Killings: Happy Birthday, Michiru
Sailormoon (Haruka) fanfiction
immo - immo@hamena.org
rating: R
Weee.... new story. Hope you like, you like. Thanks for the reviews, guys! Send me individual emails if you want me
to get back to you. If not, I'll be lazy and just bask in the glow of your praise. :D Remember ladies and gentlemen,
your reviews really get me going.
~~~
Haruka stood behind Sacha's chair, and watched as the contract was drawn up. Both Slobodianik and Tsukino
had several lawyers with them as they went over, read and reread the contract until it was to both party's
satisfaction.
"We'll have the contract finalized and processed, then bring the finished copy to you." Slobodianik's
lawyers took the contract. Some major changes had been made, but everything was good. Haruka didn't understand hair
nor hide of this contract... but it seemed pretty damn impressive. And the sum of money involved...
"It was a pleasure, Mr Tsukino." Sacha shook hands warmly with the other man.
"Its always a pleasure to do business with you, Mr Slobodianik." Tsukino clapped the other man on the
shoulder. "This should help both of our companies very well. I have told you that my daughter will be getting
married some time in the next year?"
"No," Sacha looked surprised. "You haven't."
"Well, I've been thinking of retiring, and just between you and me," Tsukino leaned forward. "I've been
meaning to leave everything to my son in law."
"If he's as capable as you are, Mr Tsukino--"
"Trust me, Slobodianik." Mr Tsukino gave a thumbs up. "I tell you this now so it won't be a rude surprise.
You've heard of Mamoru Chiba?"
Sacha relaxed visibly, and Tsukino gave a hearty laugh. "You see? Nothing to be worried about!"
"He's a sharp man, sir. I've dealt with him a few times. Man of few words, but a good negotiator."
"Of course, I'll be around for some time."
"Quite understandable, sir."
"Your daughter is still quite young, though."
"I just want the best for her." Mr Tsukino heaved a sigh. "She's protested too. But he has a genuine
interest in her, and she'll be well taken care of. Don't think I haven't made safeguards for her happiness."
Haruka stole a glance at Rei. The girl's face was stoically emotionless. That was how Haruka could tell the
bodyguard was hurting like nothing else.
"Anyways," Tsukino looked at Rei pointedly. "Rei will be with her. They're like sisters. Rei will take good
care of Usagi, won't she?"
Rei nodded, and answered honestly. "Yes, Mr Tsukino."
It was the worse cruelty of all. Rei ducked her head down, to hide the beginnings of her tears.
"Are you alright, Rei?" Mr Tsukino asked worriedly. The man didn't intentionally want to cause Rei pain. But
he did so anyways.
"Just... something in my eye, sir." Rei looked up again, wiping her eyes. Catching Haruka staring at her,
her face took on a determined look. What she said was more for Haruka's benefit than Tsukino's. "I'm alright."
"And I'm the queen of England," Haruka muttered under her breath...
There was a knock on the door, and a flustered servant entered.
"Sir, you have guests. And they refuse to leave before seeing you."
Mr Tsukino and Sacha both perked up at this news. "Who is it?"
"Mr Bungario and his entourage, sir."
Tsukino and Slobodianik headed towards the door, bearing forbidding looks on their faces. Bungario was not
in good standings with either men. The italian had made several bad choices, and some of them included making
Slobodianik his enemy. And in association, making Tsukino his enemy.
"Ah, everybody's here to welcome me." Bungario smiled at seeing both men. Rei stepped a bit closer to
Tsukino. Haruka stood calmly at Sacha's side. But her attention right now, was all for Michiru. The blue-eyed
violinist was staring at her so hard... and if looks could kill... wow. Michiru would have killed her ten times
over.
"Bungario, what do you want?" Sacha growled.
"Well, I was just in the neighborhood, and thought I could drop by for dinner." His eyes were dancing over
the lawyers that hung in the background. "So... is there a deal I'm not aware of? Not privy to?"
"You're not welcome here." Slobodianik stepped forward, menacingly. Bungario's men shifted a bit to better
protect the man if anything should happen to him.
"Sacha, Sacha... still so... angry." Bungario sneered. "This is not your house, Slobodianik. Don't overstep
your boundaries."
"I will take care of this, old friend." Tsukino patted Sacha's shoulder reassuringly. "Bungario, I'm sure I
made my intentions clear at the last shareholders' meeting. I would be liquidating my hold on the shares."
Tsukino put a hand on Sacha's shoulder. "I am going to inform everybody at the next meeting of my decision.
The contract has already been written up."
Bungario's face changed from pleasantly compliant, to darkly threatening. "Mr Tsukino, I would advise
against that. ECS would fall under Slobodianik's care. I mean, I've been hearing that his corporation is falling
apart. People might get... angry. You association to him would put you in danger, Mr Tsukino. And if Slobodianik
cannot take care of himself, how do you expect him to help you if, lets say... someone decides to lash out against
you?"
"I would say that's a threat." Rei stepped forward, in front of Mr Tsukino.
Bungario's men immediately drew their weapons, and Haruka pushed Sacha behind her and had her guns out in a
split second, pointed at Bungario.
"Now now." Bungario looked out from behind one of his bodyguards. "Lets put those weapons away, girls,
before you hurt yourself."
Rei was gritting her teeth in rage. Her finger itched to pull the trigger. After several tense moments,
everyone put their weapons away.
"Anyways, I just came by to drop off an invitation to my niece's birthday party." Bungario turned to give
Michiru an oily smile. Haruka felt a slight pinge of pity for the beautiful girl. To be related to such a stupid
wop...
"It would please me... if you could attend." Michiru said carefully. Her eyes were on Haruka's, and the
carefully concealed rage was all too apparent to the blonde.
"Of course." Mr Tsukino smiled graciously at Michiru. "I would be there."
"Could I count on your appearance, Mr Slobodianik?"
At the risk of seeming petty, Sacha couldn't say no. "Of course, Ms Kaioh."
~~~
"I can't believe you would leave this to the last minute." Aino Minako looked her friend over impatiently.
"Here, try this dress on!"
The saleswoman did her best to help Michiru and Minako out in their selection for an appropriate dress and
bustled around, bringing out numerous dresses.
"I don't really feel like a party, Mina-chan." Michiru spoke in her native Japanese. "Its all Uncle Gio's
idea anyways."
"I'm sure the party'll be fun." Mina picked up a dress and pressed it against Michiru. "Howabout this one?"
"Mmmm..." Michiru looked in the mirror and furrowed her brows. "No."
