruka winked at her causing her to blush. "Come on, let's get going shall we?" Haruka offered her her arm which she took.
At the back of the restaurant where it was semi private Haruka and Michiru sat. They've been to this restaurant before, many times actually. It was the first restaurant they went to when Michiru owed Haruka a drink for helping out with her vehicle.
The two sat in a comfortable silence; not having to fill the silence with chatter. They enjoyed each other's company.
"Here we go guys," the waiter came with their food, "Be careful the dishes are very hot." He placed them in front of them and asked if they needed anything else before he left. "No I think we are good," Michiru smiled at him. The two started to eat and talk about nothing to serious, just enjoying the moment.
Haruka looked to Michiru who was buttering her bread ever so carefully. Her face was flushed slightly, Haruka wasn't sure if it was from the wine they were drinking or just her natural glow. She looked so relaxed and happy.
Michiru looked up, her eyes grew wide in surprise, "What?" She looked down to her outfit thinking she got something on it.
"Nothing, I was just admiring your beauty." Haruka took a drink of her wine. Michiru was speechless, her heart hammered in her chest, "Uh…" Michiru had been told she was beautiful by different guys and some girls but it didn't make her feel anything like it did when Haruka said it.
"So you think I'm beautiful?" Michiru played with her fork.
"I think the right word would be gorgeous," the tomboy winked at her then continued eating her supper. The butterflies in Michiru's stomach were fluttering around more; she looked down at her plate sheepishly and continued to eat her dinner.
The tomboy's truck parked beside Michiru's car; two bodies sat in the cab of the truck.
"We will have to take my car next time," Michiru looked to her car. She hadn't driven it anywhere in a while. She always went in Haruka's truck.
"Oh…so you want to go out on another date then?" Haruka couldn't hide her grin.
"Yeah," Michiru opened the truck door and got out before Haruka could see her blush.
"So what do you want to watch?" Michiru scanned through the TV guide, "Or do you want to watch a DVD?" there wasn't much on television.
"I don't care you can pick…" the blonde leaned her head against the back of the couch.
"Why do I have to pick?" Michiru crossed her arms over her chest, her eye brows scrunched together.
"Because…" Haruka raised her one eye brow, "I picked where we ate so you get to pick what we watch…seems fair, right?" she looked at Michiru very seriously trying not to break out into a grin. Michiru shook her head and went back to looking at the TV screen trying to find something of interest to watch.
Once Michiru decided on a movie to watch she leaned back against the couch right beside the blonde, she leaned against her shoulder.
"So what movie did you pick for us?" Haruka brought her arm up so it was now wrapped around Michiru's shoulder. She knew she was being brave to put her arm around her but she just couldn't help it, she couldn't touch her enough. She begged to be touched.
"You will have to just wait and see," Michiru poked her in the ribs playfully. The movie started, Haruka paid attention to the screen. She hadn't seen this movie before.
Michiru wasn't really paying attention to the movie; she was too busy noticing the blonde sitting beside her. Michiru took her free hand that lay on her lap and brought it over to the blonde's hand that just lay in her lap. Michiru bit the inside of her cheek; she had a battle going on in her brain. Should she take hold of the blonde's hand or not, was that over stepping there new found relationship?
"What are you thinking about?" Michiru blinked a few times and looked into teal eyes, a faint blush came to her face. She didn't realize she was staring at Haruka's hand.
"N-Nothing…" Michiru quickly looked to the screen.
"You're a terrible lair you know that," Haruka grinned. She took her hand and interlocked her fingers with Michiru. The two sat in a comfortable silence as the movie continued to play with their fingers intertwined. Michiru could sit like this forever, just the two of them. No worries no heartache no loneliness.
"That is a different kind of ending usually the person kills themselves or gets hit by a car or they can't go through with it…" Haruka watched as the credits rolled on the screen. She actually liked the movie. "I didn't think I would like reading subtitles but it wasn't too bad," Haruka looked to Michiru who stared at the TV screen.
"My dad actually bought me that DVD…" Michiru smiled at the fond memory of it.
