The Distant Days of Uranus

Part 10: Meet Me in Kyoto

Early the next morning…

Sky returned to the room to find Haruka awake and breakfast was waiting on their table. They sat down and started to eat.

"You were up early this morning." Haruka spoke as she picked up a piece of fish.

"Force of habit, I spent time in the spring." Sky told her.

"So we are leaving today?" Haruka asked.

"Yeah, I want to move on." Sky looked across at the blonde, "Is that okay?"

Haruka nodded. "Where are we heading?"

"Kyoto,"

Sky stood up and moved across the room to step behind a screen. Her kimono settled across as she changed.

"I want to spend time at some of the temples. Also, we are going to spend a day or two at Hiragiya."

Haruka arched a brow as she sipped her tea, "Hiragiya Ryoken?"

"Yes, that's the one." Sky stepped out fully dressed in jeans and a sweater. Her long hair tied back from her face. "Unless, did you want to do something else?"

Haruka shook her head, "No, this is fine." She stood up, "I'll go change."

Haruka and Sky made the hike back down to the main area. "Do you mind walking?"

"No."

They walked passed the bus station and headed in the direction the train. It took an hour by bus yesterday; it would take a lot longer on foot today.

"Sky," Haruka hesitated, her thoughts were jumbled. She felt herself being watched and glanced over. Sky was looking at her. "Nothing."

Sky looked away and they continued in silence.

It took two hours to get back to the train station; Haruka had to admit she was tired. Sky purchased their tickets for their trip; returning to the platform.

Sky stared out over the rolling mountain side. She was hunched her backpack; eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't feel right about doing more then sleep." She paused, "If that makes any sense."

Haruka looked up sharply. She had been about to ask why Sky had put distance between them last night. "Why not?"

Sky wouldn't look Haruka; she kept staring at the scenery. "I…" Sky took a breath and tried again. "I want to; we both know that. But…" She stumbled and had to shake her head, "What happens when Michiru comes back?"

Haruka frowned, hard, her eyes darkening. "She's not coming back."

"You don't know that." Sky chanced a look at the blonde.

"yes, I do!" Haruka stood up quickly and crossed her arms over the straps of her backpack. "She left me, Sky. She walked out. Not me. I wanted to try and keep us together. I offered to travel with her; so we could try and work it out."

Sky stared at the blonde; this was news to her. "So, what happened?"

Haruka stared hard at the ground, "Michiru said no. She wants us to be apart."

Sky opened her mouth and then shut it. Crossing the platform to the taller woman; Sky hugged her as best she could with a backpack in the way.

"I am sorry."

Haruka gripped her hands, making Sky look at her. "Don't be sorry, Sky. I have no where to go; no one waiting for me." Their eyes met, "There's nothing to stop us."

Haruka leaned down and kissed Sky; her hands gently framed the woman's face. Her lips were so soft; so welcoming. The kiss deepened; Haruka slid her arms around Sky's body; letting her hands rest below the edge of the backpack.

The loud call for passengers interrupted them; Haruka gently ended the kiss. She kept Sky's gaze. "You don't have to hold back with me."

"That's good to hear; I was getting tired of fighting myself."

Haruka kissed her gently once more before stepping back, "Let's board the train."

"Haruka," Sky held her hand tightly, "I…"

The blonde turned and put a finger on Sky's lips, "Don't. Just let it go, Sky. I am where I want to be; with someone I want to be with. I like seeing you so happy. I never thought you'd light up around nature like this."

Sky smiled gently, kissing the finger against her lips. "We'll miss our train."

They boarded. Once settled; Haruka put her arm across Sky's shoulders; the smaller woman leaned in, resting her hand on Haruka's thigh. The congestion around them wasn't even noticed.

"Hey you two," Paul waved, heading for them.

Haruka frowned for a split second, "Since when is he so friendly?"

"Since he found out you're a woman. You're not a threat to him now."

The taller woman rolled her eyes, "I will never understand men."

"I second that." Sky forced a smile as the couple sauntered up.

Jenny flicked a look at Haruka but stared at the ground really hard. Paul was keen to load their bags on the shelf and sat down with a happy expression. Jenny sat down; tightly holding Paul's hand. She gave a nervous glance at Sky; but looked away at the smile.

"So, you two stayed at the resort?" He asked. He copied Haruka's pose; putting an arm across Jenny's shoulders. His girlfriend sat rigid against him. "How was it?"

"Fine," Sky sat up slightly, resting more fully against Haruka. "Where did you guys stay?"