She drifted on her thoughts, and felt rage tighten her chest again when she remembered that night with
Haruka. That cocky grin. And those damned talented hands and lips caressing her, turning that passionate anger to
a raging lust. Shit, she acted like a bitch in heat that night.
Michiru pressed the tips of her fingers against her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache.
"Okay, how about this one?" Minako held up a dress. Michiru gave it a critical once-over, and without trying
it on, told the saleslady to bag it, and the dresses before it. If this dress didn't fit, the other ones would.
"Michiru-san..." The younger girl linked arms with the violinist as they exited the store, lugging several
bags. "What's wrong? You've been acting totally down lately."
"Just... problems." Michiru shook her head. "Uncle Giovanni is an incredible lech, the party... everything.
I wish I was back in Japan."
"Why don't you tell your mother?"
"My mother?" Michiru laughed bitterly. "If I told her, she would have encouraged me to return his
affections."
"That's bad." Minako chewed on her lower lip in concentration. She had been a guest at the Bungario mansion,
and had experienced some of Giovanni's advances. She had always managed to duck him, and thanked god that she had
made the decision of checking into a hotel after an uncomfortable weekend.
"Oh, look over there!" Minako pointed to a jewellery shop. There, on display, was a gorgeous necklace made
of tear-shaped diamonds. "Now that, would look great with your dress."
"Yeah..." Michiru looked at it wistfully. But her shopping spree today was going to be hell to pay back. She
was a very proud girl. As a violinist, she was extremely talented and her name was brought up a lot in the musical
circles. Her name was recognized, and artists would pay good money to have her play as part of their piece. Not only
are the fans of that particular artist exposed to her music, but Michiru's fans--and she had quite a following--
bought records because of a mention of Michiru's name. Presently, she had been doing a lot of charity concerts, so
had less money to burn than usual.
"Oh... its so pretty!" Minako was practically jumping up and down in excitement. "It would look soooo good
with that silk blue dress. The one I said was too plain? Well, this would remedy that! Accessorize!"
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend, huh?" Michiru deadpanned.
"Stop being such a stick in the mud, Michiru-san..." Minako pouted. "Come on, don't let this party get you
down! We could really have fun! Lets just go inside and look!"
Her happiness was infectious, and Michiru finally cracked a smile. "Sorry, Mina-chan. But I have no money
for this necklace. Howabout if we go to a cafe and get ourselves a parfait?"
Sometimes, spending time with Minako was like spending time with a child. The blonde's eyes were gleaming at
the mention of a treat.
"A fruit parfait? Really?" Minako straightened up importantly. "I'll treat."
"Oh, what a gentleman," Michiru purred. She laughed lightly when Minako blushed. The blonde knew about
Michiru's preference and didn't mind at all... but when Michiru slyly slipped in inuendoes and flirted with her,
she'd get really shy and start stuttering. She wasn't uncomfortable with Michiru flirting with her, it was just that
Minako was uncomfortable with ANYONE flirting with her.
Haruka watched as the two women walked away companionably. Then she went up to the display case and looked
in, knowing exactly what they had been looking at. It suited the other woman so perfectly. Feeling particularly
malicious, she smirked and walked into the the jewellery store.
"That necklace out there." Haruka jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "Wrap it up. Its a birthday gift."
"A great selection, sir." The salesman gushed. Haruka grinned, ignoring the man's mistake at addressing her.
He bustled around, and came back with the necklace. It cost a fortune, Haruka absorbed the information the man shot
at her, and impatiently held out a MasterCard, which the man fumbled to take.
Each diamond, perfectly set, it would drape the wearer's neck in platinum and diamonds. Small sapphires
sparkled in strategetic places amongst the crystalline gleam of earth's hardest precious stone. It was an expensive
gift.
She could just see it on Michiru...
"--girlfriend must be *very* lucky." The man continued to babble on, as he brought back a sheet for Haruka
to sign. The card had cleared, and the purchase made.
"She's not my girlfriend." Haruka corrected the man. "We don't like each other at all."
"You're *very* generous sir. Maybe you'd like to meet my daughter." The salesman flattered.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'd hate it if were acquainted with your daughter." Haruka laughed. She made sure the
necklace was inside, took a glance at the certificate of authentication, and closed the box.
"Ah, you're joking sir. If you treat people you don't like with such gifts, your wife would be very happy!
And your child would grow up to be very happy! My daughter, she looks about your age!"
Haruka looked at the jewellery salesman with a bemused smile. "Tell you what. Your daughter sounds like
quite a girl. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to meet her."
They traded contacts, and Haruka felt even more evil. If only the man knew he was delivering his daughter
straight to the devil.
~~~
The party was held at a large banquet hall.
Michiru received her guests wearily, a smile pasted on her face. It wouldn't do well to irk any of the
guests that her uncle had taken the liberty to invite.
"They're here for you, m'dear." Giovanni Bungario had said lightly, and squeezed her ass appreciatively. She
almost turned on her heels to slap the man, but held her temper in tight reign. It wouldn't do to upset the brother
of her new father. Her mother... even though she had little love for the gold-digging woman, had pleaded with her to
act nice. And Michiru never shirked on her promises. But Giovanni was getting on her nerves.
"Good evening. Welcome to the party!" Michiru greeted with false enthusiasm. "I hope you enjoy the night,
please, try the champagne!"
"Ms Kaioh." Slobodianik had entered, and stood there waiting patiently. The head of the Russian mafia and
her were not on the best of terms because of her relations to the Bungario household. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Mr Slobodianik." Michiru nodded curtly. There was tension in the air, and it had appeared at the
heel of Sacha Slobodianik in the form of the devil herself. Haruka Tenoh. The tailored white tuxedo did nothing to
hide her figure, and actually display the curves. It made her all the more handsome. Sacha leaned forward and landed
cold kisses on either side of Michiru cheeks, then went with part of his entourage to mingle with the other guests.
Slobodianik was one of the last ones to arrive. Tsukino had arrived before the Russian, and Sacha made a beeline
towards his business partner and the small throng of people he could grudgingly call friends.
"Happy birthday, Michiru." Haruka grinned, the the next in line to greet the hostess. "You look beautiful
tonight... except that your necklace doesn't quite look right with the dress. It doesn't do you justice."
Michiru had opted to wear a simple platinum necklace, and Haruka was right, it just showed how plain her
entire outfit was. Michiru didn't care what anybody had said about her choice, but Haruka's comment made her blood
boil.
"I don't need your fashion tips, you cross-dressing bitch." Michiru hissed.
