A/N - Once again, there is no dancing in this chapter (sorry to disappoint but I am working really hard on the dances yet to come!). This was an evil chapter to write on account of the hours it took me to write about Fuji Speedway (the actual circuit where the F1 will be racing later this year YAY - Lewis Hamilton fan here) and get some of the real bends etc written down accurately! Nevermind eh? Anywho, this is more of a transition chapter but I hope you all enjoy it (and before anyone says anything no there isn't a plothole with Leon and the last chapter - it's written that way to set up for the next few chapters so there sticks tongue out) Oh, I totally owe Reusch for a certain two word phrase in here... she said it first and it's hers. I merely whore it out ;) Okay, this rant is done. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 8 – HEIGHTS, VICTORY AND A PECK ON THE CHEEK
It had not been an easy month for Haruka. She had not been at the dance club as often as she would have liked but she had two reasons to avoid the club; Fuji Speedway and Michiru. It worked out quite nicely. As soon as lessons were over, Elza arrived at her class and dragged her down to the track where she practiced till late. It was only when her homework began to suffer did the tomboy think to go and see her tutors to find out ways around missed homework and soon-to-be missing assignments; and that was where she found out she really was going to be assigned to work with Michiru and that it wasn't just an evil joke by Elza; the teacher let it slip herself. She and Michiru were going to work on a presentation and essay on a book together. The book was Wuthering Heights and Haruka had no interest in it at all, her interest may have peaked a little when her English tutor spoke out of her love for the book.
"Do I have to work with Mi – Kaioh-san, sensei?" Tetsuya-sensei peered over the edge of her glasses and stared at the blonde who was still in her seat in the now empty classroom. The teacher had a glazed over look in her eyes while staring out of the window, slightly biting her own lip;
"Hai, Haruka-san... don't you appreciate love and romance? Oh Tenoh-kun, this book is just so romantic, you will love it, I know, have you read it before?" The blonde could only shake her head. The teacher then gushed,
"Ah, like most boys, you've no interest in romance, ah, well perhaps Kaioh-san could help you overcome that." Haruka instantly turned red and began to stutter,
"N-n-nani? Help m-m-me?" The teacher raised one eyebrow and looked at Haruka concernedly,
"Tenoh-kun are you okay? I only meant that Michiru would probably take more interest in the book." The tomboy sweat-dropped. She laughed nervously and scratched the back of her neck,
"Oh, yeah, I know that...er thanks sensei." Haruka rushed from the room. It was December 9th and that was the day Haruka realised she couldn't avoid Michiru, not until the comps. Crap.
"Holy crap, Tenoh, you just blasted your old record into space! Keep it up only one more lap left after this! And thanks this time for not running my foot over in the pit-stop." Elza's voice crackled over the earpiece in Haruka's helmet and the blonde simply smirked as she broke from her daydream and she began to control her machine swiftly and expertly at the first turn.
Realizing now was no time to fantasize the blonde made it to the second bend and on the third she had to pull out a harsh left turn and accelerate in order to make the timing she wanted. She had no time for a brake or anything to slow her down as right now she was in her zone. Even the other cars were no obstacle for her. They were slow, all afraid of taking risks, which in Haruka's eyes meant they were afraid to win. 'Winners never fear, fear never wins', Haruka still remembered her father's words from over a decade ago.
To win, you have to risk everything. If you want something bad enough, you lay your life down for it and sometimes your heart. Haruka had no choice but to brake slightly while changing gears on the hairpin turn on the 6th bend, but as soon as her car's chassis regained control, she put her foot hard onto the accelerator, sending her Honda NSX soaring forward. The blond could hear the crowd roaring at this point. Today was December 10th, and today was her trial at Fuji Speedway, the decider on her F1 career.
As Haruka raced through the track with ease, she caught a glimpse of aqua hair at the front row; right near where her family and friends were. Haruka sighed inwardly, she had so much to do in the next few weeks. As far as anyone else knew, today was just a warm-up race before the F2 season started up again, only her parents, Sets, Hotaru and Elza knew today was different. Haruka hadn't even told her other friends today was basically the turning point in her career and if she does well,
she's off on a worldwide tour for her rookie year. Haruka just hadn't had the time to tell them – or at least, that's what she kept telling herself. And aside from not telling everyone that she had yet to deal with the Michiru issue... or as the tomboy liked to call it "Why hormones are evil and shouldn't exist".
