Disclaimer: All the characters that have the same name in Sailormoon manga and anime belong to Naoko Takeuchi and not mine. The rest are definitely mine.
It was ages ago since the last time I had updated a story I have forgotten how to write a disclaimer.
"How are you feeling today, Taichi-san?" The doctor smiled widely at the State Attorney General then at his wife who was sitting next to the patient, before he picked up the medical report board and scanned it thoroughly.
"I feel much better today, doctor. No more pain on my left hand and my back. But I still feel a little bit short of breath." Hajime then took a hard deep breath, as if the doctor needed a demonstration himself.
The doctor chuckled. "Relax, Taichi-san. At this rate, you shouldn't force yourself too hard."
"What's wrong with my husband doctor?" Hajime's wife laced her hand with her husband, spared a worried glance at her own husband then at the doctor.
"I just got the body check result with me. The result shows that one of Taichi-san's left main coronary arteries is totally blocked while the right arteries are still working well. As for the shortness of breath, pain on left or both hands, on the back and on the neck are common signs of heart attack."
"Heart attack….." Hajime murmured.
"Is it life threatening?" Hajime's wife asked.
"Most of the heart attacks caused by coronary heart disease where your coronary arteries are gradually narrowed or blocked by build-up fat within the walls. In Taichi-san's case, the blockage is not life threatening. We could treat the blockage with Thrombolysis, also known as 'clot buster.' It involves injecting a medicine to vein to dissolve the clot to let the blood supply back to the heart. But…a serious heart attack could lead to cardiac arrest where the heart stops pumping blood to the body, so if Taichi-san wanted to fully recover from CHD, the first thing that you need to do is to rest more. Taichi-san, perhaps it's the time for you to consider retirement."
Some knocks on the door. "Are you convenient to talk?"
Michiru looked up from her working desk and saw Hajime standing at her office entrance, waiting for her permission to come in.
"Sure. Please, come in and take a seat." Michiru immediately closed the file she was working on and put it aside. Once Hajime had seated, she fully focus on her superior. "So, Hajime-san, how are you feeling today? You just took a week of medical leave. What's the problem? Anything serious?"
Hajime chuckled. "Why do I feel like I'm under interrogation? I thought I was the one that came to you.
Michiru smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
"It's ok. Actually, I came here to discuss about my health."
"Oh?"
"I was admitted to hospital last week because of heart attack. "
"Oh…I'm…sorry to hear that. Hhmmm…..Is there anything I can help?"
Hajime stared deeply into Michiru's eye, causing Michiru to fidget on her own spot rather uneasily before he spoke again. "Are you ready to take over my place?"
Michiru eye's slightly widened in surprise.
"This morning, I went to see the Prime Minister…..to request for early retirement."
"Early retirement?" Michiru was shocked.
Hajime took a deep breath. "Well, doctor advised me to take more rest. Stressful job is not suitable to me anymore. It was not an easy decision for me, but, my wife prefers me to retire now so….I would be leaving in 3 months."
Michiru was left speechless. Hajime's departure came too sudden.
"I propose you to Prime Minister to take over my place."
Michiru only managed to stare back at Hajime. Since the first day she joined DoJ, her ambition is to lead the whole department but when the good news suddenly dropped in front of her, she didn't know how to react.
"Prime Minister seems to agree with the recommendation, but as you know Michiru, politic is a complicated field. Especially top position like State Attorney General. Countless of people are vying for it. So anything could happen in 3 months time."
"This is so….. sudden. I don't know what to say but I'm thankful for your confidence in me. So….what should I do next?"
"I have think about it thoroughly. I want you to take over Yutaka Tajime's case."
"The money laundering and firearms smuggling case?"
Hajime nodded. "Do you know why we never submit the case to court?"
"Yutaka Tajime plans to move all of his business to Malaysia within 6 months. And TMPD is rushing to collect evidence against him but the problem is, all the evidences that TMPD managed to gather are only circumstantial evidence. TMPD urged us to submit the case to court as they wanted to use court hearings to delay Yutaka Tajime's exit from Japan to buy some time to search for more concrete evidence but DoJ refused to proceed with the case as the same charges couldn't be used against the same person if the person was found not guilty for the first time."
"You got it all right. So now, I want you to take over the case and take it to High Court of Japan. In 2 months time. Before I retire and before Yutaka Tajime completely disappear from Japan. The most important is, Yutaka Tajime must be found guilty. Can you do it?"
Michiru swallowed hardly. This was not an easy mission.
"Of course, if you failed, it doesn't mean you couldn't take over the department. It's just that, I want you to use this case to earn respect from your future male subordinates and cemented your place as the favorite to succeed this position in case some competitors appear out of nowhere. 3 months are still a long way to go."
Michiru sighed. "I can only say…I will try my best."
"I know this is a mission impossible but you have whole TMPD as your back up."
"But I couldn't ask Haruka to deploy all Tokyo officers to help me right?"
Hajime chuckled. "At least you have Tokyo Superintendent General at your disposal. She alone is mightier than whole Tokyo army. Don't you think so?"
"Yeah….especially her temper…." Michiru trailed off.
Hajime chuckled even louder. "Anyhow, this is a golden opportunity for you to climb one step higher in legal field. Give your best. I will try my best to support you."
Michiru stood and bowed respectfully at Hajime. "Thank you for the recommendation Hajime-san. I will give my best to the case and won't let you down."
"I'm home."
Haruka frowned when only silence welcomed her back home. As far as she knew, Michiru should be at home at this hour. Haruka impulsively walked to the study room that she shared with Michiru and found that her girlfriend was fighting with countless of files that were piled on top of each other, spreading across their working table. Haruka knocked on the door for attention but Michiru was too preoccupied with the colorful files. Haruka walked in, still ignored by Michiru, and randomly fished out a file to read the inside content. Yutaka Tajime's police statement for the past 1 year.
The file suddenly disappeared from her hand, snatched by a scowling Michiru. "Here you are." Michiru smiled, finally found the file that she was looking for but shot a dirty look at the innocent Haruka.
"What?"
"I'm busy at here and you are disturbing me."
"Am not."
"You were messing with my file."
"I did not. I came in to look for my girlfriend." All Haruka got was another round of silent treatment from Michiru as Michiru had buried herself in the new found file. Haruka sighed. "Have you eaten, love?" Again, no reply. This was one of the cons of dating an ambitious woman and Haruka had accepted this fact years ago. Haruka then saw an uneaten, cooked noodle in cup, sharing the same similar fate as Haruka, being ignored and left unattended at the furthest corner of the working table. Haruka cleared the cup away from the table, before Michiru make a mess out of it then walked out from the house.
Michiru heard the main door being closed and suddenly pondered why Haruka went out again. She shrugged it off and went back to her work.
Something smelled good. Michiru pushed the chair back and sniffed at the air. She could smell some smoky aroma that was similar to burnt food. At the same time, Haruka walked in, holding a big bowl with both hands, and the smell of burnt food immediately wafted the whole room. Michiru instantly cleared the files away while Haruka carefully placed the hot bowl in front of Michiru.
"Kogashi Miso Ramen…." Michiru watched the ramen in awe, suddenly felling extremely hungry.
"Yup. Your favourite ramen."
(Kogashi Miso Ramen – Gogyo's specialty 'burnt kogashi ramen' has a miso or soy based broth, cooked in 300 degrees Celcius lard. This unique soup base is heated in wok, igniting orange flames in the kitchen. The ramen arrived with a layer of black oil, specks of char, with a smokey aroma.)
Michiru practically snatched the offered chopsticks from Haruka's hand, earned herself a chuckle from her lover and devoured the ramen greedily.
"Careful with the boiling soup, Michi." The warning fall into deaf ear. Michiru hissed loudly as her tongue stung by the hot soup but still couldn't deter Michiru from attacking the ramen like a starving refugee. Michiru was too preoccupied with the files that she brought home that she didn't realize how hungry she was until Haruka brought the ramen in.
Haruka shook her head, unimpressed with Michiru's antic. But still, she took a stool with her and placed it at Michiru's side. Next, she slowly turned Michiru's chair around, making sure Michiru still able to consume her favourite ramen although in awkward angle. Haruka grabbed Michiru's feet and placed it on her lap once she deposited herself comfortably on the stool. Low moan echoed across the room soon.
Michiru moaned in satisfaction when Haruka's delicate fingers, gently massaging her heel and her ankle. High heels often caused frequent foot and back pain to Michiru. This supportive act from Haruka always managed to get Haruka off the hook whenever she had trouble with Michiru. Of course, Haruka would also show this loving side of her whenever Michiru felt stressful.
"Haruka?"
"Hm..?"
"Tissue."
Fingers stopped moving. Haruka glared at the smiling Michiru.
"It's on the table, love. You just have to stretch your hand a bit."
"Take it for me."
"Are you really that lazy?"
"Let's just say, I love being pampered by you."
"Is it….a compliment?"
"Let's just say, I love to see you show your every affection to me. No matter how tiny it is."
Haruka looked away to hide her smile. People always said Haruka was a big flirt, well, they haven't deal with Michiru yet. Haruka finally relented to Michiru's sweet words and put Michiru's leg back to its original position. She stood up to peel few pieces of tissue from the mentioned tissue box and handed it to Michiru. Haruka continued to hover above Michiru. As soon as, Michiru got rid of the black oil on her lips, Haruka moved forward to kiss Michiru on her lips which Michiru quickly deepened it by wrapping her arms around Haruka's neck.
"So, you would make up for me right? For my every effort to show you my endearment…." Haruka whispered once their kiss ended.
Michiru pulled Haruka back for another kiss but much to Haruka's dismay, it didn't last long.
"I will….." A kiss on the nose and Michiru broke the intimate moment. "…..but not today. Why don't you take your bath now and rest earlier. Don't wait for me. I want to finish all these files today."
Haruka deposited herself on the stool once again and forced Michiru to face her again. "Why don't you tell me the reason you brought all Yutaka Tajime's files back? I thought DoJ is not ready to bring the case to court yet."
Michiru laced their hands together before put them on her lap. "Hajime-san is going to retire 3 months later."
Eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh…this is really unexpected. But what does it has to do with all these mess?"
"Hajime-san recommended me to take over his place."
"It's a great news, love."
"Yeah…and the Prime Minister doesn't have any objection with this recommendation but, as you know hun, it's still 3 months away, anything could happen in 3 month time especially in politic, especially when it involved such an important position so Hajime-san proposed to me to take over the case, nail the culprit down to silence all the critics down, and of course to stamp down my authority and power on those dicks in DoJ."
Haruka nodded in understanding. "Make sense. Well….. no worries. I will assist you."
A peck on the lips. "I know you will."
"Makoto invited us over for dinner this weekend. BBQ she said. Said she just invented some new marinate recipe..…not sure what is it…but the other boys would be attending too, so, I will ask them if they could help…"
"Can you do that?"
"Personal favour. No obligation."
Michiru used her thumb to rub on Haruka's hand affectionately. "Thank you. What am I going to do without you?"
"That's why you have to stick with me for a looong loooong time."
Michiru couldn't help but smiled sweetly to herself. It was just a simple reply but also an invitation to commitment from Haruka. From a person that she loved the most now. The invitation makes her happy and she started to think she would actually got a heart attack if Haruka suddenly proposed to her. IF Haruka actually proposed to her. "Go take your bath now. I will try to get this done soon but don't wait for me. Not sure how long it will take."
Haruka rose to her feet and gently kissed on MIchiru's forehead. "Ok. Call me if you need anything."
Michiru nodded in reply and soon she was left alone again in the study room.
Haruka was already asleep as Michiru walked in tiptoes into their shared bedroom. The aqua haired woman silently climbed to the bed that she shared with Haruka, trying her best not to wake Haruka up, but it proved to be futile when she attempted to snuggle close to Haruka's side. Haruka groaned, half awake by now, wrapped her arm around Michiru and pulled her closed into a tight embrace.
"What's the time now?" Haruka asked sleepily.
"Almost 3."
"3?!" The answer almost totally woke Haruka up.
"Hush….Go back to sleep, ok?" Michiru planted feather kisses on Haruka's jawline and neck, attempting to coo Haruka back to slumber.
"Love, I am always by your side. You don't have to overwork yourself. Share your load with me and we are going to shoulder it together…k?"
As Haruka slowly drifted back to her dreamland, Michiru studied Haruka's peaceful sleeping features with little help from the waning moon's light. Her past relationships paved the road for her, mold a bright career path for her but she felt like a puppet, controlled by some invisible strings. There was no sense of accomplishment. It was like, she lived to serve the purpose of other people rather than herself. But with Haruka, it was different. Haruka would lend her a helping hand, but she had to fight for the ultimate prize. Of course, she was unsure Haruka won't do the same thing if she had the ability to control the outcome but the fact was, with Haruka, she was able to uphold her pride, her dignity, and not like a pampered pet under tight leash. For the first time in her life, she felt comfortable in a relationship even though she was with a woman. And the most important was, she was ready to commit to a lifelong relationship and it's all thanks to the woman that was sleeping by her side now.
Michiru carefully moved forward to kiss lightly Haruka on her temple. "Good night, love."
Everyone pulled back at the same time when the fire suddenly flare up causing some of the girls to squeal in surprise.
"Careful with the dripping oil." Someone said.
"Usagi, you just have to brush some honey on the wings and not soak the whole wings into the honey."
"Mamoru….!" Tears followed suit.
"Let me handle this Usako." Mamoru sighed. With right hand holding 4 bbq skewers at the same time, courtesy of Usagi's greediness, his left hand wrapped around his wife shoulder's, whispering sweet on Usagi's ears, trying to coax his teary wife.
"Baka as ever."
Another attack from Minako prompted Usagi to cry even louder making everyone sweat dropped.
"Whose idea is it to use charcoal instead of electric grill?"
And the eyeballs collectively rested on the only silver haired guy in the group aka Kou Yaten, and a hard smack on the back of his head followed soon.
"Another baka."
"By the way…." Haruka frowned at Usagi. "…..u seem to eat more than usual Koneko-chan."
This harmless remark prompted Usagi to pout again with tears threatened to fall from her big round eyes. "Even Haruka-chan bullies me…"
Haruka sweat dropped. Michiru laughed.
"There's a reason behind Usagi's huge appetite." Mamoru said. "She's eating for 2 persons now."
