I look out the window as a bunch of girls go running by. "Phew." But my relief is short lived when I turn and see the person the limo belongs to. I knew it, this limo looked just like Michiru's. "...Thanks for the help. I will just be going. Now." But she stops me by grabbing my shoulder before I can escape. I snap at her. "What in hell do you want? Isn't it bad enough that you nearly made my girlfriend have a full panic attack at the Gala? What next? Do you want to kidnap me?"
Michiru is frozen, a piercing look on her face, as she stares at Haruka's hand. "That's a lovely ring you have there. My, you move on quickly, don't you?" There is a tense silence, after a moment Michiru takes a deep breath to focus herself. "What happened with that girl was not intentional, you were not talking to me so I took the opportunity to meet her and get answers. It did not go as I planned. I have been trying to speak with you but you refuse to talk to me." Michiru locks the doors, she looks determined. "Like it or not, we must talk, do you understand me Haruka Tenoh?"
Her touch still brings tingles throughout my body, that connection is there as strong as ever. Damn it. It seems no matter what I try our connection remains strong. I guess I should have expected something like this, I know her enough to understand how much she don't like to be ignored. "Fine Michiru." I try to pull my hand away. "Lets get this over with."
Michiru is slow to let go of her hand. I miss the feeling of our connection so much but all that is between us now seems to be numbness. "I also want to take this time to remind you that whether you like it or not, destiny has us as partners, as sailor senshi and I don't want to have to chase you down in the middle of an emergency."
Anger flowed through me despite that mysterious voice urging to calm down and talk about my feelings but I just cant! "DON'T PUSH ME! I WILL DO MY DUTY AS A SAILOR SENSHI WHEN CALLED UPON. JUST SAY WHAT YOU WANT, THEN NEVER TALK TO ME AGAIN!"
"Alright then, we have made ourselves clear." This is killing me, Michiru thinks. Normally I would somehow be able to get her to talk about what is upsetting her but now its beyond words it seems. I take a deep breath and hold in my tears. "Well, just so you know, I will be leaving after Christmas on a cruise."
...
Its not like Haruka to be late, she said an hour and its been over that. I hear the door open and close loudly, it's her.She don't say a word, just takes off her winter things and heads into the bathroom.I can tell that she needs space but I wonder what happened? I check the roast chicken in the oven, it smells and looks great, it will be ready right on time when everyone is here, I hope she will feel up to it...
...
I knock on the door, my stomach is bubbling, I am so nervous.
"We are here a little early Usagi, we could have waited a little longer till you felt better about all this. I am sure Haruka is not angry anymore now."
"The earlier the better Ami. Plus I know that I have to say sorry to Haruka for everything. Running won't solve anything."We see the door open but Hailey is nowhere near as upbeat as she was earlier, she looks worried.
"Oh? Your both early, come on in, take your things off and have a seat. I will be back in a second." This is not a good time for visitors Hailey thinks but it's best she tell Haruka her friends have arrived. Hailey knocks on the bathroom door. "Haruka?"
"Its ok to come in Hailey." Haruka says as she finishes buttoning her shirt, she steps towards Hailey wrapping her arms around her. Haruka's eyes tear up slightly. I turn around and pull her right in to my arms against me. "Its over and done. We won't see her. There won't be anymore problems."
"Haruka..."Hailey says as Haruka holds her tight. For a long moment they stay that way, taking comfort in each others presence. Hailey whispers into her ear. "I know it hurts you, it's ok, it's never easy. I know your not ok, just take as long as you need." Hailey gives her a gentle kiss. "But I should tell you before we get distracted. Two friends of ours have arrived early, Usagi and Ami, should I tell them to come another time?"
Haruka forces a laugh. "I am not surprised. No, it's fine, Usagi and I are due for a talk. I wont be long. They do like Hot chocolate, we have some in the cupboard. Believe me I am fine, I just had a long work out."
"Alright then but don't rush yourself to much." Hailey smiles before kissing her. "You don't need to worry about a thing." Hailey walks out, closing the door to make sure Haruka has privacy she heads back to talk to Ami and Usagi. "Haruka is just busy getting ready, would you two like some Hot chocolate?"
"Ya! I love hot chocolate! But is Haruka ok?" Usagi asks nervously.