She knew she had to spend two weeks around Michiru, working long hours on their project... together... closely. Haruka shook her head, she had to get rid of those thoughts, those slightly lustful thoughts - they had no place on the racetrack! The racetrack, Fuji Speedway, it was her only real dream, until lately that was.
The tomboy could only think of how she had only practiced at Fuji for one week, aside from 3 weeks at the Honda training circuit, but one week was long enough. Haruka had mentally mapped out this track when she was 10 and knew it was her destiny to race here one day.
And here she was, but she couldn't quite understand why she wasn't happy… why she didn't feel how she always imagined she should when she was racing here, she should feel free, she should feel the embrace of speed all around her taking her to a higher plain of understanding, or something like that she thought to herself. 'Never mind Tenoh, only one more lap left and these other racers are a joke'. Haruka put her foot even more fervently on the accelerator as the monitor on her dashboard told her it was the final lap.
In the crowd all of Haruka's friends and family had gathered. Everyone from the dance club was there, even Seiya, who Michiru insisted on bringing, so they could talk every spare moment in the car on music choice and steps for the comps, Michiru was really dedicated to the dances. Leon scowled at Seiya every time they made eye contact, but Yumi managed to calm him down with a simple hand on his shoulder and a calming stroke of his hair. Hotaru was screaming in fear as she saw Haruka come around onto the Coca-Cola corner and was sure that Haruka was going to crash into another car,
"Haruka! Oh – oh thank God!" Hotaru was hugged by Setsuna,
"She's rather reckless today, ne, Yumi-san?" Yumi nodded and looked at her husband who seemed to be watching the race but with a more content look,
"Why are you so happy, Leon?" He looked down at his wife and put his right arm around her shoulder,
"I'm just proud of Ruka, she is just racing so well." Michiru was near tears watching Haruka approach the Dunlop corner, and couldn't stop herself from shouting out;
"Why is she going so fast?! She could go slower and more carefully and she'd still win!" Leon chuckled gently, getting glances from everyone there to support Ruka.
"Yeah, she could, but you gotta think like Ruka... where's the fun in that huh?" Everyone was silent as they could see Haruka approaching the finishing line, the screen above the crowd showed that Haruka was going just over 200mph. The checkered flag lowered down as Haruka sped over the finishing line and Yumi and Leon jumped up, hugging each other. Hotaru and Setsuna hugged each other and everyone cheered, even Michiru who was hoping that the entire race would go without any problems.
"Good to see she's still got it, huh?" Seiya received nine glares for his loud comment. Makoto crossed her arms and spoke up to him after the brief silence.
"There was never any chance of her losing it... not on the tracks." Seiya shrugged at the remark. Usagi spoke up sheepishly,
"Ne, Yumi-sama... do you think we could go down and see Haruka now?" Yumi shook her head sadly,
"We got at least another hour, Usagi-chan. She has to receive the trophy from the sponsors for this time trial then do a small interview with the press." Leon looked down at his watch and a childish grin played across his features,
"Nonsense, my love! Let's go see the press conference, hehe, Ruka shouldn't mind!"
"Tenoh-san, tell us how does it feel to have broken a lap record from your other Japanese competitors in the Formula Nippon category? You blew them away with a timing of 1:13!" Haruka cracked a smile at the reporter's eagerness, but then she spoke calmly,
"I'm just glad I finished the race in one piece." The media laughed gently. Haruka could see at the back of the room, the large group made up of her family and friends who had just entered. She smiled gently, but then frowned as soon as she saw Seiya with his hand on Michiru's shoulder. The Honda spokesperson addressed the media;
"We have time for two more questions." Instantly two reporters threw their hands up and were approved of.
"Tenoh-san... are the rumours true that on the 2nd of January you will be leaving for a one year tour in the F1?" This caught everyone off-guard except for Leon, Yumi, Hotaru and Setsuna. 'I am going to kill this reporter'; that was all Haruka could think as she looked down darkly at the table, she looked back up and the first person she was drawn to was Michiru, whose mouth was agape and she turned away as soon as Haruka locked eyes with her. Haruka sighed heavily, and turned to the reporter who asked the question.
