Hello there! Yes, this story's still alive. I just have to think other plots to continue. If anybody wants to help, just email me at michi-chan@sailormoon.com. Jaa!

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"Nani?" Setsuna looked up at her friend in surprise. She was preparing dinner when Michiru showed up. It had been seldom that the sea senshi visited Setsuna and Hotaru since she and Haruka separated ways. Hotaru was at Chibiusa's but was coming home for dinner. Michiru offered to help the time senshi with the cooking to surprise her daughter who had not tasted her own-cooked meals for a long time. It was two days after the 'incident' at Usagi's house and she told the older woman about it. Setsuna just listened as she continued pacing around the room looking for something. Then she mentioned about it.

"You're going to America?" Setsuna repeated with a worried look in her eyes. "Are you sure you want that, Michiru?" She then asked, stopping in front of the girl who was sitting down, looking at the vegetables laid in the table as though she was cutting them with her eyes, but really not looking at anything. She dropped the knife as she told the story to Setsuna. She didn't want anything to happen. Anything to go wrong now. She wanted to be given the time she needed to sort things out. To set everything straight. To build a new life. And forget… try to forget, at least.

Michiru nodded in response to the question. Setsuna sighed. She knew that the other was as stubborn as Haruka. She wouldn't let anything get in her way. She would do anything to get what she wanted. In her past and present life. Haruka was the only one who can bend those rules a little. Michiru was taken to an orphanage when they took her from her cruel family, her real family. There, a rich couple adopted her, but they died in a car crash. And she was left with all the riches of the family. She was absorbed in her dreams of becoming a violinist, having been taught by her foster mother, and painting her own world. That was before she saw the features of the sandy blonde haired racer, Tenoh Haruka.

Why are you giving up on her, Michiru? Setsuna was asking herself. It wasn't like the sea senshi to give up on something she wanted. It just isn't. Especially, if it's Haruka.

"I'm sorry, Sets, but… it gets so hard here. I just want to begin again, if it's possible. Haruka seems happy now." Michiru said. She knew it wasn't true, at least it wasn't the whole truth. She had seen the happiness in Haruka's eyes when Yuki showed up. She had seen her lover smile at somebody other than her, the way she smiled at her. She had seen the sparkle in them, though the others' eyes don't shine so much. But she's happy! Michiru shook off the thoughts that is running through her mind. She already decided, nobody is going to change that. Not even the inners, the princess, Sets, Himme-chan, or Haruka…

Hai, even Haruka…

"When…?"

"In the middle of January," Michiru cut her short. "There are still some papers that I need to arrange before going. And to spend some time with you, guys." She forced a smile on her face. A part of her wanted to stay, even if she's hurt. To take the risk of arranging everything. To live with her Ruka again. But a large part of her wanted to run. She was a fighter, but she could also opt to run and flee the pain, if she could. And be with the wind. A different one from the wind she was fleeing from…

"Michiru!"

"Michiru-mama!"

"Hai!" Michiru waved as a small crowd pushed through the mass of people in the airport. The day finally arrived. Her flight was on schedule. Only a couple of hours more and she'll be flying out of the country. Usagi and the others were shocked by the news, but they looked like they anticipated it. When she left after saying that she'll be going to America for a year or so, whispers could be heard… the only thing she heard was, 'Haruka…' She planned to say goodbye to the racer, but often failed. How many times was she there at the track to see her, but she was always crowded with people. How many times had she tried to approach her, but she was then called to practice. How many times had she gotten her attention, only to be given a cold smile and expressionless eyes. She wasn't good at this anymore. She used to get through Haruka very easily, but now…

"Usagi! Don't step on my foot!" Rei exclaimed. They were standing in front of Michiru now, who was giggling at the sight. Ami, Minako and Makoto was trying to stop the argument, until they end up teasing each other. Laughing and giggling like children. Michiru sighed looking at her watch. One of Haruka's present.

"Michiru-mama!" Hotaru tugged at her sleeve. Her adopted child was standing beside her, reaching out to hug her mother. She knew what's happening, a brilliant child as she is. And she understands it. Like others, she didn't want Michiru to go, but it was HER decision, and no one else plays a role in deciding for her since there's no more Haruka and Michiru. Michiru stooped down and hugged her daughter tightly.

