Disclaimer: I do not own Haruka and Michiru's characters, they belong to Naoko Takeuchi. All other characters and this story belong to me.

Note: This is rated "M" for a reason. If you have issues with coarse language, girl on girl action and substance abuse references, do not indulge yourself in this.

Chapter 36

The End

Rings of smoke slowly drifted away from Sayuri's face. She watched them disappear and slowly brought the cigarette to her mouth. Inhaling deeply, she made more rings and watched them just like she has been doing for the past hour.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?" Daiki took the cigarette out of her hand and put it in the ashtray.

Sayuri folded her arms and watched the white fluffy clouds above her head instead. She was sitting on a wooden swing attached to the side of the porch of her new house. It was her favorite place, somewhere she could sit and just think, while slowly swinging and watching the sky.

"Sayuri?" Daiki sighed and sat down next to her, wrapping his hand around her shoulders. "What's eating you up?"

"Do you have to ask?"

"Do you want me to talk to her again?"

"It's pointless. How many times have you tried already?"

He shrugged. "Apparently not enough. She'll come to her senses."

"She is in her senses, Dai. The is Tenoh Haruka I remember. Cold, merciless, uncaring, calculating."

"Any other adjectives?" They sat in silence for a while, listening to katydids. "Haruka you knew at the club is just a facade. Haruka you've met when you helped Michiru is the real deal."

Sayuri shook her head slowly. "If that was the case... Haruka who dated Michiru would have ran to the clinic the day she woke up, despite her inability to run. She definitely would not have waited as long as she has."

"Haruka has a lot of issues." Daiki ignored her snort. "Her mother left her at the hospital right after she was born. My uncle married a foreigner and our traditional family never accepted that. They tried so hard to fit in, but couldn't. She gave birth to Haruka and left her at the hospital, probably thinking that it would be better for the kid not to live in her hell. My uncle could not take the undying criticism anymore, so he started drinking every day. A month later he shot himself. His wife was the one to find him. She used the same gun and blew her own brains out. I was the next lucky visitor to their death chamber. It scarred me for life, made me hate my family and try to fix the world. That's how I ended up at the Academy, only to find out that the world was beyond saving. Now imagine being left alone from birth and living with only a hope of finding your parents. Haruka bounced from one foster home to another, from one orphanage no another, eventually choosing to live on the streets. She stayed alive and taught herself quite well. She did it all to find her parents. Lucky me, I had to tell her that they've been dead her whole life. She thinks that her father buckled under pressure because of alcohol and her mother followed him because she was too weak. I don't know how close to reality this is, but who cares? You see, addiction and weakness are two things she can't stand because she's afraid of them. She's afraid to get attached to someone who may be taken away from her by the same evils that took away her parents. That's why she's hiding behind a front again."

"Michiru isn't weak. Quite the opposite. She stayed by her side this whole time, Dai. She was the only one who still believed. Her and Wada, but he's just… Wada. Michiru tried to avenge her death when she thought Haruka was killed, a weak person would never be able to do that. She's not weak. She just snapped. She took too much on herself and snapped, that's expected of anyone in her position."

"You don't have to argue your case before me, counsel. I'm not a shrink, Say, I don't know what to do or how to help. All I can say is that Haruka has to figure this out on her own."

x x x

"You seem to be doing much better."

"Please, stop insulting me and run at a normal pace." Haruka caught up to Ichiro and the two continued their mild-paced jog.

"This is how I run."

"You don't run, I know that. You don't have to babysit me, I've told you many times."

"But I enjoy this time in the morning with you. Besides, I never go to public parks otherwise."

"There is a good reason for why that's the case." She jerked her head in the direction of a black Mercedes that was slowly moving parallel to their path.

Ichiro shrugged. "I doubt someone would want to assault me in a public location."

Haruka snorted. "I don't."

"It's as much for your protection as it is for mine. You never know if someone learned that you're alive. That's why we have to be here at this ungodly hour in a first place." Ichiro was not fond of getting up at four every day, but complained rarely.