"Yes please, Hot Chocolate would be nice. Thank you very much." Ami says while gently trying to calm Usagi.
"She's just fine Usagi."Hailey lied while making the Hot Chocolate, she tries not to worry about Haruka. "Your early is all, she was just in the middle of finishing a few things." Hailey hears the bathroom door open slowly as she pours the hot chocolate powder into the mugs.
"Hey Odango, I am just fine. How is that bump on your head hmm?" Haruka says, trying to sound casual. Usagi abruptly stands up and hugs Haruka,she can feel Usagi's tears soak her shoulder while Usagi mumbles how sorry she is into Haruka's shirt.Haruka is stunned for a moment before she tries to reassure Usagi, she whispers in her ear. "You don't need to be sorry, that was an amazing kiss." Haruka pulls back from the startled Usagi, looking her in the eyes Haruka winks.
Usagi wipes the rest of her tears away. Then pulls me between her and Ami on the couch . Usagi takes a breath and looks like she's working up to say something serious only to pause suddenly, she is staring at my hand?
"Gasp! Haruka you have a ring on your finger!" Even Ami eyes are wide with surprise when she sees it.
Before I can explain Hailey brings the tray in loaded with mugs of hot chocolate and a cup of tea for me she gives me a kiss after setting down the tray. "Yes, I gave her my ring and I am so blessed that she said yes."
"Thanks!" Usagi says.Seeing the blush on Haruka cheeks maybe she really loves Hailey. Usagi thinks. Things sure are moving fast for them. She lifts up the cup of hot Chocolate and sips it. She peeks over at Ami, who looks nearly as curious as Usagi feels.
"The ring is so pretty Haruka! When do you get married?" Usagi asks with curious excitement.
I try not to laugh as my lover nearly spits out her tea.
"Odango this is a promise ring not an engagement ring, it means that I have started a serious relationship with Hailey but we are not near marriage." I can tell Hailey is holding in a laugh.
"Oops!" I feel my face go hot, how embarrassing! "Well its still cool" I look to Ami who is pretending to be focused on her Hot Chocolate, I bet she knew it was a promise ring too, she should of told me! "Um... well...it will be fun to decorate the tree!"
"Well Odango, I know you and Ami are great at it so I know it will look awesome." Then I hear knocks at the door and I stand up as Hailey gets the door and opens it for me. "Hey Thorn and Jade." I walk to them and Thorn says one word. "Study." I let them take their winter things off as I head to the study.
Haruka walks away from us into her study, we watch the two women, one says her name is Thorn as she takes off her boots. She is tall and has raven black hair that goes to the middle of her back, her skin is tanned, she has blue eyes, is wearing a lavender sweater and black dress pants. Without another word she walks by us right in to Haruka study.
The other introduces herself as Jade. She looks short compared to Thorn, her hair is brown, very long nearly to her feet in a pony tail, shes pale, has green eyes, shes wearing a black shirt that has a rose across the front with red pants. She too walks by us silently with only a slight wave and we hear the door close.
Usagi looks at Hailey with clear confusion and curiosity, she is obviously wondering who those strangers were to just walk into Haruka's home like that. If there's anything Haruka is known for, it's being a very private person.
"I can tell your both wondering who they are, those ladies are our family from New York." I smile warmly. "It has been a very long time since Haruka has seen them,they came down for Christmas.They are not trying to be rude but have a lot to catch up on. Here, why don't you two start the tree while I go check dinner, I will join you in a minute."
Ami and I get up and go to the box that was labelled lights and open it, after some digging we take out a huge knot of lights. "I bet they do this on purpose! This is worse then Minako's!" Ami laughs and says "Lets have a seat and figure it out." I look at her like she is crazy. "This will take till next Christmas!" I hear the door open and Jade walks out, shutting the door but not completely. I try to lean a bit toward it to see whats going on and I nearly pull Ami off the couch "Sorry!"...
Ami barely stops herself from slipping off the couch cushion Usagi was yet again distracted, leaning further toward the door, forgetting not to make it look to obvious but she does begin to catch a little of the conversation.
I lift up Haruka's hand with the ring on it. "That is a very nice promise ring, I do hope it works for you two. With your jobs and such you spend most of your time separate, you deserve love Haruka, a great love that will last." I give her a gentle hug.
