-Yumi-

She watched Haruka straightening her shirt and buttoning it up from the corner of her eyes as she readjusted her yukata. The blonde stood tall and proud, like a lone tree on a mountain peak, too stubborn to yield to the wind that was blowing there. The hair in the usual mess, the eyes piercing and sharp. As the blonde had finished tugging her shirt into her pants and tying her tie, Yumi asked her to help her with the yukata and she dutifully obliged.

"Now that we are done with the pleasure part. Let's talk business for a minute." Haruka said as she tightened the sash.

"What makes you think that I know what you want to know?" Yumi asked evenly.

"Nothing happens in the underworld without you knowing about it." Haruka said unfazed.

"I do not get involved. This is neutral ground. That is how my family has been conducting its business for generations." Yumi clarified.

"I know and I don't need you to. Just tell me what I need to know." Haruka persisted.

"What happens in my tea rooms stays in my tea rooms." Yumi said firmly.

"Oh, I know. Just tell me, if Soichi Tomoe is trying to get his wife back?" Haruka continued.

"I won't tell you what has been discussed between these walls. I have a duty to my customers." Yumi insisted.

"Fine. Is Kaori still alive?" Haruka asked.

"No" Yumi replied quietly.

"Was it any of the usual players?" Haruka continued.

"No" Yumi whispered.

"Ok, that is all I needed to know." Haruka said as she pulled away and put on her jacket.

"Stay a bit longer." Yumi requested as she stepped up to Haruka, looking up into those teal eyes, searching for affection.

"Why?" Haruka responded uninterested.

"Because I want you to." Yumi looked up into Haruka's unreadable eyes.

"Well … I thought you had enough and couldn't go one more round even if you wanted to." Haruka said evenly.

There it was, 'that arrogant and yet irresistible smirk,' Yumi thought to herself.

Yumi averted her eyes and asked quietly "Why don't you love me?"

"Shouldn't you be asking your husband that?" Haruka's voice was calm and even.

Yumi straightened out Haruka's tie, even though it didn't need any adjustments.

"I could have you killed you for your insolence." She said bitterly.

"You could have had me from killed from the moment I stepped out of my car, and every moment since." Haruka said unfazed.

"Why are you so cruel to me?" Yumi asked resentfully.

"Isn't it you, who is cruel to me?" Haruka voice was so calm, Yumi shuddered and held onto the blonde's tie tighter for a moment before she let go of it.

"It's more complicated than that." Yumi sighed quietly.

"Even if I did love you, you would never leave Katashi." Haruka noted.

"Haruka, I'd do anything for you…" Yumi tried to assure the blonde.

"Then lend me one of your girls." Haruka requested steadfast.

Yumi couldn't hide the hurt that flashed in her eyes and turned away.

"I need something delivered as soon as possible." Haruka continued unmoved.

"Ok, which one?" Yumi resigned.

"Shinobu-chan is cute and I don't want you to harass the poor girl for the rest of the day." Haruka chuckled.

"I go and send for Sasaki-san then" Yumi was about to turn around to leave the room but Haruka pulled her closer by her waist and spoke huskily into her ear: "You're still my favourite."

Yumi couldn't help but bury her face into Haruka's shoulder before she asked: "Do you say it to all of your girls?"

"Do you really want to know?" Haruka smirked.

"No." Yumi admitted, more to herself than the blonde that was holding her firmly in her arms.


-Ami-

Ami walked into the laboratory and watched Ayumi and Michiru talking in the break room through the big glass panel. They seemed to get along well until she noticed that Michiru went slightly pale after Ayumi handed her something, so she rushed to the break room and greeted the other two a little louder than initially intended.

"Hello Ayumi, Michiru, I am sorry I am so late." Ami broke the awkward silence that seemed to have formed.

"Hello Ami" Michiru seemed to have caught herself. "Don't you think Ayumi looks so beautiful in this picture?"

Ami took a look at the picture of Ayumi smiling and being hugged by a blonde man from behind. "Oh, she does. He looks familiar. Does he work here as well?" Ami enquired.

"Not anymore." Ayumi said quietly.

Ami had never been good with small talk and she had always been sensitive to awkward situations. And right now, she didn't know what to do to alleviate this awkwardness.

Suddenly Makoto burst in behind her. "Oh, you bought these cookies! They are so good. I tried to make them last night but they didn't turn out that well yet." Makoto said cheerfully.

Ami returned the photo to Ayumi and turned to Makoto: "Have a seat, I get us more cups."

"Have a cookie Makoto" Michiru offered the brunette the tray of cookies who happily took one.

"I wish we could stay longer, but Setsuna is actually sending for you Michiru and you, too, Ami." Makoto said between bites.

"Oh?" Michiru was genuinely surprised.

"Yea, but an unexpected delivery came, so we don't have to be there for another 20 minutes." Makoto informed her.

"Oh, so we don't have time to drink a cup of tea?" Ami asked returning with two cups in her hand.

