The Distant Days of Uranus

Part 14: Break Time

Hospital suite…

Later the same night…

The hospital suite had cleared out of people; no one felt right about witnessing Haruka's tears. They were all gathered in the darkened cafeteria; nothing was open to eat, but the tables were still accessible.

Up in the suite, Haruka sat next to Sky. The doctors had insisted on treating her. They didn't know that Usagi and Mamoru were on their way. Haruka sat with her head in her hands; her blonde hair fell around her fingers. She had stopped sobbing but tears were still running down her face. She couldn't stop blaming herself. The endless whirl of if only… ate at her tired mind.

If only she hadn't agreed to see Sky again…

If only she hadn't grown tired of her own life…

If only she had done everything different…

If only….

If only…

Haruka sucked in a painful breath and closed her eyes in a useless attempt to shut out her mind.

There was a shift in the air; she looked up, staring at the figure on the bed. Sky's eyelids trembled as she moaned. Haruka grabbed Sky's hand in both of hers. Careful of the IV and the wires attached to the business woman.

"Haruka?"

"I am here," Haruka kissed the back of Sky's hand, "I am here."

"Haruka," Sky sighed and rolled her head to the side, facing away from the blonde. "I am sorry."

Haruka stood up and sat next to Sky; gently she rolled Sky's head to the other side, so she stare into her face. The white of her hair seemed dull; her pale skin was too white. She looked almost ghostly. Not that Haruka would ever admit it, but she was scared.

"Sky, please, I am okay now."

Sky's face tightened, her hands gripped at whatever they could. Haruka took her hand again. It took a few tries but her eyes opened; her grey eyes were dark, like thunder clouds. A few seconds passed before recognition shone through. She seemed to relax.

"You're okay," Sky's voice was barely above a whisper. "I was afraid that…"

"Shhhh," Haruka gently touched her lips with a finger. "I am okay. Now you just have to get better."

Sky's face tightened again, "I am so tired, Haruka."

She could relate to that feeling, "I know. There is no rush, just don't get worse."

A smile managed to fleet across her pale lips. "Okay." Her eyes closed and she was soon asleep again. Her body more relaxed; her hands still clasping at Haruka's.

Across the room; there was a soft knock. Haruka looked over as Usagi opened it and looked in. She smiled at her guardian.

"Come in," Haruka said gently.

Usagi walked in, Mamoru with her. They stood at the foot of the bed. Sky looked to them.

Haruka sighed, partly from relief, partly from exhaustion. "I think she's okay, now Usagi."

"They asked me to come for you." Usagi looked at the blonde, "Everyone is worried about you."

Haruka looked at the floor; she couldn't bare the thought of facing the others right now. They were all focused on the next mission; the next battle. Haruka was so tired of it all. She just wanted to race cars and live her life. She had given the better part of her youth and most of her early adult years to this senshi existence. And where was she now…?

"Usagi, I can't," The words came out of her mouth and a moment passed before she heard them.

Usagi's blue eyes widened before becoming glassy. She crossed to where her guardian stood; gently she sat down and put her hands on Haruka's knees. The wind senshi still couldn't look at her future queen.

"I won't force you, Haruka. But we do need you."

Haruka shook her head, "No, I just can't. I need to figure things out for myself. I need to live as me for a while. Some part of me just isn't strong enough to continue. I need a break."

Haruka held out her free hand; her henshi device appeared in a golden flash of light. She handed it to the woman. "I will come for it when I am ready."

Usagi shook her head. "No. Haruka-"

Mamoru stepped up beside his wife and gently picked up the device. Haruka looked at the future king. He gave a silent nod; and gently motioned it was time to leave.

Usagi looked at her shoes, considering, before she continued. "I hope it goes well for you."

With that the future queen stood up and left the room. Mamoru followed her.

Haruka turned back to Sky. The silence filled the room.

The cafeteria was emptied out as Usagi and her friends left. No one knew what to say about Haruka's decision to no one said anything.

TO BE CONTIUED