Stars in the Sky
Chapter Eight: Petals in the Wind
By: Ree
Pairing: Kou Seiya/Ten'oh Haruka
Ages: Seiya: 20
Haruka: 19
Setting: Jyuban District, Tokyo, Japan
Rating: R (for future chapters and swearing)
Summary: Seiya is back on Earth, Usagi is married to Mamoru, and what's a love-stricken boy to do? Well, a few run-ins and mishaps with a certain blonde change his entire perspective.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon; I don't want to claim ownership to Takeuchi-sama's noble work. So don't sue me! I don't own anything, I am just a poor student, and you won't get anything!
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The next morning, Haruka awoke in the arms of her lover as the sun streamed through the curtained windows. It made her smile, knowing things were peaceful and she finally had a chance to be happy. Yawning slightly, she rolled over and brushed Seiya's hair out of his sleeping blue eyes and chuckled lowly as he snored lightly. There's something about him that seems so innocent, and yether thoughts were cut short as Seiya groped for her in his sleep. Substituting a pillow instead, she managed to slip away as he clung to her pillow. Rising out of the bed carefully and picking through the strewn clothes, Haruka put on Seiya's white button-down shirt, fastening the buttons and she started when it slid down to an inch or two above her knees.
"Damn, is he that much taller than me?" she whispered, slipping out of the bedroom with a last look at Seiya, before heading downstairs.
Taiki was already awake, pouring a cup of coffee in the kitchen. Haruka yawned and ran her hand through her tousled hair, catching Taiki's attention. He smiled as she sat down on a chair, her teal eyes still blurry with sleep. Haruka accepted the cup of coffee he handed to her and snorted.
"Naniyo?" Taiki asked.
"You call this a cup of coffee?" she said teasingly. "I prefer black."
"Hai," he said, smiling at her jabbing tone before making her another cup of coffee, this time black. "Is that better, oh mighty Haruka?"
She laughed too at his teasing and accepted the cup. Taiki sat down next to her, also sipping a cup. The two sat in silence for a while until Taiki looked at Haruka's teal eyes in curiosity. What is it that Seiya sees in her? Besides the fact that she's powerful and a challenge for himespecially since he was once attracted to that Tsukino Usagi girl. I guess there's nothing I can do about it, just like there was nothing I could have done to stop him from seeing that child. It's different with Haruka, he realized, gazing at her serious expression as she studied her cup intently. She's no child that's for sure. Taking another sip, he let his thoughts wander until with a punctuated yawn, Yaten came down the stairs in nothing but silver silk pajama pants, revealing a muscled chest and his white hair hanging loose and out of its ponytail for once, and Haruka smirked.
"Well, look who's decided to grace us with his presence. Ohayo gozaimasu Yaten," Haruka laughed and took another sip of her coffee.
"Shut up," he muttered under his breath and stumbled over to the coffeepot.
"Hn, looks like he's not a morning person at all," Haruka joked.
"And it turns out the mighty Sailor Uranus is a screamer when it comes to sex, ne Haruka?" Yaten shot back, a smirk on his face.
Haruka spat out a sip of coffee she had taken and glowered at Yaten, but he sneered when he saw a faint blush painting her cheeks. I knew that would get to her, he thought triumphantly. He leaned against the kitchen counter as Taiki laughed.
"That was low, Yaten, even for you," she growled.
"Oh don't worry, I can go even lower."
"I wouldn't though, if I were you."
She smirked and rose, going back upstairs to get dressed. Yaten was laughing under his breath and even Taiki was chuckling lowly. Haruka heard Seiya in the shower and she got dressed quickly in a pair of shorts that said "Haruka" on the side and a midriff-baring green top. Putting on a pair of shoes, she put on an earring in her right ear, and went downstairs. Taiki and Yaten's jaws dropped when they saw her coming downstairs in an almost feminine look. She smirked at their stunned expressions.
"See something you like, boys?" she jeered.
"Nani? Iie, of course not!" Yaten objected, flushing slightly.
"Hai, of course we don't, Haruka!" Taiki added, averting his gaze.
"I thought so," she smirked and headed outside, her car keys in her hand. "Tell Seiya I went out for a drive and I'll be back later."
Going out to her blue car, she got in and started the engine, revving it up. Feeling freer than she had in the past few days, the blonde tore out of the driveway and began to take a ride down the seaside. Smelling the salty sea air brought back a pang of remembrance about Michiru. Brushing that thought aside, she recalled the image of the man she had seen Michiru with on the boat. Clenching her hands tighter on the steering wheel, Haruka decided to pull over before she managed to not only get in a car crash, but a speeding ticket as well.
