Chapter One (April)
"Michiru-mama!" The little five year old girl opened the door quickly and crossed the room running. Her black hair was shoulder long. The yellow skirt had brown spots all over, surely from chocolate milk or ice cream. Her dark eyes were bright when she jumped onto the bed next to the window.
"Hey, my little darling!" The young woman laughed and embraced her daughter softly. "What have you done?"
"I've played with a lovely dog and I had a milkshake and... please, mommy, I want to have a dog. An Irish Setter. They're so cute. Pleeaassseeee!" Hotaru's face looked pleadingly up to her.
"Not yet, my little darling." Michiru smiled at the girl in her arms.
"She's a little tomboy!" Haruka sat down next to the two and stroke softly the hair of Hotaru who looked out of the window.
"Just like you." The smile faded slightly on the face of Michiru but Haruka noticed.
"Everything okay?" She asked as she did every day but today her voice was more silent, her dark green eyes looked more serious than usual.
"You've heard of it?"
"Yes. The doctor told me that you can leave the hospital tomorrow. All the tests were positive, so you're recovered."
"I wouldn't call it that way..." Michiru sighed and couldn't look straight into her lover's eyes any longer.
"Michi, you know..." Haruka took her hand and blushed as always when she talked about her feelings. They have been together for all those wonderful years and the past four years they raised Hotaru after the sudden death of Dr. Tomoe, but still it was hard for the blonde to talk about her thoughts, about the love she felt for the younger woman. However, this time she was interrupted by the little girl who fell around Michiru's neck.
"You're coming home, Michiru-mama? That's great. 'Cause I missed you very much. And I don't like to eat the food of Haruka-papa anymore. She can't cook!"
"Hey, small princess! Almost every day we were at McDonald's. That's unfair!" Haruka's face looked angry, but just a little bit. She loved their daughter too much to be angry about her for long.
"Yes, only almost, not always!" The smile on the child's face disappeared and tears were in her eyes when she asked her mother. "The flu is over, isn't it? I don't want you to go back again in this building, mommy. It is full of pain, sadness and despair."
Haruka and Michiru exchanged glances. These were the only moments they remembered that their little daughter would be one day Sailor Saturn, the senshi of death.
"No, my little darling. I won't return."
"Promise that you'll never leave me!" The girl's expression was still serious.
"I promise to be with you as long as you need me." Michiru answered giving Hotaru a kiss on her forehead. The girl nodded and looked again out of the window. She was satisfied with the promise her mother had made.
Haruka watched her lover in silence. She wasn't.
"She's sleeping. At last." Haruka closed the door silently and went to the balcony to look over the near sea. It was already dark and the wind was very fresh. But the young woman loved the feeling to stand in the wind. There she felt free. Free of guilt. Free of sadness. Free of sorrow. Free of fear...
"It was a hard day for her." Michiru appeared next to her. For a few moments they both listened to the rushes of the waves. No one said anything. They didn't need any words. They never had.
"It were hard weeks for you, too." Haruka finally replied not looking at her lover. They hadn't had the chance to talk about the operation, because Hotaru was not supposed get to know the truth. She was too small to understand. They both knew that their daughter was very frightened of losing one of them - and the operation had been dangerous.
"Yes..." Michiru sighed. She fought back her tears with all her force, yet her voice began to tremble. "But everything will be fine, 'cause I am recovered." Michiru imitated the doctor's words. A small tear made down it's way on her pale face. Unconsciously she clasped her hands in front of her belly still watching the endless sea.
"I love you, Ruka. And I love my little darling, but I can't just behave as if nothing happened." She winced as she felt the arms around her waist.
"So can't I." Haruka's voice was as quiet as her own.
"I have decided to go on tour. That's what my manager always wanted me to do. And I guess my fans, too. I'll be away for a long time, 'cause I wanna visit America and Europe. The tour will take about half a year." She stopped talking when she felt how Haruka froze.
"Our small princess will miss you." Finally replied the blonde taking a deep breath. Michiru knew that her lover not only meant Hotaru.