"I was informed by my sponsors that if my performance today was exceptional, then along with whatever results we get from Suzuka on the 24th, then yes, I will most probably be leaving for the F1 on the 2nd." There was a huge hubbub in the room and Haruka lifted her head and saw that her aqua-haired goddess had turned her head away, not even looking in the general direction of the blonde.
'Going to give me the cold shoulder, huh?' thought the blonde.
"Tenoh-san, aren't you going to find it quite a shock leaving Japan? You haven't even finished high school. Is it a wise decision from a completely unbiased view? Shouldn't you be a role model and finish your education first?"
"I suppose I should... ah... excuse me, I am not feeling quite myself today. My apologies." Haruka instantly stood and made her way out of the room and to her dressing room. As she stood up, there was an instantaneous cacophony of questions and requests from every reporter in the room. Haruka ignored them all and went to the safety of the dressing rooms. As she turned to close the door to her room, she could see her friends and family being escorted down the corridor towards her. Exasperatedly, the blonde decided to leave the door open;' get this all over and done with now' Haruka thought to herself. Leon entered the room first, enveloping his daughter in a hug.
"Wow! Ruka ! You are a record breaker, I am so proud of you!" Leon let go of her and the blonde looked around the room. Everyone she knew was here, and Seiya had that annoying smirk on his face. Haruka ran a hand through her hair and managed to regain her arrogant aura.
"What, is this old geezer the only one who's going to congratulate me?" There was a nervous giggle from a few of the girls. After looking around the room, Ami stepped forward,
"Well done, Haruka-chan, I'm glad you've finally achieved your dream. I'm really happy for you!" Ami gingerly offered a hug to Haruka who happily accepted. Makoto grinned and stepped forward,
"I think Ami pretty much said it for all of us." Makoto hugged her long time friend. As Haruka was about to speak, she turned and locked eyes with Michiru, her eyes were watering slightly but somehow the violinist managed to keep her cool composure.
"Congratulations, Tenoh-san." That cold voice had returned and it cut through Haruka like a knife.
"I was going to tell you all, but I – I didn't want to. Not yet." Michiru looked around the dressing room,
"It's none of our business when you were going to tell us, or if you were. It's your life, Tenoh-san." Michiru's cold voice once again had the power to cut through the usually unbreakable composure of Haruka Tenoh.
"I didn't want to jinx anything. You know, your ultimate dream being thrown at you doesn't happen every day." Michiru looked at Haruka. Immediately the violinists' features softened in empathy.
"I suppose you're right, Haruka-san." The blonde smiled at the return of the friendlier manner she was being addressed as. There was an awkward silence. Usagi leant forward to Minako,
"Why are we all quiet?" Haruka laughed and walked over to Usagi, patting her head slightly,
"Koneko-chan, there is no need for silence when you are around." Usagi blushed at the attention brought to her but then she smiled widely. Leon looked down at his watch,
"Hey, Ruka, after your trophy and all that jazz, we're going to head back to Tokyo; Crown Plaza, my treat." Everyone roared in glee, Usagi began to drool as she thought of the ice cream concoction she had her heart set on and Minako began to do a victory pose but she remember to thank Leon after a swift hand from Rei made a connection with the back of her head;
"Leon-sama, you are the best!" Haruka smiled but inside she thought of how she didn't want to be around anyone at the moment. It was bad enough they had all found out about the F1 contract from a source that wasn't Haruka herself. That damned reporter. But really Haruka couldn't help but blame herself, she wouldn't be getting this mixed reaction if she had just had the guts and told everyone, instead of running away from her problems. Haruka looked up at her father,
"Well, who's driving who?" Leon looked around the room as it was clear that the amount of people here and her dad's car for six was clearly not going to magically take them all back to Tokyo.
"Mamo-chan is taking me, Rei and Mina!" Usagi said while squeezing poor Mamoru's arm. Yumi looked at her poor nephew but then smiled as she saw how much he adored the crazy blonde clinging to his arm. Then Yaten spoke up,
"Well, Taiki and me only have a two seater, so..." He trailed off while staring at Mako and Ami who simply sighed,
"No problem, they can come with us, right, Seiya?" Seiya instantly raised an eyebrow at Michiru's suggestion and tried desperately to find an excuse, the last thing he wanted was to be stuck in a car with Makoto, Haruka's best friend and one of the few people who knew exactly what he did to Haruka.