"Oh please, there is always time for a cup of tea." Makoto smiled.


-Haruka-

Haruka was patiently sitting in another tea room and looked outside to the tea garden, the hot cup of tea in front of her steaming and spreading its fresh fragrance through the room. There was a tap at the door and it opened. Another of the house's servant opened the door and led in a tall but solid built man. His hair had all the shades between black and white mixed in but his beard was a solid white.

"Tenoh-sama, Tomoe-sama has arrived" The servant announced.

"Thank you Nakajima-san" Haruka said as she stood up to greet her guest.

"Good to see you Ichiro" Haruka greeted the old man.

"Good to see you, too, Haruka" He hugged her fatherly before they sat down and were served more tea.

"How is the family?" Haruka asked Ichiro.

"I wish Hideki could just skip the teenager stage but I had most of my fun at his age as well" Ichiro laughed good naturedly.

"I see" Haruka chuckled.

"How are things on your side?" Ichiro asked in return.

"Can't complain. It could always be worse." She grinned.

"I am sorry for what Kaori has put you through, I wasn't aware of her actions. I don't know what Soichi was thinking" Ichiro started to apologise.

"It is my fault; I should have known better and asked more questions." Haruka slid a flash drive across the table. "Do you still want this though? I went through the trouble of getting it for you already." Haruka explained.

"I am definitely reimbursing you for your troubles." Ichiro assured Haruka.

"That is ok. I received the deposit already. Take the rest as a late start of school gift for Hotaru-chan." Haruka said easily.

"I think she would prefer a visit from you instead." Ichiro suggested.

"Soichi still busy in the laboratory?" Haruka asked before she took a sip of her tea.

"Day and night" Ichiro sighed.

"If you are ok with it, I will pick her up from school tomorrow then and take her for some ice cream before dropping her off at your home. I take it she is staying with you rather than at Soichi's?" Haruka asked.

Ichiro nodded and continued: "Yes, she is the only person who can keep Hideki on the straight and narrow and even Hideyoshi enjoys it. Having her around makes him feel like a big brother and work hard for it."

"That's something. How is the new security system?" Haruka enquired.

"It is good. Sachiko is finally sleeping well with it." Ichiro informed the blonde.

"I am glad." Haruka nodded.

"….In case you are thinking that I took care of Kaori…." Ichiro started hesitantly.

"I know you didn't. You're a businessman, Ichiro, and if you needed anything fixed, I know you would trust my discretion more than anyone else's." Haruka said evenly.

"I'm glad you understand." Ichiro sighed with relief.


-Michiru-

Michiru was finally home again.

It had been a long day of full of confusion.

Alex was Haruka Tenoh, a sweet talker and kin killer.

Michiru thought back over the day.

When she was sitting silently in the debriefing session, listening to Setsuna's analysis, she had to try hard not to think of Alex, or no, Haruka Tenoh.

That had to wait for when the debrief would be over. Frowning, she focused on the security points that Setsuna had pointed out which needed improvement and future strategy improvements.

When they were done and Michiru was about to leave, Setsuna had asked her to stay back.

"Everything ok there, Michiru?" Setsuna had asked her when they were alone in Sesuna's office.

"You knew about everything that went on Paris right?" Michiru had asked Setsuna in return.

"Almost everything." Setsuna had said calmly.

"Did you know that Haruka Tenoh was on the premises?" Michiru had asked point blank. She just needed to know.

"I did." Setsuna answered so calmly that it irritated Michiru.

"Why didn't you warn us?" Michiru had asked slightly frustrated.

"Of?" Setsuna returned unfazed.

"Of the fact that she was most likely after Miller's research and if you knew, why didn't you stop her?" Michiru continued.

"I actually never saw Haruka on any surveillance recordings. She has a knack to avoid those. Also, I was notified of her presence of on the day of her departure." Setsuna admitted before she had pulled out a small flash drive from her drawer and put it on her desk. " Just to be clear. First of all, my job was it to secure the conference and its participants, so that is what I did. Secondly, Miller's research is right here." Setsuna pointed at the flash drive.

"I thought he wouldn't share his research." Michiru had stated sceptically.

"He didn't. Haruka sent me a courtesy copy for old time's sake" Setsuna had watched Michiru frown grow deeper whenever Haruka's name was mentioned. "I take it you talked to Ayumi."

Michiru had nodded.

"Let's be candid. I know you are supposed to work with her on the next big security mission. Whatever your personal feelings towards her are…." Setsuna started to remind her.

"…..The mission has utmost priority." Michiru finished her sentence.

"Correct. Whatever Ayumi believes to have seen or not seen and whatever she believes that has or has not happened, has nothing to do with it." Setsuna said firmly.

Usually things like that didn't bother Michiru. Sometimes working with criminals was a necessary evil that you had to put up with when you worked for the agency. It was just how the business was sometimes.

Michiru groaned. Why didn't she see it or feel it that Haruka was crooked though?

