My Cousin's Roommate
By Silas C.
Faithful Series
Chapter Twelve, Part II: To ruin or not to ruin, that is the question…
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Summary: Michiru is having problems with her life and seeks comfort at her cousin's apartment. But it's only a matter of time before she realizes that her problems don't go away, they follow her.
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Disclaimer: Sailor Moon, of course, doesn't belong to me. I'm simply borrowing. Also, Haruka is not a man in this story. She wasn't a man in the anime, she won't be here either.
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Author's Note: This one goes out to Payne N. Uranus who has successfully made me laugh for the first time today.
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" I'm not sure about this anymore. "
" Of course you are, don't be silly. "
" I've never done anything like this before. Not intentionally anyways. I don't understand why we need to do this. This could possibly ruin her. "
" Weren't you mad when I first told you? "
" Well, yes, but everyone would get mad at first. Even if what you said and saw were true, happiness is better than unhappiness. "
" Listen, we are comfortable where we are. We need to do this. "
" But why? "
" Have you ever seen those movies where there's a guy who plays the knight in shining armor? "
" And there's a damsel in distress he has to save? "
" Yes. "
" When I was little… what does that have to do with anything? "
" I want to be her knight in shining armor. I can't do that if there isn't a dragon that I must save her from. "
" A dragon? "
" It was an example, don't make this complicated. I want her to run to me. When she does, then I'll ensure that my position with her is secure. As for you, well it all works in your favor anyways so you shouldn't be complaining. "
" But- "
" Are you ready? "
" Not really. But I suppose I'll be as ready as I ever could be. "
" When you find them, meet me in the center. "
" How will we find each other? This place is big. "
" I will find you. Just bring them to the center. Understand? "
" Hai. "
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The music was light, uplifting, and even though you could dance to it, it wasn't intrusive upon conversations of the guests. Michiru thought it was quaint and perfect for the given mood. Everyone that had attended was, in some way or another, wearing a mask upon their face. Some had full-face masks, others weren't as discreet and hid their identity by partially covering their features. Michiru chose to conceal only her eyes; she didn't care much for overplaying her part. Daisuke had stopped to talk to a few individuals, though Michiru couldn't place why he kept looking around as if he had lost something. She continued to watch the scene with a lack of interest and finally took a deep breath.
For the life of her she couldn't understand why both Sachiko and Haruka had to leave later than her and Daisuke. Sachiko was insistent upon their departure; Michiru never had a chance to ask what Haruka wanted to do. She was in the shower when they were practically ushered out of the door by Sachiko. None of this seemed right, though it did seem wrong for her to worry about things that probably meant little to nothing at all. Besides, it was nice coming to this ball. Everyone had been dressed up, playing their parts. Most guests stuck to the eighteenth century style of dress and costume. Michiru knew the best part about the event was that it was a masquerade ball; you could be getting drunk in front of your boss and he probably wouldn't know it was you. Michiru giggled when she noticed a couple men had already helped themselves to a few too many drinks.
" Michiru, darling. " The aqua-haired girl felt a hand on her shoulder as Daisuke pulled her over towards the guests he had been speaking to. " I want you to meet my father. I have told him all about you. " Daisuke stepped closer to an older man, probably in his late fifties, or possibly sixties, Michiru couldn't really make out his age. " Father, this is Michiru Kaioh. I intend to marry her. " Daisuke's father smiled and obviously bore the same shock that Michiru had displayed upon her face. Daisuke looked down at her, beaming. He's going to marry me? Michiru needed a drink. What could she say? She didn't want to outright refuse his indirect proposal as it would probably be embarrassing for him if his father found out. But…
" Marriage, eh? " The older man asked his son, without trying to hide his disappointment. She could tell that it was her that disappointed him, but it was Daisuke that had. " For marriage, I would have at least expected a more direct proposal. " Michiru felt a bit out of place, even though she hadn't actually intended to marry Daisuke, his father made it the whole situation even more awkward than it needed to be. " I suppose you didn't ask her properly. In fact, " Daisuke tried to interrupt his father but it his plan was unsuccessful. " I bet you proposed to her just now by telling me that you intended to marry her. I know I have taught you a lot better than that. " Daisuke's father turned his attention to Michiru. " Forgive my son. He's the kind of man that doesn't display good manners. "
" Father - "
Michiru giggled. " He has his moments but for the most part, he is a perfect gentleman, just as you are, sir. I'm sure that's where the manners he does have come from. Am I correct? " The man was surprised that the frail woman he expected Michiru to be was actually harboring a rather independent and outspoken personality. Michiru smiled innocently noticing that he made this realization.