"No!" Makoto smiled nervously as she tried to cover up her outburst, she looked at Ami who turned to Leon as he spoke up.
"No, we're taking Ami and Mako home... don't worry yourself, Kou." Michiru smiled politely, nodding to indicate she understood but then she frowned suddenly as she counted the people in the room and the space in each vehicle;
"Wait, who's Haruka going with? Leon-sama your car can only take six and – " Haruka cut her off,
"Elza offered me a ride but I'd rather go on my bike. Ah, I had better go, it's nearly time for the trophy to be handed out." Haruka sighed and ran her hand though her hair. She headed out of the door, without another word. Leon cleared his throat and smiled, hoping to alleviate some of the sad atmosphere Ruka had left them all with.
"Haruka probably just wants to be left alone with her thoughts while driving." Michiru didn't respond but instead looked down at her feet, images of Haruka's sad expressions still haunting her every waking moment and slowly ebbing away at her, the last thing she wanted to see was a sad Haruka.
An hour later, Haruka came out of her dressing room, dressed in her leathers and holding her motorbike helmet in her hand. She ran the other hand through her hair and headed to the car park. The trophy ceremony was boring as hell. She was handed an oversized silver trophy, and a novelty check and afterwards, backstage, was given a much smaller check with a much larger number on it. She only thought of how she could probably buy her own place with that check, not that she didn't love living at home, but she needed a place she could relax without the bombardment of questions and people. The tomboy was going to keep that check a secret for now as she would talk to her parents tomorrow.
As Haruka walked through the car park, she bid good evening to the attendant there and as she made her way to her motorbike, she couldn't help but notice that everyone else was still there, waiting for her in their cars. Elza was still grinning like a fool, her day having gone great as Haruka's advisor for her last ever race in Formula Nippon – it always looked great on a transcript she thought. Haruka stopped walking momentarily before taking her keys from her pocket and approaching the group. Leon stepped out of his car,
"Haru-chan, we'll meet you at the Plaza, okay?" Haruka hesitantly nodded.
"Fine, but I gotta go somewhere first, so I might not be there for a while. But don't worry otou-san." Leon nodded understandingly. She needed somewhere quiet to think to herself; she'd surely reach Tokyo before the rest of them, she had a lot on her mind, she'd probably go to her little haven. And then meet them all later, acting as though nothing was bothering her at all.
"Okay, kiddo. Take care." Leon got back into his car and started the engine. Haruka revved her own engine and put her helmet on, instantly feeling a release as she gripped the motorbike handles. Haruka closed her eyes and took a deep breath, not noticing, everyone was still watching her as they started up their own vehicles. Haruka opened her eyes and then her baby, her Kawasaki ZX6R, suddenly flew down the road, speeding out of everyone's sight. A collective 'sugoi' was said by all the girls, even though separated by different cars, they were all still amazed at Haruka's skill with motorbikes and cars. Even though she wasn't legally supposed to be driving till she was 18, Haruka got her age overlooked due to her success in F2; 'ah, soon to be F1' thought Leon.
It was half an hour into the drive that Leon cleared his throat, noting the silence in the car. He looked over to Yumi and smiled gently.
"So... did you girls have fun today at the tracks?" Hotaru was the first to respond to Leon's question, she was sitting directly behind him.
"Hai! I thought Haru-chan was going to die at one point but after I got over that, I enjoyed it! Plus, Haruka-papa won, so I'm happy!" Hotaru beamed and Setsuna smiled gently at her.
Leon looked out of his window for a moment while they were at a stop sign. He sighed but then turned to the four girls in the back of his car;
"Do you know Michiru-san well?" A silence engulfed everyone. Hotaru looked around and after seeing no-one taking the lead here she sighed loudly,
"Leon-papa, is this about Michiru and Haruka's feelings for each other?" Leon just managed to regain control of the car after his senses were temporarily stunned by the usually reserved Hotaru's clear knowledge of his line of questioning.