"Temper, temper." Haruka leaned forward, catching Michiru's arm. Boldly, she warmed the corner of Michiru's
mouth with a less-than-chaste kiss, then brushed away strands of hair that blocked the spot right behind Michiru's
ear. The assasin kissed that spot, felt how Michiru held herself so stiffly. "Don't be so frigid, Michiru."
"Go away."
Haruka laughed and finally backed off. "Save a dance for me?"
Red-faced, Michiru stormed away from her post at the entrance of the banquet hall, to the table Minako was
sitting at. She was furious at Haruka for toying with her, angry that Haruka was even in the same room as her...
enraged that the blonde was making her heart pound a mile a minute.
"Who was that?" Minako leaned over to ask. Her eyes darted to Haruka then back to Michiru. "He's sooo cute!"
"*She* is a bastard." Michiru almost spat out. "You don't want to talk to her."
"He's a girl?" Minako openly stared at Haruka. Haruka, who had been watching the two, grinned and gave a
jaunty wave and a wink. Minako ducked her head and blushed.
While Michiru glowered at Haruka, Haruka turned her head away intentionally. Sacha was just a ways ahead of
her, and she noted the dark-haired handsome young man her boss was talking to. She recognized him as Chiba Mamoru,
Usagi's intended. Rei stood right beside Mr Tsukino, having been the best he had, he wanted her nearby. Rei Hino was
trying very hard not to glare at Mamoru.
"So your daughter did not attend?" Mamoru asked politely.
"No, Chiba-san, unfortunately I saw fit that she stayed at home." Mr Tsukino responded. "This... is not the
best place for her to be. If something should happen..."
"Really, sir, I don't think the Bungarios would be so bold." Sacha said jovially. "They're really a pack of
cowards, the lot of them. They wouldn't dare start something in a crowd like this."
The guests were a mixture of people, some leaned more towards the Bungarios, some were allies of the
Tsukino-Chiba-Slobodianik circle. Others were neutral. There were important people, like the mayor of the town at
the party, and also the chief of police had been invited to the event. Granted, both the mayor and the chief were
being heavily bribed, but these prominent people of society helped to lessen the tension in the atmosphere.
"Still, I'd like to know that my daughter is safe at home." Tsukino smiled. "You can never be to careful
now, can you?"
"Agreed." Sacha nodded. He noted Minako, and motioned in her direction. "Who is she? I was sure I knew
everyone at the party."
"Seems like she's one of Michiru's friends." Haruka supplied.
"She was actually allowed to invite her friends?" Sacha laughed. "Good for her. I thought this was going to
be another shareholder's meeting, with mostly ECS people here..."
Haruka picked up a glass of champagne. "Are you going to be alright here, Mr Slobodianik?"
"Serge will be with me." Sacha frowned. "Why, where are you going?"
"Its a party. A little bit of fun doesn't hurt anyone." Haruka grinned, and left the frowning Slobodianik.
"She's... very free-spirited." Mamoru commented carefully.
"I'm starting to worry about my decision in hiring her." Sacha sighed loudly. "She's becoming a liability."
Rei and Serge were both listening intently to this conversation. So were the other bodyguards around. This
was gossip amongst their own ranks. So... Slobodianik's Left Hand was disappointing him... that meant there might be
a job opening...
'Haruka you idiot... if you're not careful, you'll end up fired. And rumours are, nobody leaves the Russian
mob unless they're in a casket!' Rei cursed mentally. The assasin was blithely wandering towards the refreshments
where Minako was lingering.
"Hello." Haruka sidled up next to Minako. "I don't think I've met you before."
Minako blushed at Haruka's attentions. "My name's... Aino... Aino Mina--" She stopped, embarassed that she
was stuttering.
"Tenoh Haruka." Haruka held out her hand and shook Minako's.
"Aino Minako." Minako finally managed to get her name out.
"So glad to see my fellow countrymen and women here." Haruka motioned for the waiter to come to her, and
plucked two glasses of champagne from the tray he was carrying. She offered one to Minako, and kept one for herself.
"So, how do you know Michiru?"
"We're old friends." Minako said quickly, relieved to have fallen on a familiar topic. "We went to middle
school together, actually. She was older than me. I think me and her sorta fell into the friendship..."
Minako remembered, one sunny summer day, she had stumbled right into Michiru while she was in the middle of
painting something. Paint had been splattered everyone, and they both looked like clowns. Minako had apologized
profusedly, but Michiru had just laughed it off. The violinist surprisingly didn't have much friends, and Minako was
one of the only people in the entire school who could claim that the reclusive artist was her friend.
"Would you like the dance?" Haruka asked, as the band striked up a waltz-y tune. The assasin tried not to
wince. The music definitely was not suited for people of Michiru's generation. And the party was so obviously not
for the teal-haired girl. Haruka felt a stab of sympathy before she brushed it away and lead Minako onto the dance
floor. The chatted for a bit, unaware that they were being watched.
Bungario stood with his own little entourage, seperate from Slobodianik's group. And he watched the party
like a hawk. He leaned over to one of his men and whispered something, and the man slipped away.
"Nice party we're having, aren't we?" Giovanni Bungario laughed loudly, and a bit nastily.
"...so you have a mean overhand serve." Haruka enjoyed dancing with Minako. "Maybe you and me could have a
friendly game one of these days."
"You play?" Minako's eyes shone. "Volleyball is life!"
"Hahaha, I'm not as into it as you are. But I can hold my own." Haruka boasted.
"We'll see about that." Minako laughed. Then she looked around the room and frowned a bit.
"What's wrong?" Haruka asked.
"Well," Minako started relunctantly. "Michiru hasn't been having the best time in the world, and I can't
find her around. I'm supposed to be keeping her company."
"Hm." Haruka glanced around the room, and from the preliminary inspection, Minako was right. Michiru had
left the building. "Maybe we should go find her."
~~~
Michiru stumbled along the hallways, and indeed, she had escaped the banquet hall. She had escaped the
banquet hall, with a bottle of expensive champagne clutched under her arm, and she constantly took swigs from said
bottle.
She was miserable. She wasn't having any fun at her birthday party at all. Her friend was talking and
flirting with her most hated enemy.
And the bottle of champagne, her only friend at the moment, was not helping.
"Hey."
Michiru bit back a curse. It wouldn't be lady-like to start yelling and screaming. Even if it was Tenoh
Haruka who was approaching her.
"Why aren't you at your own party."
"Even hear that song?" Michiru laughed, and leaned heavily against the wall. "Its my party, I can cry if I
want to... I can drink if I want to, leave if I want to..."
"I don't think the lyrics go quite like that." Haruka crossed her arms and smirked at the red-faced Michiru.
"You're quite drunk."
"Fuck you."
