Disclaimer: I do not own Bishoujo Sailor Moon or any of its characters except for Kazuki/Akira/strange people who I made up randomly on the spot. The original manga rightfully belongs to Takeuchi Naoko.
Chapter 7: What I Want
by Enchanted Ice Star
Everything seemed absolutely normal. The hustle bustle of students frantically rushing to classes, worrying over tests and stress baring heavily on their shoulders as they clutched onto heavy textbooks with mundane titles. I suddenly felt quite detached and unwelcome to the neat glass railings and spiraling staircases of the prestigious Mugen Academy. But then again, I was going to leave this place behind soon and never wear again the heavy green pleated skirt I was wearing now.
A few students rushed by and bade me a quick 'Good Morning', flushed cheeks for whatever reason. I nodded politely back and continued down the emptying hall, taking my time unlike the rest of them. Yet, I was not heading to class. I was simply here for formalities. To make an end to things that I thought had ended long before already. I stopped shortly in front of the open office door and walked in.
The lady sitting behind the broad wooden desk looked up from her laptop and smiled an obviously forced smile. Her eyes seemed weary from doing whatever work she had been doing before my untimely interruption. I offered her a kind smile and spoke, "I'm here to see Professor Tomoe."
"Oh, yes, of course," she pushed aside a pile of papers to make room for her own elbows. She respectively placed them comfortably on the desk and proceeded to stare up at me from her seated position. "Kaioh Michiru, it's a shame that you're going to be leaving Mugen."
I was slightly flattered that she knew my name out of the hundreds of students attending the school, but I quickly masked my surprise. Interestingly enough, the woman had caught it anyway and she merely beamed. "I've been to one of your concerts. Absolutely stunning! I suppose it is a good thing that you're not being tied back here in Mugen and Japan. London will definitely open new doors for you."
I nodded out of politeness, though I hardly agreed with what the woman was saying. I glanced towards the shut door of Professor Tomoe's adjoined office and then glanced back to the secretary. She caught my slight impatience and promptly leaned back on her chair and got up. "I'm sure he isn't too busy at the moment...though I must say," she lowered her voice and her eyes held an odd look of secrecy to them. "I hear his daughter has run away from home, the poor thing...her mother's just recently passed away...perhaps she isn't quite dealing with it as well as she should be. Professor Tomoe is always so busy with making Mugen a place of academic excellence..."
She trailed off and quickly returned her voice to a normal tone again as she rapped her knuckles on the closed office door. A voice came from within, beckoning us in. I had never spoken to the principal of Mugen Academy face to face for a certain length of time, as he would sometimes pass me by the hallways and congratulate me on a certain concert or a new release of another one of my classical CDs. The door opened and I entered the room, wondering why Professor Tomoe had decided to close the blinds and use the lights instead of the natural shine of the sun from the outdoors.
I decided not to think too much and get back on track.
"Ah, Miss Kaioh," Professor Tomoe was at his desk, his white hair seemingly whiter and his face quite pale. I suddenly felt a wave of sorrow for the man, having heard of his current state from the ever so tight-lipped secretary. I took a seat in front of his desk and greeted him.
"I have spoken to your parents in person," he explained, a small smile on his features though his eyes were rather empty. "I have to congratulate you for having been accepted at the academy in London. I've heard many great things about it and I believe one of my students going there is a wonderful reflection of our school," he paused briefly before continuing, "but of course, I believe it is a more wonderful reflection of yourself, Miss Kaioh."
I flushed lightly before replying, "Thank you, sir, but Mugen has taught me a lot."
He chuckled lightly, "Of course, of course, but it is you who has gotten yourself so far, hasn't it? You are quite a student Miss Kaioh...it will be a lost to our school to have you go."
"I'm sure Mugen Academy will bring the world many successful people in the future," I answered sincerely. "And well...yes, I suppose I have gotten myself where I am now, but sometimes...I think my parents have something to do with it," I smiled out of bitterness but my facial expression did not show it. Professor Tomoe's eyes widened from behind his round glasses before his gaze softened once more.