Haruka ran to the nearest bench and sat down. Her legs were slightly trembling from the combination of adrenalin and exhaustion. She popped open her water bottle and gulped the cool liquid. Ichiro joined her, grabbing the bottle away.

"Come with me."

Ichiro spat the water out on the grass. "What?"

"You heard me. Come with me. Let's disappear. Somewhere where no one knows who we are, what our past history is. Let's start a life from the new slate."

"Are you sure you're asking the right person?"

She looked him in the eyes. "This is the only chance you get, I'll never ask you again."

"Where is it that you're inviting me to go?"

"Sweden."

"Sweden? Why Sweden? They'll extradite you if anyone ever finds out that you're alive and in Sweden."

"That's where disappearing part comes in."

"Why Sweden?"

"That's where my mother was from. It's the only side of the family I know nothing of and don't hate. Who knows, maybe I have a cute cousin."

"Thanks for the offer, both of them, but you know I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"I like what I do, Haru. I don't know life outside the one I'm living, it's too late for me." He moved strands of hair out of her eyes. "But it's not too late for you."

"Okay." She looked away so that he would not see the disappointment in her eyes.

"You know, Michiru is ready to be released."

She got up and started walking towards the car. "Don't change the subject. You don't need to feel obligated to plug the hole. I declined your offer to become part of your clan, you declined my offer to become part of my family. We're even."

"You don't even know if you have a cousin." Ichiro tried to laugh it off, but Haruka did not even smile. They got in the car and he looked at her stubborn features. "I don't know if I can hold her at the clinic any longer. She's been there for two and a half months. She's clean. She has a right to leave."

"Just give me a week."

"What will happen in a week?"

"I'll have my ticket to Sweden."

x x x

The keypad hummed as the last number was correctly put in. Haruka opened the door and stepped inside. As soon as the door closed behind her she took the sunglasses off and put her hair up in a ponytail. Hair touching her shoulders and the back of her neck irritated her. She could not wait to cut it off, but wanted to do so when she was out of the country.

The house looked exactly the way she left it. Albeit covered in a thick layer of dust. There was also no car parked in the garage. She habitually reached into the pocket of her jeans and took out a photograph. She used to carry the photograph of her parents to remind her what her goal was, it was her dearest treasure. Now she carried the photograph of her mangled car, a reminder of how lucky she was to be alive. Her new goal was to stay that way. Alive and free.

Haruka walked downstairs and opened her closet. There was absolutely nothing there she could not live without. As a matter of fact, she could have taken a taxi to the airport that moment and there would not be one material thing she would miss not having. With the exception of the photograph she was about to get. To put it in the same pocket as the new one. Her own little private collection. Perhaps a few toys as well. She walked out of the closet and opened the secret drawer on the wall. Underneath her gun lay a laminated photograph of her parents. She needed it to find out about her mother. At least she told herself that that was why she needed to have it.

The weight of the gun in her hands brought Haruka out of her reverie. So many memories were associated with this house, some of the more recent ones with that gun. Her eyes found the door to the bathroom. She remembered Michiru sitting in the shower like it was yesterday. Haruka traced the shape of her toy. She wished she could take her Beretta with her. Too bad guns are not allowed on the planes. Too bad guns make people ask questions.

"New life, Haruka. You won't need guns in your new life. No guns, no fast cars, and no raking." She looked at her gun again and shook her head. "Who am I kidding?"

Haruka put the Beretta behind her belt and walked upstairs. She stopped to look at the city above the bay. Of all things she was leaving behind she would miss this view the most. Not the house, not the furniture, not the bike. The view. She let a long sigh out and left her home forever.

x x x

"Any particular reason why we're having this feast?" Daiki looked pointedly at the long table full of different dishes. Only himself, Sayuri, Haruka, and Ichiro sat at the table.

Haruka looked at the man sitting to her right and then at her cousin sitting across from her. "He'll never admit to it, but it's his birthday."