"Listen Thorn, Love don't exist for me and even though Hailey and I are not in love enough to marry or anything like that, we are enough for each other. We care very much, it's as close to love I'll get and that's fine with me."Haruka sounds content, not necessarily confident, just content.
"That girl Michiru, the one you said you yelled at and insulted to make her leave, you said it was so she could have a better future. How do you know it's better? Try thinking more of yourself, you should of been honest about your feelings but I know you can't seem to fully do that. One day I know, when your ready, a girl will take you for all you are and not let you go. She will give you love that even you wont be able to run from, maybe not now but one day, when you don't see it coming it will hit you."
"Thorn, if that ever happens I will let you pick out a skirt for me to wear, any style you want, that is how confident I am in knowing that it will never happen to me at all."
"Ok my friend, I will hold you to that word, in fact I will enter that right into my cell so you cant get out of it. Remember you asked for it."
"Do what you want, I am not worried, all I ask is you get to know Usagi and Ami out there. They are my new friends here. I know your not one for strangers but it's not much to ask you to do that."
"I will, they remind me of children though. I am surprised your their friend but for you I will talk. Maybe even decorate the tree, it's been awhile since I have decorated anything, between school and modelling its hard to really have much time. But when the kids leave is when the real fun begins. Mind if I use your laptop for a moment Haruka? I need to check my Emails."
"I don't mind go ahead, it's on my desk. I will see how everything is going with dinner and the tree."When I walk out I see Odango, Ami and Hailey working on the knot of lights together. I kneel down and kiss Hailey. "I will leave this to you three." I walk over to the stove to check on the chicken, carefully checking how everything is roasting together. I move the potatoes around in the pan a little then close the oven door.
Ami and I are trying to untangle the first ball of lights. After a few frustrating minutes struggling to find the start of the string, I realize I need more room to work and dump them on the couch impatiently.
"USAGI! I am still here." Ami says, sighing and after a moment giggling. I stare at her, shocked and embarrassed that I forgot she was there for a moment. Ami is half covered in a tangled mix of Christmas lights like a blueish Christmas tree.
Jade and Thorn wander over and help get Ami untangled. "Don't worry kid, these lights can be a knotty mess." Thorn says to Usagi. "The trick with these lights is there's two different kinds here.It's because Haruka uses dad's big old lights, they are mixed with the tiny new ones, let Jade and I get the rest kid."
Ami and I watch in amazement at just how fast they fix them up, put both sets of lights on the tree and plug them in. There's a moment after that where they seem to bow their heads in what looked to be a silent prayer? When I look to the kitchen Hailey and Haruka are doing the same thing. Ami looks at the odd moment with curiosity. "May I ask why you did that?"
"Its our tradition. Ami is your name, right? Well anyway we don't know how the next day will be Christmas or not so we have started this awhile ago. Our group has had losses and things happen. I know you both care a lot for Haruka I can tell it's great that you kids do."
"We are not kids!" Usagi insists, after all our battles as Sailor Senshi I am tired of being labelled "Just a kid". The way Thorn seems to be looking down on us has me doubtful we will get along. Ami nudges me, urging me with a look to calm down while Thorn heads back into the kitchen.
Usagi crosses her arms and quietly complains to Ami. "I don't like being called a kid, I am 14, a full teenager." Ami lets out a small giggle and nods. Usagi looks at the kitchen, the food smells soooo good. Hailey and Haruka have the table set, it looks nice. "I can't wait to eat!" Usagi says, trying to focus on something more pleasant than snooty strangers.Suddenly, without warning, the Apartment door opens and in walks three girls.
Another unknown girl enters the apartment, while taking off her jacket she introduces herself as Rio. She has emerald eyes and deep red hair in a pony tail, she is wearing jeans with a skull on them and a white T shirt that had a heart made with Christmas lights on it, she walks into the kitchen to hug Hailey and Haruka.
The girl that was behind her, wearing headphones with blue hair, waved to me, saying her name is Ava. Her hair is almost same style as Haruka only a bit longer and spiked more, she was shorter and has brown eyes, pale skin and is wearing beige pants and dark navy shirt with a single sparkling music note, she also walks right by us not saying much more, off to greet Haruka and Hailey.