"Oh, no, Miss Kaioh, do not say that in such a tone," he sighed and he suddenly looked weary. "Perhaps your parents have paved roads for you and have been a large contribution to the many accomplishments you have, but be proud of them nonetheless as it is in the end, yours and yours only." He took a deep breath and smiled a sad smile. "I wished that I could have been more involved in my daughter's life. You should be happy, Michiru, that you have such parents that care so very much about your life. Some people out there really wish for a little bit of attention from their parents...I am sure you get much from them."
I could only half-agree, but another half of me wondered how such a kind man such as Professor Tomoe had driven his daughter away. I tentatively spoke up. "Pardon me for asking, but...how old is your daughter, professor?"
The principal of Mugen Academy looked away, his gaze distant before murmuring, "Six."
My eyes widened in surprise. Such a young little girl. How could such a small child have any sense of what was going on around her? Her mother's death had hit her hard, and she had run away. Yet hadn't Professor Tomoe been there with her, suffering alongside and facing the same obstacles along with her? I briefly thought back to the time when I was but only six years old. I had not known anything quite outside my little realm of music, art, and music. I did not realize my parents lack of attention to me when they were gone, nor their obsessive tendency in making sure every detail of my life was perfect.
But they had forgotten one vital part that every child needed.
Parental love.
They had taken so much time to make sure I had the best violin teacher, the most infamous art instructor and to enroll me into the best school possible...that they had forgotten to simply hold me, to hug me, to love me and to make time for me.
I wondered if that was why Professor Tomoe's daughter had run away...and yet I could not help but feel a twinge of envy for the little girl who knew so much about the world already. She was much more intelligent than I, for when I was six I had been completely oblivious to the little perfect girl I was being molded into and the lack of control I had over my own life.
"I see you have many questions," the older man noted. "But I can only say that I regret many things..." he cleared his throat and his demeanor abruptly changed. "Anyway Miss Kaioh, I am sure you didn't come to see me today to talk about such grim topics such as this," he was smiling again. "I wish you the best of luck overseas and I hope you do come back and visit us."
I stood up from my seat and bowed briefly. "Thank you."
"Oh, and your current report card will be sent to your new address."
I couldn't help but smile slightly as I headed towards the office door. I paused before looking back at Professor Tomoe who was already busying himself with a phone call. I could not contain myself and said to him nonetheless...
"I hope you see your daughter again, one day..."
I wondered if he had heard me.
I had rounded the school campus for the third time, buying time before I would return home and finish up packing. My flight was in five hours and I was no where near excited to leave. My feet crushed the crispy leaves fallen around the sidewalk as I brushed a strand of aqua hair away from my eyes. I looked briefly back at the looming building of Mugen until a voice cut through my calm thoughts.
"You're leaving."
I did not jump, though the voice had surprised me. I turned towards the source and saw, without surprise, Tenou Haruka, still wearing the boy's uniform and looking handsome as usual. She started towards me and stood only inches away, her gaze unwavering as she seemed to outline me with her eyes. I wondered why she looked so serious and sedate then.
"Yes," I answered curtly. "I'm going to study overseas."
"I know," she replied.
Once again I was surprised. "You do?"
"Everyone's talking about it," she answered lightly, looking away to follow my gaze towards the tall building before us. "This doesn't have anything to do with--"
"Of course not," I cut in before she could finish, a hint of a smile on my lips. "Do you think you're that important to me, Miss Tenou, as to affect my life changing decisions?"
She smirked, catching the hint of sarcasm in my voice as she shrugged heavily. "Oh, I don't know. I thought I was," she turned back towards me and her smirk fell. "But I guess, maybe I was assuming too many things."