"Oh this little place, really budget friendly,"

The train lurched forward and slowly started to move forward.

Paul glanced at Haruka, "So where are you two heading this morning?"

"Kyoto," Haruka muttered coolly.

Thoughts flashed over Paul's face, "That's like two hours from here, right?"

"Something like that," Haruka realized he wanted to chat; she really didn't want to encourage him.

Sky seemed to pick up on that, "How about you?"

Paul looked at her, "Oh, we're heading there too. I have this paper to write about Eastern religion. Kyoto is one of the recommended places to see. Are you guys just visiting?"

"Yeah, vacation."

"Hmm, must be nice. Where are you staying?"

"Hiiragiya Ryokan."

Jenny's head snapped up, "I've read about that place. It's close to 60,000 yen for a single night."

Sky didn't say anything. Haruka just looked out the window.

"Must pay well to be race car driver." Jenny stared at Haruka.

The blonde finally looked over at, "We don't talk about such things. Don't forget where you are."

Sky gently squeezed Haruka's thigh. "You should try to catch a tour at one of the shogun castles and the gardens. They are truly spectacular in Kyoto. It's really an amazing city."

Paul seemed to catch the need to shift the conversation. "Sounds like a good idea. I've always wanted to see inside the castles."

Haruka managed to avoid most of the conversation from than on. Sky and Paul talked very comfortably about several different topics. As it turns out Paul was an Art History Major from Brown University; on scholarship, of course. He had come to Japan to finish his course requirements. Jenny had decided to come along because she wanted to see the country.

Sky managed to avoid talking about anything related to racing. That was until one of the passengers looked over and recognized her. The man was polite and respectful; commenting on Sky's speech at the Toyota Speed Gala.

"Thank you," Sky nodded, "I am glad you enjoyed it."

"I hope you enjoy the university." The man bowed and returned to his seat.

Haruka frowned at the wide-eyed expression Paul wore. She had a hunch this was going to be a very long two hour trip.

"You're Sky King!" He gushed, his face turning red with excitement. "I have read about you in TIME."

Sky's whole body tensed up; she was no longer at ease with anything. "That was a long time ago."

"I didn't recognize you." He looked her over, "I mean you're always so stylish. The casual clothes kind of threw me off. So what you are doing traveling in this train. Why aren't you in first class?"

Sky sighed, "I enjoy this service level, most of the time."

"So you live and work here, full-time?"

"Yes," Sky sat up fully and crossed her arms. She was getting edgy; slipping into business mode.

Haruka stood up, pulling Sky with her. "Excuse us."

"Wait, we'll come too!" Paul sprang out of his seat; Jenny didn't look pleased.

"No," Haruka put herself between Paul and Sky, "We need to be alone, I am sure you can put it together."

Haruka gently but firmly pulled Sky away from their seats; heading down the aisle. They kept moving through the train until they were in the dining car. One of the service people was staring with wide eyes; someone else recognized them. A man in a uniform came over as the women sat down.

"I am sorry, but this is reserved for First Class passengers only."

The woman tapped him on the shoulder, she whispered in his ear. His eyes widened. He bowed deeply.

"Forgive me," He stayed in a bow, "Please, enjoy yourselves." He straightened and hurried off to find a set of menus.

Sky leaned back in the plush seat; staring at the scenery as it whipped by. "Thank you for that."

Haruka shrugged, "It was upsetting you. This is a vacation; you're not supposed to be unhappy."

Sky stared across at the woman, "And what about you?"

Haruka met her gaze, "What do you mean?"

"Are you happy? Is this what you want to do?"

"Sky," Haruka sighed, "I told you earlier."

"Come on, Haruka." Sky sat up, "Be honest with me. Would you rather we return to Tokyo? We have to change trains anyway, we could always-"

"I don't want to go back." Haruka said firmly, "I want to be with you. I just don't want to hang around with those two." She nodded toward the passenger car.

Sky's face was serious for a few minutes, "Do you know how hard it is for me not to reach over and kiss you?"

Haruka chuckled; looking into those silver eyes. The depths of which were filled with bright light. It had everything to do with adult fun and nothing to do with the vacation. Glancing around the car; Haruka saw they were alone. She leaned across the table and kissed Sky.

"We can do more later," Haruka whispered.

As she sat back; the door opened and the young porter returned. He carried menus and a tray with tea. He served them in a quick and professional manner. Bowing, he turned and exited the car. No one else came and the two of them dined in peace.

