A/N: I find it very depressing that it takes me a bloody year just to finish one story -___- Anyhoo ... I've been having a craptacular week, and I figured that maybe if I wrote something sweet that my week might turn around, wishful thinking probably ... well, on with the story!
Thanks again for all the reivews! ^___^
~*~
Epilogue
I can't believe you guys! First, it's partly your fault that I'm in such a crappy condition right now, and then you guys can't even spend a few minutes to visit?! Haruka teased, pretending to be in pain despite her quick progress in the hospital. It had been just over two weeks, and both patients were anxiously waiting for their release.
Well if Cloud here wasn't too *busy* with his girlfriend, Riva ducked from the swing that was aimed for her head, we'd be able to stop by a little more often. Remember, she's the one with the car.
Yeah, the car that, the spikey blonde pointed a stern finger to the agent, you damaged! Besides, I had to maintain my uhh, *social* life!
Michiru's voice floated from the window-end of the room, There are some here who are trying to rest ... She yawned and stretched her arms out before pulling the covers higher over her head.
Oh please, we all know that you want to hear the gossip! Haruka chuckled, when suddenly a fifth voice cut into the room.
Am I interrupting anything? A man stepped into the room, Cloud and Riva glancing back and forth between each other, unsure of who he was.
Haruka pushed herself into a sitting position, Not at all Agent Tomiko. Hey, sorry for all the pain ... *I* ... caused.
I'm not made of glass. Maren joked, taking a seat in the empty chair by the window. They continued their conversations for a few more minutes when another person stormed into the room.
Wow, it's a party in room 476. Someone break out the booze! Riva exclaimed, raising a fist in the air, but quickly recoiled when she saw the looks on the agents' faces. It was Director John Chambers.
Excuse me m'am, but this is not the time nor the institution for any alcohol consumption. I would like to ask what is you and your associate's business here, however based on your first impression I can't say that it is anything about business.
Cloud cleared her throat and straightened her jacket before Haruka cut in, I apologize sir, they are our friends that just wanted to stop by for a visit.
Director Chambers looked down at his watch, I dare say that visiting hours ended 45 minutes ago.
Cloud made a face behind his back and was about to leave the room when Haruka stopped them. No, please stay to hear this. Director Chambers, I know why you are here.
Then you damn well better have a report on my desk by the end of the week explaining this catastrophe! Beginning with the day you left for your initial mission!
Yes sir, along with my letter of resignation.
Three simultaneous voices cut in, all shocked at the blonde's declaration.
Disregarding everyone else, the director continued, Yes, perhaps that will be best. He was ready to say more when his beeper went off, I have to go, Agents. With a quick nod he left the room as fast as he had entered.
ARE YOU CRAZY!? Cloud exclaimed, Who's going to supply us with *legal* intel!?
Don't lie, I know you guys were using my sources for your own dirty business. Riva and Cloud both looked around and whistled, pretending to not know what she was referring to.
Busted ... Riva whispered under her breath.
~~
Haruka was stripping her locker of its contents, tossing everything rather lazily into a large box. The well known squeak to the entrance door rang through her ears, and impulsively she looked up, though not expecting anyone she knew. Sure enough, it was just another agent preparing for their own trip. Inside she hoped that it wouldn't be anything like that of her latest operation - she didn't even wish that on anyone she ever knew or despised.
So what are you going to do now? Haruka nearly jumped in shock, causing an aqua haired beauty to laugh at her. Rule number 57.4. Know all of your surroundings.
The blonde laughed and closed the empty locker, I'm not an agent, I don't have to be on my toes anymore. She picked up the box and leaned against the door, I have to admit it, I think I'm going to miss this. But, I hear that teaching can be quite the adventure.
Michiru's eye quirked up lightly, Teaching? I can't see teenagers saying, Good morning Ms. Tenoh.
That's MR. Tenoh, the board assumed it from the beginning, and I had never stopped to correct them.
Agent Kaioh laughed, It'll just be like another alias. It will be strange now, after everything that happened and no one to talk about it to.
There's always the shrink.
Did you go to see her?
Haruka took a deep breath and stood up, Well Michiru, it's not like I'm disappearing off the face of the planet. I'll still be here, wherever you will go. There was a long pause before anything was said ... almost too long. The blonde looked down at her watch, I should be on my way.
Right ... well, thank you for everything. She stepped forward before retreating for a moment, before leaning forwards onto her toes giving the blonde a kiss on the cheek. I owe you my life. I guess I will see you around. She turned on her heels and left the room, back into a world hidden from reality.
Haruka stood there shocked for a few moments, before laughing at herself blushing. Leaving CIA Headquarters, she handed her clearance tag in at the security desk and exited. Once the box was safely positioned in the trunk of her car, she touched her cheek softly with one hand, She kissed me, and she knows I'm a girl ... Storming through like a herd of elephants, an epiphany smacked her across the face. Smiling to herself, she climbed into her car. If it was meant to be, she'll phone.
For the last time in her life, Haruka drove out of the underground garage, handing in the security tag. As she waited for the gate the rise, she felt a vibration in her coat pocket. Slowly driving back out into the real world, she reached with one hand inside her jacket and flipped her phone open,
The End.