Haruka raised an eyebrow suggestively.
The violinist sighed. "Nevermind."
Haruka was about to turn around and leave, when something caught her eye. A large painting covered a portion
of the hallway wall. The painting tugged at her, and she could feel her malicious joviality leave her.
A desolate landscape, a canvas bathed in dark violent colors. The painting spoke of unspeakable doom, pain,
and horror. It was indeed, an eerie work of art. But it was good. Really good.
A little gold plaque at the bottom of the painting surprised her with the artist's name and the title of the
canvas.
Kaioh Michiru. The End Of The World.
"You painted this?"
Michiru managed to nod.
"Its... good." Haruka's compliment caught the violinist by surprise. "But tell me... how does a person like
you paint something like this?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean... you're beautiful. You have a full, long, happy life ahead of you. How could you paint this?"
Haruka had seen this painting before. This... she could feel it. This was what her soul must look like. She hated to
think about mortality, about anything besides the here and now. But the painting seriously disturbed her. Haruka
admired artists and writers. They dragged up things from deep inside that could be both intimate and horrible... and
splayed it out for the world to see. If Haruka was faced with everything she's ever done, she would never be able to
live with herself. Just looking at the End Of The World made these thoughts she had thought she'd killed and buried,
resurface to the front of her mind.
"What makes you think I'm happy?" Michiru laughed bitterly and pointed to the canvas. "That. You know where
I got that from? From myself. Deep inside, this is what I look like."
Haruka stood there, speechless, and watched Michiru stumble off. The violinist veered into one of the
washrooms, and Haruka shook herself out of her reverie to follow.
"Michiru." Haruka walked in, and pressed her lips together in a tight grimace when she heard the sound of
retching. That bottle of champagne sure did not go down well for the artist.
"G'way!" Michiru said, before she bowed down again and hurled up a sour tasting swill. Ugh. And it had
tasted so much better going down.
"Here," Haruka entered the stall clumsily and held up Michiru's hair for her.
"Why are you being so nice?" Michiru snapped.
Haruka paused to consider her answer. "Because its your birthday."
"Well, happy birthday to me."
"Are you always so bitter and cynical?"
"Only around you."
Haruka handed Michiru some toilet paper. "Here."
Michiru accepted it silently, wiping her mouth and blew her nose. She paused, then leaned forward again and
up-chucked the remainder of the alcohol in her system. Haruka handed Michiru the entire roll of toilet paper, than
went to the sink. They had water glasses in here, and Haruka took one and filled it with tap water.
"Here, wash out your mouth." Haruka handed the glass to Michiru. She was shocked to find the icy Michiru
crying.
"T-thank you." Michiru gathered herself enough to say. Haruka nodded uncomfortably. Tears had always made
her uncomfortable.
"Are you okay?" It seemed like the right thing to say.
Michiru let loose a short titter. "Do I look okay to you? Here I am, spending the night in a washroom
barfing up my liver. Who's here to make sure I'm okay? You. Someone I totally do not get along with."
"We got along fine that night at the club." Haruka couldn't resist pointing out.
Michiru gave Haruka a nasty look that shut the blonde up.
"You. You are the only one who even noticed I was gone from my own party. Not even my mother noticed."
"Your friend Minako-chan noticed." Haruka knelt down. "Hey."
Michiru choked out a sob.
"Hey." Haruka reached into her pocket and pulled out the velvet box. "Happy birthday. I got you a gift."
"You did?" Michiru smiled tentatively and wiped at her tears. "Is it a bad gift?"
"It was supposed to be." Haruka admitted truthfully. "A gift to annoy you. But... I guess its being given in
a different light now."
Michiru accepted the box carefully, like it was a bomb, and examined it from every angle.
"Why don't you open it?" A corner of Haruka's mouth pulled up into small smile.
Michiru opened the box and gasped.
"Its... its that necklace I wanted!"
"I saw you today, when you were shopping with your friend." Haruka confessed. "You seemed to like it."
Haruka took the necklace out of the box. "May I?"
Michiru pulled back her hair, and Haruka carefully clasped the necklace behind her neck.
"You look..." Haruka trailed off. There were no words she could think of.
And the gravity of the moment hit both of them. It was one of those cheesy moments, and from a stranger's
perspective, it was all terribly unromantic. Here they were, two women crouching in a stall of a washroom that
smelled of something disgusting.
Michiru made the first move, placing the glass of water carefully on the ground, then reached forward with
both her hands, cupping Haruka's face.
The kiss was just a whisper compared to the loudness of their passion from the club. But it was the first
kiss of its kind that Haruka had ever had.
Haruka felt like she couldn't breath, but she felt like if she parted... that feeling would disappear. And
it swelled within her until she felt like bursting. She had to stop, because she felt like she would die, and leaned
her forehead against Michiru's bared shoulder.
"This is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me." Michiru broke the silence.
Haruka chuckled, then shivered when she felt a kiss brush her ear. What on earth were they doing?
The blonde looked up, to meet Michiru again. And the kisses burned into something more, as hands travelled
up bared thighs, Haruka's hands taking advantage of the slit in Michiru's dress.
"I want you so much."
"What if someone comes in?"
Who cares? That was what was on both their minds, as they continued their bittersweet caresses.
Their time was interrupted by Haruka's cellphone ringing.
"Don't pick it up." Michiru groaned.
Haruka apologized with a kiss, before pulling out her cellphone and looking at the caller display. It was
the boss. She had to take this call.
"Sir?" Haruka smiled warmly at Michiru, as the violinist tugged at her tie.
"We have a problem. I need you, Tenoh."
Haruka's face fell. "Right away, sir."
"Who was that?"
"Something's wrong." Haruka stood up abruptly. "I have to go."
The assasin was torn with indecision. This was the first time she could remember being so... not confident.
"Can I... can I call you?"
Michiru took Haruka's cell from her and punched in her number. "Call me."
"I will." Haruka leaned down to give Michiru a parting kiss, then hurried away.
In the aftermath, Michiru looked around the washroom, dazed.
What in the hell had just happened?!
~~~
There was considerable bustle in the hallways. Tsukino was already out the door, and Sacha was waiting for
the valet.
"Where were you?!" Sacha snapped. He gave her a once over and let out a disgusted sigh, noting her
dishevelled look. "You leave for a few seconds, and everything goes to hell."
"What happened?"
"Tsukino just got an emergency call." Sacha's face furrowed into a frown. "The people at Tsukino's house
heard something coming from Usagi's room. So they went to check on her. From what I gather, it seemed like someone
had broken into Usagi's room through the window and... there was blood. We think she's been kidnapped."
