Family Affairs

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The Lust Chronicles

Chapter Fourteen: Complicated

She never realized how beautiful a sunset could be. She had probably seen a million sunsets before but unlike any other before, she actually noticed it. What made this one so special that it received her undivided attention? Haruka became frustrated with herself when a set of thoughts invaded her mind. The sunset reminded her of her own life. She had probably met a million girls before but unlike any other before, there was one that caught her attention.

It wasn't that this girl was pretty, no, it wasn't just that. Michiru was something more than just a doll that dressed up to impress people. Michiru was a star violinist with enough men crawling at her feet to rival the amount of stars in the sky. Men didn't phase her and she was very selective when it came to women. She wasn't impressed very easily and she was emotionally stronger than most guys Haruka knew. Normally her heart wouldn't come close to any girl, not even girls as pretty and as successful as Michiru. In fact, as the blonde had recalled, she loved no one in comparison to how deeply her feelings were for Michiru. She wouldn't ever want to admit it but it was the truth. It was the cold, hard, truth. Even the sunset she had admired for the past half an hour couldn't compare to her aqua-haired beauty. Nothing beautiful could compare to Michi - she was beyond beauty, surpassing it by neverending miles. Michiru was hers. Haruka laughed bitterly. Or so she would have liked to think. In a perfect world, the blonde would have had Michiru already, but her world was far from perfect.

Haruka leaned on the balcony rail, absorbing the cool night wind lightly wrapping around her body. She had to stop thinking of Michiru. 'Nothing good will come of this. Nothing.' Haruka tried to justify her change in attitude but it simply didn't work. She couldn't lie to herself any longer. If she had to keep her feelings a secret then she would, but she refused to hide these same feelings from herself. This love for Michiru was slowly tearing her apart and she simply couldn't handle it. 'This is why I have Minako. Minako doesn't tear me apart. She's beautiful, is she not? She's smart, intelligent, funny and unbelievably great to be around, is she not? She's accepting, supportive and not judgemental.' Didn't any of that count against Michiru? Try as Haruka might, her feelings for Michiru simply couldn't be replaced. She couldn't substitute Minako for Michiru and she hated herself even more because she was trying to do so.

No, it wasn't that she didn't have feelings for Minako, that wasn't what she meant. She had to admit that over the past few weeks the blonde had grown on her tremendously. At times, she looked forward to seeing Minako because Minako never failed to keep her in good spirits. But yet, even then, it was Michiru - the cause of her distress - that she wanted to see even more. Haruka had to stop playing the field. There was no way Michiru would return her feelings. Or would she? It was only last week that Haruka had caught Michiru tracing her cheek with her fingers. Was that enough evidence for her to think that Michiru might have feelings for her? Was it?

Haruka sighed inwardly. " Why am I doing this to myself? I'm only making things more complicated. " The blonde wanted to ignore Michiru but she tried that option already and clearly failed. She was absolutely miserable without Michiru and despite how she felt now she just couldn't risk losing Michiru again. " So I'm stuck in this position and now what? " Haruka looked towards the moon for guidance but was very much disappointed when nothing enlightening had struck her. The only thing left for Haruka to do, was to deal with her feelings and continue to pursue a serious relationship with Minako. Hopefully, her feelings for Minako would slowly overcome those she had for Michiru, and this would all just be a thing of the past.

Hopefully.

The blonde heard Michiru calling for her downstairs. " It must be Minako... " Haruka quickly heeded Michiru's call, seeing this chance as a wonderful way to act on a serious relationship with Minako.

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" That looks... " Haruka grimaced at the pile of misplaced food scraps on Minako's plate. " That looks great. " The blonde finished with much reluctance. She couldn't believe that a five star restaurant served a three course meal that resembled a pile of scraps they picked up off the kitchen floor.

" I know. It's the most expensive plate on the menu. " Minako seemed to be excited about what she ordered as she happily consumed small portions at a time.