Wait, she did know from the start and yet ignored her own rationality and went with her gut feeling. And that just felt good.

But killing your own flesh and blood was just a wrong Michiru couldn't accept. And yet, no body was ever found...but a shot through the base of the head severing the brain-stem... No one survives that. But that was only Ayumi's impressions... What was Michiru doing? Was she trying to find excuses for Haruka right now? What was happening with her?


-Kakashi-

When Kakashi was driven to the private onsen in a remote location of Tokyo he noticed another car already parking there and smirked.

As he entered the wizened owner greeted him friendly and handed him his yukata and his towels.

"Everything has been arranged to your specifications Takahashi-dono." The old man told him.

"Thank you very much Myamoto-dono." Kakashi bowed.

He entered the empty men's onsen and cleaned himself thoroughly before entering the hot water pool.

After sitting still in silence enjoying the heat pervading his body with his back to the bamboo divider to them women's onsen for about 20 minutes, he started to speak.

"Good evening Haruka-chan" he said cheerfully

"Evening Kakashi-jii, are you trying to stew me tender? I have been waiting here for ages." Haruka complained from the other side of the bamboo screen.

"I nearly thought you wouldn't come." Kakashi admitted.

"Had a long day and needed the relaxation anyway." Haruka answered slightly defiant.

"Where are the boys?" Kakashi asked casually.

"Taiki has gone for a walk and where is your guard dog?" Haruka asked in return.

"Kenji is waiting in the car." Kakashi informed her.

"So, what can I help you with old man?" Haruka asked curtly.

"You know the big meeting that is happening every three years? It is due this year again." Kakashi informed Haruka.

"Ah" Haruka voiced her comprehension.

"I need you for it" Kakashi told Haruka.

"Ok" Haruka agreed.

"That was easy... What have you done that I need to clean up after you?" Kakashi asked suspiciously.

"Nothing. What makes you think that I screwed up every time I am agreeable." Haruka responded harassed.

"I don't know….experience?" Kakashi chuckled.

"I was eight. How long will you hold that over my head?" Haruka defended herself.

"The rest of your life. That is the whole point of being your uncle." Kakashi laughed.

"How is it possible that my wonderful, caring and ever loving mother could have a brother like you?" Haruka sighed.

"She made me this way." Kakashi snickered.

A loud groan could be heard from the other side.

"Anyway, I need you to work with someone from the agency on this." Kakashi continued.

"I take Setsuna, Minako, Makoto, Kenji, Kasumi or Kazuko" Haruka replied quickly.

"You don't get to pick and choose, that is not how it works there and you know that." Kakashi reminded his niece.

"It was worth a try." Haruka said as she stood up and left the hot water.

"Where do you think you are going?" Kakashi asked.

"To get dressed. I have been in there for nearly an hour. I am surprised that my speech is still in some way coherent." Haruka replied annoyed.

"Well go ahead to dinner then. As cranky as you sound you must have missed a meal or two." Kakashi noted.

"I did." Haruka confirmed curtly.

Kakashi stayed a bit longer in the hot water, looking out of the window and enjoying the dark scenery that presented itself outside. From experience he knew it was probably suicidal to bring the blonde further bad news before she had eaten.

Listening to the door of the other side opening and closing, he remained in the hot water for another 10 minutes before changing and joining Haruka in the dining room.

"You ordered the good sake. How bad is it that you want me to do?" Haruka looked at him suspiciously. "Are you trying to get me killed?"

"I think you are doing a pretty good job with that yourself, Haru-chan. How many women have you dumped last month?" Kakashi asked her unfazed.

"None. You cannot dump people who you aren't dating." Haruka replied evenly.

"I have heard differently…" Kakashi noted.

"Probably people I haven't even touched to start off with. Anyway, let's eat, I am starving." Haruka hurried and reached for the wagyu shabu shabu.

Kakashi chuckled.

They ate for a while in silence before Kakashi picked up on the conversation again.

"I have already chosen for you our liaison." He informed the blonde.

"Uh huh" Haruka acknowledged that information, still more focused on her beef than anything else.

"I think she is the only one who will actually be able to keep you in check." Kakashi continued.

"So, some old bitter hag that just hates the world?" Haruka asked amused after a mouthful of food.

"No, she is actually a very dedicated and disciplined agent." Kakashi said seriously.

"So … a very old and super bitter hag that is a stickler to the rules. Come on Kakashi-jii, now you are just making her sound even more irresistibly avoidable to me. Do you want me to help or did you just come to tell me that you can run the show there on your own?" Haruka teased.

"Her name is Michiru Kaioh" Kakashi dropped the news on Haruka and watched her reaction.

Haruka choked. Coughing vehemently, she downed her sake in hope of relief.

"I take it you have heard of her." Kakashi smirked.

"Kind of….what have you told her about me?" Haruka feinted ignorance.

"That you have my trust." Kakashi stated easily.

"Anything else?" Haruka asked curiously.

