Haruka stepped out of the shrine to get some fresh air. She wanted to forget what Setsuna had just said. Not that she doesn't believe it. But she doesn't want to look forward into the future battle. It will just hurt. She will never abandon the princess. The pain that she have kept from feeling. That she had locked in the deepest corner of her heart.

She looked up. The sky was clear as it had been the day they celebrated the defeat of Galaxia. That very day that they walked down the beach, admiring the scenery and the peacefulness of the waters. The day when she finally spoke of her feelings for the smaller girl. She can still remember how Michiru's eyes turned dreamy as their gazes met. How she felt the other girl's arms encircle her body. Pulling her close. And the voice that said to her that she loved her, too. She can remember how Michiru's lips felt and tasted. And how happy she was that day.

She vowed a never ending love.

She knew the risks, and the responsibilities.

She took it.

She tried to fight her selfish desires.

Set down her lust.

Settle for just one.

Michiru…

She broke her promise.

She destroyed their relationship.

She kept Michiru in the dark.

Until secrets finally spilled out.

Her long nights out for work, spent with some other woman.

She closed her eyes. Trying to keep the tears she had kept so long, from falling. She had loved Michiru. She knew that. She felt that. And she still does. Along with the pain of their separation.

Michiru…

She had never been the same after Michiru left her. She knew she had deprived Michiru of rights that were rightfully hers. She knew she must suffer because of what she did. The same way she also knew that she should start anew. That she should make-up with the person she loved. Not to make her feel more deprived and insulted. But she failed.

She went out with Yuki.

The mechanic came into her life. Caring for her although not in the same way Michiru did. But she cherished it. Her heart had been empty and aching. Yuki came to fill it. And she grabbed the opportunity not to feel alone anymore. 

She knew she shouldn't have done that. She gave away the chance of getting back with half of her soul. But she gave in to something that she shouldn't have. Now, she's stuck.

What will I do?

Michiru's face flashed in her mind. The way she looked at the racer with question in her eyes at the Christmas party. She knew it hurt. That she was hurting Michiru more and more by having Yuki there. Michiru's face told her that the sea senshi's feelings. That she have had something to say, but it wasn't important anymore. She felt that her mood changed. That she gave up.

She's coming back…

When?

I don't know.

What will you do?

I don't know.

What about Yuki?

I…

She hated to be in her position now. When everything was in a complete blur. When she has to decide about something. When she has to decide if she really love a person or not. Do I love her?

I…

I… I'm going to tell her…

I hope she understands…

"You're early." Yuki greeted her with a kiss as she entered their living room. "I thought there was a track practice. I was about to get ready to go there, and make sure everything's alright."

Haruka slumped on the couch. She must do it.

"You don't have to, you know. I can detect any errors even if the race hasn't started." The blonde looked at her with a sheepish grin. The smile that most of her fans find attractive about her.

"I know, hon." The blue-haired mechanic turned around to enter the kitchen. "I'm going to fix us something to eat. I'm sure you're starving."

Haruka chuckled. She's a lot like Michiru. But in a way, she's a lot less than Michiru… She had always known that the sea senshi always had her heart no matter what happens between them.

She searched for the remote and turned on the tv. With no intention to watch. Having only one thought in her mind.

It's going to be tough.

I just hope she'd understand…

I'm doing this for humanity.

"Michiru! The conductor's going to shout at us again!" Jesi hurriedly combed her hair and fixed it with gel. They have one more concert to give and they were already running late. They both had fun shopping the whole day and forgot about the time. Jesi already knew that Michiru would come home to Japan the day after the concert and offered her assistance in shopping for gifts. Michiru had told her about Hotaru and her addiction to lamps. They had searched almost all the shopping centers for one and it was almost evening when they reached home. With just a drop of things, both sped off to their rooms and changed. The concert is only 2 hours away and the conductor wants all his musicians to be there an hour before. Especially Michiru, who was going to give a solo for this last performance.

"Coming!" She stepped out of her room into the living room. Jesi stood awestruck as she faced the famous violinist. Wearing an elegant black evening dress adorned with beads on the seams. A sapphire hung from the white-gold necklace she was wearing. And her hair's wavy appearance was fully accentuated. She was a picture of perfection.

But both of them knew that inside lie her true feelings. Her deep sadness…

She smiled at Jesi who managed to speak up "you're gorgeous" through the tightness of her throat. A giggle escaped her and Jesi scratched her head, giving her an odd look before laughing at herself.