Sayuri graced Ichiro with a rare smile. "Happy Birthday."

"Thank you." He elbowed his neighbor who laughed in response.

Haruka pulled a box from the folds of her kimono. "Here, Happy Birthday."

He cocked an eyebrow. "I thought you wearing a kimono was my birthday present."

"Yeah, this is just something small to go along with it."

Ichiro untied the midnight blue ribbon that matched Haruka's kimono and opened the box. Inside lay a single key.

"Is this to your heart?"

They both burst out laughing. "Almost. It's to my house. I want you to have it for when you need to go and reflect on something in solitude."

Ichiro for once was at a loss of words. He knew exactly what she meant and how much it meant to both of them. He could not bring himself to reply, so he cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Did you book your flight yet?"

"I'll do that after dinner." Haruka glanced at the other side of the table very briefly.

"Don't."

"Why not?" He got her full attention.

"Just use my plane. It's safer that way."

She thought about it for a moment and nodded in acceptance. "Thanks. That will help."

"Where are you going?" Daiki put his utensils down.

Haruka sighed internally and prepared herself for the worst. There was a reason why she delayed saying this for as long as she has. "I'm moving out of the country."

"What?"

"Where?"

Sayuri and Daiki asked almost in unison.

Haruka ignored Sayuri's question and answered Daiki's. "I think it would be better if you didn't know. Just in case."

"Just in case of what?"

She shrugged noncommittally. "I'll let you know when it's safe. In the meanwhile we can maintain correspondence electronically."

Daiki was going to say something else but thought better of it. Sayuri did not afford Haruka that luxury. "When are you leaving?"

Haruka shrugged again. "I guess whenever Ichi is not flying." She looked at him and he indicated that he did not have any plans to fly any time soon. "Tomorrow or the day after."

Sayuri grabbed the napkin that lay in her lap and threw it angrily on the table. "I can't believe you. I'm sorry I ever thought that you could possibly have feelings for someone. Only a cold-hearted bitch like you could leave someone who cares so much behind and never think twice about it."

Haruka sat her chopsticks down and looked up at the furious doctor. "Says the woman who denied a man who was madly in love with her. Twice."

Sayuri's eyes turned into slits. "My history with Daiki is quite different from yours and Michiru's. Don't even compare the two. What has she ever done to you? Has she cheated on you? Has she put your life in danger? No, but you have. You're the rotten part of that relationship, not Michiru. All she ever did was suffer because of you. She lost her control, she lost her talent, she lost years of her life, worrying about you, and she almost lost her life avenging you. Grow up, Haruka. Otherwise you'll live a pathetic life and die alone."

She turned around and left, not wanting to stay in that house any longer than necessary. The image of Ichiro and Haruka sitting together like they were made Sayuri think that under other circumstances they would have made a perfect couple. In her view, they were one and the same.

Daiki got up and put his napkin next to his half-full plate. "Happy Birthday, Ichiro." He turned to Haruka and looked her in the eyes. "Sayuri and I are getting married on Saturday. Small ceremony, only family. You're the only family I've got, kid." He turned around and followed his fiancée.

"Congratulations, that went well. Ouch." Ichiro rubbed his tender side.

"Let's get drunk." Haruka moved her plate away and reached for the sake.

"Saturday is only three days away, you know. You could stop by and then head to the airport. The plane won't leave without you."

"I've never been a fan of weddings." She poured the liquor in their glasses.

"Have you ever been to one?"

"Nope."

"Oh, man, there are so many things in life you haven't seen."

"Trust me, wedding is not one of those I'll miss not seeing."

Ichiro sighed and downed the drink. "Why don't we just get drunk and not talk?"

x x x

It was quiet. Too quiet. Was this supposed to bring serenity to people? She tapped her fingers on the counter impatiently, checking the time again. It was five after nine. The sound of footsteps at a distance made her even more impatient.

"I'm sorry, there is no smoking inside."