"2 persons?" Haruka looked confused but Michiru got the meaning behind the words.
"Congratulation. Finally." Michiru moved to Usagi's side as they hugged and smiled widely at each other.
The rest of the girls, Makoto, Rei and Minako also joined in the small group to celebrate the good news. But the guys, along with Haruka, the 4 Superintendents, were still clueless.
Mamoru chuckled. "Usagi is pregnant."
"Ooohhh…"
"We have to kampai to celebrate this good news." And so the 4 and a half guys toasted, taking advantage of the situation to take on more beer.
"With an extra member now, I think I will quit DoJ to practice with private." Mamoru suddenly announced. The superintendents looked at him with surprise. Mamoru chuckled. "First of all, I'm planning to take a month or 2 leave to stay with Usagi until the baby is stable in her womb."
Mamoru and Usagi had been married for some time. 2 years ago, Usagi experienced her first time pregnancy but unfortunately, she had miscarriage on the 12 weeks. It was a huge blow to both of them and Mamoru took indefinite unpaid leave just to stay by his wife's side and nursed her back to health. The incident also cost him the position of Asst State Attorney General. Because of this uncertainty, The PM decided to promote Michiru to fill up the gap.
"Secondly, it's not cheap to raise a kid nowadays. So, I think it's time for me to step up…..financially."
The Kou brothers nodded in understanding. But Haruka got another opinion on her mind.
"Ok guys. I actually have something to discuss with you all and Mamoru maybe you could take 'wait and see' approach."
"And it involves me?" Mamoru asked.
Haruka nodded. "Hajime-san would retire soon."
Mamoru looked shock. "I didn't know about that."
"Michiru said Hajime-san would announce it once the next Attorney General has been confirmed and Michiru is in the run for it. If everything goes well, Michiru would propose you to be the Asst."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, but there's a catch here. Hajime-san hopes that Michiru able to prosecute Yutaka Tajime before he retires which would happen anytime 2 months later."
"That's the reason why Michiru-san took over the case."
"For the time being, there's only 1 candidate for this top position, but like Hajime-san said, no one knows what would happen in the future. Attorney General is a powerful position. A lot of people are vying for this title. So Hajime-san hopes Michiru could be able to accomplish something huge before his retirement, in case, maybe suddenly, 1 or 2 morons come out of nowhere to compete for this seat. And that's why, I 'm asking for you all help in Yutaka Tajime's case. It's not an order. Just a personal favour, so, if you guys refuse I'm ok with it. No offence taken."
"Fumito Hiroto from your jurisdiction is in charge of this case right?" Seiya forwarded his question to his brother Yaten.
"Yes, so, I have no problem to offer an extra hand. I'm in. I can work closely with Fumito-san. Let me check the case with him tomorrow."
Haruka smiled at Yaten with gratitude. "Thanks a lot."
"Im in too." Both Seiya and Mamoru said at the same time.
"There's not much case to follow recently so I could help." Seiya added.
"I will be taking leave soon so we can brainstorm together." Mamoru offered.
"Well…..I'm sorry to say I have to opt out." Taiki smiled apologetically at the group. "You guys know my department deal with information analysis. We are the brain of the TMPD. Basically my department is working on 24/7 basis so….."
"Of course I know." Haruka cut Taiki off. "We are all with TMPD. Our responsibility in TMPD should be prioritized. But anyway…" Haruka stood up and bowed at the group. "…thank you for the help. I really appreciate that."
The guys immediately pulled Haruka back down and chastised her for being both mushy and formal and punished her with more beer. Michiru watched the grown up kids from nearby and smiled softly to herself. For someone as cocky as Haruka, to humble herself in front of other people, and she did it solely for Michiru, was enough to make Michiru pledged her heart to the arrogant blonde tomboy.
"Looking for me Hajime-san?" Michiru instantly reported herself to the State Attorney General, when she was being informed by her secretary that her superior enquired for her early this morning. Michiru opened the door when her request to enter the room was granted and she was welcomed by 2 unfamiliar faces staring back at her. Michiru paused but the State Attorney General immediately gestured her in.
"Come, take a seat. I want to introduce 2 new colleagues to you."
Michiru smiled stiffly and bows were exchanged in between the 2 new faces and Michiru. Once Michiru was seated, Hajime began the introduction.
"This is Shigeru KaE." Hajime gestured towards a man, seated next to Michiru. He nodded lightly at Michiru which Michiru replied with a small smile. "Previously, he was the Asst State Attorney General for District of Florida but now he decided to return to his and serve his native country. He would be the new Asst State Attorney General for Tokyo."
'New Asst State Attorney General? What does it means?'
For few seconds, Michiru felt her body grew numb. Then realizing she was staring too hard at Hajime, almost immediately she gave a small acknowledgement nod at Hajime, and forced out a small polite smile at Shigeru KaE.
"I think I need some time to familiarize with Japan's legal system. Hopefully Kaioh-san could forgive me for unable to share some of her workload for the time being, but it's just for a short period. I would be able to catch up very soon." Shigeru KaE smiled back at Michiru and for the first time Michiru finally had a good look at KaE. Fashionable haircut with undercut on the sides, combed in taper style with obvious fringe tail. Full frame rectangular spectacle suited perfectly his square face. Clean shaven. But what stood out the most was his blood red eyes. Not exactly handsome but Michiru noticed that, when he smiled, he could be very charming.
"Sure. It won't be a problem. Take your time. I know America legal system is slightly different with Japan legal system."
'You can take all the time in the world.'
"Thank you then. I appreciate that."
"It's good to see both of you could get along so well." Hajime suddenly interjected. "And this lovely lady beside Shigeru-san is Hatsuko Misa. Previously she worked together with Shigeru-san and after much persuasion from Shigeru-san, she decided to join our team too. She would be our new senior prosecutor."
Another round of smiles being exchanged.
"I think that's all for now. I propose a lunch for all of us. But not today. We'll do it tomorrow. And…I would like to have a moment with Kaioh-san."
Shigeru KaE and Hatsuko Misa excused themselves, leaving an anxious Michiru behind. Once the door was properly closed, Michiru couldn't help herself but agitatedly voiced out her concern. "Should I be happy or worry with this new arrangement?"
Hajime chuckled. "It's just as expected, right?"
Michiru sighed.
"Shigeru Oshin, Minister of Defence, is Shigeru KaE's uncle. I think the PM must have consulted him regarding my resignation and the senior Shigeru immediately arrange his nephew in. Now, Michiru-san…."
Michiru gave her full attention.
"…the original plan is still unchanged. But you have to face the fact that, there's a competitor now. Of course, it would be great if we could prosecute Yutaka Tajime. Even if we couldn't bring Yutaka to court, it still won't change a thing. But…you have to be careful with your every decision and action in these 2 months, Michiru-san."
"I will, Hajime-san."
"And…..same-sex relationship is still a sensitive issue to the public. You and Tenoh-san…..try to stay in low profile."
"I understand, Hajime-san."
"Konnichiwa Miyo-san."
The receptionist of Ministry of Justice, Momoko Miyo tore her gaze from the computer in front of her and smiled broadly at the visitor before she bowed in respect.
"Konnichiwa Tenoh-san. Wah…." Miyo's eyes widened in admiration at the bouquet of hyacinth on Haruka's hands. The she sighed. "I wish my boyfriend could be as romantic as you Tenoh-san. You always spend your free lunch time with Kaioh-san. You always come with flowers. I don't mind to date a woman if this woman put the same effort on me as much as Tenoh-san." Miyo's mind started to drift to her own dreamland.
Haruka chuckled. This was the effect that she wanted. Her relationship with Michiru, unavoidably, attracted a lot of gossipers. Though the aftermath of the exposure of their relationship came rather gentle than expected, but still, Haruka felt quite annoyed with unkind words being spread around behind Michiru's back. That's the main reason why Haruka seized every chance to show her affection to Michiru for public to see, to let them felt jealous with Michiru, to let them knew same sex relationship could be as happy as, as envious as, if not more than the so called normal couple.
"Please safeguard the flower for me like usual ok?"
"Sure." Miyo happily accepted the flower from Haruka.
"Thank you Miyo-san." Haruka sighed. "What would I do without you, Miyo-san"
Miyo giggled. "You are such a tease, Tenoh-san."
Haruka laughed.
"Ha…..ruka?"
Haruka spun around when she heard her name being called out. Standing in front of her was a girl slightly shorter than her with long silky dark grey hair, big round chocolate eyes and a familiar chiseled face.
"Is it really you, Haruka?"
"Misa…." Haruka exclaimed in surprise.
Hatsuko Misa closed their distance in few quick steps and without a warning hugged Haruka tightly. Haruka was slightly stunned with the affection shown by Misa but returned the hug nonetheless.
"How come you are here?" Haruka asked once they separated. "When did you come back?"
"I have come back for almost a week. I am a state prosecutor now. Wow…. I never imagine I could see you at here. How long was it? 10 years?" Miso make a calculation with her fingers.
"It's 12 years. Not long after you were gone, Hokkaido was hit with huge earthquake with thousands of casualties. It's hard not to remember that."
"I didn't know that…Anyway how are you?" Misa stepped back to have a good look at Haruka. Misa noticed that, Haruka's look had matured a lot since the last time she saw her.
"Good. Why do you suddenly decided to come back? Wait." A piece of memory suddenly came into Haruka's mind. "Last time you migrated to America with your family. I think you don't have any relative left in Japan. You came back with your family again?"
"No. My parents and other siblings are still in America. I came back alone. How bout you? Why are you here? You are not with TMPD anymore?"
Haruka chuckled. "I'm still with TMPD. I came here to pick up my girlfriend for lunch."
Misa's eyes widened in surprise. "Your girlfriend is with DoJ too? Who is she?"
"She is…." The answer was cut short when Haruka phone beeped.
'I'm coming down – Michiru.'
Haruka smiled and set the phone back into her pants pocket. "So where do you stay now?" Totally forgotten the earlier question, Haruka shot Miso back with another question. "Kamiyacho area. I came back quite hastily. It was a very short notice, I don't have much time to properly scout for a proper place. The rental at Kamiyacho is really killing me. I'm looking for another place but I feel like a foreigner in Tokyo soil."
"No worries. I could help you with that."
"Really?" Miso brightened up at once.
"If I'm not mistaken, I never lie to you. Not even once."
Hearing that, Miso's smile dropped. Before Haruka could notice that, Miso flashed out a smirk. "Well…then you better do your job properly."
Haruka let out a low throaty chuckle. Miso suddenly realized, since she left Tokyo 12 years ago, she never heard the same throaty chuckle again from anyone. "Look Haruka, I still have some job to do and later I have to lunch with my boss. Can we arrange a reunion dinner or lunch sometime in the near future?"
"Of course. What is your phone number?" Haruka fished out her mobile once again.
"Are you still using the same number?"
Haruka nodded.
"Good. I still remember your number. I'll send you a text later ok?"
"I know you always have good memory but I'm still impress." Haruka looked astonished.
Misa sighed dejectedly in a playful manner. "You are always on my mind, but I doubt I'm anywhere near your heart."
Haruka couldn't stop herself from laughing.
"I really have to go. Call you soon ok? Bye." Misa gave another light hug to Haruka and left with swift motion. She stopped momentarily when saw Michiru was standing not far in front of her. They smiled at each other before Misa proceeded in rapid steps, trying to catch the elevator before the door closed itself while Michiru took her time towards the grinning Haruka.
"What? A new Asst State Attorney General?" Haruka raised a questioning eyebrow.
Michiru heaved a tired sigh. "Yes."
"How it would affect you?"
"Hajime-san said everything is still according to plan but one couldn't afford to be careless. Prosecution on Yutaka Tajime would help a lot."
"Well, Fumito-san and Taiki is working hard on it. But I feel pity for Mamoru. There goes his promotion."
Michiru shrugged helplessly then diverted her attention to the menu. Something went through her mind.
"If I'm not mistaken, I never lie to you. Not even once."
"Well…then you better do your job properly."
"Look Haruka, I still have some job to do and later I have to lunch with my boss. Can we arrange a reunion dinner or lunch sometime in the near future?"
"Of course. What is your phone number?"
"Are you still using the same number?"
"Good. I still remember your number. I send you a text later ok?"
"You know Hatsuko-san? I saw you were talking to her at the lobby."
"You mean Misa?"
No san. No chan. Only Misa. Michiru felt slightly irritated. "Yes." Her voice was hard but it went unnoticed by Haruka.
"Oh…She's an old friend."
Michiru now stared at Haruka skeptically. "Just an old friend?"
Haruka snickered. "Is this woman's intuition?"
All Haruka got was a blank face from Michiru.
"Ok. OK. She's my ex."
"Ah…" Now Michiru sent Haruka a knowing face.
"Come on, love. It was ages ago."
"But she still remember your phone number."
"She always has good memory. It's not a surprise."
'Is Haruka really that naïve?'
Michiru searched through Haruka's face.
'She's really that naïve.'
"Ok. If you say so."
"What a coincidence Kaioh-san."
Michiru glanced up only to see a pair of familiar blood red eyes are staring back at her. She stood up spontaneously and greeted her new colleague. "Shigeru-san, Hatsuko-san."
Haruka followed suit and smiled at the intruders. While KaE was still wearing the smiling façade, Miso was staring at Michiru with small shock.
"The colleagues actually recommended this restaurant for lunch and I personally think it was a good suggestion because I got to meet Tenoh-san here."
Haruka looked perplexed. "Sorry but …. do I know you?"
KaE chuckled. "You are quite famous in our department, Tenoh-san."
"Oh…" Haruka still looked confused.
"Haruka…." Michiru placed her hand on Haruka's arm to get her attention. "Shigeru-san is our new Asst State Attorney General while Hatsuko-san is our new senior prosecutor."
"Ohh…..So you are Michiru's new colleague."
KaE nodded while Misa remained silent.
"Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
The conversation halted and then there was a moment of awkward silence. KaE utilized this moment to excuse himself and his partner and apologized for the sudden intrusion.
"Wow, he got this fiery red eyes. Like it could burn through your soul." Haruka whispered lowly to Michiru even though Shigeru KaE was already seated at the far corner of the restaurant along with Hatsuko Misa.
"I'm not sure bout Shigeru-san though but it seems to me your ex was eyeing at you like a prey."
"Michiru….." Haruka groaned.