Sailormoon (Haruka) fanfiction
immo - immo@hamena.org
rating: R
Weee.... new story. Hope you like, you like. Thanks for the reviews, guys! Send me individual emails if you want me
to get back to you. If not, I'll be lazy and just bask in the glow of your praise. :D Remember ladies and gentlemen,
your reviews really get me going.
~~~
Haruka stood behind Sacha's chair, and watched as the contract was drawn up. Both Slobodianik and Tsukino
had several lawyers with them as they went over, read and reread the contract until it was to both party's
satisfaction.
"We'll have the contract finalized and processed, then bring the finished copy to you." Slobodianik's
lawyers took the contract. Some major changes had been made, but everything was good. Haruka didn't understand hair
nor hide of this contract... but it seemed pretty damn impressive. And the sum of money involved...
"It was a pleasure, Mr Tsukino." Sacha shook hands warmly with the other man.
"Its always a pleasure to do business with you, Mr Slobodianik." Tsukino clapped the other man on the
shoulder. "This should help both of our companies very well. I have told you that my daughter will be getting
married some time in the next year?"
"No," Sacha looked surprised. "You haven't."
"Well, I've been thinking of retiring, and just between you and me," Tsukino leaned forward. "I've been
meaning to leave everything to my son in law."
"If he's as capable as you are, Mr Tsukino--"
"Trust me, Slobodianik." Mr Tsukino gave a thumbs up. "I tell you this now so it won't be a rude surprise.
You've heard of Mamoru Chiba?"
Sacha relaxed visibly, and Tsukino gave a hearty laugh. "You see? Nothing to be worried about!"
"He's a sharp man, sir. I've dealt with him a few times. Man of few words, but a good negotiator."
"Of course, I'll be around for some time."
"Quite understandable, sir."
"Your daughter is still quite young, though."
"I just want the best for her." Mr Tsukino heaved a sigh. "She's protested too. But he has a genuine
interest in her, and she'll be well taken care of. Don't think I haven't made safeguards for her happiness."
Haruka stole a glance at Rei. The girl's face was stoically emotionless. That was how Haruka could tell the
bodyguard was hurting like nothing else.
"Anyways," Tsukino looked at Rei pointedly. "Rei will be with her. They're like sisters. Rei will take good
care of Usagi, won't she?"
Rei nodded, and answered honestly. "Yes, Mr Tsukino."
It was the worse cruelty of all. Rei ducked her head down, to hide the beginnings of her tears.
"Are you alright, Rei?" Mr Tsukino asked worriedly. The man didn't intentionally want to cause Rei pain. But
he did so anyways.
"Just... something in my eye, sir." Rei looked up again, wiping her eyes. Catching Haruka staring at her,
her face took on a determined look. What she said was more for Haruka's benefit than Tsukino's. "I'm alright."
"And I'm the queen of England," Haruka muttered under her breath...
There was a knock on the door, and a flustered servant entered.
"Sir, you have guests. And they refuse to leave before seeing you."
Mr Tsukino and Sacha both perked up at this news. "Who is it?"
"Mr Bungario and his entourage, sir."
Tsukino and Slobodianik headed towards the door, bearing forbidding looks on their faces. Bungario was not
in good standings with either men. The italian had made several bad choices, and some of them included making
Slobodianik his enemy. And in association, making Tsukino his enemy.
"Ah, everybody's here to welcome me." Bungario smiled at seeing both men. Rei stepped a bit closer to
Tsukino. Haruka stood calmly at Sacha's side. But her attention right now, was all for Michiru. The blue-eyed
violinist was staring at her so hard... and if looks could kill... wow. Michiru would have killed her ten times
over.
"Bungario, what do you want?" Sacha growled.
"Well, I was just in the neighborhood, and thought I could drop by for dinner." His eyes were dancing over
the lawyers that hung in the background. "So... is there a deal I'm not aware of? Not privy to?"
"You're not welcome here." Slobodianik stepped forward, menacingly. Bungario's men shifted a bit to better
protect the man if anything should happen to him.
"Sacha, Sacha... still so... angry." Bungario sneered. "This is not your house, Slobodianik. Don't overstep
your boundaries."
"I will take care of this, old friend." Tsukino patted Sacha's shoulder reassuringly. "Bungario, I'm sure I
made my intentions clear at the last shareholders' meeting. I would be liquidating my hold on the shares."
Tsukino put a hand on Sacha's shoulder. "I am going to inform everybody at the next meeting of my decision.
The contract has already been written up."
Bungario's face changed from pleasantly compliant, to darkly threatening. "Mr Tsukino, I would advise
against that. ECS would fall under Slobodianik's care. I mean, I've been hearing that his corporation is falling
apart. People might get... angry. You association to him would put you in danger, Mr Tsukino. And if Slobodianik
cannot take care of himself, how do you expect him to help you if, lets say... someone decides to lash out against
you?"
"I would say that's a threat." Rei stepped forward, in front of Mr Tsukino.
Bungario's men immediately drew their weapons, and Haruka pushed Sacha behind her and had her guns out in a
split second, pointed at Bungario.
"Now now." Bungario looked out from behind one of his bodyguards. "Lets put those weapons away, girls,
before you hurt yourself."
Rei was gritting her teeth in rage. Her finger itched to pull the trigger. After several tense moments,
everyone put their weapons away.
"Anyways, I just came by to drop off an invitation to my niece's birthday party." Bungario turned to give
Michiru an oily smile. Haruka felt a slight pinge of pity for the beautiful girl. To be related to such a stupid
wop...
"It would please me... if you could attend." Michiru said carefully. Her eyes were on Haruka's, and the
carefully concealed rage was all too apparent to the blonde.
"Of course." Mr Tsukino smiled graciously at Michiru. "I would be there."
"Could I count on your appearance, Mr Slobodianik?"
At the risk of seeming petty, Sacha couldn't say no. "Of course, Ms Kaioh."
~~~
"I can't believe you would leave this to the last minute." Aino Minako looked her friend over impatiently.
"Here, try this dress on!"
The saleswoman did her best to help Michiru and Minako out in their selection for an appropriate dress and
bustled around, bringing out numerous dresses.
"I don't really feel like a party, Mina-chan." Michiru spoke in her native Japanese. "Its all Uncle Gio's
idea anyways."
"I'm sure the party'll be fun." Mina picked up a dress and pressed it against Michiru. "Howabout this one?"
"Mmmm..." Michiru looked in the mirror and furrowed her brows. "No."