"And that is correct," I nodded slowly. "You did assume many things. Do you want me to list them?" I tilted my head. "One, I suppose you thought I would be a complete idiot and never find out about you being a--"
"That again?" She interrupted, her voice low. "I thought we talked about this in front of your house."
"I suppose," I fell slightly silent, wondering why I could not bring back the previous anger I had felt towards the tall woman standing beside me. What had that feeling felt like? That unbearable anger when I had first realized she had been lying all along? And yet, now as I tried to draw upon that emotion, I could not find it. I could not find it in myself to feel angry towards her. It was if the past two days had erased the rest of my anger directed at her...and yet I wondered if I had even be truly angry at her in the first place.
"Were you ever going to tell me yourself that you were going to France?"
"London," I corrected instinctively.
She flinched. "London."
I sighed, unable to meet her gaze. "Am I obliged to tell you everything?"
She shrugged again, suddenly looking quite confused. "I don't know...I guess not, but it's strange. Our conversations together were so different then any other conversation I've had with the rest of the human race. I guess..."
"You thought them special," I finished for her.
She looked at me in surprise. "I guess that's the word."
I smiled, "Then I guess we're on the same thinking pattern."
She blinked.
"I know what you mean," I found myself saying, daring myself to meet her gaze again. "This is different, isn't it?" I took a step away and stood in front of her squarely, hands clasped in front of my waist. "This...this special thing we have?" I blushed at my lack of better words, but I could not find a way to be anymore accurate. I sighed and looked at her almost guiltily. "I do actually, feel obliged...to tell you myself that I am leaving."
I paused and did just that. "Tenou Haruka, I'm leaving to London tonight and I've enjoyed being of your acquaintance."
Haruka raised an eyebrow before cracking a dashing smile, shaking her head as she did so. "Now that sounded cold. I thought we were closer than that."
"...Closer," I echoed and turned away again before feeling a hand on my shoulder. I didn't shake it off, allowing it to remain there and providing me with strange comfort.
"I don't want some silly lie to break whatever it was that we had..." I heard her voice just behind me, like the voice of my own thoughts. I felt myself mentally nod and I felt her grip tighten on my shoulder. "You haven't...told me if you've forgiven me yet."
I smiled cheekily, though I knew she could not see my expression from behind. I found my own hand reaching up to cover her larger one, enjoying the warmth I felt radiating from her long fingers. I closed my eyes, enjoying every minute of our sudden physical closeness. "I thought you were intelligent, Haruka."
I felt her tense in confusion.
I giggled and turned around, taking the hand that had been previously on my shoulder in my own and giving it a light squeeze. "I thought you understood me."
She could only stare at me with confusion etched all over her face. I could only stare into her teal eyes and feel the urgency in them, the need for me to tell her in words that I had forgiven her long ago. I wondered why she felt so insecure all of a sudden, but decided not to ask. I only smiled. "Of course, silly...I never hold grudges for long."
Her whole demeanor relaxed, her shoulders sagging in relief and the sparkle evident in her beautiful eyes again. She ran a hand through her sandy locks and blew a strand from her eyes. "You can really give someone a heart attack Michiru."
"I have my ways, don't I?" I beamed.
She smiled, though suddenly her eyes were sad again. "I guess you won't come and see me race then."
And suddenly I felt very sad too. Our one hand was still intertwined, as if it were only natural to be standing there like that, fingers crossed amongst fingers and palms pressed against palms. "No, I suppose I won't..." I could not hide the sudden sadness I felt in my voice, my tone, my soul. "But I think you'll win either way, without me watching or with me watching."
"Are you pretending to be psychic now?" She teased, though the sadness was still written in her eyes. I wondered if she knew herself how easy it was to read her emotions- now that I actually took the time to simply memorize her facial features before I would leave and perhaps never see her again.
"No, not psychic," I answered lightly. "But I know you'll win."
"So...isn't that like...trying to predict something that might or not might not happen which means you are trying to be psychic?" She rambled on, her expression rather adorable.