The last girl behind her smiled, shyly waving she said her name is Mei, she is tall and has deep blue eyes. Her lavender hair is in a long braid, she has white pants on with a pink long sleeve halter top. They are talking so fast we can't keep up, I see Haruka with a look of surprise then a smile as everyone greets her, Usagi can't stop staring at them all.
"You guys take a seat and get comfortable at the table." I walk over to Hailey. I reach up grabbing extra plates whispering in a low tone. "I feel uncomfortable with all this." She takes my hand and squeezes it asking me what is wrong. "I was fine with Usagi and Ami meeting Thorn and Jade but the rest of our family, I don't know."
"Relax Haruka everything will be fine, it's just dinner and tree decorating. I am glad we made so much food. Here you give them plates and I will get the food ready." I watch as she nods but still looks a little tense. "Ok everyone dinner is ready! Ava, Rio, Mei, Haruka is bringing you plates and utensils." I see Ami and Usagi take their seats near where Haruka is.
Everyone is seated, passing and serving themselves food, Ava talks about how awful traffic is. Haruka is not saying or eating much, she never thought Usagi or Ami would be meeting all of who she considers family except for her father who she is worried for as well since he sounded tired in the last call. Rio complains on how Ava packs to much and how Mei snored half way through the drive there. Ami I can tell is curious about all these new people while Usagi is focused on her food half gobbling it down, at least till she sees Thorn kiss Jade then Haruka and say she will be right back that she needs to make a call.
I hold Haruka's hand under the table. "Everything will be ok." I whisper to her. Everyone seems to like the roast chicken, dressing and roasted potatoes along with the seasoned vegetables, Usagi I see is sort of staring at Haruka and I also feel Her squeezing my hand hard as she takes a bite of chicken. "Ahem, is there something wrong Usagi?"
"No I was just wondering if um, we were going to finish the tree after dinner?" What I really wanted to ask was why Thorn kissed both Haruka and Jade but even Ami's eyes told me that's not a good idea right now. Thorn came back to the table and begins to eat without another word.
"Of course we will finish the tree Usagi, we didn't bring out all the boxes for nothing." That's when Thorn points to them saying. "I am sure her and pigtails will do fine at it."
I pout, who is she calling pigtails? I'm Usagi! But Ami nudges me under the table before I can really say what I want to Thorn.
"We can Handle the kitchen now Haruka and Hailey, you two did enough, go sit down and relax. As for you two I'm sure you and pigtails wanted to start the tree."
"Thank you Thorn." Hailey leads Haruka with her to sit down on the love seat, her hand is killing her, Haruka don't know her strength.
"Try to calm down Usagi." I whisper gently to her. "I admit they aren't that nice but they are not that bad, I did notice they did not talk much about themselves to us during dinner and Haruka barely ate at all, that and you can tell that their no strangers to rough times as they did point out. So lets just decorate, remember Haruka was not easy to get to know at first either."
"I know Ami but were not kids." Usagi whispers, frustrated. "...and my name is not pigtails." As she picks up a few bulbs out of a box and hangs them careful on the tree she hears Ami stifle a small laugh. "Whats so funny?"
"Forgive me Usagi but is pigtails that much worse then being called bun head?" I can't help but giggle at the look on Usagi's face.
"Ami your not helping!" She lowers her voice. "But I didn't know that Haruka had so many siblings though."
"I heard that!" Ava says, she looks upset that Usagi and Ami were talking about them, she must have very good hearing.
Usagi and I watch as Ava walks over to us, only pausing to pick up a bulb, an angry frown on her face, she's not as short as she looks to be.
I listen as Ava rolls her eyes and explains. "Just so you know we are not at all blood related, none of us are, we are from different shitty places but blood means nothing! Family are those who are there and stick by you no questions asked, got it?" She says sounding defensive.
"I agree, love is what matters the most, my friends are family to me too." I tell Ava she nods to me as she continues to help Usagi and I with the tree.
If Haruka gets any stronger at squeezing my hand I will need a doctor, I turn and kiss her deeply. "You know how Ava is, she's not afraid to say whats on her mind and that was not bad, she's just talking about family." Her grip loosens a little, thank god.