" I can see why. " Haruka replied, a bit sarcastic. The blonde tilted her head as she concluded her examination of Minako's food. Haruka knew that if she continued to stare at Minako's plate of food as if it were an alien, she was sure Minako would become uncomfortable, so she decided to change the topic. " Minako, I... " Haruka stopped herself when she felt that her words were going to become serious. " I'm sorry for the way I've been acting lately. "

Minako glanced up at her date as she slurped up what looked to be a strand of spaghetti. " How do you mean? "

" I have been incredibly distant with you. I also haven't been completely truthful or straight with you. I know a lot of people have asked you if we were dating. I also know that you told them we weren't, most likely out of respect for my decision in the matter, and I thank you. You've been excellent to me. You've never failed in making me smile and you never fail to be understanding whatsoever. " The tall blonde smiled, realizing that a part of her truly did like Minako. " I want to be as excellent to you that you have been to me. " Haruka took Minako's hand in hers. " Minako I was wondering if you wanted to... officially become a couple? "

Minako had been waiting for quite some time for something like this to happen. She was more than happy to oblige to Haruka's request. " Of course. I would like that very much. "

" As I would too. " Haruka replied, sincerely.

Everyone had been their usual at the end of school: outrageous, happy, obnoxious but most of all, extremely loud. Micihru was trying to get through a swarm of students, clinging to Seiya for guidance. If she were to get lost in this crowd, chances were, she would never come out alive. Michiru occasionally looked back at Makoto who was just as helpless in the mob. Usually the brunette's lack of fear towards other people sent them in the other direction but today, today was Friday. It didn't matter who you were. It was every man for themselves. Michiru smiled at the scene but her smile quickly faded when she felt someone practically hang on her arm.

" Michiru!!! " Usagi Tsukino hung off the aqua-haired girl's arm like a leech. If Michiru didn't take a liking to the girl so much, she probably would've tried to shake her off by now. " Michiru, how could you not tell me? " Usagi asked with a pair of googling eyes; the freshman seemed almost disappointed in her.

" What are you talking about? " Michiru asked, moving in closer to hear Usagi through the ruckus. " Tell you what? "

" That Haruka asked Minako to be his girlfriend! "

Michiru stopped in place, causing Seiya to trip backwards. Makoto ended up rear ending Michiru through the mess and was very confused as to why the girl had stopped to begin with. " He did what? "

" You don't know yet? " Usagi wasn't surprised, she was shocked. " Come with me. " She replied with determination and took Michiru by the arm, leaving both Seiya and Makoto in the dust. " I'm surprised he didn't tell you. Everyone knows about it by now. It's the gossip of the school. " Usagi moved through groups of people before she found what she had been looking for. " Over there - you see them? "

Michiru was much too busy trying to keep up with Usagi's pace to find what she was pointing at. It took her some time to adjust her eyes before she figured out what she was looking for. " Is that them? " Michiru squinted her eyes as Usagi nodded. Down the hall, she spotted Haruka leaning against a set of lockers with Minako leaning into her. A group of Minako's friends surrounded them, giggling and laughing every time Haruka opened her mouth to say something. It made Michiru green with envy to see Minako cuddle up to Haruka. She had to bit her tongue look away to keep the anger from building.

" Michiru! " Seiya was heaving and puffing, attempting to regain his breath as he caught up to them. " You could have waited for us. What's the big deal? " The boy asked as he glimpsed at Usagi for a moment. He was surprised when neither of them turned to look at him. " Hey, come on. What's going on -- " Seiya had begun pushing his way through the two girls when he saw what they were seem to be intently focused on. " Is that Haruka? She is -- " Seiya stopped himself abruptly. " I mean Minako, she is leaning against Haruka - are they together? " No one paid any mind to Seiya except Michiru, who seemed to have caught his mistake dead on. Seiya gulped when he realized that Michiru's strange expression meant he was in deep trouble. Haruka would surely find out now.

" Seiya, you should choose your words wisely. " Michiru whispered when she had leaned into his ear. " You wouldn't want any sort of secret getting out, would you? " The two locked eyes for a couple moments. It was at that point that Michiru had no doubts in her mind that Haruka was a girl. Seiya must have inadvertently found out and was probably harboring Haruka's secret for quite some time. Michiru placed a finger on his lips, motioning him to say nothing more, when she realized someone was about to drop in on their conversation. " You've caught up dear. " Michiru's eyes went from Seiya to a brunette that stood directly behind him. She pinched him as a reminder to keep his mouth shut.

" I have but with much luck. What seems to be the emergency? " Makoto asked as she put an arm around Michiru's shoulders. The brunette gently placed a kiss on Michiru's forehead, while the aqua-haired girl slipped a wink to Seiya, before turning away from him.