"I know." Tears were running down Michiru's pale face. The wind got colder with every minute. Dark clouds covered the full moon and the strand got darker and darker. "But I need to see other places than Japan. I have to talk to other people than the Sailor team. I just can't wait for Chibiusa to be born and I..." She started to sob and the embracement of her lover got stronger.
"I understand you, Michi-chan." Haruka held her tight as she cried in silence. "Go and find peace in your music. I can't help you with your problems. But I am here when you need me." She looked up to the sky and could see stars behind the clouds. "Go on tour, sweetheart. I will take care of Hotaru. Besides, there'll be the Grand Prix of Japan during the next months. You know I want to win it."
"As always." Michiru was laughing through her tears now.
"This time is the last time." Haruka made her decision the day she got to know about the her lover's illness. "I want to spend more time with you and our small princess. The race is no longer the most important thing in my life."
Michiru turned around and looked at the blonde in confusion.
"Hey, that doesn't mean that I'll give up my career as a racer. I just don't want to take part in this silly Grand Prix anymore." Haruka smiled at her lover but in her eyes were tears, as well. The blonde never cried. However, during the last few weeks she often did. Her daughter didn't notice it but she was very concerned about her lover. She couldn't thank Setsuna and Yaten enough, because both of them were there for her. They took care of Hotaru and they had always a comforting word for her. They were the only ones who knew the truth about Michiru's illness. The rest of the Sailor team got the to know the tale they told Hotaru.
"You're the most important person in my life." Haruka looked straight into deep blue eyes. Then she blushed slightly. "I don't know what I would have done when the operation would not have been that success. I need you, Michi-chan. I can't live without you." She took a deep breath and two tears ran down her red face. "But I can't heal your soul. Maybe your music can. Go on tour, Michiru and don't worry. I will wait for you here in Japan. I will always wait for you - as long as I live."
The smaller woman watched her lover in shocked silence. She'd never seen Haruka as sad as this time before. Her Ruka seemed always to be so strong, so independent. But she wasn't. Michiru knew her lover wasn't. They both weren't. Not without the other one.
"Please forgive me." Haruka whispered and glanced again at the stars above them. The clouds slowly disappeared and the full moon shone peacefully over the calm sea. The wind ran through her short blond hair and dried her wet face. "It's all my fault. If you hadn't loved me you would have been able to get your own child..."
"Shh..., Ruka." Michiru interrupted her lover and kissed her shortly on her shaking lips. "I've made my decision years ago and I'll never regret it."
"But you always wanted to have your own child one day..."
"Hey, we've got a little tomboy, don't we?" Michiru managed to smile at her lover then she kissed the blonde again. This kiss lasted longer than the first one.
The wind got stronger and the waves of the sea louder.
"I'll be back as soon as possible, love. But I need to get out for a while."
Haruka only nodded.
She stood there in darkness. In silence. All she could hear were the rushes of the ocean. It seemed to be far away. Endless. Without any border. Free like a bird flying through the deep sky, feeling the independent wind in his wings. Screaming out loud.
All she could see were the suitcases downstairs. They were packed and ready. Ready to go out of the front door. Ready to take the next plane that will lead them to Europe. Ready to leave her. Ready to take Michiru with them…
Haruka sighed then a thin smile appeared on her pale face. Ready to return some day! The smile faded.
Hopefully she would...
Hotaru was laying in her bed now, dreaming the sweet dreams of a child. She wasn't worried that her Michiru-mama went on tour. It was not for the first time and the little girl would call her up every day. With the faith of an innocent child Hotaru knew that her Michiru-mama would be with her all the time.
Haruka would have never admitted it but she did envoy her.
She winced as she felt the soft warm arms of her partner being wrapped around her. Holding her tight. Michiru didn't say a word. She didn't need to. She could feel the sorrow although Haruka was very good in hiding it behind her jokes, her laughter and her strength. However, her eyes couldn't lie. Michiru could see all the pain inside the deep green ones and suddenly wondered why she was going to leave the most important person in her life.
It is not forever!