"No." Kakashi could see the little wheels and gears turning in Haruka's head and filled her cup again to the brim. "You look like you have seen a ghost. Have another drink."


-Taiki-

Taiki stood in a darkened room with a tray with bacon and eggs, a bowl of miso soup, two pain killers, a glass of water and a cup of strong coffee.

The curtains were closed and in front of him Haruka was curled up in her blanket.

"Haruka!" he called for the third time today, still no response.

"What on earth did Kakashi and you talk about yesterday?" Taiki asked slightly frustrated.

"He is trying to kill me" Haruka mumbled from under the blanket.

The only comforting thought to Tạiki was that judging by the several sake bottles that were strewn on the ground when Taiki picked her up, no matter how you split the amount between two people, neither one of them would get away unscathed.

"You have an important meeting today." Taiki reminded the blonde.

"I don't care" Haruka mumbled defiantly.

"Someone will be waiting for you" Taiki persisted.

"Death is waiting for me." Haruka groaned.

"She will be upset with you." Taiki continued.

"I don't give two flying ducks about who is going to be upset with me." Haruka cursed.

"Not even Hotaru-chan?" Taiki asked sceptically.

In an instant Haruka sat up straight in her bed and regretted the action immediately.

Taiki just shook his head. "Stay still. Here is breakfast. She is not going to be out of Kindergarten for another hour, but you might want to clean up before facing her." Taiki suggested.

Haruka groaned. "How could I have forgotten that?"

"It's a mystery to me." Taiki responded dryly.

He was just about to leave when Haruka called him back.

"Wait. Are you done with the data analysis from Paris?" Haruka asked before she took a sip from the coffee.

"Not yet. I am asking Kakyuu to have a look at it later. It might make more sense to her, considering her expertise." Taiki informed her.

"So…just Kakyuu now huh?" Haruka smirked.

"Next time I will just let you rot in that onsen." Taiki threatened evenly.

"Ok, ok, forget I said anything. How long do you think it will take for the Professor to synthesise the compound anyway?" Haruka asked conciliatorily.

"Hard to say, considering he knew exactly what he was looking for, maybe two weeks?" Taiki estimated.

Haruka leaned back on her bed and looked up to the ceiling.

"Do you think it was a mistake to pass on the information?" She asked him hesitantly.

"If it wouldn't have been us, then he would have gotten it some other way and the collateral in those scenarios would have been out of our control." Taiki answered evenly.


-Michiru-

Michiru sat in her office brooding over the files she had gotten from Kakashi. Each person a high priority target for one side of the fence or the other.

This was a security nightmare.

She didn't know how she would protect them from each other, when they would meet, let alone from the accumulated amounts of enemies they had.

She didn't even know where to factor Haruka in there.

What a fantastic nightmare.

She reached for her coffee mug to have another sip, just to notice that it must have been empty for a while.

There was a knock on her office door that drew her attention away from the empty coffee mug.

Before she could answer it, Minako walked in.

"Done with your research on the two Tenohs?" She asked while passing Michiru one of the two cups of coffee she was holding.

"Kind of … and you're a lifesaver." Michiru took the cup gratefully.

"I thought you might need it. Looking into them can be exhausting." Minako commented.

"I actually stopped looking and am focusing at the mission Kakashi-sensei has given me." Michiru admitted.

"Oh?" Minako was visibly surprised. "You usually don't let go of things that have caught your attention."

"The preparations for this meeting have priority and it is not as if guessing what the redactions might be would help." Michiru said evenly.

"Indeed. Maybe you should go out some to get some fresh air. I know you have been in here since dawn." Minako proposed.

"I couldn't sleep." Michiru admitted.

"Well right now you look positively exhausted. How about you join me on an errand?" Minako suggested.

"Is Kakashi-sensei misusing you as lackey again?" Michiru chuckled.

"Oh no, he's nursing a pretty bad hangover." Minako laughed. "So, I am taking the liberty to go shopping for some 'office supplies'." She winked.

"I see." Michiru laughed.


-Haruka-

She put on a casual shirt and jeans, followed by Hotaru's favourite navy hoody and her sunglasses before she left her apartment and took the elevator to the parking floor. Yaten joined her on the office level.

"I've sent you all the files on Michiru Kaioh all compiled and summarised to your phone Haruka-nee." Yaten informed Haruka.

"Thanks, Yaten." Haruka nodded appreciatively.

"You sure you want to hide this from Taiki-nii?" Yaten asked unsure.

"We are not really hiding anything from him. It is more a not mentioning….It's not important information and he is welcome to look it up for himself." Haruka winked. "Is there something I can bring home for you?" Haruka asked casually.

"If you pass by near the station with the special cream puffs after dropping off Hime-chan, I wouldn't say no to one of those." The shorter man grinned.

"Done. Are you going for a training session?" Haruka asked.

"Yep. Need to move these rusty joints and make space for that cream puff" With that Yaten exited the elevator on the training floor with a wide grin.