" Oh this is going to get real complicated... " Seiya mumbled to himself as Michiru's sudden change of behavior caused him to believe that Michiru somehow found out about Haruka's gender before he had even slipped. " Great, now Haruka won't help me get Usagi... " The dark haired boy sighed inwardly at his mistake before he joined up with his friends again.

" They... they are... " Makoto swallowed hard at the sight before her. " Minako is... and Haruka is... they're going out? " She finally asked after stuttering quite a few times. Makoto couldn't believe that Haruka was trying to put one up on her. She had been trying so hard to keep both Michiru and Minako within reach but she was slowly slipping. She wasn't sure what to do. Minako... Minako was her lost love. But if she confessed this, then she might lose Michiru and lose Minako at the same time. She cursed herself silently for not being decisive to begin with. This was all her fault. If she had told Minako that she loved her before she even met Haraka, then maybe Minako would have come back to her. But if she went back to Minako then she couldn't have Michiru, who was the reason why Makoto had lost Minako from the very get go.

" You seem preoccupied with those thoughts of yours, Makoto. " Seiya chirped in, leaning on the brunette's shoulders. " Instead of standing here thinking, maybe you should run after your girlfriend, that is to say, if Haruka doesn't seduce Michiru before you can get to her. " Seiya laughed when Makoto shoved him off, sending him a glare that could kill.

" I don't get it, why would Haruka seduce Michiru? I thought they were best friends. "

Seiya glanced over at Usagi, admiring her innocence. " And that they are, my dear Usagi. They are simply best friends. " He placed an arm around Usagi's shoulders, hoping she wouldn't mind. To his luck, she continued to stare at the scene unfolding before her without so much as realizing that his arm had been placed there. Seiya smiled contently. Maybe he wouldn't need Haruka's help in getting the girl of his dreams. " Come on, why don't we catch up with them. We seem to be the only odd ones out. " Seiya pulled Usagi with him to observe the new couple in person.

" Hey guys. " Haruka mentioned as her eyes fell upon her own friends. " What are you guys up to? "

" Well... we heard about a rumor going around school that concerned your name. " Michiru replied, feeling a bit less insecure as she felt Makoto's presence behind her. " So, we thought we would prove them wrong, since we know our good friend wouldn't hold anything from us. "

" Come to find out, " Seiya jumped in, helping Michiru pin Haruka into an uncomfortable situation. " everyone gossiping about you, seemed to know more about you, than we did. " The dark haired boy let go of Usagi and joined forces with Michiru. He could tell from the tone in his best friend's voice that she was not too happy about the situation.

" It's not what you think... " Haruka defended herself but wasn't too confident in her words. She was becoming uncomfortable with the tone and direction the conversation was heading. " It's not like this has been going on forever. "

" Lighten up guys. Haruka wouldn't lie to you. After all, he only asked me last night when he took me to dinner. " Minako tried to cheer everyone up but it wasn't working. She could especially feel Makoto's glare from a mile away.

" I bet the dinner was nice. " Michiru replied, realizing that Haruka had told her that same night, she wasn't hungry for dinner. " I'm sure it was a lot nicer than the one I had cooked at home, right Haruka? "

The blonde's eyes widened at the accusation. " I didn't know we were going to eat! Minako wanted me to take her there - so I did. That's what boyfriends do, Michiru. They take their girlfriends out to restaurants, even if they're not hungry. Besides, it's not like I didn't want to eat your food, I just really wasn't that hungry. "

" But you were hungry when it came to eating with Minako? "

" I was not! I was trying to be nice. " Haruka stepped away from Minako, who was a bit surprised at the bickering that had arisen. But she wasn't the only one surprised. Makoto and Usagi were staring at the scene as if it were a blockbuster movie. If popcorn was available to them, they would be the ones digging into it.

" And you couldn't be nice to me? "

" Its.. " Haruka was trapped. No matter what excuse she could think of, Michiru would shoot it down without hesitation. It really wasn't like she didn't want to eat with Michiru because if she were hungry and if she hadn't already had a date, then she would have joined Michiru happily. " It's not what you think. That's all I have to say. "

" Fine. " Michiru folded her arms over her chest in defeat. When an unbelievable awkwardness began to grow between them, Seiya finally cut in.