Sayuri threw the polite receptionist a killer look and put the cigarette she was about to light up back in the package. "How much longer will it take?"

The receptionist smiled again. "I will let you know as soon as she's ready to see you."

Sayuri tightened her jaw and fastened her tapping. The receptionist looked at her hand pointedly. "What, tapping is not allowed here either?"

The receptionist smiled and Sayuri barely contained herself. She has been there for five minutes and she was sick of that place already.

"Abe-sensei?"

She turned to see a nurse waiting by a door.

"Please follow me."

Sayuri did as she was told. She walked through a narrow hallway into the interior courtyard. A number of people dressed in relaxed clothing were hanging out around the Japanese garden. A woman sat by the pond with a sketchbook. Sayuri smiled and nodded her thanks to the nurse. She walked up behind the woman and sat down next to her.

"Morning sunshine."

"Sayuri!" Michiru put her sketchbook down and hugged her friend. "Why haven't you come before? It's been so long."

"I know. I know, I'm sorry." She searched for words that would explain that Sayuri did not know where Michiru was in the first two weeks and was prohibited to visit her after Haruka woke up, even when she found out where Michiru was. Sayuri's eyes found the sketch of the reflection of the vegetation in the pond. The watercolor painting was beautiful, even unfinished. "I see you found a new calling."

Michiru smiled. "I had nothing else to do. It was this or losing my mind completely."

"Well, I'd say that you picked the right one. How have you been feeling?"

"Good. All things considered." Michiru wrapped her hands around her legs which did not go unnoticed by Sayuri. "Do you know when he will let me out?"

"He can't hold you prisoner. You can leave whenever you want, you know that, right?"

Michiru shook her head. "Are we talking about the same person? He may not have used the same barbaric method as Haruka, but I can't get up and walk out of that door. You think I haven't tried? They won't let me out until he says so. Even my mother doesn't know where I am."

"Are you ready to leave?"

Michiru looked up in excitement, but then grew serious. "Why the sudden interest in getting me out?"

"Michiru -"

"No, no, no. Sayuri, you have to be honest with me." She got up to her feet. "I've been here for ten weeks. I counted every day, all seventy of them. Seventy days away from Haruka and not once did you come to visit. Why now?"

Sayuri picked up the sketch and stood up as well. "Haruka came out of her coma."

"W-what?" Michiru's eyes doubled in size. She placed a hand on her mouth as tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks. "When?"

Sayuri looked right in the blue watery eyes. "Two months ago."

Michiru's hand fell to her side. "Did she lose her memory?"

"No."

"Did Ichiro keep my location away from her?"

"No."

"Then I don't… I don't understand."

"Neither do I." Sayuri put a hand on Michiru's shoulder. "All I know is that she's leaving the country today or tomorrow."

Michiru just stared at Sayuri in complete disbelief. She prayed silently to wake up. This was a nightmare, it could not have been real. Haruka loved her. She may not have ever said so, but Michiru felt it. How could she just leave without her?

"Is she still at the Mansion?"

"I think so."

"Take me there."

Sayuri nodded. She got what she came for, she only hoped now that two things happened: Haruka came to her senses and the staff of the clinic released Michiru with Sayuri's signature as her doctor. She would not handle another encounter with the yakuza she hated so much.

x x x

His head was splitting. He did not even open his eyes, yet he knew that it would be one of the worst hangovers he has had in years. Ever since him and Haruka had that disagreement. There was a noise in a distance and it made him use whatever energy he could gather to get up as opposed to falling into the depths of sleep once more. Something was going on and it needed his attention. Ichiro threw his feet over the edge of the sofa and sat up. He heard a low moan coming from another couch and looked to his left.

Haruka was cured up in a ball with her head between both of her hands. Ichiro grabbed a bell to ring for someone to bring them aspirin but then thought better of it. Bells did not go well with headaches.

"Whose fan-fucking-tastic idea was it to get wasted?" Her voice was barely audible.

"This time, it's all yours."