Seiya stepped out of the shower, drying his hair on a towel, another wrapped around his waist. Walking into the bedroom, he ran his hand over the indentation that was still on the bed from where Haruka slept and a soft smile crossed his features. If anyone had told me a few months ago that I would have sex with Ten'oh Haruka and claim her virginity, I would have shot a Star Serious Laser up their ass. Now, it doesn't seem so bad. Reaching for a comb that was on his bedside table, Seiya combed through his thick hair, wincing as he came across snarls from the night before and put on a pair of navy pajama pants while trying to unsnarl his tangle of locks. Going downstairs, he helped himself to a cup of coffee, amazed it was still hot and looked over at Yaten and Taiki.
"Nani?" he asked.
"You have that I've just been well and thoroughly fucked, aren't I sexy?' look on your face, Seiya," Yaten teased, grinning.
"NANIYO???" he demanded, balking and backing into the kitchen counter. "How dare you say something like that, Yaten???"
The two laughed mockingly as Seiya's cheeks flamed red. Still blushing, Seiya went to fix himself something for breakfast.
"Where's Haruka, anyway?" he asked.
"She went out for a drive," Taiki replied, casually. "She said that she'd be back later. She didn't say where she was going though."
"Well, that's all right, she's an independent woman, after all."
"No kidding she was a womanin that outfit, any guy could tell," Yaten mumbled, still looking as though he'd been slapped.
"Nani?" Seiya asked, coming out of the fridge with his hands full of food.
"Well, she was wearing a pair of tight jean shorts and a" Yaten started.
"And a what, Yaten?" Seiya growled.
He mumbled incoherently under his breath and Seiya barely managed to catch a few words before setting his food down and grabbing the other man's shoulders. Taiki balked and got to his feet, and Seiya appeared to calm himself, and backed off.
"Well, what Yaten?"
"A midriff-baring, tight, small short-sleeved shirt," he said in a rush.
"NANI?" Seiya looked ready to kill. "If any guy hits on her, I'm going to make sure that they live to regret it. Out of my way!"
With that, he stormed back upstairs to get dressed and came back down, wearing black pants and a pale blue T-shirt before heading out, leaving a stunned Taiki and Yaten behind. They both blinked at the possessive behavior, before shrugging to each other. Meanwhile, Haruka had calmed down and continued on her drive for a few minutes before she stopped her car at a red light and a car full of guys drove up on the other side, making snide comments.
"Hey hot stuff!"
"Why don't you let us give you a ride?"
"I know you won't regret it!"
Ignoring them, Haruka waited until the light turned green, then gunned the engine and zoomed off. If those bastards think they're going to pick me up, then they're sadly mistaken. With a final roar of her engine, she skidded to a halt next to the café where she, Setsuna, and Michiru used to go when they needed to talk about something. It was also the place where she and Michiru
"Yamero, don't think on it," she whispered to herself and sat back in her seat.
Meanwhile, she got this strange feeling that she wasn't alone. It didn't last long and she realized Seiya was coming up to her. She smiled at his stunned look as he took in what she was wearing. See something you like, Seiya? A mischievous glint came to her eyes.
"Yo, Haruka, I was wondering where you were. I didn't have anything planned for the day, so unless something comes up"
"Sure, you can hang around with me. I don't really have anything planned either. Now that it's a peaceful time, it's quite boring."
Seiya laughed and climbed into the car next to her, his navy eyes twinkling with mirth. She relaxed against her seat, her legs crossed in front of her. It was strangefor once in her life she didn't mind being feminine. I think it's because of Seiya. Shimmatta, does everything have to do with that boy these days? A smirk came to her features and Seiya looked at her confusedly. With a shake of her head, Haruka got out of the car and leaned against the hood.
"Are you coming or not?"
"Hai, hai, just keep your shorts on."
"I'll keep that in mind next time we're in the bedroom."
"Nando?"
With a laugh, Haruka sauntered into the café, her teal eyes glinting with her mischievous antics. Things were going well for the two of them so far and as Seiya laced his fingers through hers, Haruka knew that things would be fine. As she looked around for a table, her eyes landed on a familiar blue-haired head in the back. A wave of bitterness washed over her, but there was also some grim satisfaction at seeing her alone. Seiya went to go find them a table and Haruka decided to go over and see if Michiru was all right. Even though she had broken her heart, Haruka still cared about her. Her footsteps were silent as she approached the elegant girl.