**

A few mintues before arriving at their change-over station; Haruka and Sky made their way back to their seats. Jenny and Paul were still sitting across from them. They were both reading. Paul looked as though he were about to say something; Haruka gave him a dark, stern glare. Jenny elbowed her boyfriend and he went back to reading his guide book.

The train pulled in and stopped; Haruka took down she and Sky's bags, leaving the two tourists on their own. They stood on the main platform; near a row of occupied benches; Haruka set their bags on the ground; as she straightened, Sky's fingers brushed through the short blonde waves, moving them out of Haruka's eyes.

The taller woman slid her arms around Sky's middle; holding her close in a semi-hug. Sky rested her head on Haruka's chest; relaxing against her.

"You should have at least helped with their bags." Sky muttered, "What are they going to think?"

Haruka scoffed softly. "Maybe you're right."

"But…" Sky looked up and met those serious eyes, "You're not sorry."

The tall blonde shrugged, "How long before our next train?"

"Ten minutes." Sky's gaze paused as she watched the crowd. "Damn."

Haruka threw a glance over her shoulder. Jenny and Paul were heading over to them. Jenny stared at them embracing for a second longer then was polite; before she stared hard at shoes.

"Sorry to bother you two again," Paul said in the most polite way he could, "We don't know how to get tickets for the rest of the trip."

Sky arched a brow, not moving out the circle of Haruka's arms. "You didn't buy them in Hokane?"

"No, we didn't know we could. The ticket agent didn't mention it." Paul looked around the station. "Where do we buy them?"

Sky sighed, "Come on, I'll help you." Paul and Sky crossed to the ticket agent kiosk. Jenny stood next to Haruka; she was fidgeting.

Haruka looked down at the brunette, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Jenny snapped.

Silence fell between them as people rushed back and forth around them. Announcements were constant and the noise was steady.

Sky and Paul returned; he held up the ticket with a smile. "We are set."

"Good." Jenny muttered.

The benches beside them opened; Paul sat down, shrugging off his bag. "It's getting warmer."

"We are out of the mountains." Sky slid her arms around Haruka's middle. The blonde put her arms loosely around Sky in response.

Paul removed his sweater and packed it away in his bag. "I heard it rains a lot in Kyoto."

"It can rain anywhere." Sky glanced up at Haruka, "Is that's so?"

"Yes."

Paul cast a curious look around, "This is a busy station."

"Tokaido Shinkansen is one of the busiest lines for travel. They are thinking about expanding the service in the next few years."

"Will your company have any part in that?" He asked lightly, glancing at Haruka.

Sky smiled, "Yes, actually. King Construction and its sister company, King Technologies have been asked to help."

Paul nodded, "I heard you resigned as President."

"Yes," Sky felt Haruka tense, "I am too busy with my university position to keep up with the demands of the company. I want to devote myself entirely to the academic for a while."

Paul smiled in agreement. "I know that feeling."

Sky returned his smile. Their train pulled in and the announcement asked that everyone prepare to board. Haruka carried both of their bags. Sky held her free hand as they crossed the platform to the train. It took some work but they managed to all get on the train; Paul and Jenny sat cross from the blonde couple again.

"Did you guys eat yet?" Sky asked.

"We have snacks," Paul replied settling into his seat, "But not really."

Sky stood up, "I'll be right back." Stepping around Haruka, Sky made her way toward the rear of the car. She disappeared as she stepped through a series of doors.

Paul leaned forward, "I wanted to apologize for earlier."

Haruka glanced at him, her eyes cool, guarded. She didn't say anything.

"I, um, well, I shouldn't have reacted that way. I never thought I'd ever meet Sky King riding coach in Japan. It just surprised me."

"Just don't let it happen again." Haruka muttered icily.

Paul nodded and sat back.

Haruka returned to staring out the window.

Sky returned several minutes later; she carried two bento boxes. "Here," She handed them to the couple. Regaining her seat as the announcement for departure filled the train.

Paul opened the box, "It looks like edible art, doesn't it Jen?" He glanced over at his girlfriend.

Jenny stared at the contents, slowly nodding. "Yeah."

When the boxes were empty, Sky stood up and carried them back to where they came. Haruka had been watching Jenny for a while; the brunette seemed entirely miserable. Paul excused him self in search of the washroom.

Jenny glanced up at the sense of being watched. She quickly looked away from Haruka.

"Is something bothering you?" Haruka asked gently.

The brunette shrugged stiffly.

"What is it?"

Jenny looked up at Haruka, "You're a woman and you're with another woman. I just…"

Haruka smiled gently, "You didn't expect it?"

