I can't believe I've been forgetting to put the quotes at the top of the last few chapters. Ugh!
Acceptance
Chapter 9
Love's gift cannot be given,
it waits to be accepted.
-Rabindranath Tagore
"First show in a month is tomorrow, are you nervous about how people will react to seeing you?"
I pulled away from Haruka to look at her. "I'm never nervous before a show Ruka." I smiled at her before looking away when she tried to kiss me. "Oh no you don't. You have to wait."
"But why?" I laughed at her pout. I must admit, it is nice having control over someone. Much better than being controlled.
"You have to wait until after dinner." I stood up and practically ran into the kitchen. I could hear her following me, laughing. "I said no Ruka." I couldn't help but to give in to her though as she wrapped her arms around my waist. "Mm, be nice."
"I don't want to." Her hot breath tickled the back of my ear. A low moan rumbled from my throat. I tilted my head, allowing her better access to my neck.
She continued working her magic on my skin. Each kiss sent lightning bolt shocks down my spine. I tried to hide my growing excitement yet to no avail. My eyes closed as I blindly reached behind me to caress her hip.
"Don't you tease me Michi." She spoke breathlessly.
I turned to face her. Not another word was spoken as I kissed her with more passion then I ever had before. I was ready for her to be mine. And she wasn't stopping me which meant she felt the same.
"You seem excited about this show. It's about damn time you got like this about your work." I glared at Hiroshi. If only he knew the true reason I was so happy.
"Of course I am Hiroshi...Haruka and I have been practicing a lot." I smirked as I saw my tall blonde haired woman walk around the corner. I met her half way and reached up to fix her tie. "Much better handsome."
She returned the smile and gave me a look only we understood. Last night was incredible. I've never been able to relax with anybody the way I did with her. "Song number 4, right?"
I smiled. "No, the last song silly."
"What are you two yakking about? Get out there and get ready. The curtain's going to be raised soon."
I was pulled back to my senses, keeping me from kissing Haruka. We shared one quick glance before walking onto the dark stage to take our places. On the other side of the curtain I could hear the chatter of the crowd. This is the one thing I always controlled before I started seeing Haruka. If I wasn't ready for the show to start, then it wasn't going to start.
As I tuned my violin the sounds echoed over the speaker system, causing the roar of the crowd to vanish. I turned to look at Haruka, I blew her a small kiss before starting into our first song. The moment I struck the first chord, the stage hands quickly pulled the curtain toward the ceiling.
I barely opened my eyes to see the packed house before us. It felt good to be back on stage in front of all these loving fans. They never judged me for the way I looked or for anything about me. They never judged me like Hiroshi always did...and still does. If only I could find the words to fire him. My eyes opened back up, this time to watch Haruka at the piano. I had watched her many times over the last few weeks. Each time it seems she becomes more and more beautiful. I think I'm ready to tell her I love her
I reached out for the microphone after what was supposed to be our last song of the night. "I don't normally do this." I started, my voice being soft. "I know in your programs, it says that the show would be over about now. Haruka and I have a surprise for you all. During my time away, Haruka and I were able to get a lot of practice in. We were also able to put the finishing touches on a new piece." I lifted my violin to my neck and listened as she started the song. I smiled lovingly at her when I joined.
"Beautiful song. But next time run it by me before playing something new." I ignored him as I grabbed a bottle of water on the way back to my dressing room.
"Michi." I slowed down as she caught up with me. "Come to my room when you're finished changing, alright?" She rested her hand on my arm for a moment, smiled warmly, then walked away.
I hurried off to my room to change out of my dress. I pulled my hair down to let it rest on my shoulders. My mind was running in a million different directions as I pulled a soft blue blouse and jeans out of my bag to put them on. I was lucky I was able to concentrate long enough to get dressed. Images from last night of Haruka's naked body were flooding my mind. I shook my head before leaving my room and heading toward hers.
"I can't wait to get you home tonight." I frowned as I heard her speak. I stopped outside the door to listen.
"That's very flattering Haruka." I've never heard that voice before.
"Naomi?" Her voice sounded shocked. "What are you doing here Naomi? And how the hell did you get back here?" I pressed closer to the door.
"I missed you Ruka." Her voice got softer. "It's nice to see you again."
"Yea...it's been years. But I don't think I can say the same about missing you."
"Why not?"
"Naomi, you're the one that left me, not the other way around. I've moved on. I'm happy now."
I finally opened the door to see a brunette woman, nearly the same height as me, standing dangerously close to my Haruka. "Ruka...Who's your friend?" I made my way across the room and pressed against her. I smiled when I felt her hand on my lower back.
"She's nobody important Michi. Are you ready to go home?"
"I'm nobody now Ruka. What happened to the time we spent together?"
"It's over Naomi. The time together was nice, but it's in the past now, and that's where it needs to stay."
All of the doubts I was feeling at that time were washed away by hearing her say that. She did care about me. She was over her ex wife. I was thankful.