"Michiru," she said stiffly.
"Haruka, what are you doing here?"
"I came here with Seiya of course. Where's that boyfriend of yours?"
"It's overwe broke it off. Or, I broke it off with him. He just couldn't compare to you Haruka."
"Hn, as if a man could compare to a woman."
"Demo" Michiru whispered and placed her hand on Haruka's arm. "I never wanted him. I was just using him to make you jealous. Onegaican you accept my apologies? I do love you Haruka."
Teal eyes narrowed in anger as she slapped Michiru's hand off of her arm. "You conniving littleMichiru, you lost me the moment I saw you with him. Forget about getting me back, Michiru for I will surely forget about you."
Seeing the hurt look in her once-lover's eyes nearly made Haruka surrender to her charms, but she held strong. Seiya is the one in my life now. I don't know whybut I just can't go back to Michiru. Even though she and I have known each other longer, there's something I just don't share with her anymore. Lost in her thoughts, Haruka nearly walked past Seiya, but when he touched her shoulder gently, he snapped her out of her reverie.
"Are you all right?"
"Hai, I'll be fine. For now"
Seiya looked concernedly at her as she brushed off the pain and hurt in her teal eyes. The exchange didn't go unnoticed by a pair of sea green eyes. Why would Haruka choose him over me? What does she see in him? Sighing heavily, the Senshi of the seas turned back to her drink, swirling the substance absently in her cup. A thought struck herHaruka was wearing a feminine outfit? Spinning around in her chair, the fact of the matter slapped her right in the face. The Senshi of wind was dressed in an outfit that accentuated everything she had in all of the right places. It wasn't like Haruka and Michiru was becoming jealous.
"Haruka never bothered to dress like that when we were togetherwas it because she was embarrassed of me looking at her body? Iie, it couldn't be. Haruka never was afraid of my looking at her when we were together. But why the sudden change?"
Her thoughts trailed back to that fateful night when the two of them had gotten into an argument that had shaken them both to no end. It was the thing that caused their break-up, the ending of their relationship.
***Michiru's Flashback***
"Haruka, onegai, this is silly, we shouldn't be arguing like this. Just because I was being friendly doesn't mean-"
"Friendly? You call kissing a man in front of everyone, in front of me friendly? You should have seen the looks on koneko-chan's faceher and the others. They were in shock, but that couldn't have compared to what you did to me. It felt like you tore out my heart and put it in a blender and hit purre."
Michiru looked at her with pleading eyes. She hadn't meant to kiss that man on the streetbut something came over her, it was like she was under a spell of some sort, but Haruka refused to listen to her. It had been so long since she'd kissed someone besides Haruka that Michiru had been too dazed to fight him off. And what Haruka had seen was what caused this monumental argument to take place. Both of them were on edge, the sandy-haired woman moreso because she had always been loyal and devoted to Michiru, she had given her the very best and worst of herself, and Michiru just had to go and kiss another.
"Fine then Harukaif you can't accept the fact that I didn't want that kiss, then you can just leave and be done with it!"
Looking as though she'd been kicked in the stomach as the sea green eyes of the one she had given her heart to flashed in anger, Ten'oh Haruka packed her bags and headed for her car, not looking back once at Michiru.
***Present***
"For weeks I hear nothing from Haruka and then I suddenly find out she's with Seiya, of all people! It doesn't make any sense. Seiya had feelings for Usagi, he and Haruka hated each other just less than a week ago."
Puzzling over what had happened, Michiru decided to go and see Usagi about what had happened between the petite blonde princess and the raven-haired musician. Meanwhile, Haruka was simply fiddling with her food, not even noticing what was in front of her, her thoughts constantly trailing back to the hurt look in Michiru's eyes. It was as if she had really wanted me back, Haruka thought. But she was with that man. Refusing to dwell on it a moment longer, she tried to tune her hearing back to what Seiya was saying.
"-thinking of reforming Three Lights. What do you think?"
"Reforming Three Lights? That's fine by me, I think it's a great idea. Your fans will certainly be thrilled, ne?"
Seiya gave her a withering look and Haruka merely offered him an innocent smile.
"Be serious Haruka."
"All right, you want me to be serious, I think ti's a great idea. It will get you, Taiki, and Yaten out of the house and out of my hair. And besides, you really should take up your music again, it's what makes you happy."
His navy eyes brightened as he reached over and took her hand in his. With an understanding smile, he kissed her hand.
