I get into my sports car and sit down, waiting for the sensations I get from Michiru to fade out, but they never really do, not completely no matter what I try. You would think since we broke up and don't plan to see each other ever again.. The thought of that brings tears to my eyes, what in the hell?
I spot tears slowly falling from Haruka eyes. "Hey are you alright? What or who upset you? Just tell me and I will deal with them harshly!" I rub her back, it's not like her to cry like this, she's not one to show much emotion it's very rare.
"Nothing Rio." I quickly wipe the tears from my face and Rio hands me a kleenex, I could tell that didn't cut it, she knows when I lie. "That girl we danced against, the one with the blue hair, she is my Ex. That's all."
"Damn, so that's Michiru. Well she lost someone great, you take it easy, if you need to sit a bit its fine with me." I pat her back, there's no huge rush to get back, Thorn and the others will understand, they been through rough break ups too.
"No, I will be fine. Thanks Rio." I drive out and we start the short journey back to my apartment, on the way Rio continues to try to comfort me with encouraging words about all that life offers and how I will never be alone because they will be less then a ringtone away, she even lists a few songs that in her opinion help to let out the emotional baggage.
I park in my spot and thank Rio for the advice. She takes the coffee trays and I take the bags of donuts, when we get inside I set down the bags on the kitchen counter. Before a word escapes my lips Hailey rushes right into my arms telling me I worried her, that and ever since she's found out about my sailor identity, she fears for my life.
I pick up the hot coffee cup that has my name written on it in bold black letters. THORN. I was going to ask Haruka if they included extra cream because it didn't look like there was enough but it looks like Hailey has her full attention, its new to see them so romantic they are both independent type people with busy lives after all. "So what took you two so damn long?"
"Thorn you guys should of seen Haruka and I we went to the Midnight cafe. they were crowded we were waiting for the stuff and we killed it in the dancing contest we didn't pay for a damn thing."
"Nice work Rio and Haruka though I am not surprised you two are very talented at dancing. There is nothing better then a prize you can eat I take a fresh strawberry shortcake doughnut from the bag."
"That's right Thorn come on Ava set up the Cards Against Humanity its been forever since we all played together!"
"Oh ya Rio don't get so excited I plan to get more points this time I got the box of cards right in here" I pull it out of my bag and set it on the table before sipping my coffee. "Hey Thorn its your turn to start the game here you shuffle."
"Fine but next time its your turn to start Ava" I take a seat between Haruka and Mei as I get the card deck out and start shuffling and close my eyes then deal them out ok here we go I set the first card out on the table and close my eyes it dont take long for everyone to choose their answer to the dirty question
"OMG! Haruka yours is the worst so far in my opinion laughing you nearly made Mei spit out her coffee how in hell did you think of picking that!"
"laughing not sure you want to know Hailey" Thorn agrees and pushes the deck to me so I can pick the next dirty question. "Now here's the black card it says hey baby come back to my place ill show you blank" I close my eyes
"This is too easy" I put my card down
"Don't be so sure this time Ava I got a great one" I put my card down too
"No way Jade I know mine will blow Haruka away"
Taking a bite of doughnut "good luck Thorn nothing yet has shocked her"
"Hailey is right Thorn" Has everyone put down ?
YUP!
Haruka opens her eyes and picks up the cards "Ok here goes guys try and shock me"
I read a few cards I pull the last one laughing "who the hell said power point presentation"
"I bet Mei said that"
"I did not Jade! Haruka knows I pick better damn card then that!"
"Well tell me who because I pick that"
"I did Haruka"
"It was Ava!" Rio laughs
"I will take my point Haruka it was the best damn card I could use you know Rio!"
"Your turn to read the black card Rio you Brave enough?"
"You know it Thorn lets see drawing card it says what are my parents hiding from me?" Closing my eyes. "Bring it on guys"
I sip my coffee and look at my hand "well this is the best I can do" I put my card down "its hard to believe we been playing for the last five hours its two am already"
"I agree with Hailey its getting late you guys and we had a long drive lets go to bed after this round before we all die laughing"
"Ya Ava your right I am tired too. Ok then this is the last round everyone have their cards down?"
Ya Rio!
"Ok lets see what you guys did" I read all the cards "who LAUGHING put down harry potter erotica was it you Haruka?"
"Hell no not me finishing my coffee I think it was Thorn who put it down"
"Yes me I will take that point"
"You just made my night here is your point Thorn your tied with Haruka"
"Fine with me Rio we will break the tie when we play the next game" I throw out the garbage that was on the table then put on my jacket and hand Jade hers. "Time to see how our hotel rooms are hopefully the bed isn't hard as a rock like last time"
"Good luck with that Thorn. Hailey and I can meet you guys later tomorrow at the restaurant before the lunch rush"
"Sounds good we will call you tomorrow morning and lets get the rest of the shopping done before the big Christmas rush Haruka."