"Really, so your dad knew about you and-"
"Yeah I kind of told him one day after a graduated high school." Her smile widened. "I told him and he just smiled, it was a kind of smile that made me all warm and fuzzy inside, you know?" Tears started to brim at the back of her eyes; she missed her father so much.
Haruka squeezed her hand, "I am happy he took it so well, were you nerves?" She looked at her.
"I was but I knew I had to tell him. He didn't even flinch or nothing. He was one of a kind." A sad smile came to her lips.
"I haven't even told my parents, nobody in my family knows." Haruka rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand. It was kind of embarrassing.
Michiru eyes grew wide in surprise. She would have thought it would be obvious. "Isn't it obvious tha-"
Haruka looked at her "And what are you trying to say?" she took her arm off of Michiru's shoulder. She was trying to be serious but it was so hard with the look on her friend's face.
"Well you dress like a…" Michiru should have stopped while she was ahead.
"Like a what?" Haruka could see the faint blush on her cheeks.
"I think a just stuck my foot in my month didn't I?"
Haruka chuckled at her frazzled friend. "I believe you have…"
Michiru stood from the couch embarrassed "I'm going to go get a drink, do you want one?"
Haruka looked to the clock on the wall, it was almost eleven o'clock. "I think I better be going, I have to get up early for work," she stood and stretched her back.
"Oh…" Michiru's stomach dropped at the thought of Haruka leaving. She didn't want the night to end.
"Okay," Michiru wrapped her arms around herself. Ever since her father had died she didn't like to be alone. She was so used to having someone in the apartment with her.
Haruka noticed the change in the atmosphere, Michiru looked uncertain almost afraid of something.
"Do you want me to stay?" Haruka now stood directly in front of her.
"I-I…" Michiru knew what she really wanted to say but thought better of it. "I don't want to put you out or anything, I just..." She trailed off not sure of how to complete the sentence.
"You're not putting me out Michiru, honest." Haruka remembered back to when Buraian asked to look out for Michiru and if this is what she needs then she is all for it. The happy smile came back to Michiru's face but it didn't reach her eyes fully.
"You don't mind? It's just very lonely here all by myself." Michiru looked down at her feet; she didn't want to show weakness. She showed enough of that over the past months.
Haruka came closer to her and wrapped her arms around her waist bring her even closer to her. Automatically Michiru's arms came up and gripped the back of the blonde's shirt. She breathed in the scent of Haruka which calmed her racing heartbeat. She rested her head under Haruka's chin. Haruka kissed her lightly on the head.
Haruka lay on her back with her hands behind her head resting on the pillow. "I still think I should sleep on your couch…" Haruka looked to her left where Michiru sat on the edge of her bed.
"The couch isn't very comfortable," Michiru brought her feet up on the bed and slid them under the covers, "besides I like having a heater in my bed." She rolled onto her side so she could face the blonde.
"Alright, if that is what you want," Haruka tucked her hands under the covers. Michiru nodded her head.
"I do have to warn you though, I might cuddle with you some time during the night…" she could feel heat rising in her cheeks, thankfully it was dark in the room so Haruka wouldn't see her blush yet again.
"Oh really…" Haruka looked at her. "How do you know that? How many people have you slept with?" the blonde was now curious.
"Just one," Michiru rolled onto her back. "When I was little I'd crawl into my father's bed and when I woke up in the morning my arms were usually around him."
Haruka didn't reply, she just lay there in silence for a while.
"Thanks for the warning," Haruka smiled even though no one could see it in the dark.
"Good night Michi."
"Night."
Boxes littered the whole apartment, in amongst all the boxes stood Haruka who looked around unsure as of what to do. Michiru gave her instruction as how to pack her things so they wouldn't break in the move. Haruka scratched her head, so much to pack so little time. She was in charge of packing the things in Buraian's room. Michiru couldn't handle it. A sad sigh escaped the blonde's lips, so many memories. She reached for an empty box and started to put things in it.
Michiru stood in the living room and looked around at all the boxes. The walls were bare, no more pictures hung on them; they were all neatly packed away. All her furniture was already put away in storage; she couldn't take it to her new place.