She drifted on her thoughts, and felt rage tighten her chest again when she remembered that night with
Haruka. That cocky grin. And those damned talented hands and lips caressing her, turning that passionate anger to
a raging lust. Shit, she acted like a bitch in heat that night.
Michiru pressed the tips of her fingers against her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache.
"Okay, how about this one?" Minako held up a dress. Michiru gave it a critical once-over, and without trying
it on, told the saleslady to bag it, and the dresses before it. If this dress didn't fit, the other ones would.
"Michiru-san..." The younger girl linked arms with the violinist as they exited the store, lugging several
bags. "What's wrong? You've been acting totally down lately."
"Just... problems." Michiru shook her head. "Uncle Giovanni is an incredible lech, the party... everything.
I wish I was back in Japan."
"Why don't you tell your mother?"
"My mother?" Michiru laughed bitterly. "If I told her, she would have encouraged me to return his
affections."
"That's bad." Minako chewed on her lower lip in concentration. She had been a guest at the Bungario mansion,
and had experienced some of Giovanni's advances. She had always managed to duck him, and thanked god that she had
made the decision of checking into a hotel after an uncomfortable weekend.
"Oh, look over there!" Minako pointed to a jewellery shop. There, on display, was a gorgeous necklace made
of tear-shaped diamonds. "Now that, would look great with your dress."
"Yeah..." Michiru looked at it wistfully. But her shopping spree today was going to be hell to pay back. She
was a very proud girl. As a violinist, she was extremely talented and her name was brought up a lot in the musical
circles. Her name was recognized, and artists would pay good money to have her play as part of their piece. Not only
are the fans of that particular artist exposed to her music, but Michiru's fans--and she had quite a following--
bought records because of a mention of Michiru's name. Presently, she had been doing a lot of charity concerts, so
had less money to burn than usual.
"Oh... its so pretty!" Minako was practically jumping up and down in excitement. "It would look soooo good
with that silk blue dress. The one I said was too plain? Well, this would remedy that! Accessorize!"
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend, huh?" Michiru deadpanned.
"Stop being such a stick in the mud, Michiru-san..." Minako pouted. "Come on, don't let this party get you
down! We could really have fun! Lets just go inside and look!"
Her happiness was infectious, and Michiru finally cracked a smile. "Sorry, Mina-chan. But I have no money
for this necklace. Howabout if we go to a cafe and get ourselves a parfait?"
Sometimes, spending time with Minako was like spending time with a child. The blonde's eyes were gleaming at
the mention of a treat.
"A fruit parfait? Really?" Minako straightened up importantly. "I'll treat."
"Oh, what a gentleman," Michiru purred. She laughed lightly when Minako blushed. The blonde knew about
Michiru's preference and didn't mind at all... but when Michiru slyly slipped in inuendoes and flirted with her,
she'd get really shy and start stuttering. She wasn't uncomfortable with Michiru flirting with her, it was just that
Minako was uncomfortable with ANYONE flirting with her.
Haruka watched as the two women walked away companionably. Then she went up to the display case and looked
in, knowing exactly what they had been looking at. It suited the other woman so perfectly. Feeling particularly
malicious, she smirked and walked into the the jewellery store.
"That necklace out there." Haruka jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "Wrap it up. Its a birthday gift."
"A great selection, sir." The salesman gushed. Haruka grinned, ignoring the man's mistake at addressing her.
He bustled around, and came back with the necklace. It cost a fortune, Haruka absorbed the information the man shot
at her, and impatiently held out a MasterCard, which the man fumbled to take.
Each diamond, perfectly set, it would drape the wearer's neck in platinum and diamonds. Small sapphires
sparkled in strategetic places amongst the crystalline gleam of earth's hardest precious stone. It was an expensive
gift.
She could just see it on Michiru...
"--girlfriend must be *very* lucky." The man continued to babble on, as he brought back a sheet for Haruka
to sign. The card had cleared, and the purchase made.
"She's not my girlfriend." Haruka corrected the man. "We don't like each other at all."
"You're *very* generous sir. Maybe you'd like to meet my daughter." The salesman flattered.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure you'd hate it if were acquainted with your daughter." Haruka laughed. She made sure the
necklace was inside, took a glance at the certificate of authentication, and closed the box.
"Ah, you're joking sir. If you treat people you don't like with such gifts, your wife would be very happy!
And your child would grow up to be very happy! My daughter, she looks about your age!"
Haruka looked at the jewellery salesman with a bemused smile. "Tell you what. Your daughter sounds like
quite a girl. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to meet her."
They traded contacts, and Haruka felt even more evil. If only the man knew he was delivering his daughter
straight to the devil.
~~~
The party was held at a large banquet hall.
Michiru received her guests wearily, a smile pasted on her face. It wouldn't do well to irk any of the
guests that her uncle had taken the liberty to invite.
"They're here for you, m'dear." Giovanni Bungario had said lightly, and squeezed her ass appreciatively. She
almost turned on her heels to slap the man, but held her temper in tight reign. It wouldn't do to upset the brother
of her new father. Her mother... even though she had little love for the gold-digging woman, had pleaded with her to
act nice. And Michiru never shirked on her promises. But Giovanni was getting on her nerves.
"Good evening. Welcome to the party!" Michiru greeted with false enthusiasm. "I hope you enjoy the night,
please, try the champagne!"
"Ms Kaioh." Slobodianik had entered, and stood there waiting patiently. The head of the Russian mafia and
her were not on the best of terms because of her relations to the Bungario household. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Mr Slobodianik." Michiru nodded curtly. There was tension in the air, and it had appeared at the
heel of Sacha Slobodianik in the form of the devil herself. Haruka Tenoh. The tailored white tuxedo did nothing to
hide her figure, and actually display the curves. It made her all the more handsome. Sacha leaned forward and landed
cold kisses on either side of Michiru cheeks, then went with part of his entourage to mingle with the other guests.
Slobodianik was one of the last ones to arrive. Tsukino had arrived before the Russian, and Sacha made a beeline
towards his business partner and the small throng of people he could grudgingly call friends.
"Happy birthday, Michiru." Haruka grinned, the the next in line to greet the hostess. "You look beautiful
tonight... except that your necklace doesn't quite look right with the dress. It doesn't do you justice."
Michiru had opted to wear a simple platinum necklace, and Haruka was right, it just showed how plain her
entire outfit was. Michiru didn't care what anybody had said about her choice, but Haruka's comment made her blood
boil.
"I don't need your fashion tips, you cross-dressing bitch." Michiru hissed.