"Shit, I was hoping for someone else to blame." Haruka moved her arm off of her face and squinted at the daylight that filled the living room. "Please turn off the sun."

"I'll get us something for the headache."

"You're an angel."

"That's a first."

They both scrambled to their feet and went in opposite directions: Ichiro for the door and Haruka for the windows. She closed the blinds shut and breathed out in relief.

"Wada-sama, I'm sorry to bother you, but she demanded your audience and would not listen to reason."

"For the hundredth time, let go of my arm."

Haruka froze in her spot at the familiar voice.

"I'll take care of her. You go get some kind of remedy from hangover and bring it for two."

"Yes, Wada-sama."

Michiru looked at the man who was obviously in pain and smiled in satisfaction. Maybe he would know how she felt, just a little bit. "Where is she?"

"Where is who?"

"Don't play games with me, Wada. I am through with you. You think you can just run my life? Put me away and forget about me? I have social status and connections, maybe less than you, but still rather significant. Do not make an enemy out of me, I will dedicate my life to ruining yours."

"I'm so scared, my knees are shaking. Thankfully your life won't be too long since you have a habit to self-destruct."

"You -"

"Stop it."

Michiru froze halfway through the slap she was about to deliver and looked around the room. Ichiro stood in front of her, there was a blonde woman in a kimono standing by the window, but she did not see anyone else. She did, however hear Haruka's voice.

"He helped you. You should be thankful."

Michiru watched in awe as the woman turned around and revealed her girlfriend. Her very different girlfriend. Her hair was long and fell freely down her back. She was wearing a midnight blue kimono void of any print. Haruka was the most feminine Michiru has ever seen her and it took her breath away. At least for a moment before her anger returned.

"Thankful? I should be thankful? He held me prisoner at a rehab facility for drag addicts. All I did was drink! And you… You… how could you? I've been waiting every day, Haruka… every day; it's been more than a year now. How can you just toss me aside and forget about me?"

"Could you lower your voice down?" Ichiro sat back on the couch.

"If you don't like the level of my voice, you're free to leave. This is between Haruka and I. As a matter of fact, I insist that you do."

"Michiru… stop yelling." Haruka rubbed her pounding temples. "If you want an explanation, you need to calm the hell down."

"Oh no, I'm beyond calming down. I've calmed down after I went on a suicide mission to kill Yasu. I've calmed down after I thought you died while I was watching and you didn't. I've even calmed down after watching you lay motionless for months. But don't you dare ask me to calm down when I just found out that the girlfriend I've been praying for is alive and well, has been for two months, and forgot to mention it to me. More that that, she did not even bother to acknowledge my existence before fleeing the country. What the hell is wrong with you?" Tears ran down Michiru's face as she struggled to speak and not break into loud sobs. She thought of what she was going to say to Haruka during the ride, but it all went right out of her mind as she saw her standing by the window. Feelings just poured out.

"Are you done now?"

"You tell me, Haruka. Are we done now?"

"I wasn't the one who said it."

"Don't play word games with me. Just lay it out, I at least deserve that. You owe me at least that."

"I don't owe you anything. I told you from day one that I don't do relationships, I told you from the beginning that I don't have patience with addicts, and the foolish acts you commit are those of your own choosing."

Michiru dried her face with her shaking hands and raised her head high. "I asked for one thing and you couldn't even do that. You know what, Haruka, you don't deserve me. I deserve better than you. In the past two years I went from an all time high to an all time low in my life, and it all happened around you. I've never had problems before. You have a lot of baggage you carry and whether you know this or not, you unload it on those you 'don't have relationships with.' I'm done. Find someone else to blame. Have a nice life."

Michiru stumbled out of the room and down the hallway. One of the guards who brought her in was waiting nearby. He reached his hand out towards her visibly unstable frame.

"Don't even think of touching me!"

He withdrew his hand and silently followed her out of the premises.

x x x

They both stood or sat in complete silence, listening to the pounding in their ears. Finally, Haruka turned to the window and finished her task of closing the blinds.