She watched how Michiru played with Haruka's fingers. She watched how Haruka leaned closely to Michiru. She couldn't fathom out, how Haruka could end up with such an authoritative woman.
"You are quiet."KaE broke the silence, successfully pulling Misa out from her own reverie. "Are you fascinated by the public show of affection by a same sex couple?"
Misa was genuinely flabbergasted by the comment. "Of course not. What were you thinking?"
"I don't know. You were too preoccupied with them."
"I was just wondering how Haruka could end up with an eminent woman from DoJ."
"Haruka? Just Haruka?"
Misa exhaled slowly. "Haruka is an old friend of mine."
"Old friend...really just an old friend?"
"Fine. She's my ex. My last ex before I moved to America. Satisfied now?"
Shigeru KaE leaned back casually with arms acrossed his chest. His eyes were closed as in deep meditation. But he wasn't. "You never mention to me Tenoh is your old friend."
"Why suddenly I should bring her up?"
Blood red eyes revealed themselves again. "Why shouldn't you?"
Misa looked confused. "She's just an officer. A police officer. When I left Tokyo, she was only an Inspector. We didn't stay in touch for whole 12 years. I'm not even sure whether she's still with TMPD or not until I bumped into her at DoJ lobby just now. And I swear I didn't know she's dating with Kaioh-san."
"You didn't do your homework, don't you?"
"It was a very very short notice, KaE. One day you asked me to go back to Tokyo with you, the next day you told me we would be heading back on the same day. You didn't give me chance to pack. You didn't give me time to think. Heck, you didn't even explain properly my role. You just told me there's an opportunity awaiting us at Tokyo and told me to trust you."
KaE sighed through his nose. "OK. I'm sorry. Maybe I was rushing things back then. My uncle was pestering me to come back as soon as possible. He never describe the situation clearly. He just told me the top position in DoJ is up for grab and he would use all his power to fill me in. Now it only dawns on me it's not as simple as he said."
"What's the current status?"
"Hajime-san preferred Kaioh-san to take over the department. The PM seems willing to go with the flow however the PM is wary with the close relationship in between Kaioh-san and Tenoh-san. My uncle used this opportunity to recommend me in, which luckily, well accepted by the PM but that doesn't mean I'm in the run for the top post. My uncle is working hard on it and I just got to know Hajime-san had personally requested Kaioh-san to take over a major case which, if Kaioh-san successfully brings the prominent figure to court, I guess there's nothing left for me to fight anymore."
"Who's this prominent figure?"
"Yutaka Tajime. Top 10 richest man in Japan. The government suspects he is supplying firearms to the terrorists."
"And how does Haruka fit into the picture? Why the PM is so cautious with her?"
""No particular reason. The PM is just trying to avoid any political alliances."
"Between a prosecutor and a police?" Miso didn't understand the logic behind this.
"Between a State Attorney General in waiting and Superintendent General of TMPD."
Totally in shock, Misa suddenly froze on the spot. She couldn't believe her ears. Superintendent General. She had left only 12 years, and Haruka had rose to the top spot. She inadvertently whipped her head towards the couple.
They were laughing. Laughing happily. The old memories suddenly flashed through her mind. She remembered how much she loved Haruka. And how much Haruka loved her back. She was a lawyer back then. And Haruka was an Inspector. Both of them came out and it earned them some harsh words from the close minded society. It didn't bother her though. It's none of their business as long as she's happy. But….she couldn't survive in a society that belittled a woman's every effort and contribution. She was an ambitious woman but under intense pressure in a society that discriminated a woman's status regardless their qualification and potential. So when a chance to migrate to a country with gender equality presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity. And Haruka, though unwillingly, agreed to let her go. Haruka soon became a history. Initially, everything went smoothly in the new country. A top notch solicitor in a matter of few years. She was on cloud nine. But…too soon…..she was dragged down to face the cruel reality. 1 case. It only took 1 case to open her eyes to the truth to her newly adopted country. She managed to get her fellow Asian client acquitted from abetting suicide charges but it came with a great cost. The one that took his own life was a Native American. While America was a country famous with gender equality, at least the country was making effort on it, the same thing couldn't be said to one's skin color. Racism was a sensitive issue in America. Those American blamed her for the American's injustice death. The American committed suicide for God's sake, from where did this injustice suddenly came in. Her career went downhill overnight. Just when she was considering an U-turn back to Japan, Shigeru KaE appeared and offered her a lifeline. But then the damage had been done. Her career became stagnated until today.
Haruka leaned in for a kiss. But Michiru stopped the tomboy by putting her palm over Haruka's mouth. Then she was seen chastising Haruka.
'If I never left Japan, would I be the one running for the top position?'
'If I never left Japan, would I be the one sitting next to Haruka, Superintendent General of TMPD?'
Following Misa's line of gaze, Shigeru KaE saw Misa was observing the couple again.
"Now I know why you never agreed to go out with me." Again, Misa was being pulled back to reality by KaE. "I am not in the same league as yours."
"That's not the reason KaE."
"And?"
Misa finally focus fully on KaE. "Because you love your career more than any other woman in the world."
KaE laughed. When he stopped, he stared at Misa with all the seriousness in the world.
Misa gulped. "Wh….What?"
"I was thinking, we should follow up on Yutaka Tajime's case too. If we could find a way or new evidence to prosecute him, we might turn the table into our favour."
"Without informing Hajime-san?"
"He might not agree to it. Furthermore, if we failed to dig up anything that could help in the prosecution, we don't have to bear any responsibility. We have nothing to lose."
"Hhmm….yes…you are right. But…just the two of us? Everything in Tokyo looks so foreign to us now."
"I could request for some assists from my uncle. He's the Minister of Defense after all."
"And Kaioh-san has few thousands of TMPD officers to back her up." Misa rolled her eyes sarcastically.
KaE hummed to himself. "I wonder, if you never left Japan, would you be the one sitting next to Tenoh-san now?"
Misa suddenly felt embarrassed. 'Heck, are you a mind reader?'
"Do you want to wrestle back your rightful place?"
"You…..what do u mean?"
"It would be a win-win situation for us. Put aside those sentimental feeling, Tenoh-san is not a small fish in a big pond anymore. She's the Superintendent General now. Commanding almost 50,000 police officers. Don't you think she's a perfect suitor? For you?"
Again, Misa glanced back at her ex lover. The truth was she felt envy with Michiru. She make a bad choice once and the wheel of fortune turned against her.
"We don't know how what role does Tenoh-san plays in this promotion race, if any, but if we could severe every assistance that would benefit Kaioh-san, I believe it would be a tremendous help for us." KaE continued with his persuasion assault.
Michiru could be at where she was now because she, Misa, gave up on Japan. By rights, it was hers. The happy love life. The promising career. She surrendered it once, she did not wish to surrender it twice.
When Misa pulled back her gaze from the couple to KaE, she looked determined then slowly loosen up. "See, I told you. Your first love is always your career and not me."
"Michiru?"
Michiru closed the file on her laps when she recognized Haruka's voice called out for her and welcomed her approaching lover with a small smile. "Hey there…"
Haruka checked her watch once she deposited herself next to Michiru, on a long bench in the middle of the corridor on the 13th floor of TMPD headquarter. "You are early."
"Hmm….we finished early."
"So did you learn anything?"
"Not much. It was not a full scale investigation, Haruka. Just some random visit from an officer and state prosecutor. Furthermore, I just want to have a look at their warehouse, their manufacturing plant and their transportation logistic to the port."
"So you went to Shibuya then Minato?"
Michiru nodded. "Yutaka Tajime owned several plants but Shibuya plant located nearest to Edo Minato (Edo Port, Port of Tokyo). Besides that, this plant also serves as the central hub for the other plants for all the export purposes. I guess, Yutaka Tajime would move all the firearms to Shibuya plants, repackaging it as export goods under his company name and transport it Edo Minato, waiting to be ferried out."
"Make sense. Air route is out of question here. Land route is too risky. Too many border check. So that leaves water route. He might not use his own plant as transit point but sure he has to utilize Edo Minato."
"Agree."
Haruka grinned at Michiru. "You have potential to be a detective."
"So…" Michiru leaned forward Haruka, face merely inches away from her lover. "….don't ever cheat on me. I can smell it."
"It won't happen." As Haruka tried to close the remaining gap in between her and Michiru, but Michiru pulled back.
"Superintendent General, please behave. Where do you think you are now?"
Haruka let out a helpless sigh. "Fine. Fine. Have you eaten then?"
Michiru shook her head.
Haruka checked her watch. "I think Fujimo-san won't be back for another 2 hours. Let's head to the cafeteria."
Michiru looked at Haruka with confusing eyes. "I thought you have a lunch date with Hatsuko-san?"
"Yes…but it's still early. I still have time to have a quick lunch with you."
"A gentlewoman shouldn't let another woman wait."
"Ara Michiru, you push me to another woman?"
"You better keep your hands to yourself, love, if you don't want me to prosecute you to…..couch…."
Haruka rubbed the nape of her neck and laughed nervously. Haruka then whispered lowly. "Say Michiru, you are at my home base. Couldn't you reserve some dignity for me? What would happen if someone knows the Asst State Attorney General got the TMPD Superintendent General wrapped under her little finger?"
Michiru giggled. "If you behave…." Michiru stretched out her hand to wipe the invisible dust on Haruka's shoulder and batted her long eyelashes at the tomboy. "…..maybe….tonight I will behave too."
Almost instantly Haruka grasped Michiru by her wrist and led her to the elevator.
"Ha…Haruka…where are you going?"
'Home' was the husky reply.
Michiru laughed. Once the elevator door dinged open, Michiru pushed Haruka into the elevator while she remained out of the metal box.
"Go. Don't let Hatsuko-san wait."
Haruka leaned on the elevator door, to prevent it from closing. "I still have plenty of minutes to spare."
"Go. I'll see you tonight."
Haruka sighed in defeat. "Ok. Ok. Just make sure you eat too, ok?"
Haruka stepped back to let the door closed once Michiru gave her an assuring nod. As soon as the elevator being lowered down, Michiru's playful mood took an opposite turn. Hatsuko Misa. She caused Michiru to feel restless. Basically, Hatsuko Misa hadn't show any threatening move yet, however, Michiru really unable to shrug off the nagging uneasy feeling after she overheard their conversation. And her blond lover, was really a typical blonde. It didn't help to ease her worry at all.
Misa waved her hand to capture the Superintendent's attention. Haruka took few long strides towards the table and make herself comfortable next to Misa.
"You are early. And I thought I have some moment to spare." Haruka took her seat, directly next to Hatsuko Misa.
"It's all thanks to my boss's last minute lunch appointment with his oji-san. That's why I have the chance to sneak out early."
Haruka murmured a small thanks to the waiter that brought her the menu, but she left it untouched. Instead, she moved her head slightly, to study her old almost forgotten friend, or more accurately, ex-girlfriend. "You don't change much."
Misa shifted her attention from the menu to the blond tomboy.
"You should check out my bare face without make up. The wrinkles, the crow's feet definitely would drive you away." Miso squinted her eyes to make her point before flipping through the menu again.
Haruka chuckled. She flipped through the menu to pick out her lunch.
"But you have changed a lot." Eyes still on the menu, Misa said softly but loud enough to capture Haruka's attention. Once Misa had decided on her lunch, she closed the menu and smiled at Haruka. "The last time I saw you, you were still an unknown brat, but now, you are the head of TMPD." Misa answered the unspoken question from Haruka.
Haruka shrugged the compliment off with a wave of hand. "It's just some title."
"I don't remember you as a humble person."
"I'm just worry my arrogance would send you back to America. You should know that."
"Better than anyone else."
They laughed. Their moment was interrupted by a waiter who came to take their order. Once the waiter left, Haruka looked at the side, then at the ceiling.
"What's wrong?" Misa asked.
"It's kind of hot here."
They were seated at the furthest corner of the shop, with the nearest ventilation system located at least 15 feet away from them.
"I'm sorry, I don't feel very well today, that's why I choose a corner table, away from the cold air." Misa hastily explained.
"Nevermind, it's ok." Haruka proceed to take off her blazer and hung it on the chair. "This will do."
"Are you sure? We can move in. I'm ok with that."
"No…no…it's ok. I'm good. Really."
Misa stared mutely at Haruka and Haruka reassured Misa with 2 thumbs up.
"If you say so…." Misa finally gave up in persuading Haruka for a shift. She reached out for sweet soya sauce that was positioned in the middle of the table, kept inside a transparent sauce bottle. Out from the corner of her eye, Misa noticed Haruka waved for a server for an unknown reason to Misa but this was the distraction that Misa needed. Misa nonchalantly rolled the sweet soya sauce bottle across the table and watched it landed on Haruka's lap. Misa let out a faked shocked yelp while Haruka pushed the chair back and stood on her feet out of reflex once she caught the bottle was on her lap but it was too late. The light color pants was soiled with few drops of sweet soya sauce stain.
Misa immediately peeled some wet tissue that were provided by the restaurant and immediately on Haruka's side in attempt to wipe the stain away but proved to be futile. Haruka took over the wet tissue from Misa but the result was the same. "I'm so sorry Haruka. The bottle just slip out of my hand." Misa tried to explain.
Haruka merely dismissed it with a smile. "No problem, Misa. I'll try to get it clean in the washroom. Give me a few minutes."
"Of course."
As Haruka make a beeline towards the washroom, Misa calmly reclaimed her seat with a small hidden smile on her face. Misa then pulled a bottle of perfume, Lust by Lush, a perfume with strong fragrance, which could be smelled even 5 blocks away. Misa unhooked Haruka's blazer from the chair, and sprayed the inside of Haruka's blazer with Lust perfume. Generously. Then she repositioned the blazer to the original position. Haruka was a flirter. And Misa knew it. But Misa also knew, the flirty nature of Haruka was just her surface façade. On the inside, Haruka was actually a very loyal partner. Judging from the way Haruka looked at Michiru, Misa knew, they had a very stable relationship. Seduction won't help Misa to achieve her objective. Separation was the strategy. She needed to separate the 2 lovebirds. In order to do so, she had to plant the suspicious seed.
When Haruka came back from the washroom, she stopped few steps away from the table and sniffed at the air. She frowned. "Did u smell something?" Haruka asked when she reclaimed her seat.