Ava is nicer then Thorn that's for sure, she holds the box so Ami and I don't have to bend to get the decorations on the ground, Haruka even has a cool miniature village that made a beautiful Christmas scene. It goes around the bottom of the tree, that looks so pretty! We start to put the fake rainbow, fake candles and other ornaments on and it's all finished. I think its one of the prettiest I have seen.
"Nice job everyone,it looks beautiful."Though I just realized it now, I half crushed Hailey's hand during all this. It's just not something I normally do, I keep my life separate. I am with friends or family never both at once. I kiss Hailey's hand and start rubbing her fingers, they are slowly getting colour back in them.
"The decorating was fun, it's one of my favourite things to do!" Ami and I help Ava move the empty boxes away, Haruka offers to drive Ami and I home since... she knows how my mom is.
I hear Rio teasing Haruka on how she drives. They start trading memories back and forth about dents and cars in ditches? It almost makes me think about walking!
"Rio I will have you know that I have not killed anyone, I am a master at the wheel." I say as I put my black leather jacket on and walk out the door with them towards the elevators. "Wait till you see my new car, you barely feel it on the road."
We walk to the garage and there is her Sports car. Rio compliments her on the model and they start talking about different cars as Ami and I get in the backseat. What are we, invisible? And what is a Wonder Wagon?
"The older race cars had a lot of personality back then, I still have a few photos dad gave me from the 60s. That and school along with Racing keeps me so busy I have to get pretty lucky to take holidays to see Thorn, Jade and Dad but I didn't expect you guys." I pull my belt on, start up the car and begin to back out.
"Ahem, Ami is sleeping over at my house Haruka, so you just need to go to mine." I feel sort of ignored, Haruka has barely spoke to us, she's been with Hailey or Thorn and the others since they got here. I wish Rio didn't come with us in the car. I sigh. I guess she really missed them but then why does it look like somethings bothering her and where and who is her dad?
I watch out the window then try a small kick to Haruka seat. It gets no reaction at all. I can tell this will be a boring ride home since I don't speak race talk. So many questions are in my head it hurts... When we get to my street Haruka parks to the side carefully.
"Thank you for the ride Haruka!" I take Ami's hand and pull her with me as we run inside!
"Nice kids, that Ami is very smart but I never thought you liked to babysit Haruka?" Rio asked as we drive off. "They are 14 and believe it or not I have kissed the blonde, I call her Odango, she's cute and fun to tease. They are pretty good friends to have, there are others but ones in the hospital sick and others are gone on holiday, I don't know where."
"Well you have been busy I see. Your right they are cute but I like the smart one more. Her intelligence impressed me, maybe next time I see her I will make a move, you never know."
Haruka laughs. "Good luck! So here's my real question, wheres dad? Why is everyone here but not him?"
"With everyone getting busy moving all over he text'ed all of us, he just wants his girls together for the holidays was part of it, why he isn't here yet? Well it could be anything, you know how his work at construction is, he's in charge, if one thing goes wrong it can take hours to days to fix when it comes to winter season, you worked in it."
"Yes I know, we can try calling him tonight since were all together."
"Sounds good to me, hey pull in there we can bring back coffee and donuts."
I pull into the parking lot of the Midnight Cafe, getting out of my Car with Rio, I notice it looks crowded, I see a sign that says Poetry Night! Nine pm till ten pm. "I forgot about that, did you want to go somewhere else?"
"No way! I love good poetry, lets go we can listen while we wait." Walking in with Haruka. "This is cool been awhile since being here, come on lets get in line, hope the coffee is as good as before." The music playing is great and the smell of fresh coffee is in the air, this place is clearly a cafe you can relax at. There's the room to the left, that's where the poetry and music is coming from. The different coloured spotlights add to the mood as Haruka and I watch from in line, a couple is doing a beautiful dance to their poetry.
"Yes, this place is one of the top Cafes in town Rio." Suddenly the familiar Scent of the ocean fills my nose and the tingling in my body begins. You have GOT to be kidding me, just as I am looking around there's Michiru. I should have known better she tends to sneak out and go here but I forgot about that, I have been blocking her from my mind. My heart begins to hurt more... Why tonight of all nights? I hear Rio give our big order, the one with all the donuts and coffees, she has a great memory of what each of us like. We are directed to a table to wait, there's eight orders ahead of us. We take a seat, that's when we hear the announcer say that the poetry time was over but dancing will begin soon and that the Dj would pick the two people who would begin it.