"Whu-what?! No, of course not! I'm just interested in what everyone thinks of the new girl!" He looked around the car and found five unbelieving females staring at him, all with one eyebrow raised. Leon sighed, "Okay, yeah it is about Ruka and this – this Michiru girl. What's she like, really I mean, she seems nice enough, but I don't know her that well... so what do you think of her?" Before anyone could even take a breath to speak, Ami cleared her throat.
"Ah well, Leon-sama, Michiru is a nice girl, very polite, very good at her studies, she plays the violin exceptionally, in fact I think she may be Aiko Neptune, the international violinist, but she hasn't given a hint to that... but she is kind and thoughtful to everyone. And very beautiful too." A certain brunette sitting next to Ami raised her eyebrow,
"Hey! You better only be thinking of her as a friend!" Ami sheepishly gave Makoto a reassuring kiss on the cheek before nodding gingerly. Leon smiled at the two but then he frowned at his next thought.
"So, you wouldn't say she was anything like Keiko?" A silence filled the car. Yumi looked at her husband, she understood why he asked that, but he did it with such little tact. Seeing that his question would get no response, he carried on speaking, "Ruka really likes Michiru. I – I just want to make sure this girl is nothing like Keiko. I told Ruka to avoid her for now, just until after the Comps, but I know she won't be able to do that, I mean she'll try but she'll fail at avoiding her, especially if she really likes her, plus Elza told me she'll be stuck with a school assignment with her. Poor Ruka." Leon began driving the car faster than usual and he had a frown on his face. Yumi giggled gently,
"Koibito, you shouldn't frown so... it makes your handsome features look so tiresome." Leon threw a quick smile to his wife then he looked into his rearview mirror at the four girls in their car. He cleared his throat, about to speak but Setsuna managed to speak before him.
"She's a nice enough girl... shame she's friends with Kou though." Hotaru nodded in agreement.
"So... is Michiru his... his girlfriend?" Leon could taste the bile in his mouth as he spoke, but he managed to suppress his urge to vomit at the thought of Seiya; especially after what he had done to his daughter,
"Michiru doesn't appear to have an interest in him, not romantically, at least." Ami's response seemed sincere enough for him. Makoto snickered,
"I thought you were prepared to fight for me, Ami?" Ami went bright red and Yumi looked at the bluenette and giggled,
"Nani?" Makoto burst into laughter as Ami turned as red as a tomato,
"Ami was convinced that Michiru was in love with me! Haha, funny, huh?" Yumi nodded but then looked at Ami,
"Why would you think that, Ami?" The bluenette regained some of her composure,
"She blushed every time Makoto spoke to her... it was obvious!" Ami turned to Mako, "And you stop making fun of me! She's stopped it all now!" Leon looked into his rearview mirror,
"Yeah? Why's that?" Hotaru giggled and Setsuna looked at her, almost chiding her as a mother would. Yumi looked at Hotaru and gave her one of those 'tell me what made you laugh' looks that only parents can dish out. Hotaru gulped then smiled,
"Um... Michiru stopped looking at Mako-chan, 'cos... well as soon as she found out Haruka was a female... she couldn't keep her eyes off of her." Hotaru went quiet, Leon burrowed his brows,
"That true, hime-chan?" Hotaru nodded emphatically, and began speaking like an excited child.
"Yes! I saw her... she thinks no-one knows! But I saw her... she even blushes every time Haruka looks at her but she looks away hoping no-one can see her, but I do! I think she definitely likes her, y'know, in that way." Makoto and Ami instantly began chatting with Hotaru about all the times they saw Michiru steal glances at Haruka, but Leon was more concerned with what he knew... that Haruka had deep feelings for Michiru and that the aqua-haired teen may return those feelings for his daughter. He looked at Yumi, who shared his concern, but she instantly soothed his worries with her soft voice.
"Darling, she will be fine. Even if she can't stay away from Michiru, she will know what to do. She learnt from what happened with Keiko too." Leon nodded.
"Okay. I'll tell her to just do what she feels is right... and can one of you talk to Michiru? Find out the truth? If Haruka really has such little time, then I know she'll want to know everything before she goes."