Haruka exited on the parking floor and climbed into her yellow convertible.

The weather was good. 'Might as well take advantage of it.' She thought to herself.

A short drive later she parked around the corner of Hotaru's Kindergarten, walked relaxed towards its gate and waited inside for her little bundle of joy.

She could feel the eyes of the other mothers looking her up and down and suppressed the urge to smirk.

"Haruka-papa!" a small girl with black hair, running towards her, called.

She picked her up and twirled her in the air. "Hey there Hime-chan"

Haruka kept holding Hotaru in her arm and adjusted her little yellow hat.

"You are wearing my favourite jumper." Hotaru said pleased and adjusted the soft hood.

"Of course. How was Kindergarten?" Haruka asked the toddler.

"Fun." Hotaru smiled even wider and continued to tell Haruka all about the drawing time and the story time they had.

Haruka carried Hotaru all the way to the car and put her in the passenger's seat.

"Haruka-papa, where are we going?" Hotaru asked after she buckled up.

"I thought you might want to visit your dad for a bit?" Haruka asked casually.

"Not really…he's probably busy" Hotaru said hesitantly.

"Ok, when was the last time you visited your mum?" Haruka enquired.

"Last week, with Sachiko-ba" Hotaru smiled again.

"Want to go and visit her today and tell her about your day?" Haruka suggested.

"Yes please" Hotaru returned to her cheerful self.

"And chocolate ice cream after?" Haruka suggested.

"Oh yes!" Hotaru rejoiced.

They drove up to the hospital. Once there Haruka took Hotaru by the hand and led her though the corridors to their destination.

When Hotaru entered the room, she let go of Haruka's hand and climbed up the only bed that was in the room. As the little girl sat there, she told her mother all about her day and all she has seen and learned.

Haruka closed the door behind herself and sat down on the chair just watching Hotaru talking to her mum.

Hotaru soon was done and looked expectantly at Haruka.

"Haruka-papa, don't you want to tell mama something?" the little girl asked the blonde.

"That's ok, I can visit her anytime and talk to her then. Take all the time you need Hime-chan." Haruka said assuringly.

"Oh, you just want to talk boring adult stuff, don't you?" Hotaru winked.

Haruka laughed and Hotaru hopped off the bed. "I am going to the toilet now. Don't talk too long, because you still have to buy me ice cream Haruka-papa." Hotaru reminded Haruka.

"Understood" Haruka nodded.

Hotaru went to the toilet and closed the door.

Haruka stepped up to the bed and adjusted the blanket again before she moved some hair out of the comatose woman's face.

She noticed the beautiful woman with the long black hair was getting ever so slightly paler and thinner with every visit Haruka made.

"Sayuri, won't you come back to us?" Haruka whispered quietly.


-Hotaru-

They finally arrived in the shopping district and Haruka parked expertly in one of the tiny parking spots on the streets.

Hotaru hopped out of the car, eager to get her hands on that promised ice cream.

"Stop right there Hime-chan" Haruka cautioned Hotaru.

"But you are so slow Haruka-papa." Hotaru whined.

Haruka put on her sunglasses, walked over to the little girl and took her hand.

"Ok, let's go." Haruka smiled.

They walked for a bit before Hotaru spoke again: "Haruka-papa, why are you wearing sunglasses?"

"Because the sun is shining into my eyes." Haruka explained.

"Why is the sun shining into your eyes?" Hotaru continued to ask.

"Because when you are tall like me, the sun tends to do that." Haruka continued to explain.

"I don't believe you." Hotaru said doubtfully.

"But it is true" Haruka tried to convince the little girl.

"Prove it" Hotaru said challengingly.

"Ok" Haruka lifted Hotaru up and the girl quickly climbed and sat on the blonde's shoulders.

"Oi" Haruka protested and got ignored by Hotaru who was resting her head on top of hers.

"You are right. It is pretty sunny up here." Hotaru agreed.

"Told you" Haruka said pleased.

"You should let me borrow your sunglasses" Hotaru suggested.

"Why?" Haruka asked surprised.

"Because you know Haruka-papa, when you are as tall like me right now, the sun shines into your eyes." Hotaru explained evenly.

"Right…" It dawned on the blonde that she got conned.

Hotaru pulled off Haruka's sunglasses and put them on.

"It's so dark. Hey, do I look as cool as you do Haruka-papa?" Hotaru asked curiously.

"I can't see you like this Hime-chan, I will have to put you down to see you." Haruka explained.

"No, you don't. Look over there, that store window has a mirror. You can check it out there." Hotaru pointed out a make-up store nearby.

"Ok, fine" Haruka sighed and walked over to the makeup store with Hotaru on her shoulders.

When they looked through the store's window teal eyes locked with blue eyes.

"Hey Haruka-papa, there is Minako-nee!" The little girl started to wave towards the blonde standing next to the aqua haired woman.

"Huh? Yea….by the way, can I have my glasses back now?" Haruka asked distracted.

"But what about the sun?" Hotaru protested.