" Hai, well, I do have my looks. " The older man laughed. " On another note, son, may I please speak to you alone for a moment? " Michiru motioned that it was okay. A little break from Daisuke wouldn't cause her world to crumble. The two walked off and disappeared into the crowd. Michiru sighed as she began to make her way to the table with drinks. Even though Daisuke's intent to marry her had been weighing heavily on her mind, she had incessantly drifted off to bask in a few thoughts of Haruka. The aqua-haired woman smiled when she realized that the blonde never lost her touch. No matter how she felt towards Haruka, or even how Haruka felt towards her, it was all the same. Michiru couldn't stop thinking about her. Michiru was beginning to think that maybe it would be okay if Sachiko made a sacrifice on her behalf…
" Michiru! "
A sense of fear, dread and overwhelming guilt set in as she recognized the owner of the voice. Michiru didn't dare turn around. She silently hoped that her mind was playing tricks on her, although she knew that wasn't the case when a hand desperately spun her around. Haruka… please help. Standing before her were two very concerned individuals. No, not just any individuals, her parents.
" Thank God it's you. " Michiru's father said as he lifted the mask from her eyes.
" I can't believe you! How could you do something like that?! " Michiru's mother pulled her into a warm embrace, stifling her cries. " You didn't leave a number, a place that you were staying, we even filed a police report on your behalf! Why didn't you tell us!? " Michiru felt even more guilty. She hadn't expected that her parents would be this worried about it. In fact, she hadn't expected any of this to unfold the way it had been now. All she had wanted to do was run away and never see them again. How did they find her? " You had us worried sick! "
" Honey, calm down. People are starting to stare. " Michiru's father stepped in, moving them away from their location.
" I don't care! Can't you show some emotion towards your daughter?! She's been away for God knows how long. "
" It's only been three months… " Michiru whispered as if the recognition of that fact would have made anything better. Her mother's expression quickly told her that three months was a long time for them. But to her, it had all seemed like a dream. Another thought of Haruka passed through her mind. Maybe that's why she didn't feel guilty or chose not to remember them. Maybe that's why everything seemed like a breeze. Because Haruka was there. " Mother, stop crying. I'm a grown woman. I know running away wasn't the best idea in the world but I'm not a baby anymore. I have every right to do as I wish. "
" That's what the police said. " Her father replied. Michiru could tell he was concerned but she also felt that he agreed with her decision. She was always closer to her father than she was her mother; they tended to think on the same line of thought.
" That's not the point. " Michiru's mother stated. " You're coming home with us, first thing in the morning. I don't care what anyone has to say. "
" But mother- " If she left, she would lose everything she had grown accustomed to. But why would she stay? What was the point? Daisuke was a good man, sweet, too. But was he enough to make her stay? Surely not. But was he enough for her parents to believe that she had to say? Possibly…
" No excuses. You left abruptly, you will come home abruptly. "
" Darling I think you're being -- "
" I will not hear either of your excuses. Michiru is coming home in the morning, with us. " Michiru's mother sent a glare towards her husband and then one towards Michiru.
" But mom, I'm with someone right now. " It was her last resort. She didn't want to go home. Why else would she have left except to escape her parents? " I can't leave-- "
" You've met a boy! Oh how wonderful! Is he here?! " Michiru's mother was excited. When they noticed their daughter hadn't replied to the question, they soon became interested in what she had been so fervently staring at. Both of her parents looked straight behind them to meet a pair of stunning green eyes. It was perhaps the only feature they could see well enough.