"Oh…I think it was my perfume." Misa smiled apologetically. "Sorry, the spilt soya smell was too heavy, I try to cover it with my perfume. I think I overspray it. We can change table if u want to."
"No..no…no….It's ok with me. I was just curios where the fragrance came from."
"Our first lunch reunion started with a mess." Misa shook her head lightly.
"Let's hope it doesn't end with disaster."
The ex-couple laughed.
Her gaze followed Michiru closely. Once Michiru disappeared behind the pantry, she retrieved the perfume from her bag, sprayed lightly at herself, replaced the perfume to its original position, flicked her hair once, and followed Michiru's trail to the pantry.
Michiru acknowledged Misa's sudden intrusion with a small smile. While Michiru stayed rooted at the same place, stirring her newly prepared instant coffee, Misa purposely walked passed Michiru with close proximity to get a cup of unneeded plain water then exited the pantry without a word, leaving the strong perfume smell behind. Michiru followed suit almost instantly to escape from the heavy fragrant attack.
"Is perfume having big sales now?" Michiru mumbled to herself, then shook her head lightly, clearly annoyed with Misa for abusing both the perfume and her.
"I'm home."
Haruka automatically marched towards the study room, and true enough, Michiru was there, buried her head in the same old files that had been occupied the working desk since a month ago.
"I'm home, love."
Michiru welcomed Haruka back with a wave, but also dismissed Haruka with the same wave.
Haruka sighed. "Have you eaten?"
The question was replied with a small nod.
"Then I take a bath first." Haruka disappeared from the door, moved to her next destination.
It was then, Michiru suddenly pulled back from the files. She sniffed at the air and smell a familiar fragrance. Michiru make a beeline towards their bedroom and heard water running sound coming out from the attached bathroom. In front of the bathroom, was Haruka's dirty clothes. Using her index finger, Michiru hooked the dirty blazer up and slowly sniffed at it. Inside and out. Her nostril was immediately attacked by the familiar fragrance. The same fragrance that attacked her nose at the pantry today. Michiru instantly felt uneasy. She then hooked another shirt up. Haruka's dress shirt, and repeated the process. The perfume smell emitted from the dress shirt was even stronger. Michiru knew, both Haruka and Misa was having lunch today, but, what had they done, or what has Haruka did, for the perfume to transfer to her dress shirt, wore underneath the blazer. Michiru wordlessly let the dress shirt slipped from her hand and walked back to the study room.
"I have checked all the evidence on hand. Still not strong enough to press any charges against Yutaka Tajime. It's all circumstantial evidence. It won't take Yutaka's strong legal team more than 2 trials to get him acquitted."
Michiru exhaled deeply. "Well, from the first day I already know it's not easy." Michiru temporary pushed the problem away and smiled at Mamoru. "You really don't want to join us for dinner?'
"Usagi is waiting for me at home. U should know her condition now. I don't want to leave her alone for too long." Mamoru checked his watch. "Haruka is late."
"Yes. She is late." Michiru was displeased. Haruka was late because Misa asked Haruka to view a property with her. Slow progress in Yutaka Tajime's case only make Michiru felt more and more annoyed. "When will be your last day?"
As soon as DoJ appointed Shigeru KaE as the new Deputy State Attorney General, Mamoru knew he should take another approach in his career path. The next day, he officially handed the resignation letter to State Attorney General.
"3 months from now. Initially, I plan to stay until Usagi's delivery time, then I will take few months break to take care Usagi before I joined the new company. But Hashida-san, wanted me to join him as soon as possible, so after a discussion with Taichi-san, Taichi-san agreed to release me 3 months from now."
Akagi Hashida, was a senior partner for one of the top law firms in Tokyo.
"Akagi Hashida personally invited you to join his team shows how much he appreciates you, Mamoru-san. DoJ is too small for someone with your talent. Chiba Mamoru soon will be one of the top attorneys in whole Japan. On that time, please, go easy on me and my people, Mamoru-san." Michiru playfully bowed at Mamoru which earned her a chuckle.
"It's too early for the formal gesture, Michiru-san. However, one thing is for sure. I really need to take off." Mamoru checked his watch again.
"Just go Mamoru-san. I believe Haruka will be here soon."
"Ok. You take care."
Michiru nodded lightly while Mamoru quickly dashed away. Michiru prediction was right. The moment Mamoru disappeared from the scene, Michiru saw Haruka jogged in through the front entrance.
"Hey there. Been here long? Sorry I'm late." While Haruka nonchalantly took her seat, Michiru was staring dagger at Haruka, which totally, went unnoticed by the late comer. But when Haruka failed to get any reaction from Michiru, she slowly turned to Michiru. Judging from Michiru's darkened face, Haruka predicted, a war would ensue soon.
"I'm sorry for being late." Haruka approached sincerely this time.
Still, the apology was not enough to dispel Michiru's anger. In fact, the source of Michiru's displeasure, was not because of Haruka being late.
"What took you so long?" Haruka felt like hours had passed when Michiru finally responded.
"I…"
"Is the property fully furnished? With bed? Did you guys spend the time testing the bed, that's why you are late? Or you guys were planning where to put the queen size or perhaps king size bed for more space to roll around? And the couch…"
"Michiru….." Haruka stopped Michiru with a threatening voice. Haruka replied Michiru's dagger stare with equally fiery gaze. But it didn't last for long. Michiru finally tore her gaze away and settled it at the other side of the restaurant.
It was childish. Michiru felt ridiculous with herself. Just because Haruka was late, Michiru blurted out all the unfounded accusations at Haruka, but she couldn't help it. Since the first day Misa appeared in Michiru's life, Michiru felt uneasy.
Haruka took a deep breathe to calm herself. She didn't like any person to test her patient including Michiru and she felt extremely irritated when Michiru didn't trust her. Especially when she never misbehaved. Not even for once. Still, she loved Michiru. She wouldn't mind to swallow all her pride and lowered herself. Just for the woman in front of her.
Haruka softly gripped Michiru's chin, forcing Michiru to focus on her. Their eyes met again but there were no more anger on their eyes. It had slowly dissipated. Haruka sighed. Her hand move down from the chin to Michiru's hand, grasped it gently, slowing rubbing her thumb intimately on her lover's hand. "I don't know what I have done, causing you to have this absurd imagination but I want to stress out to you that Misa WAS my girlfriend. NOW, she is only a friend. Ordinary friend. Not more than that."
Seeing Michiru was still in silent mode, Haruka continued. "If you feel we are getting too close, then I'll just cut down our contact. I won't find her anymore unless it's necessary."
"I don't mean to interfere or control your social circle Haruka." The statement was voiced out softly.
"No you aren't, Michiru. I just don't want us to quarrel over some petty reasons, or because of some unimportant people. We still have a very long way to go. I prefer to spend the time make out with you rather than arguing over some trivial matters."
Hearing this, Michiru inadvertently smiled. And the smile infected Haruka, leading her to smile too.
"Sweet as always huh, Superintendent….."
Haruka chuckled. But soon, she rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. "But there's still another thing though…."
"What's that?"
"Errm….I have….errm….promise Misa...ermmmm….to help her to move to her new home…."
Michiru squinted her eyes. "Are you the only friend she has?"
"Well….. theoretically I am. Misa had migrated to America 12 years ago with her family. Initially, she didn't plan to come back to Japan, so, she didn't keep in touch with any of her old friends. We actually also met by chance."
"Excuses…."
Haruka chuckled to herself. "I promise, after I have help her to settle down this weekend, I won't contact her anymore unless it's necessary ok?"
Michiru huffed. "We'll see about that." Michiru pulled away, to request for server, only to be stopped by Haruka. She sent a questioning look to the blonde. "I'm hungry. Do you know how long I have been waiting for you?"
"I know. I know…but…let's just order a take away". Haruka then scooted closer to her girlfriend side and grinned slyly. "We'll order a take away…then we can cuddle on the couch…watch a movie….."
Michiru pondered at the suggestion before leaned in and put a hand on Haruka's thigh, slowly walking her fingers up and dangerously close to Haruka's most sensitive part. "Hhhmm….just cuddle?"
Great. Now Haruka felt excited. The last time they got intimate, it was ages ago. Since Michiru took over Yutaka Tajime case, Michiru spent more time in the study room than in their shared bedroom.
"Perhaps…something more…?"
"Hmmmm….Then what are you waiting for?"
Senior Inspector Fumito Hiroto hastily marched towards the waiting figure, to report about his unfortunate negative findings.
"How's it?"
Fumito Hiroto shook his head.
Michiru let out a disappointed sigh. 1 hour ago, Fumito Hiroto informed her, Yutaka Tajime's parent company scheduled a sudden shipment to Chennai port, India. It had happened frequently for the last 2 months and Fumito Hiroto suspected, Yutaka Tajime was planning to utilize his final months in Japan to ship as much illegal firearms as possible to Middle East, before he was totally retired from this field for good. Fumito Hiroto had been sweeping Yutaka Tajime's every cargo for the past 1 month but always ended up fruitless.
"Their manager already voice out his displeasure. Says we have given them a lot of trouble and wasted a lot of their time. If we want to search their cargo again, we need to have a warrant. Otherwise, they will consider to take legal action against us. All of us. Including the Department of Justice."
Feeling helpless, Michiru merely nodded in acknowledgement.
"What am I going to do without you?"
"That's why you need to find someone to settle down."
"Unfortunately there's no second Tenoh Haruka."
"One is more than enough. Two will be too much to handle."
"I have a lot of experience in handling you. I don't think it will pose any problem to me."
"Perhaps. Unfortunately, I'm not the old Tenoh Haruka anymore."
Haruka gave a small smile at Misa then moved forward to direct the transportation truck to the assigned parking lot. Misa watched Haruka from the same spot. Indeed, Misa noticed the Haruka in front of her, was not the old Haruka. It was apparent to Misa, the mature Haruka was not easy to be manipulated.
Haruka sweat dropped. The 3 tonne truck was fully stuffed with furniture and various sizes of luggage bags, there was practically no room left even for a hand carry bag.
"I thought you've only been here for 2 months top."
Misa chuckled embarrassedly. "Just trying to make myself comfortable."
"Yeah….I can imagine that…." Haruka whistled weakly but nonetheless, she proceeded to help the 3 transporters to move the bulky items out of the truck. "Let us handle those heavy items while you take care whatever small bag you think you can handle, ok?"
"Sure."
Moving house in tight slim jeans proved to be a wrong decision. Whenever Haruka tried to bend down to lift the heavy furniture, the mobile phone kept jutting out from the jeans pocket causing great inconvenience to Haruka. Sighing in defeat, Haruka pulled the mobile phone out, along with her wallet and passed to Misa for safe keeping.
It started with an innocent request for help from Haruka, and a pure friendly gesture from Misa. Until, Haruka's mobile came to life, flashing out Michiru's name on the screen. Haruka was still preoccupied with the heavy furniture. Entertaining Michiru with fake smile in the office everyday, already wore her patience out. To repeat the same act on her off day irritated Misa to no end. Misa decided to ignore the incoming call. But, Michiru was persistent.
Misa glared at the mobile phone on her hand. "Are you really that controlling? Fine…..2 can play the game." Misa answered the call but remained dumb.
"Haruka?...Haruka?"
Misa moaned lightly at the phone. And then breathed hard. There was no response from the other side but the line remained active. Misa smiled slyly. Misa then saw Haruka, together with 2 transporters were struggling to move a 3 seater couch up the narrow staircase towards Misa's new residence which was located at 2nd floor of the townhouse. Of course Misa preferred to secure a ground floor unit but rental was the decisive factor.
Misa quickly rushed to join Haruka. "Hurry up, Haru."
"I'm….getting it….u…p..…" Haruka was panting. Because of the couch. Her focus was entirely on the troublesome couch and missed out the intimate pet name used by Misa when they were still an item.
"Push harder, Haru."
This time Haruka heard it loud and clear and shot a questioning glance at Misa. Misa merely smiled back.
"I'm moving. And pushing."
"I expect nothing lesser from you."
Again Haruka stared at Misa curiously. Misa had been behaving strangely and her words sounded cryptic. But Haruka had no time to bother this as the transporters urged Haruka to move forward again. Misa took a peek at Haruka's phone just in time to notice Michiru had the line disconnected. She smiled a sly smile then followed Haruka from behind.
When Haruka was finally home, the day had already getting dark. Haruka was surprised to see Michiru seated on the couch at the balcony, a place in the home where Michiru rarely used.
"Love?"
Michiru didn't offer any response. In fact, she was staring straight ahead with an unreadable expression.
"Anything's wrong Michiru?"
Michiru shut her eyes and took a deep calming breath. "What have you been doing today, Haruka?"
Haruka immediately took a dislike at the tone used by Michiru. It wasn't angry or harsh. It was accusing. Haruka heard it often enough during interrogation.
"I told you. I helped Misa with house moving."
"Are you sure there's nothing more?"
"And what else do you expect?" Haruka hissed.
"You tell me Haruka!" Michiru angrily whipped her head around to face her now angry lover.
"I really don't know what's wrong with you Michiru. I don't know from where you got this ridiculous idea about me and Misa. I promised you I won't contact her anymore. What else do you want me to do?"
"I don't know Haruka. I don't know!" Michiru was not staring at Haruka anymore but diverted her gaze back to the illuminated city view in front of her. Michiru honestly didn't sure what else she wanted from Haruka. Of course she trusted Haruka but Misa, Hatsuko Misa, Michiru felt uneasy with this woman. Perhap it's the woman's instinct but Michiru distrusted Hatsuko Misa from the first day they crossed path.
Haruka sighed. The whole ordeal was tiring her already fatigue body.
"Haruka?" Michiru whispered softly. "I'm sorry. I think….. I'm under a lot of stress lately. But…you know right….how much I want this promotion. I can't afford to screw up. I can't afford to get distracted. I have to fully concentrate on Yutaka Tajime so….." Michiru paused. She knew Haruka would definitely flew into rage on her next words.
"So?" Haruka pressed on.
"So…..for the time being…..can you please move to the guest room…."
"What?!" Haruka's temper flared up, just as expected.
"Until the case is over?"
Haruka's jaw tightenend. There was a moment of tense silent. Michiru secretly felt relieved Haruka didn't go berserk. As the silence dragged on, Michiru started to feel regret with her own decision.
"Is this what you really want?" Haruka finally broke the strained atmosphere.
"….Yes. No actually…." Came the timid reply.