"Ok fine Thorn but if it gets too crowded I am sitting in my car you know shopping is not my thing." I watch as they all get ready to head out the door. "Good night guys drive safe" closing the door and locking it for the night.
"That was great but I am so tired" I watch as Haruka strips out of her clothes shes just wearing her navy blue shorts that's how she likes to sleep. I put on a long old T shirt with a pair of pyjama shorts I lay down and Haruka wraps her arms around me and pulls the blankets up over us. We fall in to a nice comfortable sleep
I open my eyes its six am and I am tangled in a knot of blankets I look at Haruka shes soaked in sweat moving rough in her sleep with no blankets on her at all she makes a flying kick in her sleep I fall right off the bed "OW!" I know she gets nightmares at times I barely manage to get out of the knot. I climb back on the bed touching her sweat soaked head gently. "Easy Haruka I am right here your ok wake up" she grabs me roughly a tight grip near my neck it knocks the breath out of me
Opening my eyes as they adjust to the early morning sunrise I see Hailey having pulled her on top of me she asks me if I am ok shes catching her breath I let go of her quickly. "I am so sorry did I hurt you?" she shakes her head. I realize the bed is a mess and so am I again because of Neptune looking at my phone its six thirty in the morning I am still so tired from the late night Hailey tells me to go shower that shed change the bed. I kiss her gently "thank you for waking me"
I walk to the shower getting inside this has to end damn it I quickly wash my hair then scrub my body it feels refreshing once done I get out and I put all the laundry inside the hamper to wash later when I walk in the bedroom Hailey has the bed all perfectly neat and ready I climb back in the blankets and pull her back to my arms and feel her lean in to my embrace before she pulls the rest of blankets up we made this a routine I guess its a comfort to us both...
I wake up its seven thirty am because of Uranus it don't make any sense in the dream we are together in the moon kingdom and we sneak away from the ball to be together but that's then this is now she hates me Haruka made that clear more then once these dreams must stop I have a headache I need to get better sleep if I even want to play my violin with any professional sense ow my wrist still hurts its crazy but I don't mind it
"Good morning Michiru here is your breakfast"
"Good morning tell my mother I will not be leaving my room I will rehearse and eat here too everything and tell her I wont change my mind and that I have work of my own to do and Theo is a distraction I need full undisturbed time"
"Yes Michiru I will let her know right away"
I sit down in front of my breakfast well at least I can get space away from Theo and everyone else for at least one day I begin eating my french toast with syrup and fruit I hope I can finish that piece today but with that dream I am not sure of anything, maybe I will have a long bath before beginning my day after all I am soaked...
Waking up to the smell of pancakes Usagi of course is still asleep I bet she stayed up to late trying to find a way to see Haruka again before Christmas I slip out of my sleeping bag roll it up and pull my fresh clothes out of my bag if shes not awake by the time I am dressed I will have to wake Usagi up walking to the bathroom splashing water on my face I quickly and neatly get dressed and brush my hair I walk back to her bedroom putting my pyjamas in my bag then walk over to nudge Usagi awake.
"Aww Ami yawwn did you really have to wake me? I was having a dream about all the most yummy sweets."
"Well I didn't want you to miss breakfast Usagi" I finish brushing my hair "we better get downstairs didn't you tell me your brother eats quite fast?"
"Yawwwn ya Ami he can be a real pig!But don't forget we need to come up with a plan to see.". sigh shes already left downstairs I look in the mirror and start to brush my long blonde hair fast as I can.
"Hurry up Usagi! Your breakfast is getting cold Shingo those are your sisters!"
"Shes not here and I am starving!"
"Sigh good thing I have plenty of pancake mix" I pour more in the bowl and start mixing.
When I get to the table dressed in my red sweater and beige pants my dad was already leaving for work he kissed my mom gave me a hug and wished us All a good day and left. Mom is busy at the stove and my little brother is eating his pancakes along with Ami who is reading the newspaper while taking bites of her pancakes. "Hey where are mine"?
"Here you go honey" I give Usagi a kiss and give her the pancakes fresh from the pan. "Anyone want more I made extra in case?.."
Waking up to the bright sunlight I look around at least I managed to sleep some more looking at the time its ten o clock damn it I am already behind I jump out of bed seeing Hailey still fast asleep getting dressed in my work out clothes I go to my study and turn on my lap top to listen to the news un folding my treadmill setting it up and get on I just got it a few days ago so far it works great after I work out I plan to shower then go see Minako I hate hospitals but I handle them better then before.