I giggled and shook my head, aqua waves tumbling around me as I did so. "You are like the wind, Haruka. Always here one minute and gone the next...when I was sitting behind you on your motorcycle that night...I knew that if I was with you, I would be able to go anywhere in the world, escape any fears and any demons chasing after me. You'd sweep me up and take me away...so fast...so brief...it's quite a surreal feeling...riding with you I mean," I took a breath and smiled. "It is awfully strange..."
"This feeling you feel?" Her husky voice sent a tremor down my spine.
I glanced into her eyes and could only nod.
She was moving closer, or I was moving closer. I could not tell for the solid earth beneath us seemed to disappear and I was floating in some sort of endless bliss with only Haruka before me, gaze unblinking and hands tightly grasped amongst hands. The scent of the wind filled my lungs as she neared, just a breath away, and I could only wait in anxiousness as our distance neared to nothing...
I stopped and instinctively stepped back, appalled at the near closeness of us almost...
Haruka looked slightly red in the face as she looked away.
I could not bare the uncontrolled pounding in my chest, as if my heart would leap out any second. This...this wasn't right was it? I couldn't...I couldn't...but it was so right. And yet I couldn't. I couldn't...yet why couldn't I?
"Gomen," I managed to say.
She merely looked indifferent, her face already a normal shade of colour while I felt my own face was still quite pink. How could she act so aloof and apathetic when something like that had almost occurred between us? I suddenly felt that old fear again. That fear of her perhaps not really caring and just taking things as a game...but then I looked into her eyes again and saw that mirror of sadness and immediately felt for her again.
What was wrong with me?
"I...I have to go soon," I broke the tense silence between us. "I...I could write--"
"Don't bother," suddenly her voice was slightly colder, no longer teasing, no longer dancing with that hidden light that only Haruka possessed. I glanced at her sharply as she waved a hand in the air. "I'd like to keep things the way they are now..." her voice softened, as did her gaze as she offered me a brief smile and started walking away. Just like that. I felt an unbearable wave of anguish erupt in my chest at the mere sight of her turning away. "I don't mean that in a negative way Michiru."
I watched her carefully as she turned to look over her shoulder. She gave me another lopsided grin.
"I think I just can't bear the idea of you being in a whole different world than me, telling me of things I can't see with you, writing to me about people I would never meet with you..." she trailed off and chuckled. "I know, it's a stupid reason, but it's weird...it's hard to be left behind."
"You're not being left behind..." I whispered.
"I'll see you sometime..." her voice was doubtful though, and she turned away again. I felt a strange bubble rising in my throat, wanting to say so many things that I felt like I had no time whatsoever to say. I could only numbly stand there as the leaves blew around my feet and I could only stare as she walked away, step by step, drawing the distance between us.
I wanted to call out one last time, to tell her a genuine thank you and to tell her that I would see her again and that I wouldn't forget that brief time when our lives crossed and made things so much more meaningful. But I couldn't. I felt like the wind had taken my voice away, farther and farther and it was also driving Haruka far, far away. She never looked back, and I felt awfully empty again.
I turned away slowly, knowing I could not watch any longer.
And yet...if only I had turned away a second later...I would have seen that sandy blonde head turn briefly around, just to give me that one last pained look.
Autumn. Autumn was a pretty season. The leaves were a crisp red, yellow, and brown, falling, dieing, swirling around my feet as I followed the two figures ahead of me. The wind was biting, chilling, reminding everyone that winter was coming soon. I pulled my jacket tightly around myself and took another familiar breath of Tokyo air. Would this be the last time? Would this be the end of everything I had called close to me?
My mother called to me and I immediately snapped out of my thoughts, hurrying the rest of the way to the glass sliding doors leading to international flights. My father had already gone through the doors, my single luggage in hand. He had insisted that he carry it, incase I strained my dainty fingers from the heavy suitcase. I stepped into the airport, a rush of warm air blowing into my face as I stepped in.
