Majestic Weirdo: Many thanks to RaynaDarkstorm, who is always helping me write and providing me with constant entertainment. This chapter's main points were suggested by her, and some quotes were used directly. Thanks again.

Please review. I would love suggestions for this story, or any others one anyone may have in mind. Just note that I have two other stories in my queue. The one suggested by Miss Tasha Hill, and the one that I intend to write with RaynaDarkstorm.

Please review. I know I said that twice.

"So, do you like it?"

Haruka replaced the short-hemmed dress she was going to offer next and turned around from the rack to glance at Michiru. Haruka was reminded of that wonderful day the moment her eyes feel upon Michiru in the long white dress. From the lacy bodice to the silk skirt, Michiru looked more like a bride than a party guest. Michiru took her tacit answer from Haruka smile.

"I'll wear this tonight."

Haruka, already having rented a tuxedo, waited for Michiru to change back into her casual clothing, and then purchased the dress.

Michiru linked her arm with Haruka's and they began to head towards Michiru's intended destination, the bookstore. Haruka could feel eyes upon them as their spectators slowly recognized who they were. Haruka nervously quickened her pace. Michiru glowered at her.

"You know I can't go any faster like this." Haruka silently pleaded with her. Michiru only shook her head.

By a miracle, the two managed to reach the store without interruption. Haruka gave a brief thanks to the gods.

Michiru was in the children's section in a blink of an eyelash. It was strange how she could hurry when she wanted to. Haruka sullenly followed into the twerp-infested area. She seated herself on an undersized bench not already occupied by one of the many children.

"Look, Dr. Spock books!" Michiru happily held up a miniature picture book.

"You do realize the man has no kids of his own?"

Michiru went into a world of her own as she selected books for their baby.

"Mistaw, can you weed dis for me?"

Haruka took her eyes off of Michiru to see a little girl holding out a picture book. She nearly declined, but then she thought of Megumi. One day soon, she would be in a similar situation with her own child. Haruka smiled back at the girl's toothy grin and pulled her onto her lap.

"What's your name?" She asked gently.

"Megumi."

Haruka was silent for a moment, and then took a breath to read the short lines next to the pictures.

Michiru let herself fade from one of her few happy childhood memories. Haruka was holding a girl of about three years, reading a Dr. Spock novelette, looking very content. It was a comforting moment for Michiru; she couldn't feel any regret about leaving her child with only Haruka. Haruka would be more than their little girl would need. Haruka finished her reading and released the satisfied child. Haruka's face flushed. "The books aren't half-bad."

Haruka, I'm sick. I known about it longer than I've know you. I kept it from you. I selfishly took you as my spouse without a thought of what I was doing to you, and I regret it.

Haruka squeezed the gloved hand she was holding as she felt the woman escaping into her private world. Michiru found herself back in the ballroom, being led in dance. Haruka guided Michiru through the dancing couples and to side the room.

"Michiru, are you feeling alright?" Haruka stroked Michiru's cheek.

Michiru gave her a weak smile. "I'm fine."

"Is it the baby?"

Haruka was taken by surprise as Michiru suddenly propelled herself at her. Michiru's back shuddered as she cried tearlessly against Haruka's chest. A moment later, Haruka found Michiru's lips on hers. Haruka savored the kiss and returned it swiftly.

"It is the baby, isn't it?"

"Haruka, I'm so sorry. I truly love you."

Haruka glanced around and signaled to the worried guests that all was well. She took Michiru out onto the veranda and sat her down on the wooden bench. Haruka kneeled in front of her.

"Michiru, what's wrong?"

Real tears began to form in her eyes. Michiru never lost her composure in public. Even pregnancy wouldn't cause such a disturbance in Michiru.

"You didn't drink anything, did you?"

"No," Michiru whispered, "You know I wouldn't. Please, I'm fine, just tired."

Haruka glanced at Michiru as she carefully removed her tuxedo. She hung the garments to be returned to the rental the next day and pulled a pair or pajamas from her drawer. After a period of emptying her stomach into the toilet, Michiru lay quietly in the bed waiting for Haruka to join her. Haruka quickly brushed her teeth and washed up. She slowly lifted the bedsheets in order to not awaken Michiru, but halfway into the process, Haruka saw that Michiru's eyes were wide open. Wide open, and yet again, streaming with tears.

Haruka knelled on the bed.

"Are you still feeling sick?"

Michiru murmured something between bouts of tears.

"Here," Haruka stroked Michiru's belly underneath the silky gown.

Michiru pulled the warm hands into hers and then hastily came face to face with her fear,

"Haruka?" Michiru looked up at the concerned face. "I'm-I'm dying."

Majestic Weirdo: One more note. Please review this story.