****

Haruka was out of the hospital at last. Two weeks after her release, she continuously enjoys walking around the park. Savoring the fresh air and not the smell of disinfectant. Looking around for somebody who she haven't seen for quite a long time. Looking for some specks of blue. Usagi and Minako have seen Yuki holding her when she collapsed that day at the track. They accompanied the crew to the hospital but didn't  visit too often. Only the young mechanic spent her free time with the racer. Taking care of her. And seeing if everything's fine. She could just remember the look in Yuki's face when the rest of the group showed up in the hospital room, except of course, the outers. She knew Setsuna have known what happened. Also, Hotaru. Her daughter always had a vision whenever something's going to happen bad to her parents and aunties. Only Michiru, she wasn't sure if the sea goddess knew.

I miss her…

Haruka stood up from the bench. Walking toward the lake at the verge of the city. There, she always found quiet time. When everything that surrounds her is only nature. When the wind goes against her face. Trying to mess with her hair and outrun her. When the waters would be so calm. And tempting…

I wonder if she knew…

How is she doing anyway?

"Nani?" Haruka suddenly stopped on track as she bumped with their princess. Carrying a whole lot of bags in her hands.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Haruka." Usagi apologized while picking up her bags which was thrown at the racer. Being the gentleman as she is, Haruka bent down to help the princess. Picking up this and that. Gifts, for certain. As Christmas is nearing.

"It's alright, Odango. Here, let me help you with those." Haruka offered as they finished placing all of the gifts that stumbled out of the bags in. "Where are you going anyway?"

"Arigato, Haruka. I'm going home now. Mamo-chan would have accompanied me shopping but he had a lot to do at work. You know, Christmas schedule."

"Hai. I know." Michiru was always like that… Especially during Christmas. With those concerts. But I didn't mind…

"When is your race going to start, Haruka?" Usagi asked. Haruka was staring far that she didn't hear the princess speak. But Usagi didn't push through with her question.

She knew perfectly well that the races start at spring. She just wanted Haruka to speak.

I bet she's thinking about Michiru, now…

"Arigato, Haruka!" They already reached Tsukino's residence, but Haruka didn't notice it. Her mind is still floating. When Usagi took her bags from the tall blondes' grip was the moment Haruka snapped out of dreaming.

"Hai, sorry." She mumbled but Usagi heard it.

"You don't have to be sorry Haruka-san. I bet she's thinking of you, too!" Usagi smiled at the racer who stared at her. She didn't even bother to wait for Haruka to respond then said, "Come by during Christmas, okay? The others will be here also. Ja ne! And arigato!" With that Usagi entered the house leaving Haruka outside. To her own thoughts.

Here? They usually spend Christmas at our place… now, my place… It isn't the same without you, Michi… It just isn't…

****

"You're a goddess, Michiru!"

Nani? Me, a goddess? Haruka? No one has ever called me a goddess except her…

"Michiru…?"

Ruka… I miss you…

"Michiru, are you alright?" A confused Makoto said to her. Another concert was over. As usual, the inners were there to watch her play. All of them. Including Setsuna and Himme-chan, are crowding in the dressing room of the musician. Chatting about the concert and the preparations they were about to make in two days.

Only two days before Christmas. And everyone already have their gifts wrapped up. This year they were celebrating at Usagi's place. They usually spend their Christmases at the house by the sea that Haruka owned and Michiru knew that. But she didn't ask why were they going to celebrate the occasion at Usagi's place.

Maybe Haruka would be there, too…

"Michiru…" Setsuna's voice called. "Don't worry. You'll see her again." She then nodded and went back to talking with the inners. Hotaru looked up at her mama and smiled before going back to playing with Chibiusa. Michiru stood up and walked towards the crowd. Joining the conversation. Trying to push Haruka's thoughts away. Though she knew that she couldn't. Not that easy.

They were still talking when they reached outside. The theater was going to close so they had to leave. It was almost midnight and Setsuna agreed to take the girls home.

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Setsuna asked Michiru who wanted to ride alone on her way home. In her own car.

"Hai, Setsuna. Arigato. Just take of them, okay? I'm old enough to take care of myself." She waved goodbye to the other car as it drove to the streets of Tokyo. Starting her own engine, she slowly drove her way home. An apartment she rented after she left Haruka. The house by the sea was no longer. Haruka still owns it but doesn't stay there. Michiru found that out when she went to visit the blonde just four weeks ago when she felt something was wrong. She found the place exactly as it had been when she left. But dust covered almost the entire floor.

I love you, Michiru…

She could still remember the husky voice that said that phrase over and over again. And how she would love to hear it again. But no, she wouldn't… She didn't even know where the racer when to. All she knows is that she's still in Tokyo. And that she still races. Nothing else.

"Where are we going, Haruka?" The tall blonde left the track early and took the mechanic with her. Wanting not just to say a mere thank you. But something else. Wanting to show her something special.

"Hush, you'll see." Haruka drove towards the beach. Stopping when she reached a certain favorite spot. Overlooking the sea and the sand. Where she could feel the wind and the water clash. "Here we are. Take a look." She pointed toward the horizon with the setting sun. The beauty of nature flooded all over the place. Yuki smiled and looked around, getting out of the car with Haruka following. She wasn't really the artistic type but she enjoys such moments of tranquility.

"Whose house is that over there?" Yuki asked pointing to the huge house standing near the sea. Haruka sighed. She knew she could lie that it was somebody else's, but she didn't.

"It's mine. My parents left it to me." She admitted. Haruka's features changed when she said the word parents. "I used to live there." She couldn't say the other words that wanted to come out of her mouth. She wanted to say that she lived there with her family, with Michiru, Hotaru and Setsuna. Her once whole, happy family.

A long silence followed the two. Standing over the cliff watching the sunset. The orange clouds dancing in the wind, as the waters rushed inland. Haruka closed her eyes, trying not to feel so emotional with the scenery. IT had been Michiru's favorite, seeing the setting sun. Sitting on the shore, in each other's arms. Finally, Yuki broke the silence.

"Arigato, Haruka." She looked at the blonde racer whose thoughts were running through her mind. She saw the deep thinking in Haruka's dark eyes. She wanted to speak but couldn't.

A soft touch tore Haruka away from her memories. Yuki had placed her hand upon her shoulder, looking at her with a worried expression on her face. Haruka's face lightened up to hide what she's feeling inside. Yuki inwardly shook her head at Haruka's change of expression. She wanted to comfort the racer, but it seems that she doesn't want to. Sighing, Yuki smiled at her companion. And continued to watch the birds as they flew in the orange sky.

"You really dig shopping, ne?" Haruka said as she followed her friend in the store. Yuki wanted to buy another gift for Christmas. She said there's still one person whom she haven't prepared a gift for, yet. Haruka on the other hand, had her gifts for the girls and a bunch for her team mates on track. But when they entered the store, Yuki tore away to look at the clothes and little gifts displayed on the counter. Haruka quietly followed looking at the dresses that surrounds them.

She knew the store. It was another of Michiru's favorite place. Where she would drag her and make her carry all the baggage she had bought. An attendant recognized her and made her way to the blonde when she saw the young lady who was with the racer, not the famous artist, then turned and assisted another customer. Haruka sighed.

They thought we were a couple. She looked at Yuki.

No… She maybe good to me, but nobody's going to replace Michiru.

Not ever…

******

Sorry that this part is short. I'll try to lengthen it up a bit next time!

Promise!

Thanks to those who've read my fics, thank you very much! ^_^

I'll finish the next part as soon as possible!