" Haruka, why don't we talk about this over dinner? " Seiya asked, noticing the crowd around them was getting bigger and bigger. " It'll will be the three of us, just like it used to be. When we sort everything out things will go back to being the same. "

" That's the thing. I don't want it to go back to being the same. If you guys want the truth, instead of a rumor, then I'll be happy to give that to you. You guys are the closest things that I have to family, but what's more, you guys are best friends. " Haruka zoned in on Seiya and Michiru. " But I don't things to go back to being the same. I'm happy now - I was miserable before. Maybe you guys didn't see it but it's the truth. Let's just let this be. I'm happy with Minako. " Both Seiya and Michiru stood confused at Haruka's words. They weren't sure what she meant by what she said. Haruka smiled at them, taking Minako's hand in hers. " I'll probably see you guys at the house later tonight. For now, Minako and I are going to go swimming at her house. Okay? "

Seiya nodded as he watched Haruka turn and leave. Michiru placed her head on Seiya's shoulder in utter defeat. She had never been this devastated by anyone's words before. Now she stood paralyzed with her mind replaying the blonde's words over and over. " What was Haruka miserable from? "

" I don't know but I'm thinking we need to have ourselves a little talk. " Seiya looked over his shoulder at Usagi and Makoto. " That was interesting, wasn't it? Haruka's always a hoot. " The dark haired boy was at a loss of words, but he could always lie. That was something he had a knack for. " Oh, would you look at the time. " Seiya brought his wrist to his face as if he were checking the time.

" You don't even have a watch -- " Makoto said as she looked at him stangely.

" It's an invisible watch, from Gucci. Only special people can see it. Anyways, Michiru and I have to go listen to her play the uh, drums, because she's going to tryout for Junai's drumline. So, we'll catch up with you two later. " Seiya grabbed Michiru's arm and spun around. " Hurry, before they stop me! "

Michiru giggled as she waved back at Makoto. " Call me tonight! " Makoto nodded, still a bit estranged by Seiya's actions.

" Bye Seiya! " Usagi waved with excitement and then turned to Makoto. " Say, where do you think I could get one of those invisible watches? "

Makoto stared at Usagi, dumbfounded and then laughed. " Usagi, I swear. We need to get you a new brain. "

" What's that supposed to mean? " Usagi asked as she skipped innocently after Makoto. " My brain is just fine! "

" That's what you think! "

Michiru sat at the table with her eyes fixated on Seiya. " So that's what you guys were really doing in her room? " She started giggling at the visual she had received when she tried picturing Haruka's anger towards Seiya. " She must have been really mad at you. "

" Yes, she was. And as much as I would like to continue to lie to you, it seems as if that's not wise. If you already know Haruka's secret then I suppose I have nothing to hide. " Seiya stated, half joking.

" I guess my only question about Haruka then, is why would she lie about her gender? " Michiru asked, pursing her lips in thought. This question had perplexed her before, when she had been sick, but she never put much thought into it.

" Well, in all reality, she's only worth billions of dollars if she's a boy. If she's a girl, she can't inherit her family's fortune or business. Thus, she would lose everything if her secret was revealed. That's why I was bit nervous when I realized you had found out. I mean, I know you wouldn't have said anything, but I was still scared to death anyways. " Seiya paused, taking a drink of his water. " Wait, you never told me how you found out. " Here he was, exposing Haruka's secret when he should have asked her that question to begin with.

" Seiya, I live with her. First of all, she can get to be extremely feminine when she's at home. Plus, I've been close enough to her to realize that a man simply does not have a chest. " Michiru smiled at the memories she had collected since Haruka had started living with her.

" I'm not following you. " He said, extremely confused by what she was trying to imply.

" One night, for whatever reason, I fell asleep on Haruka's chest. And of course, when you're that close to someone, you begin to realize a few physical features that might not be seen otherwise. Haruka does not have a flat chest; though I have this feeling that she is probably binding herself because she was pretty close to being flat. I'm guessing at this point in her life she has mastered just about everything that makes her become closer to the appearance of a boy. "

" Uh oh. " Seiya looked up at Michiru. " What if Minako wants to ... you know.. "

" Wants to ...? " Michiru asked, not understanding the question Seiya posed.

" What if she wants to have...you know... " Seiya made a few physical gestures that made Michiru start laughing.