"Haru…"

"I don't need to hear it from you."

"But you were -"

"Ichiro, if you say another word, I will fly out today."

He threw his head backwards and rested it on the back of the couch. He was the only one who knew Haruka's real plans. Since last night. Plans that were crushed by a stupid argument brought on by a misunderstanding.

"I'm gonna kill that bitch."

"Just so we're on the same page, who are you referring to?"

"Abe. She's the one who ruined this whole thing. She always puts her nose where it doesn't belong."

"No. Abe is getting married the day after tomorrow. She'll be family, Ichi. That makes her untouchable."

He grimaced. "What are you going to do?"

She shrugged. "Same thing I said I would do earlier. Leave the country."

x x x

The wedding took place in a small secluded temple outside of Tokyo. In addition to the newlyweds and the temple staff only Sayuri's parents, her brother, Michiru, Haruka, and Ichiro were present. Michiru came because Sayuri was her only friend. She was dressed in a beautiful light blue and white kimono that brought out the color of her eyes. Both her look and her posture had an air of royalty. She was not going to let anybody bring her down anymore.

Haruka came because she felt that she owed it to Daiki. She too was wearing a traditional kimono, only hers was much more subdued and void of unnecessary color. Her long hair was pulled in a tight bun. Ichiro stood by her side, she was the only reason he came. He knew how much she was hurting, despite her indifferent front. He needed to be there for her.

The ceremony went smoothly, despite the uncomfortable undercurrents felt by the whole party. Haruka never looked at Michiru, Michiru never looked at Haruka. Both were too proud and too hurt to admit to their mistakes. Sayuri avoided Haruka and Ichiro, only accepting their congratulations and distancing herself from them afterward. Daiki stayed behind as his wife disappeared in the garden with her friend and family.

"I'm sorry, she'll get over this."

Haruka shrugged. "It doesn't matter, Dai. So long as you're happy."

He smiled at her. "I'm happy, kid. Thank you for being here." She nodded. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for the meal?"

She gave him a kind smile. "I've darkened your day as it is. Just enjoy the rest of it."

"Have a safe flight. Keep in touch."

"I will."

They shared a long hug, for the first time in their lives not really wanting to let go of each other, despite their differences. Haruka finally made the first move and stepped back. Ichiro and Daiki said their goodbyes and Daiki went to find his new family.

"What do you want to do for the rest of the day?" Ichiro wrapped his hand around her waist, feeling more than seeing that she was about to collapse.

"Let's just watch the city. Like we used to. You can talk and I will listen."

"But we've been talking every day, Haru."

"You just talk and I will listen."

He looked at her in concern, watched her blink the tears away and walked her to the car. He opened the door for her and kissed her on the temple before helping her get in. "I'll talk Haru, for as long as you want me to."

x x x

They sat on the side of the hill side by side until the sunset. Haruka did not utter a word and Ichiro felt like he has told her every story of his life she did not know as of yet. He was afraid to stop talking though, knowing that it was the only kind of help she would allow him to give. Something to take her mind off of the pain that was tearing her apart. He just wished he could say something to change her mind, but knew that it would only make things worse.

"Come on, let's go, you're exhausted."

"I wish you were my brother."

He looked at her for a long moment. "What would that have changed? To me you're closer than the sister I had ever was. You're family Haru, even if we're not related by blood. Just remember that."

She put her head on his shoulder. "There were times in my life when I wished that I had an older brother. I thought that maybe when I found my parents I would find out that I had siblings. I didn't know that I'm all alone in this world."

"That's not true. You have Sanu and you will always have me. The rest is up to you."

"I can't just go and say that I'm sorry… I've never been good with words. I couldn't even tell her that I love her. How pathetic is that?"

"It's not as much pathetic as it is characteristic of you. You are who you are, shaped by your past. You're not going to change. If she truly loves you she has to understand that. I've told her that before, when she was at the hospital. She said that she knew who you are. If she does, she'll figure it out."