"But you really are beautiful! I wonder how many guys would ask you for a dance tonight at the party?" Jesi escorted her out of the apartment and into her car.

"Arigato, but you know very well that I wouldn't be attending that one."

"I know. You never attended any!" Jesi laughed and started to drive.

"And you did?"

"Uh… I wanted to, but I was managed to be dragged by my beautiful tenant out of the party."

"Then, I ought to pay you! Maybe later when we get home."

"There's no need to, really! Your presence there is payment enough for me."

"Really?"

"Yes!" Jesi looked at her, then at the road to swerve from the parked car they were going to run into. Michiru smiled but didn't speak. Her eyes were focused on the road. They were already four blocks away from the theater.

"Thank you, Jesi," Michiru said when they were already parking. The pianist looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Thank you for everything that you've done."

"It's nothing, Michiru…" Jesi looked away from Michiru's eyes. "You made me happy during your stay here."

"Oh?"

"You didn't know it, but I actually enjoyed your stay."

"Thanks for your letting me stay at your place."

"Don't think about it…" The car already stopped but neither of them made a move. They just sat inside the car, with their eyes looking out. Both wondering what to say.

This is the last night she's staying…

Jesi looked at Michiru and savored the sight before her. This was the night before the violinist would leave for Japan. To go back home. And leave her…

"Michiru…" She said quietly. Michiru didn't look at her, but she knew that her voice was loud enough for the girl to hear it even though it was trembling.

"Yes?" She was preoccupied watching the shooting star at the horizon. Wishing that someday everything would turn out right. Just the way their respective destinies should turn out to be. And that everyone would be happy. Even her.

She saw hope sparkle in Michiru's eyes. Following her gaze, she saw the star. She realized the meaning. Michiru was wishing for someone. For that person she had left. Whom she truly loves. They had talked about Haruka when Michiru let her know that she was returning to Japan after their last performance. That was when she knew that she had no chance of ever getting the heart of the violinist. That Michiru will always love Haruka whatever happens. "Let's go, the conductor should be really pissed off by now."

Michiru nodded in reply and Jesi got out. Opening the right side door, she escorted Michiru out of the car and into the building. Only leaving her when they reached the backstage.

She knew nobody would change how Michiru feel. Nobody can dictate love. But nevertheless, she had already decided. She's going to tell her tomorrow. At the airport.

Michiru didn't get enough sleep that night. They arrived past midnight and she went straight to bed. The whole orchestra wouldn't let her go. They all knew she was going to return to Japan the next day and wanted to have her as a guest of honor. But Jesi let her escape and got themselves home to rest.

She laid back on her bed, covering herself with the blankets. She was already tired, and her eyes were already heavy that she fell asleep at once. Jesi turned off the lights on her bedside as she checked on tomorrow's traveler. Gently she closed the door and left for her own bed.

"Flight 1670, Tokyo. Please board gate 17B." The loudspeakers echoed all throughout the room. Jesi was arguing with the guard to let her pass and help her friend and that she doesn't have any weapons or any bad intentions. Michiru giggled at the sight before returning her gaze outside the big glass window until she heard Jesi's irritated voice behind her.

"That guy's such a pain in the ass!" She flashed a smile at the violinist and carried the luggage that was left on the ground. Most of Michiru's things were already boarded in the plane except her handbag, the bag Jesi carried and her violin, which she didn't trust the crew with. "You should have made them load this one into the cargo, too! Man, this is heavy!"

"It's alright, Jesi. I can carry these two inside with a bag under my arms." She pointed at the bag and the violin case. Jesi just shook her head and continued to walk toward the gate.

"Flight 1670, Tokyo." The stewardess assured her. Michiru nodded her head and gave her the ticket.

"Thank you, Jesi, for everything. Most of all, for understanding." She turned around to face the pianist. Reaching out hand to grab the bag that the other was carrying.

"I already told you, it's alright! Anything for you, Michiru!" Jesi didn't notice the hand that was already holding the strap of the bag she was carrying. She was too nervous to even speak.

You have already decided. Tell HER!

I can't.

What do you mean, you can't? She's returning to Japan and god knows whether or not she's coming back again!

"Anything wrong?" Michiru bended a little to look at Jesi's face from the lower view.

"There's something I've got to tell you, Michiru…" Jesi was turning pale and Michiru looked at the stewardess who nodded in understanding. She would keep the gate open until the violinist came back.