I open my eyes and see its ten forty getting up I make the bed I know that Haruka must be finishing her work out by now when I walk out of the bedroom I see her walking towards the bathroom for a shower. "Good morning Haruka" she walks up to me pulling me in to a hot sweaty kiss feeling all this heat makes me want more I feel her touching me all over she trails hot kisses down my neck. "Oh! Haruka that feels so good" as I give open hot kisses on her neck down to her breasts. She takes me to the bathroom so we can shower together now this is a great way to start the day!
I undress Hailey admiring her beautiful body. "You are an amazing woman" I finish undressing and pull her against me kiss her neck and massage her breasts she moans my name I turn on the shower letting it warm up our kissing intensifies.
"Haruka I love you in a way only you would understand but I wanted to say it to you but its ok if you cant say it to me yet I don't expect you to I know your feelings on it".
"Yes that's true" I lead her in to the warm water and pull her right against me she deserves those words but my heart begins to sting.
"Haruka I hold her tight when I see her wince. Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"
"No not you Hailey listen to me I care for you deeply" She smiles at me interrupting me saying she knows how complicated my life always is then pulls me in to a passionate kiss...
At least my mom didn't argue with me to much on not wanting to see Theo I was able to finish one piece and begin another but all the music I have started from the love I found with Haruka and starting new is hard I cant focus very well I cant get her out of my mind there's parts of me that don't include Haruka I will need to learn too focus on that part of me as I wipe tears from my eyes I wish you could forgive me Haruka.
I put my ear to the door to get a better listen of the music that Michiru is playing it sounds very well done a fresh piece is always refreshing to hear I want to make sure she is kept busy and is ready for this cruise Theo met many important contacts at the Gala everything is coming together perfectly...
As Hailey and I are dressing together my phone goes off I pick it up Rio is texting us about going to the Buffet Palace for breakfast then too the Christmas Village.
"Sounds great to Me" I pull on my navy blue Jeans and deep purple shirt "how do I look Haruka?" I do a fun turn in front of her.
"You keep looking that sexy and we will never leave the bedroom let alone this apartment." She blushes at me and smiles. "By the way I need to make a visit to Minako before we meet the others I want to see how she is" I pull my black leather jacket over my light blue sweater and smooth out my beige pants.
"I will come in too Haruka as long as I am with you I will be alright" I pull on my black dress jacket and zip it up Haruka smiles and takes my hand as we head out the door.
Once outside the sharp cold air hits us hard we get in to my sports car and I start it up letting it run a moment to warm the engine Hailey is shivering from the cold I turn up the heat and take off on the road traffic of Christmas shoppers is as heavy as ever
We get to the parking garage "wow Hailey its crowded today not a lot of spots" As I drive around my phone goes off again. "Do you mind checking that"? Hailey picks it up for me she says its just Rio telling me not to take forever. She tells her about Minako.
"Rio says that's fine and hope our friend gets well soon that they don't mind waiting if your doing that here's your cell" we get out and Haruka arm goes around me as we walk I hope Minako feels better then the last time we saw her
"Hello miss Minako lets see how you are today? So far your coming along nicely you ate more today too very good I am sure that teddy bear must be one of your favourite gifts your friends left here now hold the thermometer in your mouth no fever so far today I will be in again soon to check on you"
"Thanks very much nurse achoooooo I feel a bit chilly"
"I will get you another blanket right away.."
Hailey and I walk down the hall and I give a Knock before we enter and we see Minako looking much better and off the oxygen her colour is slowly returning she don't look so pale "hey you."
"Hey Haruka cough cough I am so glad to see you wish I had a better voice cough cough"
"Take it easy I sit on a chair beside her bed this is my girlfriend Hailey she came with me to see you and give well wishes too how are you feeling? you should of said something to someone about what was going on we could of prevented you ending up in here"
"I am sorry cough I just didn't want to ruin anyone's holiday fun" I see the ring on Haruka finger how long have they been dating for her to be wearing that? And why did her and Michiru spilt up but with the new girlfriend there its not a good Idea to ask I feel her Squeeze my hand telling me to call her anytime and to never do this again.
"I know you don't know me well but I hope you feel better Quickly and if there's anything I can do to help too let me know" I hand her my cell number on a paper Minako thanks me with a smile "now please excuse me I need to use the washroom before we go. I will be right back Haruka."
This might be my only chance now that Hailey left. "cough cough cough Haruka your hand has a ring."