Michiru leaned her head against the shoulder of the taller girl and closed her eyes. Here she felt safe and secure. Here with her lover. But these feelings faded whenever she met one of the others. When she had to talk to Usagi who blathered about her unborn Chibiusa. It did hurt to see all those happy women with their children in the park, in the supermarket or at university. The pain grew stronger and stronger in her and she knew that she had to see other places and take some time to think - and accept - to hold the promise she gave Hotaru.
And the bigger promise she once gave Haruka. She wanted to be with the blonde all her life. She loved her car racer, but to be really happy with her she needed to understand what happened to her body. Otherwise it wouldn't be fair to Haruka.
And to me...
"When does your plane leave?" The voice of Haruka was quiet. Too quiet for her tomboy. Michiru opened her eyes but she couldn't see her lover's face in the darkness.
"At eight in the morning."
"Then you should go to bed. Your fans don't want to see you yawning." It should have been a joke but none of them laughed.
"Hai." Michiru stood at her tiptoes and kissed the neck of the blond girl who shivered. "Come with me, Ruka. I don't wanna be lonely this night."
"You're never alone..." Haruka turned and stopped in motion. She saw the tears in these deep blue eyes she loved so much and understood.
"But you operation..." The taller girl stroke the sea green hair softly, her look was uncertain. Almost fearful.
"That's okay." Michiru smiled a tender smile. "I just need you so much..." Tears were running down the violinist's pale face and her small body trembled. "Sometimes I wonder why I am so stupid to go." She cried quietly. Haruka took her little senshi in her arms and rocked her gently.
"You aren't stupid, Michi-chan. You're simply hurt." One of Haruka's warm hands were placed on smaller woman's belly, the green eyes shone treacherously. "But it will heal. Trust me." Then she held her Michiru tighter and gave her a long and loving kiss.
It was in the middle of the night when Michiru woke up. After some moments she realised that she was alone. She opened her eyes and looked puzzled in the endless space around her. This wasn't their bedroom anymore. Where was she?
The violinist stood up quickly and her eyes widened as she saw the Sailor uniform she was wearing. When did she became Sailor Neptune? What was she doing here?
Where is Ruka?
"Hello? Is there anyone?" She shouted but no one answered. Nothing could be heard, not even her echo. It was so silent. Michiru wrapped her arms around her belly because she felt very lonely out of a sudden.
"Where is everyone?" She asked and her own voice sounded strange in her ears.
Maybe this is just a silly dream and I am still lying at home and sleeping deep and tight.
Michiru turned to the bed but it had disappeared.
She shook her head in disbelieve and sighed. Suddenly the ground shimmered in a soft blue light and she imagined it to be the sea. A great endless ocean. The waves rushed quietly and the young woman closed her eyes as she felt the cold but clear water on her naked feet. Wind ran through her sea green hair and her uniform. It almost caressed her and she felt safe and secure. Yes, this was the place where she belonged. In her ocean of dreams where no sorrows, no fears existed. No regrets. No more nightmares. This was where she could be free.
Michiru spread her arms to welcome the warm summer wind. She could smell the green leaves of the high trees, the fresh breeze of salty water and the sunny rays of lights from the endless heaven.
I wish I could fly!
Michiru took a deep breath and walked through the low water beneath her.
That's not fair of you, Michi-chan. That you move back in your own world.
The voice was deep. And very sad. Michiru could remember these words. They changed her life forever.
And leave me here all alone.
The young woman stopped and turned around. But there was no Haruka with her in her wide ocean.
"Sailor Neptune?"
Michiru spun around when she heard the high voice she knew so well. But it sounded different. Strange.
"I am glad to see you alive." Said the woman who stood suddenly next to her. Her blond hair half covered the white garment she wore. Michiru squinted. This was actually Princess Serenity but she looked older. And wiser. She looked more than a mother than a teenager.
"Don't worry, Sailor Neptune. I am from the future. I am your future Queen." Serenity explained and her bright blue eyes looked very sad.
"But why..." Michiru swallowed hard and felt suddenly very cold.
"I am here to prevent a great tragedy." Tears were shining in the innocent eyes of the older Usagi as she caught Michiru's hand as if she wanted to hold her back. To keep her by her side. As if she would never let her go...