Three weeks ago Haruka and Makoto had surprised her with a supper, well it was mostly Makoto with the supper part but apparently Haruka had helped her out. It was nice to be in their company, she missed being with people. She dreaded being alone in her apartment, it always brought on sadness.
After dinner was over and dessert was being served Haruka had sat a small box on the table beside her, it was teal green in colour with a white ribbon wrapped around it. Michiru looked at it puzzled, "What's…"
"It's for you Michiru," Makoto sat across from her.
"Just open it okay," Haruka patted her on the arm and took a seat next to her. Michiru looked down at the package then back up to two pairs of eyes. She pulled the ribbon off and took the lid off. Sitting inside on some tissue paper was a key; Michiru was really confused, "What…"
"Makoto and I have been talking and we notice how much you dread going back to your apartment so we thought…" Haruka placed her hand over Michiru's, "We have a spare room that has your name on it if you want it."
Michiru's eyes grew wide, she never except that. These two actually want her. "I…"
"Just think about okay?" Makoto smiled at her new friend.
Michiru placed one of the full boxes by the door that needed to be taken down to Haruka's truck along with the other ones. She was excited and nerves to be moving in with Makoto and Haruka, what if they regret their decision later on, what if Haruka didn't want to be with her anymore, would she'd be kicked to the curb, would she be alone…again?
"Hey Michiru, were do you want these books?" Haruka held onto a very heavy box filled with Buraian's collection of novels.
"Umm…I guess I can put it in storage with the rest of his stuff," she knew she couldn't keep all his stuff but she couldn't bear to part with it just yet.
Michiru put the remainder of her clothes in her dresser in her new room, it was smaller than her old bedroom but it had a comfy feel to it.
"How are you making out?" Haruka leaned against the door frame. It made her heart melt at the look in Michiru's eyes in that moment. Michiru looked so happy to finally be with other human beings.
"I am almost done unpacking," Michiru shut her dresser drawer and walked to the blonde, she stopped in front of her with mischievous look in her eyes. Before the blonde could react Michiru brought her lips to hers and kissed her gently, unsure of herself. Haruka brought her hands up to Michiru's hips bring her closer.
'Michiru has definitely got braver' Haruka thought as Michiru's fingers ran through her hair.
"Is this what I am going to come home too every day?"
The two broke apart and looked to the front entrance where Makoto stood with an amused look on her face. "I'd like some sort of warning or something…" Makoto walked into the kitchen leaving the two blushing women in the hallway.
Michiru buried her head in Haruka's shirt, "She isn't upset is she?" She mumbled.
Haruka chuckled at Michiru's sudden shyness, "No, she is just teasing me…which she does…a lot actually." Haruka kissed her forehead reinsuring her, "Mako will probably start teasing you more now that you live with us." Michiru looked up to the blonde, she couldn't help but smile, she felt so happy to be living with someone- particular the blonde- and Makoto was an added bonus.
"Are you ready to get going?" Haruka was taking her out for dinner, nothing fancy or anything. Michiru looked around her new room, almost everything was put away, just a few pairs of pants and shirts lay on her bed. "Yeah, I am ready."
The two love birds made their way into the heart of the city looking for a certain restaurant. Michiru was looking around at all the different stores they had past; she wasn't paying all that much attention to where the blonde was leading them. Haruka stopped walking and announced they had arrived. Michiru looked at the sign of the restaurant and her eyes grew wide in surprise, "This is…" she couldn't form any words. She looked to Haruka then back to the restaurant.
"When I was helping you pack your stuff I found some pictures of you and Buraian at this particular restaurant," She thought it was a good idea at the time but now that they were here not so much. "We…we can go somewhere else if you want?"
Michiru wrapped her arm around hers and squeezed it, "No…I'd love to go here…with you." She hadn't been here in such a long time, since her father had his first stroke.
The hostess brought them to the back of the restaurant in a booth were they wouldn't be disturbed by the other customers. A waiter came right over them as soon as they sat down.
"Can start you two of with a drink?"
"I'll have a beer." Haruka didn't even have to look at the menu.
"And for you?" He looked to Michiru
"I'll have a glass of white wine, please." Once the waiter got their orders he left them alone.