My mother called to me again, her voice slightly feeble and uncertain. I was surprised that she even bothered to come and see me off. I started towards her and felt her awkwardly place an arm around my waist as if it were a natural thing she did everyday. I glanced at her briefly, catching her masked gaze as she plastered a smile on her pursed lips.
"It'll be wonderful over there."
I could only nod, violin case held stiffly at my side. Usually it would give me comfort, but right now, I felt quite unsettled by my mother's words and the daunting hollow sound of the woman announcing flight arrivals over the intercom system. My mother lead our way towards a few vacant seats as father went to reconfirm flight tickets. I sat down quietly, the seat feeling hard and uncomfortable. My mother sat down beside me, smoothing out her skirt as she did so.
I looked away and into the distance, at the many people milling in and out of the airport. They all looked so alive, faces flushed from the cold air outside, sparks in their eyes as they headed to unknown lands or were coming home at last. I watched this all wistfully. When would I ever feel like them? When would I get that sense of belonging here, this place called home? When would I truly embark on some sort of adventure that would take me to great places?
My gaze shifted towards the digital banner displaying the time in bold red digits; 6:30PM. I felt a cold grasp grip my insides as I thought about the only thing I could not leave behind. I never got to tell her everything. I never got to tell her what that...what that special feeling was. Did she know what is was? Could she feel it as intensely as I felt it? I silently wished she could. I silently begged that she could sense my emotions, so that I didn't have to say anything at all.
I missed her already.
I scoffed at my own silliness, a sad smile replacing my blank expression. Even if I did have the chance to tell her everything, I would not be able to. I was not brave enough. I was too scared. I felt my mother squeeze my hand as she stood up again.
"I'm going to check on your father," she explained. "He's taking an awfully long time."
I nodded and offered her a brief smile. She walked off, her boots clicking and purse swaying. I glanced back at the daunting time. 6:35PM. I felt another lurch in my stomach. She was probably getting ready to race the wind. She was probably feeling the adrenaline rushing through her veins as I sat here like a near dead statue. Would she understand that I truly wanted to be there but couldn't? Did she even care about my lack of presence?
Would she be...disappointed? Feel anything at all?
I shut my eyes briefly, but regretted doing so right away. At once her form materialized in my mind- sandy locks, bright eyes, tempting lips and smooth, powerful hands. I wondered then if she was thinking of me. Was she ready to feel the wind rush around her? Was she ready to win? Was she ready to show the world what speed meant?
My eyes flashed open fleetingly as I stood up out of pure anxiety. How could I sit here, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting for answers to my never ending list of questions? How could I sit here when I wanted to be anywhere but here? When I wanted to be out there, with her by my side, with the wind caressing my face and the sea underneath my feet? I unconsciously placed down my violin case and tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear.
What do you want, Michiru?
What do you want?
My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I held my fist tightly against the rhythmic pounding. I looked around me, at all the people rushing to and fro, busy with their own lives. Busy making them worthwhile, busy making their lives meaningful, busy walking their own roads, paving their own paths to their own dreams. I looked back at myself, standing here, alone, with a sea of people swarming by and away from me.
Not busy making my life worthwhile, not busy making my life meaningful, not busy walking my own roads and paving my own paths to my own dreams. Never was I strong. I could never walk my own paths, always staying safe and warm in the road my parents ushered me towards. Was it too late now? Was it too late to start dreaming? Was it too late to start daring?
I took a breath.
No. No it's not too late.
And with that, I started towards the sliding doors, not minding who I was bumping into, not minding who was giving me odd glances and stares. This wasn't what I wanted. This wasn't the way I was suppose to go. A blast of cool air told me I was outside again, the sky a nice velvet blue, the first stars starting to shine. I took another step and I knew then that I would not be able to stop.
I'm coming.
Wait for me.