The young woman realized that Usagi who wasn't a girl any longer had become very thin. Although she ate a lot and loved cakes very much she never became thick. She always was thin. But now she looked as if she almost had starved to death.
"Everyone told us that it was an accident. That the breaks of the truck were broken. That the driver didn't see you. That you weren't fast enough to get out of the way. The police told us this fairy tale. The others believed them. I guess they wanted to, but I couldn't. Neither did Haruka!" The hand which held her own did shake and tears were now running down the painful distorted face of the older Usagi. Deep shadows lay under her once bright shinning eyes. Now they were full of tears and despair.
Despair? Always laughing and loving Usagi was desperate? Sad? Really sad? Okay, Usagi cried a lot. But she was never really sad. She fought against all injustices in the world, saved every friend who could be saved and protected the ones she loved. She was never really sad. Not when there was a battle that could be won. Not until there was the slightest chance of salvation. Not if there was still some hope.
"It was six days after Hotaru's fifteenth birthday. Haruka was so sad about your death. At the day of your funeral she told me that she had known that it would end like this. She was so desperate when she told me that you just waited until you thought that Hotaru would be old enough to live without you." More tears, the hand almost hurt Michiru's who just shook her head in disbelieve.
These words, they are not true. They can't be!
"She told me that you couldn't stand living with your greatest wish being unfulfilled. Haruka told me that you went in your own world leaving her alone."
Michiru swallowed hard. She could remember those words too well, but she had never wanted to...
"When Haruka left the funeral she looked strong but inside she was broken. Setsuna found her the next day in her bathroom. She did sliced her arms that night to follow you. Since that morning Hotaru had not spoken a word and even Chibiusa can't reach her. We're afraid that she will do such a silly thing, too." The last words where so quiet, so full of mourning that the violinist almost missed them. Usagi cried and her hand did hurt Michiru. Although she did not really notice it. She only stared at her future Queen in blank horror.
This all can't be true! Usagi is lying!
Michiru lowered her head and she could feel the tears on her cheeks, as well.
Usagi never lies. She simply isn't able to!
The young woman took a deep breath.
This must be a nightmare. Certainly! The next few minutes I'll be waking up and laughing about this silly dream and...
And if it's not an illusion? If it's reality?
To commit suicide?
Yes, she was upset about the illness that had forbidden her ever to make her greatest dream come true, how ever, she would never...
You wanted to! Admit it! After the operation you wanted to die!
But I decided to live. For Haruka and for Hotaru.
But did you decide to live for yourself?
Michiru sighed and she looked down at the older Usagi who cried with all the desperation of a person who lost one she loved.
Did you decide?
No...
"I don't want this to happen! It is unfair and so senseless." A bitter smile appeared on the older Usagi's wet face. "Sailor Pluto will kill me for doing this but I just want to see you happy. You and your little family. I am the Queen and it is my task to protect the people I love. And I do care a lot about you and Haruka, as you know, Michiru. I just can't let you die this way. Not for such a wish. No dream is it worth to give up everything." Her tear filled eyes once so empty and sad were now bright and full of hope. "I won't see anyone of you full of sorrow because of losing the other one! I won't bury anyone of you! I will never say goodbye when your time hasn't come!" The older Usagi took Michiru's pale face between her cold hands and looked straight into her deep blue eyes. Softly she wiped the tears away. Her glance was so wonderfully understanding.
"I will never see you dying this way, Michiru. I promise! But I can understand your pain. After Haruka told me the truth at your funeral I wondered what I would have done if I would have never got my little Chibiusa. Yes, I love my Mamo-chan very much, but I need my little sunshine, as well. I would miss her all my life if I would have never been able to get her." The older Usagi smiled with all her bright love, as she saw more tears burning in Michiru's eyes.
"That's why I will misuse my powers to make your greatest dream come true so that you will never get the silly idea to escape from life and the ones who love you. Who need you."
"But..." said Michiru with a broken voice. More tears ran down her pale cheeks. Normally she didn't cry that much, but normally she wasn't that unhappy.