"Fine. Just as you wish."
Haruka rolled to the left. Then rolled to the right. Then she kicked the blanket away. Not long, using her leg, she fished the blanket back. Haruka sighed. She couldn't sleep. The room smelled different. The bed smelled different. The pillow smelled different, heck, everything smelled different. Haruka stared at the door.
"Is Michiru asleep?"
Just when the thought crossed her mind, Haruka heard the master room's door being opened then closed. Soon, she heard the front door was being unlocked. Haruka immediately jumped out from bed and dashed towards the living room only to find Michiru was preparing to go out. In the middle of the night. Michiru was shocked to find Haruka still awake.
"Did I wake you up?"
"No. I couldn't sleep. Are you going out?"
"…..Yeah."
"To?"
Michiru hesitated
Haruka exhaled loudly. "Look Michiru, if today you couldn't stand living under the same roof with me, just tell me. I move back to my own place."
"No Haruka."
"Then?"
The state prosecutor sighed. "I just received a call from Fumito-san. There was an unscheduled shipment from Yutaka's logistic company again."
"At this hour?" Haruka frowned.
"Unfortunately…yeah…"
"Hmmm…ok…give me a minute. I go with you."
"It's late, Haruka. Why don't u go back to sleep?"
"So you know it's late. Either you take me with you or both of us go nowhere."
"I don't work for you Haruka."
"You are right. But Fumito does. If I don't authorize this search, you can't lay a finger on their goods."
Michiru pulled an annoyed face. "You're unbelievable, Haruka."
"Just wait for me."
Michiru huffed.
Fumito Hiroto jogged towards his superior when he spotted Haruka's car coming in through the wide entrance of the port then immediately bowed at them when the couple got off from the car.
"Good morning Tenoh-san. Good morning Kaioh-san."
"Good morning Fumito-san. So, how's it?" Haruka asked.
"There is an unscheduled shipment again. We are holding it down but not for long. They just get clearance from the custom and we don't have any authorized documents to support us. Furthermore….." Fumito hesitated. "….we had gone through few rounds of checks without warrant and without any success. They have already verbally warned us on our last checking so….do we still want to go on with the inspection?"
Haruka considered her options while Michiru had make up her mind. At this stage, she didn't want to waste any opportunity that could help her to execute Yutaka Tajime.
"Just go on. I will take full responsibility."
"Yes, Kaioh-san."
But Hiroto was stopped by Haruka "Wait, Fumito-san."
"Yes, Superintendent?"
"From this instant I will take over the operation and you will report to me. Go on with the inspection and if they want someone to be held responsible for, ask them to find me directly. Clear?"
"Yes, Superintendent." Fumito Hiroto ran back to the port.
Michiru now felt guilty. She threw tantrums at Haruka, she banished Haruka to the guest room and she certainly knew Haruka was not in her best mood but that didn't stop Haruka from being supportive as usual. Taking all the blame if shit happened. Michiru sighed. I'm a jerk.
"You don't have to do this. Fumito-san was here under my instruction, if anything, I should be the one to answer it."
"Now is a very sensitive period, Michiru. I don't want you take any risk that could hamper your promotion. Yes, Hajime-san favours you and the Prime Minister has no objection to this recommendation but as long as you are not officially appointed, it could be anyone's game. I'm different. I'm the official Superintendent General. They can't or remove me from the office just because of a small complaint. The worst they could do to me perhaps requesting me to issue a public apology or requested me to take a short period of unpaid leave. Nothing more than that. So, with me heading the operation, there's nothing to worry about."
Michiru kept quiet.
"Do you want to lend them a helping hand? It might take the whole night."
Michiru nodded at Haruka's suggestion and together they followed Fumito Hiroto's trail.
Haruka tried her best to stifle a yawn. The watch on her left hand shown 5.47am. It was really a long night. She saw Fumito Hiroto ran up to her. With an apologetic face, Fumito shook his head. Haruka breathed out loudly.
"The unscheduled shipment was getting frequent and the volume is getting higher each time. Something must be wrong but somehow, we couldn't get the breakthrough." Fumito punched his fist on his another hand, feeling frustrated with the recent failure.
"Thanks for the hard work tonight. Disperse the team, go back and have nice sleep. We will discuss this again later."
Fumito Hiroto bowed and got back to his team for the final instruction of the night.
Haruka opened the door as gently as she could, but the sudden jerk still woke Michiru up from her slumber at the passenger seat.
"Done?" Michiru asked in her sleepy voice.
"Yeah. Finally."
"Found anything?"
"No. Unfortunately."
Michiru sighed. "Just as expected." Then yawned.
"You are tired. Let's head home."
"Haruka?"
"Hm?"
With one hand on the back of Haruka's neck, Michiru slowly pulled Haruka down and kissed her, and felt relieved when Haruka replied the kiss. Not entirely forgiven, but at least it managed to keep Haruka's temper on check. When the kiss had ended, Michiru kept Haruka close.
"Thank you, Haruka." Michiru whispered lowly.
"For?"
"For taking the punch for me. Even in your foulest mood. Even the source is from me."
"And you know why right?"
Michiru played dumb.
"Michiru, I love you, and you know it. But you have been testing my patience too frequently recently. You know I don't have the required tolerance to handle a woman constantly with PMS."
Michiru rolled her eyes when a certain thought ran through her mind. 'Imagine you are the one in the receiving end of all those oohh…ahh…you sure will go hysterical….'
"Michiru…."
"Haruka…" Michiru sighed. She rubbed Haruka's cheek affectionately, hoping to ease the slightly tension atmosphere. "I know I have been rubbing you the wrong ways…countless of times…..but I have reasons for that."
"And the reasons are?"
"First of all, you are too dumb."
Haruka wanted to protest but was cut short by Michiru.
"And….I'm tired. I don't want to talk about this now, not because I want to evade the problem. I just want to wait till the case is over, when we are both calm and sane enough, then we'll talk about this." Michiru then pulled Haruka into a hug. "Please forgive me for all the tantrums. It's not that I don't trust you. It's because I was jealous." Michiru kissed Haruka's ear lightly. "Let's go home, ok?"
Haruka processed Michiru's every word carefully. She had to agree, currently, it's not the right time to discuss about their problem. At least, with Michiru current state of mind, it's really not the suitable time nor place. Besides that, she was tired too.
"Fine. We'll head home. But where am I going to sleep? I couldn't sleep at the guest room…I might as well just sleep in the car…"
Michiru smiled a little. "You are going to sleep with me, silly. I can't sleep without you too."
On normal days, invited for a lunch by the Prime Minister should be an honour for everyone, but for Haruka, especially after her failed operation, it meant trouble. The Prime Minister was quiet throughout the lunch, much to Haruka's delight. But the moment the Prime Minister pushed his empty plate away, the business started.
"I was informed about the complaint against you, Tenoh-san. It was specifically filed against you by the head of Yutaka's legal team."
Haruka groaned inwardly. "Yes."
"Did you see the complaint letter? It's thicker than mobile phone."
"Yes, I saw it."
"I know what's at stake here, Tenoh-san. I was also being briefed, time is running out against us on this case. I'm not trying to hold you accountable for what you should have do, but Tenoh-san, as I said before, your relationship with Kaioh-san…I hope u can keep it low profile. You must understand I'm not discriminating both of you. I understand the reason behind your full support for Kaioh-san but I don't like, I don't want gossips flying around in my office. I don't like any key person in the country being accused of abusing their authority for any gain."
"I am not…"
"But you and Kaioh-san were at Edo Minata 2 nights ago, right?"
Haruka hung her head low. "Yes."
"And I don't think you need to personally lead the operation, right?"
Another weak nod. "But I don't have any…."
"It doesn't matter Tenoh-san. I just want you to know, don't put yourself under unnecessary spotlight regardless of your intention.
'Yes….Prime Minister."
The Prime Minister let out a small sigh. Haruka was unsure whether it was a relief sigh or disappointing sigh. "How's the case now?"
"Not much improvement. We are still unable to gather any concrete evidence yet."
"Have you communicate with DoJ?"
"Yes…but it seems that we are unable to reach a mutual understanding on how to proceed with the case."
"What's the issue?"
"DoJ refuse to open a file against Yutaka because all we have are only circumstantial evidence while I hope they agree to do so to buy us some time."
"When Yutaka is leaving?"
"Not sure….but should be anytime soon."
The Prime Minister contemplated at the given answer. "I will talk to DoJ. We'll officially press charges against Yutaka. Just do your best to assist DoJ."
"Yes, Prime Minister."
"Do you know about it?"
It was the first question asked by Misa when she entered Shigeru's office room.
"If you are referring to Yutaka case latest progress, yes, I have just received the news."
"So it's true then. We are really going to press charges against Yutaka Tajima."
"Not we. It's Kaioh Michiru." Shigeru KaE leaned back against his chair to have a good look at Misa. "If the one being complaint was Kaioh Michiru, instead of Tenoh Haruka, I believe we should have taken over the case. Looks like your charm is not working at all."
Misa swung the chair on the same spot, silently digesting Shigeru's words. She did notice, the mature Haruka had become wiser, and not easy to be manipulated. Her brain started to formulate another plan. "If soft approach doesn't work, then we just have to take it by force."
"Are you leaving now, Kaioh-san?"
Shigeru KaE quickened his steps to catch up with the leaving Michiru.
"Yes, Shigeru-san. Do you need anything?"
"Errmmm….are you free to give me a ride?" Shigeru KaE asked sheepishly. "My car is in the workshop and I need to get to Ben Fiddich to join Misa-san so…."
Michiru smiled. "Of course no problem. Come."
"Haruka…Haruka…you have to save me….."
Haruka immediately became alert by anxious and trembling voice of Misa from the other side of the line. "What's wrong Misa?"
"I ….I don't know….I'm…I'm supposed to meet a witness…then…then 2 guys approached…they said want to buy me a drink….I re…rejected them….they were persistent….I don't know….I think….I think they spiked my drink…I..I feel dizzy now….."
"Misa, tell me where are you now."
"Hmm….Ben Fid..Fiddich…..im in the ladies...the guys…they followed me to the ladies…..I'm not sure where they are now…"
"Misa, listen. Stay in the ladies. Stay inside the cubicle. Don't go anywhere. Don't open the door regardless who, except me. Can you do that?"
"Ok….ok….Please come faster, Haruka." Misa was close to tears.
"I'm coming now."
True enough, 2 young men, 1 heavily built, dressed in hip hop style were guarding the entrance of the ladies when Haruka finally arrived. As they exchanged glances, the heavily built guy shoved Haruka by her shoulder, demanded her to leave.
"Gents at the other side."
"Then what are you guys doing at here?"
"We don't have to tell you anything."
"No. You have to explain it to me." Haruka then flashed out her police ID and the 2 guys inadvertently took a step back.
"Go. Before I put on the cuff."
The 2 guys immediately fled the scene. Haruka wasted no time and immediately called out for Misa. The door swung opened. Misa stumbled forward but luckily Haruka managed to catch her on time.
"Hey, are you ok?'
Misa clung tightly on Haruka. "No….no…I feel dizzy…"
"Let's get you home."
Haruka was half supporting, half dragging Misa out of the premise when Misa suddenly giggled.
"Misa?"
Misa slightly pushed Haruka away but Haruka quickly grabbed the swaying Misa back by her elbow. Misa protested. "Go away. You areeeeeee hottt…" Misa was slurring.
"You will better at home. Come."
"Nooooooooooooo. Go away." Another push at Haruka. "I don't…don't know you."
"It's me Misa. Haruka. Tenoh Haruka. Look clearly."
With head tilted to one side, Misa did as instructed. Then she giggled. "Yes. You are Haruka. Myyyyyyyy ex girlfriend, Haruka." And she kissed Haruka fully on her lips.
Haruka immediately retracted herself but Misa clawed her back.
"No, Misa."
The unexpected scuffle continue and much to Haruka's relief, Shigeru KaE appeared at the right time to her aid, to pull Misa away from her.
"What's happening?" KaE asked.
"She had been drugged."
"Huh?"
"You finally came…." Misa now clung at Shigeru KaE and rested her head on KaE's shoulder.
"Well….this is unexpected. We are supposed to meet a witness." Shigeru KaE almost lost his footing because Misa just couldn't stand still.
"Let's send you guys home." Haruka offered.
"It's alright. I'll call for a cab."
"But, how do you manage her?"
"It's ok. I had gone through the worst in the states. This is piece of cake for me."
Misa had stopped giggling. With arms around Shigeru KaE, the drug seemed had worn her down.
"It's ok. I really can manage that. The driver is coming, in fact he's only 5 minutes away from here." KaE showed his active e - Taxi application to Haruka as proof.
Haruka still felt skeptical but reluctantly agreed. "Ok. I'll stay till your driver arrive."
The taxi cruised slowly to the designated place in silence. From the back seat, Shigeru KaE turned around to watch Haruka staring back at the cab until it totally disappeared out of sight. KaE sighed.
"She's persistant."
No one replied to his comment. Misa was still leaning comfortably against his shoulder. KaE nudged at Misa once.
"You can quit the drama. She's gone."
Misa stirred a bit but remain unmoved. "I still feel dizzy."
KaE was surprised. "You spiked yourself?"
"I am a lawyer. Not an actress. I don't know how to act naturally on drug."
"Then, do I need to get you a doctor?"
"No need." Misa readjusted her sitting position. She now rested her head on headrest. "It's just a little hash. I need a long sleep. Tell me, did she saw it?"
Shigeru KaE chuckled. "Just like a front seat view."
"It should be somewhere around here." Shigeru KaE stretched his neck to the front window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the signboard located at the opposite of the road. Just as Michiru slowed down the car to have a better look at the opposite shops, she saw it. Haruka and Misa. In close proximity. And kissing? Michiru unconsciously halted the car.
"I saw it." KaE pointed at the shop, seem oblivious to the 'tryst'. "I'll get down here. Thanks a lot Kaioh-san."
Michiru merely smiled.
A luggage bag was awaiting for Haruka when she reached home. She lifted it up and notice the weight. Haruka was curious.
"It's yours." Coming out from the kitchen, Michiru went straight to the couch, avoiding any eye contact with Haruka.
Haruka frowned. "I don't understand."
Michiru sighed. "Where were you, Haruka?"
Haruka cursed inwardly. 'Not again.' Judging from the tone, another argument would ensue soon. "HQ of course."