"Take care of yourself, Himme-chan…" she forces back a sob. She doesn't want to cry. No she doesn't want this departure to be a sad one. She wanted to face a new life. Get over the old one… She knew it wasn't easy. She knew what she's leaving behind. She knew that it is her life she's leaving behind when she leave. But she had no other choice.

I'm sorry… I'm not strong enough to face it…

Ruka…

Haruka was standing not far away from the gate, leaning on the wall. Watching the scene before her. Michiru hadn't seen her, not yet. She had maintained her distance from musician since she got there, right behind the inners. She got news of Michiru's departure from Setsuna when she visited her daughter the previous week. Setsuna tried to get her to talk to Michiru and convince her to stay, to work it out. But she didn't comply. As much as she wanted to work things out. She just couldn't do it. She isn't that…

"Have you seen…?" Makoto asked the others as she looked out for the blonde racer. There were a lot of people crowding toward the entrance of the plane that it is hard to see through them. But she was sure that Haruka was somewhere in the airport, close to them.

"Hai, she's right there," Setsuna pointed to the wall next to the glass windows of the airport. Haruka has her head bent forward, but was looking outside the window. Apparently thinking. Michiru looked up and saw her. Looked at her for a long time.

Haruka… you came.

She wanted to go and hug the racer for being there, but was afraid of the rejection. She wanted to apologize but there was something helding her back.

"Go," Setsuna whispered to her. The time senshi was watching her movements. Understanding her eyes. She knew what was going on in her. She wanted her two best friends to get back together, but knew that she shouldn't get too much involved in the situation. After all, it was between Michiru and Haruka. Only between Michiru and Haruka. Michiru looked at her friend as the other woman gave her a smile. "It's all right. Go." She said, answering a silent question in the back of the sea senshi's mind. Michiru looked at the inners who were watching out for cute guys and decided that for the older woman's advice.

"Hey," Michiru said. Haruka looked up at her and watched her with a mixed expression. She didn't know what to feel. The person she love was standing before her, meaning to start a conversation like the old times. Attracting her attention. Stammering like a little child which was certainly not like Michiru. Like when they first met. Like every time there's something wrong. Like every time the smaller girl was trembling. 

Michiru stopped right in front of Haruka. A small smile playing on her lips. She, too, doesn't know what she's feeling. With Haruka right in front of her. Since she left, there only a few times when she had the racer this close. Especially when Haruka wanted her back. When the racer just appears right in front of her house when there wasn't any practice, carrying a lot of stuff. She didn't figure out how Haruka managed to know her house and when she asked Setsuna about it, the older woman just smiled. But that was before she shouted that she didn't want to go back anymore. That she didn't want the relationship anymore. Right in front of Haruka's face. That she was tired of the racer's dangerous tricks. That everything sucks. Of course, it doesn't. But her stubbornness gets in the way. She wanted to shut Haruka out of her life. And she did it… Unfortunately, memories wouldn't fade. Like pain.

She realized her mistake a few moments after she said that. The moment Haruka had left her porch. When she cried the whole night. She wanted to run after the blonde, but the other was in her motorcycle. Speeding across the street. She wanted to go after Haruka, but she was frozen in her place. Stifling her tears as they trickle down her cheeks.

No, she shouldn't remember those things anymore. She shouldn't go back. She mustn't show… pain. She should try to fix their friendship, even just their friendship.

"Hey," Haruka replied standing straight, towering over the other person. She didn't know what to say. She didn't mean to get noticed. She didn't want to be noticed by anyone. She just wanted to stay where she was, silently sorting things to herself. To let her understand it much more. But, they did notice. And she's here. SHE's standing right in front of her.

"Haruka," Michiru started. It is hard for her to say this. But she should at least try and salvage their friendship from the broken relationship. This was her only chance. She should do it. She could do it. "Haruka, I'm…"

"It's all right, Michiru. You don't have to say sorry. It's my fault anyway." Haruka responded. "And I'm sorry, too."

"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said those words… I never…" Michiru was stammering. She couldn't speak straight as her emotions got stuck at her throat. Her eyes were starting to water. She so wanted to speak with Haruka. She knew she could do it, but she couldn't bring herself to. She usually doesn't have any problem with saying what she wanted, but now, it seems the opposite.