"Don't worry. I've defeated enemies with my powers and saved the world more than once. I've protected so many people so it is just fair to save you this very minute." The older Usagi looked determined as she walked back some steps and raised her golden staff.
"But it is too late. I can't take your gift. I am no more able to..." Michiru went to her knees and covered her burning face with her icy hands. They trembled and quietly she started to sob. This was the chance of her life - and she had to let it pass by, because of this stupid illness. Because of the fact that she was no longer a woman. No real woman...
"I'll carry it."
Michiru raised her head as she heard the well-known deep voice. She looked surprised at her lover who suddenly stood right beside her. A tomboyish smile lay on her face, but the violinist could see a strong feeling in her lover's dark green eyes. Fear?
"Are you sure, Sailor Uranus?" asked the older Usagi who seemed to be confused. "Do you really want to make your partner's dream come true?" The future Queen went to Haruka and laid her hand on the strong shoulder. "Do you know what it means?" Her voice was soft - almost tender.
The blonde glanced at Michiru who still sat on the ground next to her then she simply nodded.
"I don't want to lose you. Not now and not in the future. If that's you greatest wish I will make it come true for you." The smile faded and Haruka's face got as serious as Michiru had never seen it before. "Or with you."
The older Usagi nodded happily. So everything was going to be fine at the end. At last!
Then she walked back some steps and raised her golden staff again. Bright light surrounded Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus.
Michiru heard the rushes of the waves, felt the warm water around her trembling body. The light changed its colour. Now it was as blue as the deep ocean. It tickled her and a smile appeared on her face under her tears. Then a small blue ball came outside her body. The violinist stretched out her shaking hands but she couldn't reach it. The ball headed toward the future queen. But it left a deep feeling behind inside Michiru's heart. The feeling of great luck and happiness.
Michiru looked over to her lover who simply stared at the orange light in front of her. Wind ran through her short hair and the costume. It sounded like the whisper of leaves falling to the ground. Haruka wasn't able to understand it. But it was so lovely, so gentle that she couldn't feel sorry for it to leave her.
She observed them as the two small balls of white light came out of their bodies and headed toward the future Queen
The older Usagi smiled hopefully and took the two lights in her right hand. They united to a taller ball and the bright light disappeared. The darkness came back to the endless space around them and Michiru managed to get back on her feet. Where was it gone? This ray of hope?
The violinist turned to her lover and looked straight in her pale face. Haruka seemed to be worried and she believed to know why.
"I never wanted to..." she tried to explain, but Haruka just kissed her and interrupted her apology.
"I love you." The blonde simply said and walked to the older Usagi who watched her with her great blue eyes filled with hope and friendship.
"Take care of your family. Always." With these words the future Queen gave the white light into Haruka's hands. It covered the taller girl for some moments. The car racer automatically closed her eyes. The wind grew stronger and the whisper of the leaves became a scream. High and young. A baby's cry after its mother...
Haruka opened her eyes and stopped to breathe as she saw the small body in front of her. It resembled Hotaru as they adopted her after the sudden death of Dr. Tomoe. However, the hair wasn't that dark. It looked brighter, more like the endless ocean. The small child winked and laughed happily. It's small hands reached out for her and Haruka took it into her strong arms. Big eyes looked faithfully up to the young woman's surprised face. They were as dark green as her own ones. Haruka smiled and her pale face got almost soft. She said something she didn't really understand to the small child and brought it to her strong shoulder. It was so tiny. So light.
The white light became more dazzling and Haruka closed her eyes.
Then it was gone.
Haruka looked thoughtfully down her empty arms then she remembered the words of her future Queen.
"I will Usagi. Forever." Haruka took the older Usagi's hands and squeezed them softly. "Thank you."
Michiru just watched with confusion but she couldn't help to return the encouraged smile on her lover's face when Haruka came to her, taking her into her strong arms and kissing her.
"Let's go home. Hotaru needs us." Michiru just embraced the taller girl and repeated the deep and loving kiss.
I will never leave her.
It was a promise she knew she would never break. No matter what happened to them in future.