"You have your hat from Kindergarten, don't you?" Haruka asked in return.

"That's not the same." Hotaru pouted.

"I'll buy you some, next time we go shopping." Haruka promised the little girl on her shoulders to get her sunglasses back.

"As cool as yours?" Hotaru asked hopeful.

"Whatever you like" Haruka replied assuringly.

"Ok." And with that Hotaru returned the sunglasses to Haruka who put them on without another word.

In the meantime, Minako and the aqua marine haired woman, had left the store and joined the pair outside.

"Hotaru-chan, what are you doing here?" Minako asked cheerfully.

"Haruka-papa promised me ice cream." Hotaru beamed happily. "Is that your friend Minako-nee?" Hotaru asked, curiously eyeing the pretty woman standing next to Minako.

"Yes, she is." Minako confirmed

"What's your name?" Hotaru asked looking at the gently smiling friend of Minako's.

"My name is Michiru" Michiru introduced herself.

"I am Hotaru and this is Haruka-papa" Hotaru introduced herself and Haruka in return. "Want to come along and have ice cream us, too?" Hotaru invited the other women cheerfully.

"I'd never say no to ice cream." Minako answered before neither Haruka nor Michiru could object.

"Well then, let's go." Haruka said curtly.

They walked towards the park and Minako and Hotaru were chatting away happily.

"Haruka-papa, put me down please." Hotaru asked when they arrived at the park bench, just a stone throw away from the ice cream vendor.

"What's wrong Hime-chan?" Haruka asked concerned.

"I am tired of walking; I want to sit on this bench here." Hotaru explained.

"That so?" Haruka responded, but put the little girl down as requested nonetheless.

Minako and Michiru sat down on both sides of Hotaru leaving no space for Haruka.

"I take it I am the one fetching the ice cream?" Haruka said with a raised eyebrow.

"You're the best Haruka-papa, I'll have chocolate" Hotaru grinned.

"I take strawberry" Minako joined in.

"And what can I get you?" Haruka turned to Michiru.

"I am fine." Michiru responded.

"You cannot NOT have ice cream here Michiru-nee." Hotaru protested. "What's that green one you always have papa, the one you like so much?"

"Mint" Haruka answered short.

"Yes, yes take that one. Then I can finally try it, too. Because Haruka-papa is always so stingy and never shares with me." Hotaru explained to Michiru.

"It is not that I am stingy..." Haruka interjected.

"...you are just too fast." Michiru finished for her.

"Exactly!" Hotaru agreed.

"You could just get mint yourself Hime-chan." Haruka suggested giving Michiru a sideways glance.

"But I love chocolate" Hotaru objected.

"Ok, I have mint." Michiru giggled.

"You are awesome Michiru-nee. I like you." Hotaru commended.

Haruka just resigned and went to buy the ice cream.

Hotaru watched Michiru watching Haruka walking over to the ice cream stand.

"So, what have you been doing all day with your Haruka-papa, Hotaru-chan?" Minako asked.

"We visited mum in the hospital and then we just came here." Hotaru told Minako watching Michiru's reaction from the corner of her eye.

"Are the other kids still picking on you after Haruka picks you up?" Minako asked the little girl.

"No and never tell Haruka-papa about it ok? She would get really mad with them. Anyway, I explained to them that Haruka-papa is always there for me when I need a papa and my dad is too busy with work and most understood. They were just jealous that I have a cool Haruka-papa and they don't." Hotaru turned to a pensive Michiru. "Michiru-nee, can you please help Haruka-papa carry the ice creams? I am worried if I do that, I might drop one while walking over here."

"Yes of course." Michiru answered with a smile before standing up and walking over to Haruka.

"Sneaky Hotaru-chan" Minako commented.

"Haruka-papa needs a helping hand with the simplest of things sometimes." Hotaru sighed.

"Indeed, what would she just do without you?" Minako laughed and Hotaru just nodded with a wide grin.


-Haruka-

'Of all the places in Tokyo, she had to bump into Michiru here and to top it off with Hotaru' Haruka thought to herself with a groan as she waited for the ice creams to be served.

"Alex." Michiru called, suddenly standing next to Haruka, catching the blonde off guard.

"Michelle. Fancy meeting you here." Haruka smirked.

"Hotaru-chan is cute" Michiru continued.

"Hmm" Haruka just nodded.

"You said we all have our secrets." Michiru said, while pretending to be inspecting the selection of ice cream in front of her.

"Hmm" Haruka nodded again, acknowledging Michiru's words.

"When we are working together, I won't tolerate any secret keeping, regarding work. I want complete transparency. Can you do that, Haruka?" Michiru asked evenly without turning towards her.

"I am a professional just as much as you are, Michiru" Haruka answered patiently without hesitation.

"Good then. First mission planning session will be next week. How about Monday nine o'clock in my office?" Michiru suggested.

"a.m. or p.m." Haruka asked, mischief lacing her words.

