This isn't as long as most of my other chapters. I tried...really I tried. Ugh...I just can't find anymore to put into this story. There's one more chapter after this one. Then it'll be over. Sorry to end it since there seem to be a lot of people that liked it. Honestly...I didn't care for it, but that's just me. Well...here ya go.

Acceptance

Chapter 12

Consult your friend on all things, especially on those which respect yourself.
His counsel may then be useful where your own self-love might impair your judgment.
-Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

I felt like such a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. 'Hiroshi, Yamamoto...I'm gay.' No, that wouldn't work. 'I have something I need to...' No, that won't work either. I sighed as I ran my brush through my hair. Maybe I wasn't ready to tell them. To tell anybody.

"Michi!" I smiled when I heard her voice echo from downstairs. "Are you just about ready to go?"

"Yes, I am...is there something wrong?" She wasn't smiling. I leaned up and kissed her.

"Hiroshi called me at 8 this morning...he was screaming at me. Told me to get my ass down there as soon as I could." She wrapped her arms tightly around my waist. "I'm in no hurry though. I need to make sure you're ready to tell them."

"I think I'm ready. Can we stop for breakfast before we go in?"

"Of course we can."

"Where the hell have you been? I called you almost three hours ago." I cringed at Hiroshi's tone. "How dare you!"

"What are you talking about?" She sat in the chair opposite Yamamoto. He was hidden behind a newspaper.

"You have a lot of explaining to do Ms. Tenou." His rough voice rang from behind the paper.

I moved to look over Haruka's shoulder as today's paper was slammed down on the desk in front of us. The headline read 'Tenou Kisses Kaiou Against Her Will.' My jaw dropped in shock. Below the headline were two pictures. One of my hand tightly gripping hers while on my cheek. The other, I was crying when she kissed me.

"They're doctored photos." I quickly spoke, trying to defend Haruka. She only frowned at me. It was the only response I knew. I didn't know how to tell them yet.

"Don't try to protect me Michi." She wasn't looking at me. Her eyes were fixed on the pictures. "Why hide it anymore?" She gave me a pained look before speaking again. "I've been attracted to Michiru since I first laid eyes on her."

"I knew you wouldn't be able to keep your hands to yourself you filthy dyke."

I couldn't just let them attack her like this. Angrily, I ran my fingers through my long hair. If I didn't say something soon Haruka may leave me. She said she'll stand beside me, but I'm not standing beside her. "It's not all her fault." My words were soft.

"What did you say?" Hiroshi spoke.

"This isn't her fault. It's just as much mine as it is hers." A smile came to Haruka's lips. I rest my hand against hers. "I can't live a lie anymore."

"Do you think we're stupid or something Michiru. We've seen you with your girlfriends, we just covered it up to protect you against your fans." I tried to speak but Yamamoto kept going. "We can't cover this up though. That's why we both came to the conclusion..." He hesitated for a moment. "Haruka, you're fired."

She didn't say a word as she stood up. "You can't fire her. She's the best pianist I've ever played with."

"Don't worry about me Michi. You'll find someone just as good as I am." I reached out to grab her hand to try to stop her. "I know your career comes first to you..." She pulled her hand free of mine and left the room.

"If you follow her out that door Michiru...Don't bother coming back." I froze as my hand rested on the doorknob. Was my career really worth all of this? "It's your decision. Do you want to keep your fame and fortune? Or do you want to lose it all for some woman?"

'I want to be happy." I turned back to face them. "I haven't been happy since I started." I turned the doorknob. "Go to hell."

I flung the door open and ran down the hallway, hoping that she hadn't left yet. Please still be in the parking lot. I can't do anything without you Haruka. I need your help.

"Haruka wait!" She stopped as she opened her car door. "My happiness is more important than my career. And I'm happy with you. I've always been happy with you Haruka." I hugged her tightly. "I'm sure I can find another manager for us."

"Like me?" She held me close. I could hear her breathing relax.

"Yes...like you. I love you Haruka. More than I've ever loved anything or anybody in my life."