Haruka reached out for her hand, taking it into her own. Lightly squeezing it as to give comfort hearing the trembling voice of Michiru and seeing the mixed emotions in the other ones eyes. "Hush, it's alright. I, I shouldn't…"

"Haruka," Michiru cleared her voice. "Don't talk. Just first listen to me, please?" She looked at the racer who nodded in answer. Careful not to take her eyes out from Michiru's gaze. "Just before I leave, I just want to ask you something." Haruka wanted to say something but Michiru looked at her so she kept quiet. Still holding the other woman's hand. "Can we still be friends? Even if not best friends… at least, as a simple friend?" There, she said it. She was only waiting for Haruka to answer.

"Flight 304 to New York, the plane will be leaving in 20 minutes."

"That's your flight, right?" Haruka asked, looking at the others who were still busy chatting with themselves and noticing people around. Michiru sighed in response. Haruka knew she would wait for her answer before leaving to board the plane. She was astonished at what Michiru asked her, not foreseeing that that is what Michiru wanted to ask. Other than getting back together.

Maybe she isn't that keen to be with me again. I'm sorry, Michiru… I hope you can see that… If she already decided on that, I guess it is much better than this… I still love you, Michi…

"Hai, friends." Haruka forced a smile on her face. She should at least show that she's grateful that Michiru asked her that. That they would still remain friends. That they would be in contact with each other. Though not like before… Friends is much better than none.

"Arigato, Ru… Haruka." She corrected herself hoping that Haruka wouldn't hear the nickname, but the other did. Haruka smiled to herself. She needs more time. Hai, she needs to get over the pain I did… I'll always be here for you, Michi.

Michiru hugged her friend tightly, being able to lift a heavy weight from her heart. Then turned to board the plane at the last call. "Take care, all of you!" She shouted from the entrance, waved, then disappeared.

Take care, Michiru…

Take good care…

I'll miss you.

"Haruka?"

"Haruka…?"

"Oh, shut up. Let me do it. Haruka!!!! Hello, Haruka! Haruka to earth!" Minako waves in front of the blonde. They had stopped in a café after Michiru's flight left. She was the first one to leave when Michiru entered the plane, slowly walking outside. Makoto noticed her but Ami stopped her from following. Setsuna glanced over the two, and nodded to Makoto. All three of them watched the racer step out of the main gate and kick stones out of her way.

Haruka kept unusually quiet from the airport up to the café. Keeping everything to herself. Setsuna knew for a fact that Michiru's leaving affected her, but she wouldn't tell it. Stubborn as always, the older woman thought for herself. This is going to be a tough job for you, Haruka.

"Hey, that's mine!"

"Nope, not anymore!" Usagi and Rei once more picked up something to argue about. The menu on the table. Mamoru looked at both girls trying to stifle a laugh when he saw the look on the waiter's face. Soon, they finally got their orders and somehow managed to quiet down a little.

Setsuna looked up at Haruka who was staring blankly outside. She sighed at the sight in front of her. Almost all are laughing to the stories Minako is telling, and only Haruka is absent-minded. She want to say something, but she knows that the blonde wouldn't listen. She always want to solve problems by herself. Defeated by her thoughts, the older woman just held the other's hand and squeezed it is slightly, smiling as Haruka faced her with questioning eyes.

I'm… I'm stupid…

Her teal eyes radiated what she meant. What she feels. Hoping that Setsuna would understand. Hoping that everyone would understand. And just simply stop being happy for a while, when she's still in pain. Hoping that everyone would join her in her solitude. But no, they couldn't… They're simply too happy to feel sad, like her. Simply too happy about everything…

"Watch it!" a tumbler fell down on Usagi's lap as she and Rei continued their little girl's fight. An explosion of laughter echoed throughout the room. Reaching Haruka's attention. She sighed at what happened, bothering even to look at the inner's faces. Trying to push back her feelings inside. Trying not to feel lonely as she had felt a most of the times since she and Michiru broke up.

I wish she didn't leave.

I wish I wasn't that stupid to let her go.

I wish I wasn't that afraid…

I love you… Michiru……