"Yes Hailey gave it to me your wondering on whats going on aren't you? its true last you saw me I was with Michiru" just saying her name started my heart up. "listen I moved on Minako to someone better for me its that simple so don't worry about it ok"
"Uh ok but"... then I see Hailey reenter the room darn it
"Hailey and I need to go but we will visit again" I take Hailey's hand as we leave. "That was kind to give Minako your number like that and to come here to the hospital when you don't know her well and are not comfortable". We get out in to the outside chill to get inside my sports car. That means a lot to me and I am sure her too I open her door for her kissing her before she gets in
I hop in and put on my seat belt and Haruka begins to drive us to go meet the others its so nice to have everyone together, each of us has a very rough past as for me I would not be here if it was not for Haruka I have issues from what my mother did to me though I try not to think it and I was honoured when she invited me in to the family and her father accepted our relationship I felt wanted for the first time and loved I could see from the start that each protected one another I don't dare to think what could of been if I didn't meet Haruka and her family but the thoughts hit anyway.
Hailey were here you alright I take her hand and get her attention I pull her in my arms hey everything is ok I see Rio Mei and Ava coming to the car asking if we are ok. "Yes we are ok I think the hospital triggered her panic attacks more then she thought."
"Come on lets get you some food Hailey Ava says while grasping her hand with Haruka and if it don't settle down then take your anxiety medicine do you still keep it with you?" She looks at both and nods. "Good were all here for you" Ava says while slowly helping her out of the car hopefully with how busy we keep you turtles you wont need it"
"Who you calling turtles?" Haruka says as she locks up her sports car as we all walk together keeping Hailey close to all of us "I do" Ava says elbowing Haruka in the ribs playfully.
"You two are late is why she says it but since you have a good excuse we will let it slide"
"Gee thanks Rio" being around everyone has me starting to feel better already as we get inside I see Thorn and Jade saving a table as we all sit down "I see your trying a new hair style Thorn".
"I thought why not? Most times I keep my hair over my eyes its Rio who put my hair in this ponytail its not bad I may try it more who knows? Hailey and Haruka good to see you two"
"You all go up and get food first I don't mind waiting my phone is ringing anyway please excuse me" Haruka says while pulling her phone from her jacket pocket.
"Who would be calling you now? I will sit with her you go on guys."
"Ok Thorn if your sure" Rio says as she walks ahead to the restaurant.
"Its Odango calling me."
"You mean pigtails why would she have your number?"
"Hey Odango is there something wrong?"
"Hey Haruka! I was wondering if you wanted to go with Ami and I to the Christmas Village?"
"Actually I am going there with my family today Odango but thanks for inviting me"
"Wow! we can all be together! I will see you there later!"
Hanging up my cell phone I see the look Thorn gives me. "Shes no trouble to me I cant explain Thorn but shes a good person and can be trusted shes not as childish as she seems"
"I don't know she loves so easily she acts like a trusting child I'm not saying shes dangerous but with her lack of thought she could bring danger to herself and since you say you protect her that means you end up putting your self in harms way"
"I know shes too trusting from the time I met her I look out for things I know what I am doing but Thorn its nice for a change to know someone who knows love that cant be put in to words"
"I get it Haruka please forgive me it just makes me uneasy the thought of people who can give friendship or trust so easy with all that happens in this world but I am willing to get to know your new friends"
"Thank you Thorn" I see the others come back and sit down with full plates.
"Are you two ok?" You look a little stressed out."
"Were just fine Mei just starving while waiting for you guys did you manage to leave any food for Haruka and I" Thorn says bit impatiently.
"No now why would we let you two eat? Go on before your stomachs growl loud enough to bring the building down"
"Getting up with Haruka well the way your eating you'll be lucky to fit in your car Rio lets go see if the food is as good as we heard" we pick up our plates and walk to the food I see a man eyeing up Haruka so I stick close by her
"Something up Thorn? seeing her nod to a man who has is eyes on me I see he hasn't tried anything so I am not too worried I spoke to soon here he comes walking over to me.
"Hey my name is Dave and I noticed your natural beauty"
"Thanks" Thorn has her hand on my shoulder I know shes protective of me since what happened long ago but she don't know that I handle much worse then this these days "what do you want."
"I think your beautiful would you like to go out sometime"? Dave says with a flirting tone and a small step forward
"Thanks but I have a girlfriend" I hear the guy mutter something rude but I don't bother to answer his stupidity. Thorn still sticks close as we finish filling up our plates. Since I visited Minako today shes been on my mind when I sit down I pull out my phone to search important information I need to find out first...