Michiru lost her breath. Haruka was dressed as if she were the Prince that owned this wonderful palace and these were all of nobles that had attended it. She outshined everyone's costume. The sandy haired blonde chose only to hide her eyes with a black mask that reached to each side of her temples. The grin she displayed at this point was one of mischief, one that went unrivaled in the history of Haruka's grins. Michiru had to giggle.
" Michiru… " Haruka too, had lost her breath when she had finally spotted Michiru through the masses of people, although she was surprised she had missed her to begin with. She was, by far, the most beautifully dressed woman there. Her dress was a one that couldn't be described, as it was more heavenly than human. It held the color of the ocean on its best night and if you had to put a word to it, it was bluish-green that had the effect of being darker than cyan. The straps wrapped around her neck, revealing enough skin to make Haruka shudder in delight. She had been wearing a pair of heels, or so it seemed, as Michiru seemed equivalent in height to Haruka. The blonde wouldn't have given this moment to save any part of the world; it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her life.
" Michiru? " Her father asked, confused by the lack of honorifics. " Oh! You must be the boy she met? "
" Don't say it like that, sweetie. They're dating. " Michiru's mother smiled at the rather handsome young man. " Michiru, this one is a catch! " Her mother whispered and her father blushed, knowing that she had been far from whispering as everyone had heard it too. Haruka arched her eyebrow in Michiru's direction, silently telling her that she would need an explanation later. Then she assumed the role of Prince charming.
" Ah, of course. You must be Michiru's mother. " Haruka took the older woman's hand in hers and kissed it lightly. " I can most certainly see where her beauty comes from." Michiru's mother blushed and winked at Michiru. " And, her father, one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs. " Haruka held out her hand to shake the older man's. He took it, impressed by the compliment and by the knowledge that this younger 'man' had possessed. " I can only aspire to be as you are, sir. All of my success can be credited to you. "
Michiru wanted to laugh but she held back the strong urge to do so. She stepped forward, taking Haruka's arm in her own. " Father, Haruka here, is the owner of Tenoh Industries. " The blonde glanced over at Michiru.
" The record label? " He asked, very impressed.
" Hai. " Haruka took a deep breath. " But alas, I'm planning on giving it up. I think I've lived as much of the business life that I can take. "
" Truly? " Michiru's father asked, surprised. " How come? "
" There are more things in life besides work. More people that I need to spend time with. " Haruka said softly and honestly. The older man smiled at the blonde. " It took me some time to realize that. Speaking of music, did you know Michiru here, is one of the best musicians of all time? " Both of Michiru's parents looked at Haruka skeptically. " Really. In fact, she's so good that my label, unfortunately, was unable to get her to sign on with us. "
" Who did she sign on with? " Michiru's mother asked. Haruka was about to answer when her rival, clearly irritated by something, answered for her.
" She signed on with my company, " Daisuke interrupted and placed an arm around Michiru's shoulders, obviously making the implication that he was dating her. " Inoue Talent. Pleasure to meet the two of you. My name is Daisuke, I'm dating your daughter. " Haruka could have sworn she saw Michiru cringed with the man touched her but she wasn't sure what that meant exactly. Michiru's parents went from pleased by Michiru's decision, to unpleased.
" Well, it's nice meeting you. " Michiru's mother replied, unenthusiastically. Her father simply resigned to saying nothing. " Michiru, my decision still remains the same. You're coming home with us in the morning. " Daisuke had been watching the scene before he had said anything and was definitely pissed that their reaction to him wasn't the same reaction Haruka had provoked. They seemed more enthusiastic about Haruka than they were about him… if only they knew she was a girl…
Deciding that now was the best time to strike, Haruka smiled ever-so-sweetly at Michiru's mother. " Kaioh-san, may I please have this dance? " Haruka held out her hand to Michiru's mother who blushed and then looked over at Michiru's father questioningly. He nodded with a smile and she took Haruka's hand. The blonde took the older woman over to area where people had been dancing. " I apologize for giving you the wrong impression. " Haruka admitted quite frankly as she led Michiru's mother into the dance.