Haruka shook her head. "No, she's as proud as I am and I hurt her feelings. She'll stay away just to prove that she's better off without me. Her royal highness Kaioh Michiru. Riding the high horse of society once again."

"Then do something. It doesn't have to be an apology. In the meanwhile, let's go home before I have to carry you again."

"I'm not that weak."

He looked at her form that was now fully leaning against him. "Yes, you are. Weak, miserable and addicted to my company. All those evils you hate, within yourself."

x x x

Michiru was utterly exhausted by the end of the day. It was not so much the wedding and the celebration that followed, it was the emotional torture that she withstood during the ceremony. She felt like it lasted for ages, trying to ignore the familiar presence nearby, trying to prove to herself that she could live without Haruka, that she could be happy.

She walked inside the house to find her mother sitting on the couch in the dark. "What are you doing?"

"I'm waiting for you. I was worried." Eiko turned on a lamp and stood up.

"Why? I'm not going to go and get drunk or high. I'm not a child, mother."

"That's not what I was worried about and to me you will always be my child, sweetie." She walked up to her daughter and placed a hand on her cheek. "Michiru, I lost you for a year there and I don't want to ever lose you again, no matter how temporary. I love you and I want you to be happy."

Michiru fought the onslaught of tears. "Thanks, mom."

Eiko smiled at the rare address. "If you need anything, I mean it, let me know."

"Okay." Michiru hugged her mother and turned to the stairs.

"Michiru?"

"Hmm?"

"A package was delivered for you earlier. It's on your bed."

"Thanks."

Michiru forced herself not to run up the stairs. Instead, she walked up to her bedroom and locked the door behind herself. She flipped the light switch on and her eyes instantly darted to the bed. On it lay the violin case. Michiru's initial reaction was a strong desire to pick it up and throw it out of her window. She no longer cared how rare or expensive it was. That violin was partially the reason why she started drinking. Partially the reason why she lost everything she cared for at the moment. Namely, Haruka.

Shaking the urge away, Michiru walked to the bed and opened the case. She did not know yet if she would ever play the instrument again, but she wanted to give it one last look before she shoved it deep under her bed. On top of the violin lay an envelope with Wada insignia. Michiru took it out and tore the side off. A single sheet of paper fell out along with another object that made a noise of metal hitting the hardwood floor underneath Michiru's feet. She ignored the sound and picked up the white sheet.

"Last chance. I'm not good with this and you, of all people, should have known. Apparently it runs in the family. The luck Daiki and I share, that is. I admit that I didn't know what I wanted to do when I came out of the coma. Your relapse made me doubt everything I felt. I needed time to figure out what I wanted to do in life, at least I trust you understand that losing everything your life was is hard enough. I had to figure out how I wanted to live my life. My new life. I did. I figured out that I wanted to move away and start a new story. I intended to include you in it.

I needed time to organize a few things, but most of all, I wanted to get back in shape. You needed time to get clean. I needed time to be able to so much as walk again. I was miserable and the last thing I wanted to do was be near you - very few people can handle me at my worst and I did not feel like you deserved it after everything you've done.

I was intending to come to you on Friday. I wanted us to go to this wedding together. I wanted you to come with me. But you can't force it out of me. Not by yelling and screaming at me first thing in the morning. So there you go. This isn't an apology. You don't have to apologize either.

Last chance. I'm leaving tomorrow 9:00 in the morning. Private strip at the airport. The Wada jet. You can come or you can stay. The choice is yours. I can't say it in any other words. If you know me like you claim to, you should understand.

TH"

Ultimatum? She gave her an ultimatum? Michiru threw the offending letter in the trash bin. Then she went on all fours to find the other object that fell out. She found it under the bed. Characteristically of Haruka, she did show her feelings with actions better than with words. Michiru only wished the words did not hurt as much as they did. She wished prior actions did not hurt as much as they did. Mistakes of the past weighed heavily against the possibility of a future in Michiru's heart. The choice was hers.