"You call that professional?" Michiru asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I am nocturnal." Haruka shrugged.

"You seemed to have managed to wake up early in Paris just fine." Michiru interjected.

"Who said that I slept at all?" Haruka smirked.

The ice cream was ready and Haruka grabbed one mint and one chocolate ice cream cone while Michiru grabbed the other two.

"I will think about it." Haruka whispered into Michiru's ear before they reached Hotaru and Minako, where Haruka passed a very happy looking Hotaru the chocolate ice cream.


-Hotaru-

They were sitting comfortably in the car on the way back to the Tomoe estate.

"Ne, Haruka-papa?" Hotaru called for Haruka's attention.

"Hmmm?" Haruka responded patiently.

"Did you have as much fun as I had today?" Hotaru asked innocently.

"Of course" Haruka replied reassuringly.

"Michiru-nee is very beautiful, isn't she?" Hotaru continued to ask.

"Hmmm" Haruka nodded in confirmation.

"And she is so smart, isn't she?" Hotaru proceeded.

"Hmmm" Haruka nodded again.

"Did you know she played the violin?" Hotaru asked curiously.

"Hmm hmm" Haruka shook her head.

"And that that she draws as well?" Hotaru continued.

"Hmm hmm" Haruka shook her head again.

"Do you think she will teach me how to draw the teddy you got me?" Hotaru asked hopeful.

"You have to ask her that. But I am sure she will, if you ask her nicely." Haruka told the little girl.

"I like her." Hotaru proclaimed.

"Oh, you are just saying that because you got half of her ice cream." Haruka winked.

"Can we go out with her for some ice cream again sometime soon?" Hotaru asked eager.

"Hmmm, you would have to ask her that, too. What if she doesn't want to?" Haruka gave Hotaru to consider.

"You just have to be nicer to her next time." Hotaru insisted.

"I was nice!" Haruka said defensively.

"Not as nice as you could have been." Hotaru explained.

"I bought her ice cream. Tell me, what is nicer than that?" Haruka asked in return.

"Good point." Hotaru nodded pensively.


-Michiru-

Minako and Michiru were on their way back to office as Michiru asked her friend: "So how do you know little Hotaru-chan?"

"Oh Hotaru-chan is the niece of Ichiro Tomoe" Minako explained. "The agency runs and revises his security arrangements regularly."

"THE Tomoe of Tomoe Corp?" Michiru asked surprised.

"Yea, him." Minako confirmed. "We have a longstanding relationship with him. If you start your top tier security training in the Tokyo branch, you will inevitably come across him. He is regularly under threat from competitors and other rivals, because he doesn't compromise on his standards nor plays along any rules that others try to enforce on him. But besides his stubbornness he is a really nice guy. Haruka and him get along really well, I guess since they are so alike. Haruto was more smitten with Sayuri Tomoe, that's Hotaru's mum." Minako continued to explain.

"Hotaru did mention that she is in hospital….." Michiru started.

"Yea…..she had an accident two years ago. She was pushed down the stairs and hit her head. She has been in a coma ever since." Minako said quietly.

"So that is why Haruka is close to Hotaru-chan?" Michiru asked.

"Yea, I guess she feels responsible. She hadn't left the agency for a complete year yet and apparently a burglar got into their house and pushed Sayuri down stairs. Haruka was personally responsible for the safety in the townhouse of the Tomoes' where Ichiro's younger brother Soichi lived with his wife Sayuri. It was Haruka and Haruto who insisted on that system, just to be sure that the threats that Ichiro and his family received wouldn't affect them. Still, this happened. No breach could be found after the incident. The agency went through the whole set up and protocol with a fine tooth comb and couldn't turn anything up." Minako said and turned pensive for a moment. "Haruka might not look like it. But she holds high standards for herself. I don't think she has ever forgiven herself for that oversight." Minako concluded quietly.


-Haruka-

After dropping off the cream puff in Yaten's apartment she went back to the elevator and pressed for her apartment floor.

Once there, she dropped herself on her couch and looked at her phone. Michiru's file was flashing as unread on her screen.

'To read or not to read' she thought to herself wryly.

Of course, she would have to read it, and possibly destroy the last of the dreamy image of 'Michelle', that was haunting her long days and even longer nights.

Then again, what Michiru must have read up about her by now must have obliterated any good image of 'Alex' that she might have had.

Putting the phone down on the coffee table she went to the kitchen to make herself cup of coffee and something to eat. The headache that had been plaguing her all morning had returned and she was wondering if she should not just go to bed instead.

It was Thursday night. It would probably be sensible to go to bed early and get up early again, but who was she kidding. She probably wouldn't get any sleep anyway.

Haruka returned with a big mug filled with steaming black coffee and a bowl of fresh pasta with pesto and got comfortable on the couch.

She looked at the phone while she ate, as if to will it to start talking and to read the file on Michiru aloud for her so she wouldn't have to read it herself.

Suddenly it rang with a blocked number.