"No, actually I didn't. I mean I've read about how conservative Japan is and how strict everything is here. I just, well, I mean it was a surprise."

"In our everyday lives, Sky and I have to be careful. Here, in the country, traveling, it's easier." Haruka said gently, "It helps that people think I am a man." She noticed the sudden blush on Jenny's cheeks. "Most people don't look too closely or ask questions."

"But isn't that like hiding?" Jenny inquired softly.

Haruka considered, "No. It's the way things are."

Jenny looked out the window at the blur of nature. "You really love her don't you?"

Haruka smiled gently, "She is important to me, yes."

"Aren't you allowed to talk about love in public?" Jenny asked.

"It's not forbidden, but it's not done either."

"This is a strange place," Jenny sighed, "I don't think I could live here."

Sky came back and sat down. Paul returned as well and the trip continued in pleasant conversation and occasional quiet.

Once in Kyoto; the four of them headed to the bus station. It was bustling with people and announcements just like the train area.

Haruka frowned as a shiver went up her spine. She looked around; sensing a shift in energy. Sky looked up at her, "What's up?"

"I am not…" Haruka spotted long blond hair and heard the unforgettable squeal of joy. "Sure."

Usagi came flying out of the crowd; throwing herself into Haruka's arms. The sky senshi saw the others making their way through the crowd. She looked down at her future queen.

"What are you doing here, Odango?"

"Rei is taking part in a conference on temples. So we all came." Usagi looked at the trio with her guardian, "Hi,"

Sky nodded, "Tsukino-san."

Haruka looked at the senshi of fire, "A conference on temples?"
Rei shook her head, "It's a conference about the preservation of historic sites. There is a special focus on sites located in thriving metropolis area."

That made more sense.

Minako cut in, "Not to mention a totally cool idol search is happening as well."

Haruka chuckled to herself, "I see."

The group noticed the two new faces and Sky, standing off to one side.

Paul cleared his throat, "Well, we should go. Thanks for your help, Ms. King."

Sky nodded and the tourists left. Sky glanced at Haruka and the others, "I should call about our reservations."

With a small bow to Usagi, Sky left in search of a phone. Even though her cell phone would be suitable; it gave her a chance to leave.

"What reservations?" Usagi asked, "Are you staying in Kyoto?"

Haruka nodded, "We're just vacationing for a few days."

"About that," Minako put her hands on her hips, starting at Haruka, "What's going on with you two?"

Makoto nudged her friend, "Minako!"

The blonde waved off the taller brunette, "Michiru said she was leaving, but you didn't go with her. So what exactly is happening here?"

Haruka took a deep breath inward, "It's complicated."

"No, it's not!" Minako wasn't backing down, "What do you mean by breaking up Michiru? I mean come on, you guys are destined! What's with not being together anymore?"

"Look, Minako, it's just better this way."

"Don't give me that," Mina shook her head; her blonde hair flying around her, "It's not better this way. You belong with Michiru. She's your soul-mate, I mean you were senshi together long before the rest of us were. Just because we've grown up and changed doesn't mean we'll get bored and move on."

"I didn't get bored." Haruka snapped, she had to force herself to take a breath inward. She hadn't gotten bored; had she? She'd fallen out of love those were different things, right? She stared hard at the blonde in front of her and realized that Minako was just angry. That's all this was.

Sky made a polite sound to get their attention. Haruka looked at her; wondering how much she had heard. Sky's silver eyes were carefully empty, unreadable.

"We should move on; this really isn't the place to talk about such things."

The group quietly left the station. Once outside the noise and chaos of a busy city flowed around them.

"Rei has relatives in the city; we are staying with them." Usagi said brightly, "Maybe you can come and look at temples with us?"

Haruka looked at Sky; the woman shrugged. "Sure. Let's do that."

The group managed walk in an orderly fashion down the concrete paths. Brightly colored flags and lights lit up the old-fashioned exteriors. Usagi was soon caught up in all the activity around her. She stopped and looked at everything with a cheery joy. Sky walked quietly beside Haruka; her expression polite, but her eyes were guarded.

"You guys," Ami looked up from her guide book. "It's a long walk to a temple, let's take a look at a few shrines; there are a few around here."

The group changed direction and headed toward a shrine instead. The noise of the city followed them; but it seemed to grow less heavy. As though the peace and tranquility of the shrine could influence the activity this away. The group entered the sacred area; taking a few moments to look at what interested them.