"What is it, Jesi? You can tell me anything, you know that don't you?" Michiru said while they were walking toward the seats. Jesi was leading, apparently hurrying to cover her trembling. She had never been this afraid. But she knew that Michiru would understand. She just have to tell it. She won't persuade the violinist to give something in return. She already accepted that Michiru will never belong to her. That she has a family waiting for her in Japan.

"Michiru… I…" Darn! I wish this is easy. She can't even look in Michiru's eyes. Always diverting her gaze whenever Michiru would look her way.

"What is it?"

"Flight 1670, Tokyo. Please board gate 17B. The plane will be leaving in 15 minutes."

"I… I love you…" There! I said it. Jesi looked at Michiru who was taken by surprise. She suddenly became afraid that the violinist will get angry at her. But Michiru's face softened and a smile returned to her face.

"Thank you for telling me, Jesi. I've known it… But…"

"I know…"

"Nevertheless, you're a great friend! I love you for that… You'll always stay precious to me, remember that." Michiru took Jesi's face in her hands and made the pianist look at her.

"Thanks…" She could hardly choke out any word. But she managed to give a meek smile.

"You're welcome. Now, get your hanky and dry those eyes. You'll find yourself somebody, Jesi. It's just not me. But maybe, somebody better."

"Yup! And she'll certainly be a beautiful one, too!" Jesi smirked at her own remark which made Michiru giggle. "Let's go, before the plane leaves you." She helped Michiru stand and walked her to the gate.

"You know, the plane will never leave somebody like me." Michiru whispered and nodded at the stewardess who smiled at her, opening the gate before announcing that the plane will already be going. "Hey, visit me, okay? And don't forget me!" Michiru smiled at Jesi before the gate closed.

"That spoiled brat…" But she knew Michiru doesn't look like one. She's much too kind to be one. She's just hurt and needed some comfort. And that she would do anything to fight for her love.

She's lucky…

"Rei! Hurry up!" Makoto shouted. They were preparing a welcome back party for Michiru before they would discuss the coming battle. They had already fought some youmas which are much stronger than those they have fought before. They had thought of training, but everybody else was busy with their personal lives when there's no fight and no senshi things to discuss about.

"Alright, alright! I'm here! You don't have to shout. Father is not feeling too well." Rei stepped out of the house and met Makoto halfway. They were charged of cooking. Usagi first volunteered to help Makoto cook but all gave her a no-no which was followed by a cheeky laughter from each of the senshi. So, they just put her to set up decorations, hoping that she wouldn't be a fool around while making them.

They had arrived at Usagi's place. They had agreed upon doing the party there since everybody else's place is a mess or a little less of space. Besides, Hotaru was always there and they know that Michiru's dropping by.

"Everything needed is here. Thanks, Ami." Makoto nodded toward the water senshi and turned to Rei who was watching Usagi climb up the ladder and try to stick banners to the walls with Chibiusa running around with Hotaru chasing behind her. She wanted to see the drawing Chibiusa had done but she wouldn't let her. Not before Michiru arrived.

"Are you going to help?" Makoto stood in front of Rei who was surprised to see the thunder sensi there blocking her view of their princess tries with the banners. Nodding, she turned her back and followed Makoto to the kitchen.

"Hey, what song do you think is best to play?" Minako was fumbling with all of her and the others records. As usual, the senshi of love wanted to have karaoke singing which was practically always in the programme. "Hey, guys! What about this?" She pointed to one, placed it in the player and listened to rock music.

"Stop it! Before you break somebody's eardrum!" Ami spoke between her glances from the book about crafts that Usagi used, and Minako who sulkingly replaced the tape with a cheerful one.

"What are you doing, Hotaru?" Chibiusa stopped when she realized that her bestfriend was no longer chasing her but sitting in one corner, her hands seem to be very busy.

"Uh… Nothing. Just a surprise I'm going to give to Michiru-mama!" She smiled happily at the thought that entered her mind. It was alike when she bought it, in a shop near her school. It was still early then and she didn't have anything to do so she decided to look around. When she saw the present that looked perfect for her Michiru-mama, she decided to buy it.

"… What is it, Hotaru? Come on, tell me…!"

"Not before Michiru-mama sees it!"

"Not fair!" Hotaru laughed as Chibiusa sat down beside her and pouted. She then examined the present in her mind.

Hope she likes it…

_____________

gomen ne… I can't seem to finish this story in one sitting as I thought when I posted that there was going to be only two chappies left… But promise that the story's gonna end soon.

Sorry for the delay in updating. I have a lot of things to do and I really lack on ideas.

Hopefully, you'll keep on reading this stuff.

~karui