Michiru looked around the room recognizing most of it from long ago. "My father and I used to sit over there at those tables," she smiled sadly at the fond memory.
Haruka sat there in silence watching Michiru look around with a sad expression in her eyes. Buraian had been gone for a little over two and half months now. She could see the struggle Michiru was having. She was putting on a brave face but she could see the loneliness in her eyes. She could hear Michiru's muffled cries at night sometimes which broke her heart.
The waiter came back with their drinks and the two ordered what they wanted to eat and he left yet again. They talked amongst themselves as they waited for their food to arrive; it wasn't serious conversation, nothing too heavy.
Once the food came they ate in a comfortable silence. Since they had sat down Michiru never broke contact, she always was touching the blonde in some way. Since her hands her busy her leg rested up against the blonde's under the table. Haruka didn't mind one bit she loved feeling her in some way.
"That was as delicious as I remember it," Michiru placed her napkin on her plate and looked to Haruka, "Thanks for bringing me here." She smiled.
"You're welcome, Michi."
"How was your dinner? I heard great things about that restaurant." Makoto stood in the kitchen. Haruka and Michiru sat on the couch watching a movie; Michiru rested her head against Haruka's shoulder.
"The food was amazing…" Teal eyes met a green pair of eyes. "You and Ami should check it out…the food is almost as good as yours." Haruka knew that would get to her roommate, being as she was the best chef in the city in her opinion.
"Really?" Makoto placed her hands on her hips, "I don't know about that…"
Haruka chuckled and shook her head, "There are other chefs out there that are good at cooking too you know." Haruka knew she'd get some remark back.
"Shut up…" If Michiru wasn't sitting beside her she would've thrown something at her. "After that comment Miss Tenoh, you can buy the groceries for everyone this week."
The blonde just shrugged her shoulders, "I don't mind…"
"Alright…I am leaving…" Makoto grabbed her purse and cell phone, "I'll see you guys later." With that the brunette left the apartment. She was spending some quality time with her fiancée the rest of the night and some of tomorrow.
"You shouldn't tease her like that." Michiru buried her head in the crock of Haruka's neck, the movie forgotten for the time being. "But I have too…" Haruka rubbed circles on her arm, "It is part of our contracted I signed when I moved in here…"
Michiru sat up so she could look the blonde in the eye, "What?"
"Yeah it was in the fine print." Her smile grew; Michiru looked so serious in thought. Michiru pushed on her arm "you're insane," she rested her head on her shoulder again and started to pay attention to the movie that was almost over. Haruka chuckled to herself and wrapped her arm around Michiru bring her closer.
By the time the movie credits were rolling Michiru had dozed off into dreamland. The past month had been very busy for Michiru; she started back to work full time; had sold her father's condominium and had moved into Haruka's and Makoto apartment.
Haruka reached for the remote and turned off the television and placed it the arm of the couch. Haruka moved a strained of hair that fell in Michiru's eyes tucking it behind her ear. Michiru started to stir from her slumber at the light touch.
"Sorry I drifted off…"
"That's okay…it looked like you could use the sleep," she removed her arm from around the girl. Michiru stretched out her arms before her eyes landed on her lap. Sitting there was a small box with her name on it. She stared at it for a few more seconds before she looked up to Haruka.
"What's this?" She was confused. 'Another present, I don't deserve this...' she thought as she looked into teal eyes.
"Looks to me that it is a box with your name on it," Haruka was playing dumb. She had secretly put it on her lap while she was a sleep. Curiosity got the better of Michiru; she picked it up and flipped it over to see if there was anything on the other side of it. She knew it had to come from Haruka she was the only one home.
Haruka watched as Michiru slowly opened the box and took out another small box, she was nervous at the reaction she would have.
Michiru opened the box and sitting inside was another box but this one had the word 'promise' on it. She looked to Haruka, she was very confused. The blonde just looked at her and didn't say anything. Michiru looked back to the box, her heart rate increased. She opened it; staring back at her was a beautiful ring. It was half polished sliver touch meeting halfway with brushed titanium. Michiru hands started to shake as she tried to take the ring out of its box.