"I am DJ Beat! And the people starting the dance tonight are the ones my spotlights randomly choose, lets see!"
I watch them circle around the room and then the red spotlight lands on Rio and the blue spotlight lands on me, shit I am not one for being the centre of attention but Rio loves music, attention or not.
"Come on Haruka, lets show em!" Pulling her on the dance floor, I move my hips close with Haruka's and we dance to the sexy beat. We easily get in sync though I know that she will get me later for making her dance.
Michiru nearly spits out her smoothie at the sight of Haruka dancing. "Who is Haruka with now?"
"Does anyone want to challenge these talented people!" The DJ blasts through the speakers.
"Yes I do!" Michiru says, filled with a terrible jealousy, she grabs a passing waiter and shoves a handful of bills down his shirt,half dragging the startled man with her onto the dance floor.
"Whoooaaaaa lady I have a job to do!?" He speaks loudly, trying to be heard over the music.
"I payed you, so hush!" She growls at him, her grip is firm on his collar but her eyes are locked on Haruka.
"Well! We have interesting couples here! Ok... Whoever the audience chooses wins their order free! And to make it harder you also switch partners every so often. Ok? Everyone get ready!"
"Rio this isn't a good idea." I see a determined Michiru on the dance floor. I'd rather be anywhere but here right now.
"We will cream em Haruka, don't worry about it!" Rio cheers.
If Michiru don't try to cream me first. I can see the smirk on her face. This is just great! Haruka thinks sarcastically.
"GO!" The DJ shouts, turning on lights and starting the music.
We all begin dancing now, I am getting in to the beat that Rio picks. We both know this song so well, we are easily in perfect sync with each others moves.
Dancing with a stranger is easy if you make them follow your lead. Michiru thinks as they work to keep up with Haruka and this other girl.
"SWITCH!" the DJ shouts.
I feel a surge of lust and dread as Michiru turns to grab me firmly in her arms, the smoothness to our dance haunts me. "Michiru, lets just get this over with." I say with exasperation, I just want to get away from this. I am just going to watch our feet and avoid her eyes.
"If I were you Haruka, I'd look at me." Michiru says in a competitive tone as she shifts her grip.
Next I know I am spun like a hurricane. Oh? So she wants to do it that way. "That does it, you asked for it Michiru!" I grab her, throw her in the air and catch her just before she hits ground on purpose as I dip her so low and her back is so bent she can't do anything, I then spin her just as fast.
"Oh really Haruka?" I begin to move very close to Haruka's body, my hands on her shoulders, no matter what grip she tries to use she can't get me out of her space now. I know all her sensitive spots and I know shes sweating.
"Damn Michiru!" I hold in the moan she's trying to get from me, to the audience it may look like a challenge but for Michiru and I, it's yet another fight. Using my strength I grab both her wrists, pulling her and turning her back against me. I am holding her arms firm to her body when I hear The DJ announce the partner switch, I let her loose like sling shot, slamming into the unsuspecting waiter. I smoothly switch back to Rio, easily in beat as the music ends. The DJ hears everyone Cheering for Rio and I as we bow and accept our order free. We walk to the counter and both carry a tray of coffee and donuts we hop in my sports car, organizing things so they don't spill.
"That was so awesome Haruka! We have to do that more often, only the others with us too next time." Rio says with excitement.
I am distracted by my thoughts of everything that happened. I feel sort of bad using my strength against her, I did grip her wrists and turn her around hard. "I will be back in a minute." I walk back in and order Michiru's favourite drink, a hot vanilla tea, and see her rubbing her wrist while sitting alone at her table. I take a breath and walk towards her table ,I set the cup of tea down and turn to walk away only to feel a hand catch mine.
"Thanks for the tea but do we need to fight all the time? Can't you tolerate me even for a moment? I only meant to spin you not hurt you, it's just... You wouldn't even look at me." She says solemnly.
I feel the tingling her touch gives and my heart pounds in my chest. This can't happen, she's got a future planned out for her and I am not playing a part for her anymore. "I only brought you the tea because I hurt your wrist. No. I can't tolerate you or anyone dishonest like you. I don't know why but somehow we keep bumping in to each other. So do me a favour, just pretend I don't exist."