"After that?" Michiru finally glanced at Haruka. It was emotionless. Haruka tensed up.
"I got a call from…."
"Hatsuko Misa." Michiru finished it for Haruka.
"You were there?" Haruka asked in a soft voice. Whether the kiss was intentional or unintentional, Haruka knew, Michiru must felt very upset because Haruka knew, if she was in Michiru's shoes, she would definitely feel more than upset. "Then you should know…"
"I don't know anything, Haruka. I just know this time, I saw it with my own eyes."
"It's not like that. I can explain. "
"No, Haruka ….please….." Michiru closed her eyes hard. To fight off the tears. But she failed. Haruka was heartbroken when she saw the sad tears. "I told you. I warned you about Misa. You never listen."
"I do listen, Michiru. U never let me explain."
"Because I don't want your explanation, Haruka. The same thing just keep on repeating and repeating like an unbroken cycle. " Michiru took a deep breath. "I'm sorry but I'm getting tired with this. You. Misa. I don't want to deal with this anymore. I don't have time nor energy for this."
A pause.
"Haruka….I want to take a break."
"Take a break?"
"Yes….yes…." Michiru repeated softly. "For some time…you go back to your own house….till…till…..I don't know…"
Haruka was stunned.
"I told you before Haruka. Yutaka's case put a lot of stress on me and I don't need you nor Misa to pile more pressure on me."
"I told you from the first day Misa is nothing to me."
"For now, I don't care whether Misa mean anything to you or not. I just want to fully focus on Yutaka's case. I don't want to get distracted by you or Misa or anything else so…..please Haruka…just go. That is your luggage."
Haruka looked visibly dejected. Michiru decided to kick Haruka and it was unthinkable. Haruka was expecting for a huge argument and a lot of explaining works and soothing but not this. It took Haruka by surprise and she couldn't think straight. Nonetheless, Haruka grabbed the luggage and slowly head to the exit. She took one last look at Michiru.
"No matter what you think, I just want you to know, I won't do anything that could jeopardize our relationship." With heavy heart, Haruka left the unit that he had been shared with Michiru not long since they were a couple. As for Michiru, she finally let her tears to flow uncontrollably.
Her own house looked foreign to her. It had been unoccupied for a long term and just when she decided to rent the house out instead of letting it vacant, she was back again, albeit reluctantly. Haruka hired a maid to clean the house on regular basis and looked like the maid did a great. The house was spotless. But it also felt cold. Haruka lie on the bed and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. It was going to be long night.
Fumito Hiroto inadvertently took a step back and lowered his head when the Superintendent General slapped hardly on the table.
"Nothing, nothing, nothing. You have been following up on this case for so long, and today you still unable to give me anything. What's the problem? Did I give you not enough manpower? Not enough time? Tell me." Haruka mercilessly glowered at her nervous subordinate. Japan's youngest Superintendent General had been in foul mood for days. Uncountable police officers unfortunately became victims of Haruka's nasty temper since the first day she moved back to her own house. The moment Seiya stepped out from the elevator, Haruka's booming voice could be heard along the corridor originating from her office. Seiya sighed.
"Tell me!"
Under Haruka's intense gaze, the poor Fumito Hiroto only can remained quiet as he knew no answer could satisfy the young Superintendent. Luckily for him, few knocks on the door, save him from further assault.
"Come in."
Seiya walked in. Fumito Hiroto and Seiya exchanged glances. Feeling pity at his colleague, Seiya instructed Hiroto to leave room. Receiving no objection from Haruka, Hiroto immediately retreated.
"Sooner or later, your wrath will drive all the people away."
Haruka remained silent.
"Come, let's grab a bite."
"I'm not hungry."
"Then let's get some fresh air."
"I said no."
Seiya then forcefully dragged the reluctant Haruka out while Haruka grumbled all the way to the elevator.
"Wait." Haruka stopped.
"Now what?"
"I left my phone in the office."
Seiya eyed at Haruka suspiciously.
"It's true. I really left my phone in the office."
"Don't try to run away."
Haruka huffed.
Miyaki Aiko was Haruka's personal assistant. Her working desk was located just outside of Haruka's office. To enter Haruka's office, one had to passed by Miyaki's desk or scheduled an appointment with Miyaki first. When Haruka went to her office, Haruka noticed Aiko was startled to see her sudden return and immediately disengaged her mobile line. Haruka ignored her and headed straightly to her office. Haruka closed the door with a loud bang. Then she stayed rooted behind the door, unmoved for a short moment, and slowly, very slowly, noiselessly opened the door bit by bit, and peeked through the gap. Miyaki Aiko was typing on the phone, oblivious to Haruka's surveillance. 'Again.' Haruka noticed, Miyako had been spending too much on the phone when Haruka was not around. It could be her new boyfriend, but Haruka felt she was under scrutiny recently and this make her felt unease.
"You have crossed the line, Haruka." Seiya said while slurping his ramen. "Those officers… they serve our people, our country, our Emperor, and not for you to throw tantrums at." Another slurp. "You can't expect loyalty in return, if they do not get the respect from you. I don't have to teach you this right?"
Haruka merely scowl. Haruka was not a kid. Of course she understood the basic working manners, discipline and alliance in every working fields, especially her own field, her own position, where almost every potential officer was vying for it, looking for every chances to topple her. But her mind was in disarray and she hated this feeling. She wasn't getting used to be deeply affected by anyone. Michiru was the first and Haruka felt extremely disturbed by it. No one could wrap around her little finger. 'Not even Michiru.' Her face hardened by her own thought.
"Find her."
"What?" The unexpected words brought Haruka out from her reverie.
Done with his ramen, Seiya pushed it away. Now he fully focus on Haruka. "I said, go find her."
Haruka kept quiet.
"I know you don't mind to lose this Superintendent General title. I know you don't care to be the commander for Tokyo 50,000 police officers. Without this burden perhaps you could venture into some business or fields that you have interest in like motorsport, maybe that's even better for you. You care less about your title, your position but how about Michiru? She is different. Unlike your long list of old flames. I know it. You know it. I have my own family, Yaten has his own family, Taiki has his own family, don't tell me you don't want to have your own family. I saw jealousy in your eyes when Taiki's kids running around him, when my wife got pregnant, Haruka. You can go out with any woman today, but not every woman could be the one you can settle down with. It's a privilege. Not everyone is fortunate to have this privilege, not even a man, and it's even harder for people like you. Why you couldn't get a grip at yourself? Why you seems like losing your direction? Because…..Michiru does matter. And you knew it."
'Michiru does matter'. Yes. Michiru really did matter. Haruka had been had been scouting for a new house for some time. A slightly bigger house that could occupy around 4 persons. Haruka found herself spending more time at the front of the jewelry shop, eyes running through all the displayed jewelry especially ring. Haruka had been fantasizing something that she thought was far-fetched when she was younger; a kid rushing out to welcome her home after work, a woman nagging at her for missing the family dinner again due to her irregular working hours and a forgiving smile after she promised to make up for them. Haruka might be a woman who preferred someone from the same gender, but like any other normal human being on this planet, she did dream, she did want a settled down life, a family to come home to and recently this feeling was getting stronger and stronger because of Michiru. Michiru gave her the confidence that those thoughts on her mind, might not merely a fantasy. Those thoughts might came true.
"So, find her. If you deem her worth it. If you deem her important. If you deem her part of your future. Of course, if you prefer to live with your ego for the rest of your life, then I have nothing to say. But I need to remind you, you might win the battle, but in the long run you lose the war."
Haruka sighed loudly. "Putting ego aside, the point is, she doesn't want to see me. She asked me not to bother her. She said she needs time to focus on Yutaka's case and she said I'm distracting her."
Seiya laughed. Haruka was displeased.
"Now what?"
"Since when you bother to take instruction from someone. You were rebellious since the first day I know you, and you never change. And it brings us trouble. Lots of time. Thank god, Michiru able to put you on leash."
"I. Beg. Your. Pardon."
Seiya chuckled. "Listen to me. Go find her. If this little separation unable to affect her as same as yours, then, I'm sorry to tell you, just forget her. Forget everything. But if this little separation is affecting her as same as yours, then you should know, she does not fare much better than you. I mean, look at you. Like a mad dog barking around, heck, even I'm pissed with you. So, go. Find her. Straight this out."
'Find her. Straight this out.' Well, Not exactly a bad idea, right? Definitely better than yelling around.
When she saw Haruka stepped into the Ministry of Justice lobby with a banquet of flower as usual, Momoko Miyo was surprised. While Haruka closed in their distance with her usual boyish grin, Miyo remained confused.
"Konnichiwa Miyo-san."
"Konnichiwa Haruka-san." Then a bow. "Haruka-san, why are you here?"
Haruka raised a curious eyebrow. "For the same reason of course." Then a thought hit her mind. "Michiru is not around?"
"Kaioh-san is on sick leave. Don't…don't you know?"
"Sick leave?"
"Yes. It's already 3 days."
"3 days?!" Haruka was slightly dumbfounded. Michiru had been sick for 3 days and she was clueless bout it.
"Yes…Haruka-san. You…..you really don't know?" Miyo inquired cautiously.
"Thank you Miyo-san." Haruka left the building, leaving the question unanswered.
Haruka opened the door as gently as possible to avoid any possible creaking sound. There she was, lying on the bed with blanket up to her neck. The sun would set soon but Michiru was still sleeping. Guess, Michiru was really quite sick. Haruka saw a glass of water and some medicines on the bedside table. She tiptoed to the table and checked on the medicine. There were medication for fever, cough, throat and antibiotics. (It's not Covid 19. XD) Haruka then placed back the medicine to its original place and left the room, heading to the kitchen to start working.
Michiru stirred. She was awoken by some sound coming from the outside of her bedroom and she got startled. She was supposed to be alone in the unit. Was it thief? Or was it….Michiru's heart skipped a bit when she thought Haruka might be here. At the same unit where they had shared for many months. She missed Haruka. The moment Haruka left with luggage, she started to feel regret with her own decision. Especially now when she was sick, she wanted, she needed Haruka to comfort her, to hug her, to take care of her. This, make her missed Haruka even more.
Still, regardless what she saw was intentional or not, she couldn't afford to let Misa messed with her mind through Haruka. The stake was too high. Michiru was an ambitious woman. But, as ambitious as Michiru was, if she was forced to choose in between Haruka and the title of State Attorney General, she might picked Haruka, which upon realizing it, she felt surprised with herself. Previously, she had no problem to ditch her old flames in favour of career success but not now. How Haruka had changed her priority. Sometime, when Michiru was not in the mood, she would secretly cursed Haruka for affecting her. For changing her. For slowly transforming her into a family woman, dedicating only to Haruka. At least for now. The dedication might spread to more member, who knew? Technology was so advanced nowadays.
Michiru pulled the door bit by bit, peeking through the gap cautiously. Once she confirmed the corridor was safe, she walked slowly, silently to the source of the sound which by now she presumed coming from the kitchen. Emotions welled up within Michiru at the sight of Haruka. The one that she missed the most, the one that she wanted to see the most was in front of her now, in front of a stove, stirring something on a pot. Michiru felt want to cry.
Haruka sensed someone was approaching. She looked up and saw the fragile Michiru, leaning against the wall, staring at her with glistening blue eyes. She walked up to the aqua haired beauty. "Hey...How do you feel?" Haruka softly asked.
"Tired. Why are you here?"
"Someone told me you are sick. I want to make sure you are ok. Would that be alright?"
Michiru nodded lightly much to Haruka's relief. She could just push Haruka away for the second time, but she didn't want to go against her heart anymore. She was feeling unwell and all she wanted to do was to snuggle close to Haruka.
"Come." Supporting Michiru through her arm, Haruka guided Michiru to the couch. Once Michiru had seated, Haruka turned on the TV for her sick lover. "I'm making porridge. It's almost done."
Michiru looked at Haruka skeptically. "I didn't know you can cook."
Haruka chuckled. "Thanks to the online recipe."
Finally, Michiru smiled. A small smile but it gave a lot of assurance to Haruka. And so Haruka went back to the kitchen, while Michiru let herself entertained by whatever programme shown on the TV and the sight of Haruka cooking for her in the kitchen. In their kitchen.
"This?"
"No. That 2 hours later."
"Ok."
They were sitting side by side and when Michiru swallowed her last medicine after finished up the porridge prepared by Haruka, their excuse for interaction ended. There was only sound from the TV and the environment was abnormally awkward for them. They fought, they argued, they got intimate, but never experienced where physically was so near yet the minds were so far apart.
After a long pregnant silence, Haruka gathered up the courage to be the first one to break the ice. With 1 knee down in front of Michiru, she took Michiru's both hands, held it on the small woman's lap, and looked longingly at the woman that had been the cause of her recent madness lately. "If my fury could kill a person, I think TMPD HQ is flooded with corpses by now."
'Not the expected usual apologetic opening.' Michiru laughed a little. "You were throwing your tantrum again."
"Like an unleashed wild dog. According to Seiya."
Michiru shot a disapproving look at the blonde.
"It surprises me. The temper I mean. For I never thought, losing you for few days would affect me so much. It has overtaken all my senses. All my rationalities. It's kind of scares me because the feeling is new to me."
Michiru was quiet. Listening attentively to Haruka's every word.
"You know I hate being controlled by anybody. Not even you, but it seems like, I'm not myself when you are not around. Of course I know I love you. Very much. Just that, only recently I realize it's beyond my imagination. So Michiru… please, forgive me. I'm sorry. That day was an accident. It was not on purpose."
"You were careless."
"Yes, I was careless. It's because it never crossed my mind, such accident would happen."
Michiru rolled her eyes slightly.
"Michiru, the only person that I want to spend the rest of my life is only you. When you kicked me out of the house, it was like the end of the world for me. I lost my temper because I want to put up a strong and brave charade to the world. To hide the fear and insecure inside my heart. I'm….." A sigh. "I'm scared that I will lose you this time. It was a terrifying thought."
Haruka's grip tightened.
"I won't do anything that could put our relationship at risk. I love you and you only so please Michiru, will you forgive me and take me back?"
Michiru did not offer an immediate reply. Instead, she searched though Haruka's teal eyes. Haruka was genuine in every word she said. Not that Michiru doubted her. She herself wanted Haruka to be back by her side as much as the blonde herself. They had been quarreling a lot lately. Both of them were under a lot of stress. Their intimate time were getting rare recently, hence, Michiru wanted to savour their every romantic moment now.