"Temper, temper." Haruka leaned forward, catching Michiru's arm. Boldly, she warmed the corner of Michiru's
mouth with a less-than-chaste kiss, then brushed away strands of hair that blocked the spot right behind Michiru's
ear. The assasin kissed that spot, felt how Michiru held herself so stiffly. "Don't be so frigid, Michiru."
"Go away."
Haruka laughed and finally backed off. "Save a dance for me?"
Red-faced, Michiru stormed away from her post at the entrance of the banquet hall, to the table Minako was
sitting at. She was furious at Haruka for toying with her, angry that Haruka was even in the same room as her...
enraged that the blonde was making her heart pound a mile a minute.
"Who was that?" Minako leaned over to ask. Her eyes darted to Haruka then back to Michiru. "He's sooo cute!"
"*She* is a bastard." Michiru almost spat out. "You don't want to talk to her."
"He's a girl?" Minako openly stared at Haruka. Haruka, who had been watching the two, grinned and gave a
jaunty wave and a wink. Minako ducked her head and blushed.
While Michiru glowered at Haruka, Haruka turned her head away intentionally. Sacha was just a ways ahead of
her, and she noted the dark-haired handsome young man her boss was talking to. She recognized him as Chiba Mamoru,
Usagi's intended. Rei stood right beside Mr Tsukino, having been the best he had, he wanted her nearby. Rei Hino was
trying very hard not to glare at Mamoru.
"So your daughter did not attend?" Mamoru asked politely.
"No, Chiba-san, unfortunately I saw fit that she stayed at home." Mr Tsukino responded. "This... is not the
best place for her to be. If something should happen..."
"Really, sir, I don't think the Bungarios would be so bold." Sacha said jovially. "They're really a pack of
cowards, the lot of them. They wouldn't dare start something in a crowd like this."
The guests were a mixture of people, some leaned more towards the Bungarios, some were allies of the
Tsukino-Chiba-Slobodianik circle. Others were neutral. There were important people, like the mayor of the town at
the party, and also the chief of police had been invited to the event. Granted, both the mayor and the chief were
being heavily bribed, but these prominent people of society helped to lessen the tension in the atmosphere.
"Still, I'd like to know that my daughter is safe at home." Tsukino smiled. "You can never be to careful
now, can you?"
"Agreed." Sacha nodded. He noted Minako, and motioned in her direction. "Who is she? I was sure I knew
everyone at the party."
"Seems like she's one of Michiru's friends." Haruka supplied.
"She was actually allowed to invite her friends?" Sacha laughed. "Good for her. I thought this was going to
be another shareholder's meeting, with mostly ECS people here..."
Haruka picked up a glass of champagne. "Are you going to be alright here, Mr Slobodianik?"
"Serge will be with me." Sacha frowned. "Why, where are you going?"
"Its a party. A little bit of fun doesn't hurt anyone." Haruka grinned, and left the frowning Slobodianik.
"She's... very free-spirited." Mamoru commented carefully.
"I'm starting to worry about my decision in hiring her." Sacha sighed loudly. "She's becoming a liability."
Rei and Serge were both listening intently to this conversation. So were the other bodyguards around. This
was gossip amongst their own ranks. So... Slobodianik's Left Hand was disappointing him... that meant there might be
a job opening...
'Haruka you idiot... if you're not careful, you'll end up fired. And rumours are, nobody leaves the Russian
mob unless they're in a casket!' Rei cursed mentally. The assasin was blithely wandering towards the refreshments
where Minako was lingering.
"Hello." Haruka sidled up next to Minako. "I don't think I've met you before."
Minako blushed at Haruka's attentions. "My name's... Aino... Aino Mina--" She stopped, embarassed that she
was stuttering.
"Tenoh Haruka." Haruka held out her hand and shook Minako's.
"Aino Minako." Minako finally managed to get her name out.
"So glad to see my fellow countrymen and women here." Haruka motioned for the waiter to come to her, and
plucked two glasses of champagne from the tray he was carrying. She offered one to Minako, and kept one for herself.
"So, how do you know Michiru?"
"We're old friends." Minako said quickly, relieved to have fallen on a familiar topic. "We went to middle
school together, actually. She was older than me. I think me and her sorta fell into the friendship..."
Minako remembered, one sunny summer day, she had stumbled right into Michiru while she was in the middle of
painting something. Paint had been splattered everyone, and they both looked like clowns. Minako had apologized
profusedly, but Michiru had just laughed it off. The violinist surprisingly didn't have much friends, and Minako was
one of the only people in the entire school who could claim that the reclusive artist was her friend.
"Would you like the dance?" Haruka asked, as the band striked up a waltz-y tune. The assasin tried not to
wince. The music definitely was not suited for people of Michiru's generation. And the party was so obviously not
for the teal-haired girl. Haruka felt a stab of sympathy before she brushed it away and lead Minako onto the dance
floor. The chatted for a bit, unaware that they were being watched.
Bungario stood with his own little entourage, seperate from Slobodianik's group. And he watched the party
like a hawk. He leaned over to one of his men and whispered something, and the man slipped away.
"Nice party we're having, aren't we?" Giovanni Bungario laughed loudly, and a bit nastily.
"...so you have a mean overhand serve." Haruka enjoyed dancing with Minako. "Maybe you and me could have a
friendly game one of these days."
"You play?" Minako's eyes shone. "Volleyball is life!"
"Hahaha, I'm not as into it as you are. But I can hold my own." Haruka boasted.
"We'll see about that." Minako laughed. Then she looked around the room and frowned a bit.
"What's wrong?" Haruka asked.
"Well," Minako started relunctantly. "Michiru hasn't been having the best time in the world, and I can't
find her around. I'm supposed to be keeping her company."
"Hm." Haruka glanced around the room, and from the preliminary inspection, Minako was right. Michiru had
left the building. "Maybe we should go find her."
~~~
Michiru stumbled along the hallways, and indeed, she had escaped the banquet hall. She had escaped the
banquet hall, with a bottle of expensive champagne clutched under her arm, and she constantly took swigs from said
bottle.
She was miserable. She wasn't having any fun at her birthday party at all. Her friend was talking and
flirting with her most hated enemy.
And the bottle of champagne, her only friend at the moment, was not helping.
"Hey."
Michiru bit back a curse. It wouldn't be lady-like to start yelling and screaming. Even if it was Tenoh
Haruka who was approaching her.
"Why aren't you at your own party."
"Even hear that song?" Michiru laughed, and leaned heavily against the wall. "Its my party, I can cry if I
want to... I can drink if I want to, leave if I want to..."
"I don't think the lyrics go quite like that." Haruka crossed her arms and smirked at the red-faced Michiru.
"You're quite drunk."
"Fuck you."