The older Usagi laughed happily.
"I wish you all the best." She said with a knowing look at the couple. Then she turned around and vanished into the darkness. The future Queen knew that Sailor Pluto's angry voice would be heard all over the whole universe when she got to know that the rules of time had been broken. But Usagi didn't care. The only thing she cared about were the persons she loved. She would never let anything harm them.
A satisfied smile appeared an here face. Now she knew that this tragedy would never happen. Never! For this knowledge she would take every consequence. After all what could Sailor Pluto do? She was the Queen, wasn't she?
In the next moment she was gone.
Left were two women holding each other tight. Kissing each other. Knowing of loving the other one and being loved by her. For all times.
The great hall was very noisy. Busy people ran from one end of the airport to the other one. They were business men in grey suits and attacheé cases. Or they were simply tourists buying their last souvenirs before flying back home.
A small group stood outside the hectic crowd. A young woman could hardly fight back her tears. Her sea green hair fell down her small shoulders covering the back of her white dress. Finally she took her suitcases into her trembling hands and shook her head as another woman with short blond hair tried to help her.
"I wish you all the best for you tour." Setsuna smiled at the smaller friend with her wise knowing smile as if she wanted to say that everything would be alright. That everything would work out well in the end.
Somehow Michiru wondered if the senshi of time even knew the future. But if she did, Setsuna would have never told them. Wouldn't she?
"And don't miss any notes while playing!" Yaten squeezed gently her right arm looking right into her eyes. "We will listen to every concert they'll broadcast on TV. So be nice and don't do any stupidities in far away Europe."
"No more than you Three Lights, don't worry."
Yaten was so kind to blush slightly.
"So, my little darling." Michiru sighed slightly putting her suitcases back to the ground and going down on her knees. Then she took her small daughter into her trembling arms and held her tight for some moments that seemed to last an eternity.
"I'll miss you, mommy." Whispered Hotaru and her dark eyes were overflowing. Michiru swallowed hard. Her daughter hardly called her mommy instead of Michiru-mama. And when she did she needed her more than anything else on this wide world.
"I am with you. Every minute of your life, my honey."
Hotaru looked sadly at her mother - then a bright smile appeared on her face.
"I know." She replied and gave the violinist a big kiss on the pale cheeks. "Will you call me every day, mommy?" The little girl asked with a pleading expression an her face.
"Of course, I promise." Michiru kissed her small daughter on the forehead then she stood back on her weak legs not knowing how to say goodbye to her lover.
Silence fell upon the small group. It was louder than the noise around them. Yaten was the first one to break it.
"Hey, Hime-chan. Do you like ice cream?" he asked gently taking the small hand in his own. Setsuna and he exchanged glances. They understood each other without any words.
"Yes." The voice of the small girl was not very enthusiastic.
"How about a chocolate-ice?" helped Setsuna and smiled again her faithful smile. Hotaru only nodded, however, her small face brightened up.
"Okay but I wanna have two ice creams." She said loudly and wondered why her Haruka-papa didn't call her a blackmailer as she normally did.
"Maybe..." Yaten laughed quietly and took with his other hand the one of his girlfriend. Then the three of them went away to the next shop which sold the cold deliciousness.
"Air plane to Rome/Italy starts in half an hour! All passengers are asked to come to gate twenty!"
"I have to go now." Michiru said with a shaking voice and tried to take her suitcases. But Haruka was faster - as always. She wrapped her arms around her smaller lover holding her back.
"Don't leave me." She whispered with a sudden sob which stopped immediately. "Don't leave me this way." Michiru rose her head and looked straight into dark green eyes which shimmered wetly. "Hey, at least I want a goodbye kiss. Is that too much!" A tomboyish smile appeared on her lover's face, but Michiru knew that it was only a facade.
"No. Of course not..." whispered the small violinist and kissed her car racer light on the lips. Haruka held her tighter and the kiss got more passionate. It soon turned sweeter and both of them didn't want it to end. None of them wanted the other to leave. But the voice of the loudspeaker interrupted the tender kiss.