"So?" Haruka asked timidly.
Michiru feigned to be in deep thought while Haruka fidgeted nervously.
"Hhhmmm….okay…...only you promise to nurse me back to health."
Haruka immediately grinning from ear to ear. "Definitely not a problem. But it will be more convenient if…if…I'm allowed to move back."
"Won't be an issue….."
Haruka was in cloud nine…..
"The guest room is always available."
…but dropped back to the ground almost instantly.
"Michiru…." Haruka groaned.
Michiru giggled for the first time in many days. "Still better than the couch right?"
"The guest room doesn't fare much than my own house."
"Then you prefer to stay at the guest room or your own house?"
"Guest room." A straightaway reply from the Superintendent General and almost immediately Haruka sulked over the choice.
Michiru smiled. She then helped Haruka to get back to the couch and hugged her tightly, burying her head at the crook of Haruka's neck. "I miss you too, Haruka."
Haruka let out a contended sigh. "I'm happy to hear that. Seriously." Haruka pulled Michiru close, enjoying their new found closeness after the short term separation. It was a huge relieve for Haruka, to have Michiru back in her embrace, to be able move back to the house although she was facing with the prospect of spending the nights at the guest room. Haruka could only pray, Michiru was not serious. Meanwhile, Michiru felt much better engulfed in familiar Haruka's scent. It's unquestionably worked better than any medicine prescribed by the doctor.
"Say Michiru, why you were there that day?" Haruka finally popped out the question that had been nagging for days.
Michiru lightly pushed Haruka away and squinted at her now forgiven lover. "Of course you don't want me to be there."
"This is not what I meant, love."
Hearing Haruka addressed her with the similar intimate pet name, the same intimate pet name that were rarely used by her blonde lover for the past few weeks, prompted Michiru to snuggle back into Haruka's tight hug. The intimate pet name gave her a resurgence sense of security in their relationship which comforted Michiru very much.
"Then?'
"I was curious. For you and me so conveniently appearing at the same place, at the same time with me caught in a bad situation."
"I was just offering a ride for Shigeru-san. He said his car was in the workshop and asked me if I could send him there to meet with Hatsuko-san."
"Talk about coincidence." Haruka murmured to herself.
"Hm?"
"Nothing….. and love…"
Another love. Michiru smiled.
"…..what makes you suddenly so doubtful of me? As far as I know, I did not do something that cross the line in fact, I'm quite confident I have been behaving well.
"You are just so naïve, Haruka."
"Enlighten me."
"She still remember your mobile number."
"I told you she has good memory."
"Then do you remember any of your exes mobile number because I don't."
"Me neither but it doesn't prove anything."
Michiru was slightly dumbfounded. "Ok…then remember the day you helped her to move house? I called you. The line connected. Then….there were some sounds. Some suggestive sounds. The line got disconnected but you never call me back."
Haruka's mind wandered back to the particular day. She jogged her memory, and jogged and jogged, she really had no recollection she received any call from Michiru on that day. "If my memory served me right, I didn't receive any call from you that day."
"I did."
"Did not."
Michiru pulled away. "Give me your phone."
Haruka did as per instructed. Michiru tapped and scrolled and scrolled and scrolled then stopped when she found the evidence to support her statement.
"See for yourself." Michiru shoved back the phone to Haruka. True enough, there were call history from Michiru's number on that day, early afternoon time, and it lasted for 28 seconds."
"I don't remember I ever picked up your call."
"Then how do you explain this?"
"Well….there was a short period I handed my phone to Misa for safekeeping. I was wearing tight jeans, the phone was jutting out, I felt uncomfortable that's why I passed the phone to Misa."
Michiru raised a skeptical eyebrow at Haruka.
"It's the truth Michiru. Tell me what did you hear?"
Now it was Michiru turn to search her memory. "Moaning."
Haruka eyes widened.
"I remember she URGED you to hurry up."
"Besides laboring myself to move the furniture, I did nothing. I swear. With my life." Haruka immediately pleaded innocent.
"There was also 1 day you came back smelling like Misa."
"No way."
"Her strong perfume I mean. It was all over your shirt."
"I….I don't know how it happened."
Michiru sighed. "So now you understand where my insecurity came from. And you were too proud to listen to my stay away from her plea."
"I do listen, Michiru…. but when she called and begged for help, I just couldn't turn her away right."
Michiru merely shrugged.
Haruka pulled Michiru back to envelope her with another hug. "Sorry, I know what I should now." Haruka whispered to Michiru's ear. "I really do." This time, she spoke to herself and looked far away.
"How are you?"
"I feel…..hungry." Usagi giggled. Michiru laughed. Mamoru sweatdropped.
"You just had your lunch, Usako."
"But I'm hungry again. I'm eating for 2 persons now please remember that." Usagi pouted.
Mamoru sighed. "Ok, ok. I get it. I'll go to downstair café, see what else they serve. Do you need anything Michiru-san."
"I'm good. Thank you, Mamoru-san."
"So, what did the doctor say?" Michiru asked after Mamoru left ward room to get food for his forever hungry wife.
"Doctor said the bleeding is not much so nothing should be worried about. But still, she recommended me to stay for another night for observation. After all, I experienced a miscarriage before, the doctor wants to play it safe."
"I'm relieve to hear that."
"Mamo-chan is overacting. He insisted I should be hospitalized."
"Bleeding during pregnancy is not a good sign Usagi-chan. He did the right thing. He really cares for you."
Usagi then smiled a dreamy smile. "Yes…he really does."
Michiru felt sincerely happy for Usagi. Mamoru was a good man, a very responsible husband. Michiru felt guilty she was unable to assist her longtime colleague, Mamoru, to climb higher in DoJ though Mamoru insisted he was happy to be a senior partner in one of the top law firms in Tokyo.
"Oh….do you want see to the baby ultrasound picture?" Without waiting for the reply, Usagi tried to stretch out to the bedside table only to be stopped by Michiru.
"Let me help you. Where it is?"
"Thank you Michiru-chan. It's on the second drawer."
Michiru pulled out a black and white picture from the said drawer and studied it. The baby had developed a complete physical form; head, hands, legs and body could be clearly seen on the picture and it looked healthy.
"Looks like a Barbie doll right? Doctor said she's slightly bigger for a 4 months old fetus and advised me to change to another brand of milk for pregnant mummy to control my weight as well as baby's weight for smooth labour. Sometimes a too healthy baby is also a headache."
"You are inexperience. You have to follow closely to doctor every advice. Mamoru has to work, leaving you alone at home, so, anything happens, touch wood, and you can't get hold of Mamoru, call me ok? Or Haruka. We will come at once."
"You are so nice, Michiru-chan." Cheerful as always from Usagi.
Usagi was just like Eutychia, the Greek god of happiness. No matter where she went, she had the power to bring smile and happiness to everyone. Others might saw her as stupid or naïve. But in Michiru's perspective, Usagi was merely pure. Usage believed initially, everyone had and started with good intention hence, there's no point to second guess their intention or motive in the first place. Usagi saw everything from the positive side. Michiru sometimes felt envy with Usagi's positivity. Usagi was living a life without pressure and tension. Usagi did not request much. She only wanted a happy family. She only wanted her friends and family members to be happy and always in good health. So simple. She didn't have big dream or big ambition unlike Michiru. Her expectation on life was so low, but perhaps, it was also the key to her simple, happy, grateful and fulfilled life.
As for Michiru, her life was demanding and consisted only complications. Whether in relationship or in career. Until Haruka came into her life where finally Michiru had a taste of contended life. But not for the past weeks where the name Haruka only piled more misery to her. But everything was good since their last talk. Michiru finally able to sleep tight since that day.
"You try to turn the picture around." Usagi suddenly said.
Michiru did as being told.
"Tilt the picture a bit to the right."
Again Michiru followed the instruction.
"Now the baby looks like a rabbit right?" Usagi giggled.
"Yes, now it does looks like a rabbit." Now Michiru feeling amused.
"Mamo-chan said, our baby will look exactly like me because even in the picture she looks like a rabbit." (Usagi = rabbit)
Michiru laughed. "So true." Michiru stared at the picture and tilted it around. 'Different angle produces different image.' Michiru flipped the picture around. Again. Again. Then again. 'Different angle produces different image.'
"Michiru-chan?"
Realization struck on Michiru. "I know it. I know it." Michiru's eyes sparkled.
"Know what Michiru-chan?"
"How Yutaka transported the firearms."
"Huh? Who's Yutaka?"
"Thank you Usagi-chan. You just help me to solve a conundrum that have been puzzling me for months." Now Michiru felt really excited. "I'm sorry I have to go. I'll visit you again with Haruka next time, ok? Take care." Michiru hugged Usagi briefly and instantly dashed out from the ward leaving Usagi felt perplexed with the sudden departure.
Urgent knocks stopped Miyako Aiko from reporting the daily schedule to her direct boss. Haruka approved the sudden intruder to enter and Fumito Hiroto, chief investigator for Yutaka Tajime's case urgently stepped in.
"Ohayo Tenoh-san." Fumito bowed. "There's another shipment. Trucks had been transporting cargoes from all Takuma Hajime's plants across Tokyo to Edo Minato since early morning. We don't know the volume of the cargoes yet but I predict if would be the largest shipment ever. I guess, Takuma is preparing to close down all the plants."
"Where is Takuma now?"
"On the way to airport. Hiyashi-san is trailing him."
'Airport?' "So, he wants to run away after prosecutor decided to press charges."
Haruka's phone rang. It was from Michiru.
"Yes?"
"I think I know where Takumi hides the firearms."
"Really?"
Michiru paused for a second before reaffirmed her answer. "Yes."
"Good. Can you head to Edo Minato?"
"Another shipment?"
"Yes. Probably the largest and…the last."
"Ok. I'll be there in 45 minutes."
And the line went dead. Haruka started to lay out his next course of action. First he instructed Fumito Hiroto to apply for search warrant and arrest warrant for Takuma Hajime. Since the case was in line for hearing, applying for arrest warrant for a potential fugitive won't be a problem. Next, Hiyashi-san was authorized to stop Takumi Hajime from boarding at any cost. Even without the arrest warrant. A backup team had been dispatched to assist Hiyashi-san. Lastly, Haruka called Seiya and relayed all the current status to him, request him team to join her at Ed Minato. Fumito Hiroto would join the party too once he got the warrant. Haruka dismissed on Miyako Aiko and everyone scrambled to get to work.
The elevator dinged open and Fumito Hiroto stepped in. Instead of joining her colleague, Haruka had second thought. "I'll get the next one. You move on first."
Fumito Hiroto acknowledged it with a nod. Once the elevator doors were closed, Haruka retraced her steps soundlessly. Hiding behind a corner wall, Haruka took a peek at her personal assistant. True enough she was on her mobile phone again. Haruka then left the place.
Michiru had reached Tokyo Harbour when Haruka, Seiya and their team arrived half an hour later. The only road to Tokyo Habour was stuck by long queue of transporting trucks, waiting for their turn to Tokyo Habour to unload the cargoes. Seiya had to turn on the siren and blared it to the top to force the trucks to make way for them. The siren attracted a lot of attention. Every port worker had stopped working and was staring at them. This, drew the ire from the port manager. When Haruka and co climbed out from the car, the port manager welcomed them with sulky face.
"Kenji-san, now what?"
"We want to search every cargo from YT Corp." Seiya replied on behalf of the team. "The search warrant is on the way."
The port manager started to protest. "On the way? Kenji-san, you have been inspecting their cargoes countless time. For countless time you get nothing. Their cargoes were badly delay and they have officially serve us a complaint notice. One more mistake, they will sue us for compensation for their losses. Do you know how much their every shipment cost? We can't afford it."
Haruka stepped forward. "We want to search their cargoes now. With or without the search warrant. With or without your permission. Either you lead the way now, or I charge you with obstruction of justice once the search warrant is here. You choose."
The port manager exhaled loudly. Then cursed. Finally agreed. Reluctantly. Just went the team prepared to march in, they heard chopping sound coming from afar. The sound got louder as every second passed and finally they saw 3 military helicopter were hovering above them. Rope ladder were dropped down from each helicopter followed by military officers; 5 from each helicopter. Once the military officers landed safely on the ground, the helicopters flown away. One of the officers approached Haruka.
"Kazumi Souji. Major for Tokyo HQ Administration Unit, Japan Special Forces Group." Haruka whispered to Michiru.
"Superintendent General. Kazumi Souji, from Japan Special Forces Group." Kazumi bowed.
Haruka merely glared at him.
"Under the instruction from Defence Minister, we will take over the operation here."
"Reason?"
"You should know, Superintendent, any case related to the terrorist have to be passed to Japan Special Forces Group."
"The suspect is smuggling firearms out but it doesn't mean it's for terrorists. While our side focus on the suspect, Interpol is responsible to unearth the identity of the recipient. So far, they have nothing."
"We know nothing, Superintendent. We act under the order from Defence Minister to take over the operation. With the blessing from Prime Minister."
"No way." Seiya voiced out his disagreement. "Our people work day and night for this case. Today we might..." Seiya glanced at Michiru then back to Kasumi "..…now you want to snatch the case from us? Right under our nose?"
"We don't need your approval. Either way, we are taking over here."
Haruka gritted her teeth in anger. Michiru looked disappointed. Seiya seemed prepared for a fist fight.
"Perhaps I check with Prime Minister first?" Michiru finally voiced out.
"There's no such need. The Defence Minister definitely can overwrite any operation decision at any time. With or without the PM's blessing." Haruka said. Then took a step forward to Kasumi. "The operation is yours. But it's also our case. If you failed to discover anything, we have the obligation to follow up back the case. And do what we should do. We will wait for you here, but we can't wait forever. Give me a time frame."
Kasumi swept a look at the lying, piling cargoes including the cargoes already loaded on the ship. "3 hours. Top"
"No. 2 hours."
Kasumi pondered at the offer then accepted it. He jogged back to his team. "Guys, move now. Quick."
"Damm it." Both Superintendents cursed.
"So, what are we going to do now?" Michiru asked.
Haruka checked her watch. It's lunch hour time. "I'll call Fumito to pack us lunch. He should be on the way by now."
"Are you serious?" Michiru asked incredulously.