When I got there, it was past seven, my face was flushed, my breath coming short, my hair a wild mess. But I never felt better. I never felt more alive as I stood there amongst the cheering and screaming of onlookers, all chanting, all shouting the name of the one person I truly believed in. I found myself joining in, screaming at the top of my lungs as that yellow sports car rounded another turn again, well ahead of all the others.
I didn't need to see who was inside to know who it was. I didn't need to see the beginning of it all to understand the end. I found myself so uncharacteristically alive and free as the car finished first, bursting past the finish line and finally slowing down in a clean swerve. The roars and screaming was deafening, but I found myself beaming with absolute pride as a familiar form stepped out of the car, taking off the helmet hiding their face from view.
I watched as she shook her hair out, running a hand through her unruly locks as she scanned the crowd of people with an expression of deep thought.
Are you looking for me? Can you feel me here?
Then she saw me. My heart slowed and I felt like the most beautiful creature on the entire planet.
The thoughtful expression on her face faded, only to be replaced by a wide smile. I could not contain myself anymore and found myself running towards her, not minding the state of disarray I was in as she came closer and closer.
And then there she was, in my arms, so strong, so real, so tangible as I took in her scent mixed with the clean crisp smell of the wind. I could not understand the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction welling inside of me as I gripped onto her as if she were my only tie to life, to earth, to breath anymore. I buried my face into the crook of her neck as I felt her jump in surprise at my sudden actions.
"I thought...I thought you were gone."
I took a breath and laughed lightly, all my worries, all my pain vanishing just by the mere sound of her deep voice. I leaned back to take a good look at her and could only smile back. "Gone? How can I be anywhere but here?"
"Michiru?" She seemed confused by my sudden change in attitude, the sudden freeness I felt as I suddenly realized I could do this. That I could really listen to what I wanted and not forever be compelled to do what other's wished me to do.
I could not answer and found myself leaning onto her again, burying myself into her- physically, mentally, willing my soul to simply embrace her's for all eternity. I never knew I could feel so strongly for someone that it simply hurt. I never knew it was so painful to feel this way...and yet as I felt her arms embrace me and her body relax around mine, I was scared. Frightened out of my senses.
What if she didn't feel the same way?
"Michiru," she gasped slightly. "Is everything alright?"
I loosened my grip around her and stepped back sheepishly, suddenly realizing the odd state of things I had created. I looked around and noticed that almost everyone was staring at us and just then did I notice someone was trying to give Haruka some sort of a medal. I flushed out of sheer embarrassment but Haruka simply grinned. She cast me another reassuring look as she ushered away all the people surrounding her, congratulating her, asking who I was.
I suddenly felt rather silly, bursting forth as if I had every right to be here...
But then I felt my feet leaving solid ground and into the air, two strong arms holding me as we pushed away from the crowds of screaming and shouting people. I looked up at Haruka's expression, so thrilled and alive that I could not help but feel even more empowered to be with her. Finally, the insufferable noise faded and we were alone again, far away from the track and noise.
"I was so ready to not see you again and all of a sudden you're here," she said in a rush.
I smiled up at her, "Are you not happy to see me here, Haruka?"
She blinked a bit, then smirked confidently. "Happy? I don't think that's the right word."
"Overjoyed?" I got back onto my own two feet.
"Not quite."
"Excited."
"That's childish."
"Ecstatic?"
She seemed to ponder that word before nodding with a smile. "Ecstatic and thrilled."
I laughed, "You flatter me too much."
"Only to those who are deserving," she answered swiftly and blew a strand of hair away from her dancing eyes. Why did it simply feel so absolutely right to be beside her? I could not even worry about anything if I wanted to. Everything just felt secure and safe, as long as Haruka was here. I could not think about what anyone else wanted of me, because Haruka here only reminded me how much I needed to walk my own roads and dream my own dreams.
Once again my heart fluttered and I found myself taking her hands into my own. "I don't care anymore, Tenou Haruka."
