Sorry you guys had to wait so long for this. I hope you enjoy and continue reading...and bare with me with my other stories.

Guardian Angel

Chapter 20

"I must say, you look amazing in your little flame retardant racing uniform." Michiru smiled up at him.

"Yea, yea, not the most comfortable thing in the world though." He leaned down to give her a long kiss.

"Isn't this sweet. Cute little wannabe man has a girlfriend." Yoshi folded his arms over his chest.

"Just because you can't get any doesn't mean you've got to always take it out on me you know."

"You're the easiest target." He smirked. "Come on, Michiru's got to leave so you can go and line up."

"Good luck honey. I'll be cheering for you." She leaned up to give him one last kiss before pushing her way by Yoshi.

"She doesn't like me does she?" He glared at her as she left the garage.

"It's because you're a dick Yoshi." Haruka was blunt in his answer.

Yoshi grumbled. "Well at least I have one Haruka. Now get your ass in the car, they're starting to line everyone up.

Michiru sat in a seat in the press box level and watched for Haruka's car to pull from the garage.

"There he is." She looked up at the woman seated behind her as she pointed out Haruka's car. "I hope he doesn't let us down."

Michiru smiled. "He won't. He's been looking forward to this race ever since he signed that contract."

"You must be Michiru."

"And you are?"

"Sakura, the owner of the team." She smiled before offering her hand to the younger woman. "This is more or less his tease. He knows he has to perform well or else I'll shred his contract."

Michiru nodded and turned her attention back to the track as the green flag was waved. "You should give him more than one race to prove himself. He's not used to racing against people like this."

"Yes, but you see, given his times in his old car, by giving him a newer, better car, he should only improve on those times. Being the best racing team in the league, I have to keep up that image." She smiled and lifted her binoculars to watch the cars on the track below. "He's already starting to move through the field. That's a good sign."

"He won't finish Sakura. None of the new ones ever finish where you want them to. I predict he'll choke by lap 150."

Michiru frowned at the man sitting next to Sakura. "Don't mind him. He just hates that I take too many risks with new drivers. If he keeps up this pace he'll finish in at least the top 5."

"How's that car feeling Haruka?" Yoshi's voice echoed in his helmet.

"Still not entirely used to it. But it's got so much more power than the old one."

"Well get used to it. Remember what Sakura told you at the contract signing. Finish in the top 10 or find another team."

"Yea, I remember, You don't have to remind me of that. I'm nervous enough as it is." He kept a tight grip on the steering wheel as he moved up another spot.

"Don't push it too early. Wait until near the end to take over the top spots."

"Don't need to blow something early on."

-190 Laps Later-

"Last 10 laps Haruka. 5th place now. Are we going for 1st?"

"You bet we are."

"The 17 cat always slows down on turn 3, use that to your advantage to gain 4th...There you go." Yoshi kept a close eye on Haruka's yellow car as it easily took over 4th.

"Any hints on the 32 car?" Haruka spoke as she started to draft behind him.

"I've seen no weak spots. You just have to use shear power from here on out. I know you can take them. There's 5 laps left...And you're on your own now. I know how you like to concentrate." He removed his headset and leaned back in his chair to watch the last 5 laps.

"I don't think you'll get any further then third. Just not enough time left in the race." Sakura stood from her seat as Haruka took over the third spot. "I'm impressed. I really am."

Michiru breathed out a sigh of relief when she saw Haruka cross the finish line, less than two seconds back from first place.

When she reached the garage she saw Sakura already talking to Haruka. "I'm very impressed with you Haruka. Nobody has ever taken full advantage of the car before. Had you used its full potential a little bit earlier, then I'd be talking to you over there." She turned and pointed to the winner's circle. "Next race I expect to see you in third again...or better. I know you're capable. Get yourself showered and go home to rest, you earned it." She gently patted his cheek before leaving.

"You told me to wait Yoshi. I should have pushed it sooner!" He waited until she was gone before turning to his manager. "You told me to wait to the last 50 laps to fun it." He angrily pushed his helmet into Yoshi's chest. "I'll see you next week."

He gently grabbed Michiru's hand and led her into the locker rooms. "Third is still good though, right?" She spoke softly when they were alone.

"Yea, but if I had gone sooner, then I'd be the winner." He smiled down at her. "This is all boring to you isn't it?" She nodded, causing him to laugh. "Let me go get changed and we can go home OK?" She nodded again and took a seat on the bench as he grabbed his duffel bag and walked into a small room to change.