Haruka had a sense Sky was uneasy; she knew better than to take her hand. But it was hard work to resist the urge to touch her. Instead she looked over. Sky was standing beside a stone creation; holding a pool of water. Her face was reflected back at her; her eyes were sad.

"Why are you sad?" Haruka asked; quietly stepping beside her.

"I am being selfish." Sky's tone was just barely above a whisper. "I should not be keeping you all to myself. They are your friends; you should spend time with them."

Haruka stared into the water, "I spend lots of time with them."

Sky looked at her, "You know what I mean."

"Don't worry about it."

"I am, though. Since I showed up, you haven't spent hardly any time with them. They are angry with you. I can't help feel as though I am the cause."

"You're not." Haruka found herself reaching for Sky; she had to clench her fists to keep from touching her. "Look, the problems Michiru and I were having existed long before you showed up."

"And what about your friends? They weren't annoyed with you before I arrived."

"Sky, everything will sort itself out." Haruka watched the group of senshi as they stood around a statue; softly chatting to each other. "They just need time to adjust, that's all."

Sky shook her head; silently moving away from the well, she stood before a large bell with a huge rope dangling down.

"Sky," Haruka didn't care who saw them; she grabbed the woman's hand.

Sky froze under her touch; she threw a worried look around the shrine, "Haruka…"

"I don't care." Haruka tugged firmly on Sky's hand, forcing the woman to step closer. "Do you hear me? I don't care who sees or who knows."

Sky stared at her; her eyes wider then normal. "What are you doing?"

"I am saying that you're more important to me that what others think."

"It's a little soon to be making statements like that, isn't it?" Sky asked softly.

Haruka stared into the woman's eyes, "Not if the statements are true."

"You can't be serious." Sky shook her head, "It's too soon after Michiru to be like that."

"Not if I she and I have been over for a long time. Which we have. We both knew it; neither of us knew how to say it."

Sky opened her mouth to speak; but words failed her. She had to try a second time, "I didn't expect this."

"What did you expect?" Haruka asked, her voice low but intent.

"I…" Sky swallowed and tried again. "I only expected one night. Not declarations. My physical desire for you, aside; I didn't anticipate this level of…seriousness."

Haruka released her hand; surprised and startled. "You're one of the most serious people I know."

"It wasn't supposed to be complex." Sky shook her head.

What am I to you?" Haruka asked, almost afraid of the answer.

Sky looked away from the intense gaze. She wasn't sure what to say to that; she hadn't thought she'd have to answer that question just yet. Movement drew her gaze upwards and she found Haruka inches from her.

"Sky, what am I to you?" Haruka slid her hands down Sky's arms. The woman shivered under the light touch.

Sky shook her head harder. Tears shimmered down her pale cheeks; like ice melting against snow. "Please, don't."

"Sky…"

"I can't," Sky pushed away and ran two steps away. "I don't know how to do this. Please don't ask me to."

Haruka sucked in a breath; her chest hurt as if a heavy weight was crushing her soul. "Let me show you what it means."

Sky couldn't face Haruka; it was all too much. It was as if the world had flipped upside; the air was thick and it wasn't just from the incense. Her mind was fogging up and she felt weak; almost sick.

The hardest part was; all she wanted to do was let Haruka holder. But she knew if she did that; then she would never be able to walk away. And that scared her even worse.

Haruka couldn't move as she stared at Sky's back. Haruka took a step forward; Rei stepped in path. The sky senshi looked at the fire senshi. Rei's eyes were serious; Haruka looked up and Sky was gone. She shoved around the other woman and ran after her.

"SKY!"

The street was crowded with people; Haruka frantically searched. Sky wasn't anywhere to be seen.

"Haruka!" Usgai ran after her guardian; the others followed.

Haruka turned on Rei, anger shot through her like the bite of a whip.

"Why did you interfere?" Haruka snapped.

Rei wasn't intimidated by her, "She wants space, Haruka. Give it to her."

Haruka glared at them. "Stop telling me what to do!" She shook her head, "I never interfered with your lives!"

"Haruka we care about you," Makoto said gently, "We are worried, that's all."

"Don't worry about me!" Haruka fixed the group with angry, dark eyes. "I don't need it."

Usagi reached out but Haruka backed away. "Haruka, please…"

"No!" Haruka couldn't take it anymore. "Let me live my own life! I can love whoever I want."

"But you and Michiru…" Rei was cut off by the angry glare she received.

"Stop it, all of you! Just go away!" Haruka turned and ran; letting her self move at the speed of the wind. The cries and calls of the others faded in the distance.