"I'm hungry. Police needs to eat too, Asst State Attorney General."
"How much time left?"
Haruka checked her watch. "15 more minutes."
Michiru sighed. Time suddenly seemed to move in snail pace. Fumito Hiroto had arrived with search warrant in hand, as well as lunches for the team, but besides waiting, they couldn't do nothing. Michiru started to get impatient and paced around, while Haruka took this opportunity to slip away to Seiya's side to regroup the team. Michiru's patience was running thin. Haruka shifted away from Michiru to avoid possible clash with her current testy lover in front of the team. Behind closed door, Haruka could lower herself, be a considerate, tolerant and forgiving lover but in the public, Michiru definitely could not challenge nor question the title and authority of a Superintendent General. This was an unspoken rule between them, but, Michiru was getting edgy and seemed would dishonour the unspoken rule at any moment. That's the reason Haruka decided to walk away.
"How much time left, Haruka?" Michiru shouted from afar.
Haruka frowned. She immediately disliked the tone used by Michiru. It sounded like an instruction more than a normal inquiry. Haruka studied her team, decided to ignore Michiru.
"Time's up. They still haven't come out." Seiya stated the obvious.
"Give them 15 minutes more. Then we charge in."
The irritated Michiru walked up to the team. "They are stretching their limit, Haruka."
Feeling displeased with the tone adopted, Haruka glared at Michiru. The hard glare instantly reminded Michiru of her own position and she inadvertently lowered her head.
"Get ready to take over the operation in 10 minutes time." Haruka finally addressed the team.
Japan Special Forces Group came out the moment Haruka and co decided to reclaim the operation. Judging by their dispirited figure, it's not hard to deduce they were left with empty handed.
Kasumi let out a disappointed sigh. "We got nothing. Hope you guys have a better luck."
Haruka casted Michiru a sideway glance.
"We are very confidence this time." Michiru answered on behalf of the team.
"Good." Kasumi smiled. "I passed the ball to back you then."
Haruka waited until the Special Forces Group had totally left the scene then only started the operation. The team was divided into 4 groups. 5 persons per group. Haruka assigned Michiru to her group, along with 3 other officers.
The Special Forces Group make their task easier by leaving the goods outside of the containers instead of rearranging it back inside. Some of the containers had been totally cleared out, some left with half, some left untouched, presumably lack of time. Michiru focus on the empty containers by taking rounds inside of the containers, feeling instead of searching or looking. Michiru then moved to next empty containers, then next, then next and repeating the same process on the next few empty containers. Haruka started to has doubt on Michiru. Michiru suddenly went back to one of the previous containers, slowly pacing around again.
Haruka stepped up to Michiru and gripped her by the arm. "Errm…tell me Michiru. Do you really know…..what you are doing right now?"
"If you just let me continue, I believe we will be able to see the result soon."
"Let you continue taking stroll?"
"Let me continue feeling."
Haruka raised a questionable eyebrow.
"I need a torchlight." Michiru suddenly said.
"Torchlight?"
"Yes. Torchlight."
Haruka instructed one of the officers to get the torchlight from the port worker. Once Michiru received the torchlight, Michiru strode to the end corner of the container, and examined the edge with the help of the light from the borrowed torchlight. From the left, to the bottom, letting the light crawling across the edge to the right, then to the top. Michiru suddenly chuckled.
"Found anything?" Haruka asked anxiously.
"There are 3 rings, metal rings, spread evenly, mounted on the top edge of the back container."
"Rings? For what purpose?"
"We need 3 hooks. Tied to a rope each. And ladder."
Haruka immediately barked out for another instruction and this time, the port manager personally handed the requested items to the police officers. With the hook now clasped on the ring, 3 officers, holding the end of the rope each, started to pull the rope under instruction from Michiru. The officers pulled and pulled but nothing happened.
"Are you sure we are doing the right thing?" Haruka forwarded her doubt to Michiru in a very low voice.
"Try again. Pull harder."
The officers repeated the same process with extra effort. This time their hard work was rewarded with a creaking sound. Low, bit by bit and subsequently getting louder. The team then saw it. The huge metal plate, supposed to be the end of the container, was slowly being pulled down, finally landed on the floor with a loud bang, revealing a hidden compartment, with few rows of square wooden boxes, stacking on top of each other, touching the ceiling of the container.
Someone took off and ran away. The port manager was gone.
"Stay here with Michiru." Haruka instructed the officers then gave chase.
Michiru was dumbfounded. Her partner just acted on impulse again, disregard her safety by leaving her to the minions, while she went to be a heroine, pursuing a potential suspect. 'What the heck.' "I'm gonna couch her tonight."
The minions stared at her.
Michiru realized her slip, praying the words won't reach Haruka's ears. "Let's check out the boxes."
The minions unloaded the boxes and pried it open with crowbar. True enough, the boxes contained the firearms that they had been searching for many months. The case was finally solved, courtesy to Michiru's 'feelings'.
"Based on the received intel and cooperation from TMPD, we found a total of 369 boxes of firearms during our raid at Edo Minato. DoJ would give priority to the case and we expected to bring forward the hearing to the earliest date possible."
The reporters started to bombard Michiru with questions. Haruka was watching from afar for Japan Asst State Attorney General, soon to be State Attorney General after final confirmation nod from the Prime Minister 1 day before the press conference, addressing and updating the journalists at the lobby of Central Government Office Complex, with latest information about the largest firearm smuggling case in Japan's history. Not long, Haruka was joined by a woman; a woman that had been the cause of her recent rocky relationship with Michiru.
Misa remained quiet until Haruka handed her a name card. Misa looked up at Haruka questionably.
"Call him. He is the managing partner for City – Yuwa partners. (Top 10 law firms in Japan). He had looked at your credentials and prepare to offer you senior partner position in his firm. Public prosecutor doesn't suit you. You are too ambitious and talented to stay in DoJ. Furthermore, there's no more incentive for you to stay in DoJ now, right?"
Misa remained silent while holding the card in between her thumb and index finger. A short moment passed before she murmured a low thank you.
"This is the last thing I do for you. From this second onwards, we are nothing but strangers."
Misa closed her eyes tightly, stunned at Haruka's harsh words. She was disappointed with how the things turned out in between her and Haruka, but, she knew, she couldn't expect more.
Without waiting for the press conference to end, Haruka left the dumbfounded Misa behind, to head back to her office. Then she heard footsteps were catching up from behind. Haruka thought it was Misa, with some unspoken words but as she turned around, her PA, to be exact, her ex-PA, Miyako Aiko almost stumbled on her. Haruka managed to catch her on time.
"Thank you, Tenoh-san."
Haruka was unamused. "Haven't you receive the letter?"
"Yes. Yes. I got it here." Miyako Aiko shown the white envelope to Haruka, which she was clutching tightly with her right hand. Then she frowned. "But…why Tenoh-san?"
"I'm surprise you still got the nerve to ask me."
Miyaki's gaze dropped to the floor. "I'm sory."
"Spying on law enforcer carries mandatory 10 years jail term and penalty not lesser than 10 million yen. You are spying on me, Miyaki-san. Spying on Superintendent General. Japan Forces Special group intercepted my last operation because you disclosed the confidential news to Shigeru KaE. And Shigeru KaE relayed the information to his uncle, Shigeru Oshin, the Minister of Defence. I asked Taiki to check on your mobile carrier transaction. You have been communicating a lot with Shigeru KaE. Taiki can extract all the messages you send to Shigeru KaE, if I want to Miyaki-san. A written record will look bad on you. Do you want that Miyaki-san?"
Miyako Aiko could only remained speechless. Eyes started to get teary.
"You should be grateful I merely dismissed you with the reason of professional misconduct without getting into details."
Miyako had no choice but to resign to her fate. She whispered a low thank you to Haruka.
Haruka sighed. "Shigeru KaE was just using you, Miyaki-san. He never loves you. The only person that he loves is himself."
With that being said, Haruka left the scene.
Hand in hand, they were strolling along the sophisticated shops, decorated with colorful neon lights in Ginza. They had just patron a fine dining restaurant to celebrate Michiru's promotion. While Michiru wanted to head home straightaway after the dinner for a very important reason, but Haruka insisted for a walk for a very personal reason. As they walked leisurely along the street, Michiru noticed Haruka frequently checked on her pants pocket with her free hand.
'I know you could paint. I just couldn't imagine this talent of yours actually come in handy in investigation." Haruka spoke.
"It's just a matter of dimension, Haruka."
During those few rounds of inspection at Yutaka's cargoes, Michiru felt something was amiss with the containers but she couldn't pinpoint out the exact problem. When she saw Usagi's first child ultra sound picture, she immediately knew she the root of the problem. The dimension of the inspected containers varied and it shouldn't be the case. Containers had fixed dimension according to ISO standard. Michiru's sensitivity on dimension was due to her talent in painting was the root of her 'something's feel funny with the containers feeling'. Turned out, her gut feeling assisted her to solve the high profile case.
They continue to walked leisurely until they reached Wadakura Fountain Park, a park that was built to commemorate the royal wedding of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan in year 1961. Because of the obvious reason, the fountain was a popular hotspot for soon to be married couple to take wedding pictures. Haruka saw the fountain was crowded with people. She dragged Michiru towards the fountain and saw the reason of the accumulated crowd. A wedding photo session was taking place there.
Both the bride and the bridegroom were trying out several pose under the instruction of the cameraman. Haruka's eyes were fixed on the bride. She inadvertently tightened her grip on Michiru's hand. "I bet you will be the most beautiful bride in the world."
Michiru smiled. "You know, every boyfriend said the same thing to his girlfriend."
Haruka chuckled "But I'm not your boyfriend."
"Does it means I can't be your bride?"
They stared at each other. Haruka checked her pocket again, feeling the little box in her hand. Michiru snaked her hand into her purse, rubbed 'it' with her thumb to feel its existence. To draw courage from 'it'.
"Mi…"
"Haruka…'
"Yes?"
Michiru stopped short. Then breathed deeply. "This is quite hard."
Haruka was puzzled. "What is hard?"
Michiru took another deep breath. She suddenly felt hot especially her face. She fanned it with her bare hand.
Haruka chuckled at the comical Michiru. "What's wrong, love? Why are you so nervous?"
Michiru glared at the tall blonde. "This is supposed to be your job."
"What job?"
Michiru sighed. She turned her gaze to back to the couple again.
Haruka was concerned by now. "Michiru? Is there something wrong?"
Michiru's attention slowly switched back to Haruka but her eyes looked distant. Haruka started to get worried.
"Michiru?"
No answer.
Michiru?"
No reply.
"Shit. I take you home."
Just as Haruka turned around to lead the way, Michiru pulled her back. "Will you marry me?"
Haruka was stunned. Eyes widened in shocked. Mouth slightly agape. Michiru retracted a small box from her sling purse, opened it in front of Haruka, to reveal a ring.
"Tenoh Haruka, will you marry me?"
Time seemed to stop for both of them. The crowd suddenly vanished and the voices became distant until eventually faded away. For a moment, it was just two of them. Michiru stared at Haruka expectantly, while Haruka looked totally dumbfounded. A moments had passed and there was no response from Haruka. Haruka did not smile and Michiru felt totally dejected. They could not legalize their relationship in Japan but they could do it in countries where same gender marriage is legal. Not every same gender relationship would entertain the idea of marriage because of this obstacle but Michiru thought Haruka was different. Michiru thought Haruka wanted a family. A real settled down home. A real settled down relationship. Perhaps it's not the time yet or….perhaps Michiru was not the one. Michiru swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly retracted the ring. Meanwhile, Haruka finally recovered from the initial surprise. She chuckled. Then she laughed out loud.
"What's so funny, Tenoh Haruka?" Michiru was not amused.
Haruka stopped laughing. Now, she stared lovingly at her soon to be wife. "That's why you were so nervous. I think I could understand. Because I was nervous too. You are right. This is supposed to be my job."
Haruka then fished out a box from her pocket, the one that she had been constantly checking on. When Haruka pulled the cover up, Michiru saw a 2 carat diamond ring was sitting in the middle of the box. Michiru's hand flew over her mouth, obviously as startled as Haruka. At the same time, Michiru blinked her eyes rapidly, attempting to fight off the happy tears away.
"I hope you don't mind I don't get down on 1 knee, it will attract too much attention. But it doesn't mean I'm not sincere at all." Haruka took a peek at the couple. Her imagination started to run wild. Her smile widened.
Michiru spotted that. She could read Haruka's mind. A happy smile, which came directly from her heart, grace her beautiful face. "You are wandering too far, Haruka."
Serious gaze fixated back on Michiru. "Yes. Indeed. But I couldn't help it."
"So….what are you going to do with it?"
Haruka drew in a breath. "Kaioh Michiru….will you…"
"I do."
A chuckled, followed by a kiss hard on Michiru's lips. Lips interlocking, totally ignored all the stares, cheers and sneers from the surrounding people. Without breaking the kiss, Haruka pulled the ring from the box, hands trace down to Michiru's left ring finger and slide the ring in. Michiru gentle pushed Haruka away the examined her new engagement ring.
"It's slightly loose, Haruka."
"We can get it fit tomorrow. Where's mine?"
Michiru repeated Haruka's earlier action and the ring fitted perfectly on Haruka's ring finger.
"How come I could get your size perfectly while you missed mine?"
Haruka smirked. A dirty thought just crossed her mind. She whispered to Michiru's ear. "I'm not surprise you know my size well. Is it because I never missed?"
Michiru turned her head sideway and smiled a sly smile. Haruka's arrogance was really unmatchable. Especially on that particular subject. Ego higher than a man. "You are always full of yourself."
Michiru pulled Haruka down for another kiss. They separated for air but their forehead still touched against each other. "Let's go home." Michiru said in a low whisper. "You need to be punished for missing my size. I have to remind you and make you remember it always."
Haruka smirked widely. "Sure. Let's go home to get your size right."
Author's Note: The ending for this chapter is not the original ending. I decided to change it after listening to Stephanie Poetri's I Love you 3000. Yeah, inspired by the romantic song.
Next Chapter: Meet the Parents
Specifically to Hotaro tomeo. Yes, I will be back and finished the story but it will take times. Every chapter is long and hard to find writing time due to hectic working life (unless I strike a lottery n no need to work anymore XDXD) but nonetheless, I will finish it. Hope you are still around.