"Ruka…what…"
Haruka placed her hand over Michiru's shaking one. "This ring is for you…this ring…" Haruka looked down at the box. "A certain man made me promise to him…" she looked up "He made me promise him that I'd look after you…that I'd kept an eye on you…" Haruka could see the tears forming in Michiru's eyes. She didn't want to make her cry.
"Even if you can't stand to be around me anymore I will still be there for you." Haruka took the ring out of the box, she turned Michiru's hand around so her palm faced up and placed the ring on her palm.
Michiru heart sank into her stomach. Even on his death bed her father still was looking after her. She couldn't keep the tears from falling, her vision blurred but she could still make out the look in the blonde's eyes, compassion, understanding…love?
"Ruka…" she looked down at the ring in her hand that still shook. "I…I don't"
Haruka wrapped her arms around Michiru's shoulders and pulled her into a hug. Michiru gripped the ring in her one hand and wrapped her other around the blonde's back gripping her shirt tightly.
Michiru pulled back from the hug after a while with a genuine smile on her face, "I don't know what to say…"
"You don't have to say anything sweetheart…" Haruka brushed away her tears with her thumb, "Just know when you wear that ring it will remind you of your father and that I am not going anywhere…okay?" Michiru nodded her head.
She picked up the ring once her hands stopped shaking; with closer inspection on the inside of the ring was an inscription, two simple words that meant so much, 'I promise.'
"I will never take it off…" Without warning Michiru crashed her lips against the blondes who didn't take long to responded. The kiss intensified, and Michiru now straddled the blondes lap. Her hands ran through the blonde's hair; Haruka had managed to get her hands under Michiru's shirt with some difficulty. They roamed her back going up and down.
"Ruka…" Michiru broke the heated kiss
"Hmmm…"
"I think I am falling for you…" A huge grin appeared on the blonde's face. "Oh really… You think you are eh?" Michiru nodded her head. Haruka kissed her jaw and down her neck. Haruka abruptly stood with Michiru still in her arms. Michiru squealed in surprise, she wasn't expecting that. Haruka carried her toward the bedroom and gently sat her on her bed, Michiru face flushed as Haruka looked at her longing. Haruka turned around and walked toward the bedroom and shut it quietly.
- End flashback -
The coffee shop had cleared out of customers, the only four customer's left where Haruka, Michiru, Hirari and Jasutin.
Jasutin and Hirari listened so intensely that they hardly blinked as Michiru had told them the story. Once Michiru had stopped talking they finally blinked. "Wow…you guys have gone through a lot haven't you?" Jasutin took a drink of his drink.
Hirari looked impressed, happy almost. "You guys have a better story then Jasutin and I…ours sounds kind of boring…" she giggled.
"Hey…" Jasutin looked as his fiancée "Our story is just fine…" His bottom lip stuck out as he pouted. "Why do you always have to outdo me Haruka? On everything…"
Haruka shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know Jasutin…I think you guys have a lovely story…" she stretched her back making it crack. They had been sitting for a long time.
"Well it's getting pretty late…I think we should get going." Haruka stood looking at the clock on the wall, it was almost twelve. "We have so much stuff to do tomorrow and the next day…"
The four of them made their way outside and parted ways. Haruka and Michiru sat in their car; Haruka held Michiru's hand and rubbed her thumb over her skin. She looked down at their joined hands, the ring she gave her still shined like it did when she bought it all those years ago.
"What are you thinking about?" Haruka looked up; Michiru looked at her with the same love in her eyes as she did that same night she kissed her.
"You." Haruka brought their hands up and kissed the top of Michiru's hand. Michiru's breathe caught in her throat.
"I love you…so much." Haruka brought her free hand up, running her hand over Michiru's cheek. Michiru leaned into the touch closing her eyes, "I love you too."
A/N: So I was hoping to have this posted before the New Year started but obviously that didn't happen. But I did come pretty close right?
I can't believe it's been what…six years since I last updated this story. Time sure does fly.
I wonder if anyone even remembers this story…
Let me know what you think…leave me a review…please.