" What do you mean? "
" I'm not who you think I am. " Haruka laughed bitterly. " I know that I may have come off as Michiru's boyfriend. " The blonde's eyes found themselves looking into a pair of worn, teal eyes. " In fact, I couldn't be that even if I wanted to. "
" Because you're a girl? " Michiru's mother smiled weakly. Haruka was surprised by the assumption but nodded in response. " I know that much. Perhaps her father doesn't know quite yet, but I'm sure he'll come around to seeing it. " This time the blonde didn't have much to say, except to keep dancing. Her secret was becoming more and more exposed as the days passed and despite what one might expect, she wasn't worried about it. " I know you're not her boyfriend, not only because of your true gender, but because she seemed much too happy with you. "
" How do you mean? "
" Every time Michiru brings home a boy, even when she was in high school, she's never enthusiastic about them. However, every time she brought home one of her best friends, she tended to be rather closer than we should have expected 'friends' to be. " Michiru's mother laughed. " We didn't see it at first and then we came to realize that she simply wasn't interested in boys. Her father didn't take to it well. Neither did I, to be honest. "
" Did she tell you that she likes girls? " Haruka asked.
" Not outright, no. She still hasn't told us. I think she's afraid of what we might think."
" She's with Inoue-san now. They've been dating ever since she's come out here. Is that not proof enough? " Michiru's mother shook her head. " Then what is? "
" There was a boy she dated for three years in high school. Three years. And we knew from the moment we met him to the moment they broke up that Michiru wasn't interested in him. I think she's was trying to prove that she liked boys. But she hardly held his hand. She never wanted to be too close to him and she never kissed him, ever. Not even on the cheek. The poor boy, I don't know why he was so intent on staying with her. " Michiru's mother sighed, slightly leaning into Haruka's shoulder. " You asked for proof earlier, well, the only proof that tells us she likes someone is her happiness. And she was shining like a star when you came. And even though I would have much preferred her to like boys and for you to be a boy, her happiness isn't something I could compromise for my own wants. After all, she is her own person. "
Haruka bit back the urge to cry. She wished her parents cared as much as Michiru's parents obviously cared about her.
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Michiru loved being held by her father, it was one of the most comforting things in the world. She was glad that he asked her to dance shortly after her mother had disappeared with Haruka. Michiru giggled when she remembered the expression Daisuke made when the four of them indirectly decided to ditch him.
" What are you smiling about? " Her father asked, amused. " Is it that boy? "
" Which? " Michiru replied.
" What do you mean, which? "
Michiru laughed at her father, ruffling his hairs with her hand. " Which boy are you talking about? "
" The only one there. What was his name… Daisuke-san? " He looked towards the ceiling as if it was trying to tell him the right answer.
" Oh I thought you were talking about Haruka-san… "
" She's not a boy, is she? " Michiru's father seemed confused and suddenly, his mind went deep into thought. " I could have sworn she was a girl? "
" Uh… " Michiru cleared her throat, not expecting her father to know so suddenly. He wasn't the kind of guy that figured out things about people on his own. And the fact that he didn't react to Haruka's true gender negatively also came as something she wouldn't have expected. " Well, she is. Only, it's a secret. You're not supposed to know. "
" Why? "
" She can't own her company unless she's a male. She'll lose it if someone finds out her true gender. "
" That's ridiculous. If someone is good at what they do, they shouldn't lose their position because of their gender. "
Michiru loved her father. " That's the way it is. She can't help it. "
" From the looks of it, is she a close friend? Especially since she said your name without … " Her father looked into her eyes. " A best friend, or something like that, right? "
" Sure. " Michiru replied, not really thinking of it. Had they become close enough to be called best friends? Surely Haruka surpassed all of the friendships she had ever possessed in her life time… but as of lately she couldn't bring herself to think of it that way. " We should probably find them, mom might be scaring my only friend in the world, away. " Michiru's father laughed at the comment knowing his wife was capable of doing such a thing. " Don't laugh father! She's your wife, you know… "
" Hai, Hai… "
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LAN: what? they're not evil parents? then why did Michiru run away...