Haruka raised an eyebrow suggestively.
The violinist sighed. "Nevermind."
Haruka was about to turn around and leave, when something caught her eye. A large painting covered a portion
of the hallway wall. The painting tugged at her, and she could feel her malicious joviality leave her.
A desolate landscape, a canvas bathed in dark violent colors. The painting spoke of unspeakable doom, pain,
and horror. It was indeed, an eerie work of art. But it was good. Really good.
A little gold plaque at the bottom of the painting surprised her with the artist's name and the title of the
canvas.
Kaioh Michiru. The End Of The World.
"You painted this?"
Michiru managed to nod.
"Its... good." Haruka's compliment caught the violinist by surprise. "But tell me... how does a person like
you paint something like this?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean... you're beautiful. You have a full, long, happy life ahead of you. How could you paint this?"
Haruka had seen this painting before. This... she could feel it. This was what her soul must look like. She hated to
think about mortality, about anything besides the here and now. But the painting seriously disturbed her. Haruka
admired artists and writers. They dragged up things from deep inside that could be both intimate and horrible... and
splayed it out for the world to see. If Haruka was faced with everything she's ever done, she would never be able to
live with herself. Just looking at the End Of The World made these thoughts she had thought she'd killed and buried,
resurface to the front of her mind.
"What makes you think I'm happy?" Michiru laughed bitterly and pointed to the canvas. "That. You know where
I got that from? From myself. Deep inside, this is what I look like."
Haruka stood there, speechless, and watched Michiru stumble off. The violinist veered into one of the
washrooms, and Haruka shook herself out of her reverie to follow.
"Michiru." Haruka walked in, and pressed her lips together in a tight grimace when she heard the sound of
retching. That bottle of champagne sure did not go down well for the artist.
"G'way!" Michiru said, before she bowed down again and hurled up a sour tasting swill. Ugh. And it had
tasted so much better going down.
"Here," Haruka entered the stall clumsily and held up Michiru's hair for her.
"Why are you being so nice?" Michiru snapped.
Haruka paused to consider her answer. "Because its your birthday."
"Well, happy birthday to me."
"Are you always so bitter and cynical?"
"Only around you."
Haruka handed Michiru some toilet paper. "Here."
Michiru accepted it silently, wiping her mouth and blew her nose. She paused, then leaned forward again and
up-chucked the remainder of the alcohol in her system. Haruka handed Michiru the entire roll of toilet paper, than
went to the sink. They had water glasses in here, and Haruka took one and filled it with tap water.
"Here, wash out your mouth." Haruka handed the glass to Michiru. She was shocked to find the icy Michiru
crying.
"T-thank you." Michiru gathered herself enough to say. Haruka nodded uncomfortably. Tears had always made
her uncomfortable.
"Are you okay?" It seemed like the right thing to say.
Michiru let loose a short titter. "Do I look okay to you? Here I am, spending the night in a washroom
barfing up my liver. Who's here to make sure I'm okay? You. Someone I totally do not get along with."
"We got along fine that night at the club." Haruka couldn't resist pointing out.
Michiru gave Haruka a nasty look that shut the blonde up.
"You. You are the only one who even noticed I was gone from my own party. Not even my mother noticed."
"Your friend Minako-chan noticed." Haruka knelt down. "Hey."
Michiru choked out a sob.
"Hey." Haruka reached into her pocket and pulled out the velvet box. "Happy birthday. I got you a gift."
"You did?" Michiru smiled tentatively and wiped at her tears. "Is it a bad gift?"
"It was supposed to be." Haruka admitted truthfully. "A gift to annoy you. But... I guess its being given in
a different light now."
Michiru accepted the box carefully, like it was a bomb, and examined it from every angle.
"Why don't you open it?" A corner of Haruka's mouth pulled up into small smile.
Michiru opened the box and gasped.
"Its... its that necklace I wanted!"
"I saw you today, when you were shopping with your friend." Haruka confessed. "You seemed to like it."
Haruka took the necklace out of the box. "May I?"
Michiru pulled back her hair, and Haruka carefully clasped the necklace behind her neck.
"You look..." Haruka trailed off. There were no words she could think of.
And the gravity of the moment hit both of them. It was one of those cheesy moments, and from a stranger's
perspective, it was all terribly unromantic. Here they were, two women crouching in a stall of a washroom that
smelled of something disgusting.
Michiru made the first move, placing the glass of water carefully on the ground, then reached forward with
both her hands, cupping Haruka's face.
The kiss was just a whisper compared to the loudness of their passion from the club. But it was the first
kiss of its kind that Haruka had ever had.
Haruka felt like she couldn't breath, but she felt like if she parted... that feeling would disappear. And
it swelled within her until she felt like bursting. She had to stop, because she felt like she would die, and leaned
her forehead against Michiru's bared shoulder.
"This is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me." Michiru broke the silence.
Haruka chuckled, then shivered when she felt a kiss brush her ear. What on earth were they doing?
The blonde looked up, to meet Michiru again. And the kisses burned into something more, as hands travelled
up bared thighs, Haruka's hands taking advantage of the slit in Michiru's dress.
"I want you so much."
"What if someone comes in?"
Who cares? That was what was on both their minds, as they continued their bittersweet caresses.
Their time was interrupted by Haruka's cellphone ringing.
"Don't pick it up." Michiru groaned.
Haruka apologized with a kiss, before pulling out her cellphone and looking at the caller display. It was
the boss. She had to take this call.
"Sir?" Haruka smiled warmly at Michiru, as the violinist tugged at her tie.
"We have a problem. I need you, Tenoh."
Haruka's face fell. "Right away, sir."
"Who was that?"
"Something's wrong." Haruka stood up abruptly. "I have to go."
The assasin was torn with indecision. This was the first time she could remember being so... not confident.
"Can I... can I call you?"
Michiru took Haruka's cell from her and punched in her number. "Call me."
"I will." Haruka leaned down to give Michiru a parting kiss, then hurried away.
In the aftermath, Michiru looked around the washroom, dazed.
What in the hell had just happened?!
~~~
There was considerable bustle in the hallways. Tsukino was already out the door, and Sacha was waiting for
the valet.
"Where were you?!" Sacha snapped. He gave her a once over and let out a disgusted sigh, noting her
dishevelled look. "You leave for a few seconds, and everything goes to hell."
"What happened?"
"Tsukino just got an emergency call." Sacha's face furrowed into a frown. "The people at Tsukino's house
heard something coming from Usagi's room. So they went to check on her. From what I gather, it seemed like someone
had broken into Usagi's room through the window and... there was blood. We think she's been kidnapped."