" That's up to Haruka. There's nothing we can help her with there. "

Seiya nodded but made note of the expression plastered all over Michiru's face. It didn't seem as though she were sad, it seemed more like she was holding in secrets of her own that she didn't care to admit." Quit hiding it. "

" Hiding what? " Michiru asked, assuming a defensive role.

" Your feelings for her. You, my dear, are madly in love with Haruka Tenoh. " Seiya meant for it to be a joke more than it was a statement, but Michiru's response intrigued him deeply.

" That is ridiculous Seiya. We are anything but in love. Haruka is the most irritating person in the world and on top of that, she lies and can't be trusted with anything. "

" You trusted her when you were sick. " Seiya watched as Michiru's expression became serious. " You might not have seen me but I came over quite a few times. Who do you think ran out to get the medicine? Or the food? Who do you think helped Haruka cook? That girl was walking around like a mindless zombie, waiting for you to call upon her. She didn't sleep well, though she slept with you,just to make sure nothing happened to you. She didn't eat so long as you couldn't eat and she only showered if I kept a close watch over you. You're telling me that in the span of the week that you were sick, you couldn't trust Haruka with your own health? Come on, Michiru. We know damn well no one would take as good of care for you, not even that repulsive girlfriend of yours. Speaking of her, where was she when you were sick? No call? No visit? She didn't even try to get a hold of you. So then, where was she for the span of that whole week. "

" What are you trying to say? " Michiru stood up defiantly, surprised that Seiya had such strong feelings on the subject.

" There's a lot of things I could say Michiru, I just choose not to. I simply act like the guy who knows nothing when in reality, I'm the guy who knows everything. I'm the guy that knows you love Haruka and I'm the guy that's trying to tell you that you're wasting your time with Makoto. "

" Seiya, don't presume that I love Haruka, just because she can take care of me. You're way off base if you seem to think that Haruka and I have anything in common. "

" Was it not you, that just said, you fell asleep on Haruka's chest? Was it not you that made a scene of the dinner Haruka went to with Minako? Is it not you that becomes envious of Minako's relationship with Haruka? " Seiya switched back to the topic of the brunette." Why are you even trying to stay with Makoto - she was the one who burned you. She was the one that made you hate just about everyone. Now you've met someone that is willing to put you on a pedestal and you turn away from this girl? "

" Seiya - she's the one that ditched me for Minako. Not that I care for her in any special way, but it's obvious that she has strong feelings for Mina. No one is hurt by that. If Haruka wants Minako, I'm not going to stop her simply because you think that I have feelings for her. Seiya you are my best friend, but you're pushing this a little too far. "

" That's very true. I might even admit to that. But who was she with before Minako and Makoto arrived on the scene? She was with you. She was the one who made everyone jealous of you. She was the one that opened your door for you, no matter where you were at. She was the one who went to your concerts and cheered you on, when no one else did. She was the one who always drove you home, who always made you smile, who always made you laugh. You turn from this girl to Makoto? I see no sense in that. You went from having everything you ever dreamed of to possessing the exact opposite. Does Makoto open the door for you? Does she nurse you to health? Does she make you smile or laugh half as much as Haruka does? Is she even remotely as cute as Haruka is? I think not. " Seiya took another drink of his water as he observed Michiru's reaction.

" Seiya, listen. I do not have feelings for Haruka. " Michiru felt her words burning a hole inside of her but she couldn't allow Seiya of all people to tell her what she wanted. She didn't even know what she wanted so why would Seiya know? Michiru clenched her fist, trying to maintain her composure. " I am in love with Makoto. I would suggest that you think more carefully about your implications before you jump to any conclusions. " Michiru waited for a response but received none. Seiya only sat, shaking his head.

" All you're doing is making this more complicated than it has to be. If that's the way you want to live, fine, Michiru. I'm trying to be a friend but you clearly don't need me around anymore. If this is what you're doing to Haruka - pushing her away - then I can only imagine how she must feel right now. " Seiya got up out of his chair and threw on his jacket. " If you want to 'happy' with Makoto, I won't stop you. But if you lose Haruka, you'll have no one to blame except yourself. " Seiya bit his lip, wanting to say more, wanting to be strong for Michiru but he couldn't. Michiru was simply too stubborn to belive any of what he was saying. " Good night. " He whispered in defeat as he left the study and made his way out of her house.

Author's Note: There's always complications. Isn't that life though?