"I have to go now." Michiru stroke the blonde's hair and looked straight into Haruka's green eyes. "I wish you all the best for you Grand Prix of Japan." She said quietly and knew by the shadow that moved over her lover's expression that the races weren't important any longer. Yes, Haruka would go and win every battle on the race track, however, it wouldn't be the same without her Michiru being near the course to spur her on.
"Just come back until Christmas. That's all I ask of you." Haruka voice was very calm and Michiru shivered as she felt the icy hand that touched her own cold one. At the moment all flowers stood in blossom and spring had just begun. It would be a long time till winter came and brought the celebration of love.
"Don't worry. I know where I belong, Ruka. I belong to you and our little tomboy." Michiru smiled confidently and squeezed the icy hand a little bit harder.
"Okay. Then off you go to make your fans happy." The bright grin returned on the blonde's face as she took the suitcases and went with her lover to the gate where Michiru would disappear for the next months.
"And remember Yaten's words."
"I've never missed a single note in my entire life!" Michiru took over the heavy suitcases and felt weak and alone all of a sudden. "Hotaru isn't allowed to eat fast food every day and she must go to bed earlier than eight o'clock. Remember, she is just five years old! And please don't let her watch you racing the car. She is so afraid of you being involved in an accident that she would have nightmares. And don't forget her clarinet lessons each Monday and Friday and at the weekends you should..."
"Hush..." Haruka interrupted the stammer of her lover with a short but loving kiss. "I can handle this. I am a good daddy, don't you know? And I am not alone. Setsuna and Yaten will help me and don't forget the rest of the Sailor team. Usagi is crazy about our small princess and all the others love her."
"Yes, I know. I just..."
"Michiru-san!" A huge man stood behind the security waving his hand. It was Michiru's manager who was waiting for her.
There was this voice again and the violinist knew that she had about five minutes to get to her plane.
"I love you." Michiru gave her car racer a short desperate kiss then she went over to the security and soon disappeared. Haruka watched the empty place for some moments then she sighed and turned around.
"I love you too, my Michi-chan." She whispered and went back to look after their daughter.
As the plane left the ground Michiru looked out of the window and watched the world under her becoming smaller and smaller. Somewhere there was Haruka with their little tomboy. She left them behind. But she knew that it wouldn't be forever.
I will return.
Michiru thought of the sad look in Haruka's dark green eyes. But she didn't detain her. Instead she wished her all the best for her tour and assured her that their little princess were in good hands.
The violinist sighed and closed her eyes. She covered her still hurting belly with both hands and knew that it was the right thing she was doing.
I am lucky that Haruka is so understanding.
She imaged her lover standing an the airport, looking after the plane leaving Tokyo and Japan. The small girl in her strong arms was waving her tiny hands.
Arigatou.
"Is Europe far away?" Hotaru ate her ice cream and looked up to the blue sky above them.
"No, not very." Haruka held her little daughter tighter in her arms as they watched the planes fly into the endless horizon.
Setsuna and Yaten stood right behind her saying nothing. They were there when the others needed them. And Haruka knew that this time would be the hardest one. She was thankful of having such friends.
The next plane, a huge one with blue stripes on white underground, made it's way into the wide air. It was loud and heavy but at the same time quiet and weightless.
"Is that mommy's plane?" wanted Hotaru to know and continued eating her brown ice cream.
"Hai." Haruka's voice was not more than a whisper and it was a hard fight to hide her real feelings inside her. Hotaru was behaving so brave. She didn't want to concern her by crying.
"Bye, mommy." The small girl rose her two little arms and the ice cream fell upon the airport's stony ground. But Hotaru didn't care about it. She just watched the huge plane leaving Tokyo by waving her arms wildly.
Bye Michi-chan.
Haruka stood there motionless holding her small daughter who shouted up to the sky waving her mother goodbye.
I will wait for you.
A small tear burned in her eyes but she could fight it back. She squeezed her little princess softly and couldn't look down. After five minutes when the plane had already vanished into the blue sky she was still standing there, looking up into the air. Motionless, but full of stormy feelings.
I love you.
None of them remembered the strange dream they had shared the last night.