"I'm glad you like the idea."
"How could I not like the idea?"
Laughing gently, Seiya rolled his eyes affectionately and their order came. The waitress gave them a smile as she went back to the counter, talking with her friends. Seiya and Haruka began to eat, for a minute or five too caught up in their food to talk. It was only when Michiru got up and bumped into a male waiter did Haruka look up.
"Gomen nesai! I didn't mean to run into you like that" Michiru gasped, trying to help him get his things together.
"Daijoubu, I'll be fine. Arigato"
From the looks they were giving each other, Haruka could tell that Michiru had gotten over her quicker than ever. It seems as though I wasn't that important to her after allHaruka thought and went back to her food, only now it tasted bitter to her. With a sigh, she put her fork down and began to stir her drink with a pensive look.
"Haruka?" Seiya asked.
"It's nothing."
"Demo, Ruka-"
"I said it's nothing, lay off."
Seiya's eyes narrowed as he looked her over and then turned his eyes over to Michiru. So that's what's gotten her so upset. Michiru, you have no idea what you have done to Haruka. You've taken away her shine, her passion, her reasons for being who she was. And at these thoughts, his anger grew and he vowed then and there to get that passion and shine backno matter what. As he thought about what he could do, an idea came to him. Paying for the food, he took Haruka by the hand and brought her to the car. While Haruka voiced her complaints and objections, Seiya brought her back to their house and brought her inside before setting her down in front of the piano. Haruka looked at it and then at him, her eyes narrowing.
"What is this, Seiya?"
"Play, Haruka, play something, anythingjust play so you can get the shine back that first drew me to you."
"Seiya, you have no idea what you're talking about."
"Onegai, Rukaplay."
Looking as though he had lost his marbles, Haruka looked doubtfully at the keys. She hadn't played the piano since her tiff with Michiru. But as her hands tapped off a few notes, a familiar feeling swept over her, almost as though it was a familiar friend, and soon her fingers danced over the keys with an air of grace and agility. Seiya smiled and sat down next to Haruka on the piano bench and watched as the melody flowed over him. It's like a gentle breezesomething that's so sweet and yet so sad. Reaching for his guitar, he began to play in harmony with her, and a song began to form in his mind, so he did what he did besthe sang.
Don't close your heart to me my love
Open your eyes to what is before you
Move on from the past and look ahead
The future is waiting for you and for me.
Haruka looked over at him as her fingers continued to dance over the keys. Seiya smiled as he continued to play, his pick strumming over the guitar strings. Taiki and Yaten listened at the door, having been caught at Seiya's singing.
Mend that broken heart lying inside
Take a step at a time and find the right path
Follow the stars in the skies, follow the stars
Trek through the Milky Way to where I am.
Take my heart, take your heart, kindle them together
Take your heart, set it free, and travel among the stars
Don't let the darkness of heartbreak destroy you
And tell me you'll fly back into my arms again
Mend that broken heart lying inside
Take a step at a time and find the right path
Follow the stars in the skies, follow the stars
Trek through the Milky Way to where I am.
As the last few chords faded out, Taiki and Yaten applauded them from the doorway. Both of them were blushing as they stopped playing and with a final tap of the keys, Haruka got to her feet, touched and inspired by Seiya's words.
"I think it was a good idea for us to start Three Lights again. You really balance each other, and I've never heard Seiya sing with such passion since he sang for our princess. Not bad, Ten'oh," Yaten commented.
"Watch it Yaten, you're asking for it," Haruka threatened.
"Careful now Yaten, your sense of humor is showing," Taiki laughed and casually leaned against his friend.
"Oh shut up Taiki."
Seiya and Haruka laughed, startling both Taiki and Yaten. Haruka's teal eyes still had the hurt look in them at what happened in the café, but she felt a lot better now that she had played the piano and gotten it out of her system. Taiki looked at the two of them with an amused look in his eyes as he carefully placed his arms around Yaten. Blushing beet red, the silver-haired youth stuttered and both Seiya and Haruka's jaws dropped.
"Ano, Taiki, Yaten, is there something you want to tell us?" Seiya asked.
"Yeah, kind of like why you are putting your arms around each other?" Haruka added.
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Well, I said that I'd update soon, and here it is! Didn't expect that twist, didya? Don't worry, there will be more angst, and I have a looong way to go before I get to the ending. Thanks for reading and please read and review. I love reviews! And the song lyrics are completely mine and the song is called, "Stars in the Skies." Does it sound familiar?
~Ree