Epilog: Michiru's Letter

Dear Mother and Father,

I know you liked Masato-san and I am sure you would like to know why I broke up with him so suddenly. The reason is quite simple: I am in love with another. Mother, I know what you are going to say. Yes, Masato-san came from a well off family and stands to inherit his own company, but that does not change the fact that I do not love the man. Please do not start going on about how he could have taken care of me, as it is simply not necessary.

Honestly, I have been able to support myself for some time now. My violin career and my paintings have brought me enough money that I could retire tomorrow and not have to work another day of my life. I do not need someone look after me, or to manage my expenses. The fine schools you sent me taught me how to handle expenses easily, and I am more than capable of looking after my own house and adopted daughter.

I do remember that you once said Hotaru needed a father figure, but it is not true. In fact, Hotaru has a wonderful father figure whom I love very much. If all you wanted was for me to fall in love with a prince charming type who could afford to pay any of my expenses, who will open doors for me and comes from a rich family then you should be happy that I have done just that. The one I love is famous among the racing world, but just as equally skilled with the piano. This person has been there for me for what seems like forever, even forgiving when I ignored our connection and hurt them so badly. Hotaru has adored them for the longest time and I think she would be disappointed if it had not turned out this way.

I know you will not approve, I know that you raised me to choose just the opposite of what I now am, but I cannot and will not ignore my heart any longer. I love her and yes I did say her. I am deeply in love with Ten'ou Haruka and that is never going to change. I hope that you can accept this, but regardless I will not change. This is my deepest wish and I will no longer turn away from it.

With love from your daughter,

Michiru

Haruka woke up in a cold sweat after another nightmare. They weren't as frequent anymore but they were still there. She sat up and allowed her head to fall into her waiting hands. Haruka stayed like this as the images flashed through her mind again and the blonde did her best to tell herself it was only a nightmare.

"Haruka?" Michiru's voice questioned as the shorter woman stood from a chair near Haruka's desk and came to sit with her arms lightly wrapped around the blonde's waist. Haruka felt Michiru resting her head against her back and small amount of comfort washed over the blonde. "Another nightmare?"

"Yeah, Michi." Haruka took her hands away from her face and placed them over the violin player's own. It'd been a year since the two had become a couple, and over that year Michiru had been a great help to the blonde. A few months ago they had decided to start sharing a room in the large house, and Haruka had to admit that Michiru's comforting presence had helped her sleep problems. "I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

"Don't be." Michiru yawned and held Haruka just a bit tighter. She let out a content sigh and spoke softly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Maybe in the morning." Haruka said, not ready to relive the nightmare so quickly. She patted one of the small hands and grinned. "Let's try to get some sleep for now."

Michiru nodded as she tried to smother another yawn and let go of her tall love. She watched as Haruka laid back down, then cuddled to the woman's side. Haruka chuckled at the sleepy look the artist now wore and wrapped one arm around her.

"Night Michi." She whispered a few minutes later, though Michiru seemed to have already drifted off. Haruka gazed at her sleeping girlfriend and brushed away some aqua hair from the peaceful face. "Thanks for chasing away the nightmares again."

"Any time, Ruka." Came the sleepy reply. Haruka chuckled again and closed her eyes. She knew she could have made it through with out Michiru that she'd have survived. But there was a difference between surviving and living.

Haruka's teal eyes slowly slid shut and she drifted off into a peaceful sleep. The nightmare would not return tonight.

Author's Note:

Alcoholism is a serious problem that affects not just the alcoholic but also those around them. Most people don't realize the ways it can affect a child unless they have lived it. There are programs not just for alcoholic teens but also for children of alcoholics or for families. If you feel drawn to alcohol or drugs I strongly suggest you speak with someone you trust. Alcohol should be used with caution, if at all, and illegal drugs are illegal for a very good reason.

Haruka's brother was based off a real young man, though he lived through it. After the death of his mother he turned to the drug Speed to help push away the hurt. In time he was drinking in combination with the Speed and there were days where no one could wake him. He even went so far as to become a small time dealer to support his habit. Sadly, it wasn't until he landed in jail three times for "Transitory Possession" that he was able to turn away from it. To this day, some three or four years later, people still worry about him. On a happy note though, he has received a degree and stayed "clean". He is now following after his dreams and doing his best to leave the shadows behind.

Thank you for reading and for all the reviews.