She blinked at me uncertainly.
I simply beamed back at her. "This is what I want. This is where I want to be."
"...I'm glad then," she answered confusedly, unsure about my sudden wave of emotion. I didn't know why I was feeling so absolutely alive. It was as if I had suddenly realized something. Realized that I could break free, that I could fly, that I could do what I wanted to do. Why didn't I see it before? Why didn't I realize I could just walk out? Why didn't I realize I could do this before?
"Do your parents know about this? You coming out here?" She asked worriedly.
I could care less, my mind instantly thought. I gaped at my own thoughts, wondering where I was getting such rebellious tendencies from. I giggled out loud and spun away from Haruka who was now staring at me as if I were insane. I looked over my shoulder and shrugged heavily, casting my gaze skywards as I took in another deep breath. The air never tasted so sweet, the wind never so soothing.
"Does it matter, Haruka?" I asked lightly.
Silence.
I turned to look at her, tilting my head as I did so. "Does it?"
She blinked and shrugged, "I guess not?"
I nodded gently then, a smile still evident on my lips. "Thank you."
Once again she was giving me a look of utter confusion. I simply smiled and looked away again, feeling an unbearably heavy weight being lifted from my shoulders. I felt like I could dance, I felt like I could fly with the wind and roll with the waves. This was the feeling I was striving to get. This was what I always wanted. This was what Haruka had showed me. I would never be able to thank her enough.
I felt her presence behind me and the feeling of utter security settled warmly in my heart.
"Do you want to go out for dinner?"
"Tonight?"
"Of course tonight. When else? Unless your parents--"
I turned around and silenced her, my eyes dancing. "I'd love to."
Our eyes locked and I silently swore that I had never seen such beautiful teal in all my life. I wished I could tell her then, every single thing I felt for her, but even then I could not bring myself to say words that scared even myself out of my skin. I could not tell her yet, not when her eyes held such caring emotion and I could only inwardly flush that such emotion was directed at me and me alone. I hoped to everything around me that she could sense my utter happiness of being by her side, and I knew that I could give up everything just to perpetually feel the sheer happiness I was feeling now.
I finally felt that settling sensation in my heart as we drew closer, arms reaching out to hold one another close. I decided that it was time to be a little bit selfish. I decided then and there that it was time to live a little- for myself. No one but myself. I would be happy because I wanted to be happy. I did not have to be perfect, for Haruka didn't ask that from me. I could read it in her eyes. She was simply content by my presence, and I thanked destiny for letting our lives cross.
"What are we doing?" She whispered huskily, her eyes dancing.
"Something I was too stupid to dare to do before," I whispered back and closed the distance between us, relishing in the eruption of sudden passion and desire. I could just see my parents expressions, wide-eyed and shamed that their daughter was doing what she was doing, but once again I dismissed those thoughts and images, allowing myself to dwell solely on my own desire and happiness.
Yes, I agreed to the little voice in my head that Kaioh Michiru was entitled to some joy. I had been a puppet too long and it was time to be human.
I wasn't going to bleed anymore. Haruka would make everything go away, and I would finally breathe.
She pulled back hesitantly, eyes slightly glazed. "What about London--"
"What London?"
And I brought my lips upon hers again.
AN: The beginnings of happiness unfold for the two ) Okay, this chapter was relatively boring but this was a transition chapter just to let you all know. I'm using this chapter as a set up for the more light-hearted essence of Chapter 8, so no tears and anguish for a bit but of course, this is me writing here and I love angst so please relish in the few chapters of happiness before I turn the tables again ) Reviews are awfully appreciated and I still have to thank those who have continually supported this fic! To be overly dramatic, you guys are the breathe to my fingers as oxygen is to my lungs! (eh) Okay, I'm in a really really odd mood...oh! Before I forget, that bit with Professor Tomoe is not utterly random. He's in here for a reason. I'm going to go and celebrate now because I'm getting old ;)