Haruka nearly dropped her fork.

She picked up.

"Haruka-chan!" A male voice said cheerfully.

"What do you want Kakashi-ji?" Haruka responded annoyed with the voice from the other side.

"That is not how you should be greeting your uncle." Kakashi said amused.

"I'm sorry, the hotline for ass kissing is at the moment under indefinite restructuring. If you need help please state your business in eight words or less, if you would like to die, please keep talking. And if you want to wake up with your baby makers intact, hang up." Haruka said dryly.

"Ok, ok. I make it quick. Michiru Kaioh" Kakashi said hurried.

"What's with her?" Haruka asked curtly.

"She's having a recital tomorrow night." Kakashi informed her.

"What of it?" Haruka asked indifferent.

"Want to attend to see her in action?" Kakashi lured her.

"Not particularly." Haruka feinted disinterest.

"Oh well, it would be hard for you to get onto the ship anyway." Kakashi said with indifference.

"How so?" Haruka matched his tone.

"It's an invite only event." Kakashi explained evenly.

"And you happen to have a spare invitation?" Haruka asked sceptically.

"Yep" Kakashi confirmed.

"What's in it for you?" Haruka asked suspiciously.

"I need a driver" Kakashi informed her.

"Where is Kenji?" Haruka asked briskly.

"Budapest" Kakashi said curtly.

"And you can't drive yourself?" Haruka sighed.

"It would ruin my tux" Kakashi chuckled.

"And it wouldn't ruin mine?" Haruka asked exasperated.

"You could always come in a dress." Kakashi suggested.

"I am hanging up." Haruka replied stoically.

"Ok, ok. It might have been that I promised Myamoto-san that you are coming, for a favour I needed." Kakashi said conciliatory.

"Myamoto-san does not do favours for anyone." Haruka responded unimpressed.

"To see YOU when SHE wants to, she does." Kakashi said implyingly.

"What a pain…." Haruka sighed.

"You have something good with me then." Kakashi promised Haruka to appease her.

"You are my uncle; you are supposed to look after me anyway!" Haruka argued.

"Fine, I let the next three things you do, that will cause me trouble, slide." Kakashi suggested.

"Nine." Haruka demanded.

"Five" Kakashi offered.

"Seven" Haruka counter offered.

"Six" Kakashi tried to meet half way.

"Deal" Haruka conceded.

"Great. Pick me up at my place at nine." Kakashi told Haruka.

"Fine." Haruka agreed.

"Have a good evening Haruka-chan" Kakashi said cheerfully.

"Bye" Haruka grumbled.

Haruka hung up annoyed with herself and continued eating.

She should have declined. This whole thing was going to be such a hassle.

After finishing her food, she moved on to the coffee and leaned back onto the couch. She reached for her phone again and opened the file on Michiru Kaioh.

Her eyes went over every word carefully with the beautiful woman always on her mind, achieving these amazing missions, and making the hard choices that came with fulfilling them.

The life of an agent was a lonely one. One couldn't share one's work with anyone because that would be a security breach in the very least and at the very worst a possible source of threat or even death for the other person, just for knowing. At the same time the burden of keeping secrets and having to make life and death decisions weighs so heavily on one's mind that the loneliness that grew from it could feel unbearable at times.

After finishing reading the files and drinking her coffee, she decided that she needed to shower and to give her brain a break from all she had just read.


-Michiru-

Michiru stepped out of the shower and wrapped her hair in a towel after putting on her bathrobe. She walked over to the bathroom sink to brush her teeth and looked at her reflection in the mirror, her blue eyes looking back at her.

She thought back at the teal ones she had just seen this afternoon.

For a split second, so unguarded, yet still so mysterious.

Michiru reached for her chest and could still feel her heart pounding just thinking back.

In that moment when she looked into those teal eyes, she realised how much she actually missed the blonde and her presence.

It had been barely a week that they hadn't seen each other or talked with each other and yet her whole body seemed to long for the other, even ache for the blonde.

The relief she felt when she walked next to the blonde was indescribable and made her realise how tense she had been this whole time.

What were the odds of meeting Haruka so unguarded with a child on her shoulders?

She looked so happy and yet….

After returning from her short trip with Minako, Michiru returned to her office and pulled up all the files she could get on Tomoe corp. and their dealings with the Tenohs.

Their plans were virtually flawless at every stage, yet this tragedy took place.

She could see how Haruka couldn't forgive herself for causing Hotaru the loss of her mother at such a young age.

The clinical reports didn't look good for the odds of Sayuri Tomoe ever waking up again.

A pang of guilt hit her when she thought back, how, for a second, she could have been jealous of this woman when Hotaru told her about her and Haruka's visit of her mother.

She finished brushing her teeth and cleaned up.

She needed a break from Haruka Tenoh, the turmoil the blonde caused in her heart, and collect her thoughts.

She was glad that tomorrow she would be having the recital instead of work at the office.

If anything could take her mind of things, then it would be her beloved music.