"I'll do it, Tenoh-san." Makoto's volunteer was met with a scowl from Ami which only caused Makoto to sigh,
"I'm doing this for Haruka, Ami... honestly, I thought green was my colour." Ami instantly turned red, earning a giggle from everyone in the car, while Ami muttered something about 'waiting until a certain brunette got home', to which Makoto only rose an eyebrow and began daydreaming about what her girlfriend may have in store for her.
The entire ride home, Leon could only think of how to approach his daughter now, and to talk to her properly, without thinking that every single woman was out to hurt her, just like Keiko. He sighed deeply and he felt Yumi's hand on his own, while they stopped at a red light.
"Leon, I have every faith in you. You know how to talk to Haruka just right. It will be fine." She smiled at him and instantly every worry he had was washed away. He nodded to her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, before continuing the long drive back home.
Seiya and Michiru pulled up outside Crown Plaza first, or so they thought. Seiya looked at the other bays in the Plaza's car park and saw that Elza's car was here but that was it so far away they couldn't be sure if she was in the Plaza. Michiru saw Elza's car too and smiled gently,
"I wonder how long she's been here." Seiya didn't even respond, he just got out of his car, as soon as he locked it and was about to head in, three other cars pulled up beside him. Seiya beamed at Yaten and Taiki got out of their car.
"Some friendly faces, finally!" Seiya ran to his friends and hugged them. As they were about to head in, Michiru couldn't help but note the slightly serious look on Haruka's father's face. Before she could ask if he was okay, she felt someone holding onto her wrist, she looked back only to find Makoto standing there, smiling at her.
"Makoto-chan? Is everything alright?" The brunette nodded then let go of Michiru's arm,
"Hai, Michiru-san! But I was wondering if I could speak to you in private?" Michiru nodded slightly confused but before she could ask any questions Makoto took her by her arm and lead her to a nearby bench, away from the ever so attentive ears of Usagi and Minako who were being lead by Setsuna and Leon into the Crown for ice cream. The two girls sat on the bench and Makoto exhaled,
"I need to talk to you about some delicate matters." Michiru stayed silent. Makoto took this as a sign for her to continue the conversation, "About Haruka-chan." Michiru's face tinged with pink, but before she could turn way Makoto smiled, "I knew it!" Michiru turned to face the brunette,
"Mako-chan! Please, you can't say anything!" Makoto put her hand up to the girl, to shush her and it effectively worked. Makoto looked Michiru deep into her eyes,
"I need to talk to you, okay?" Michiru nodded, not saying anything, after Makoto clearly knew, Michiru wasn't so sure she had the capabilities of speech back at the moment.
"Michiru-san. Don't speak until after I have said everything to you. Okay. Well, do you remember the day of the Winter Comps deadline? Well... Haruka danced the foxtrot with me and she was under the illusion that you had feelings for me... romantic feelings. I know that you may have had a crush on me, but that's passed right?" Michiru nodded her head emphatically. Makoto sweat-dropped and sighed in relief,
"Good, I think Ami may have killed you otherwise. Anyway, I need to know something from you, Michiru-san. I need to know how you honestly feel about Haruka-chan, and the reason I have to know this is because... well, because Haruka-chan has feelings for you." Michiru's eyes widened and her heart like it was about to explode from happiness.
"She has feelings for me?" Makoto simply nodded. Michiru giggled like a fool for a moment then sunk back into the bench, her eyes were glazed over in bliss.
"Hai, Mako-chan, I feel very deeply for Haruka." Makoto grinned and hugged Michiru,
"That's great! But... you can't tell Haruka you know any of this, okay?"
"What?! Why?!" Makoto half-smiled,
"After Keiko-chan, Haruka's confidence in actually pursuing a relationship fell drastically. If you want to pursue it, don't mention it. Not yet. Promise me, okay? If you take an obvious step further, Haruka's pride may be wounded, if she found out you knew how she felt because we told you, I don't think she'd recover." Michiru nodded but then stopped, and looked at Makoto,
"We?" Makoto grinned as she stood up, indicating they were going to head back in.
"Um... hai... we as in me, Ami, Setsuna-Hotaru-Rei-Minako-Usagi-Mamoru-Leon-Yumi." The brunette took a deep breath after forging everyone's name into one. Michiru was about to explode and shriek about how everyone knew about her feelings for Haruka and vice versa, when the sound of a motorcycle approaching them threw Michiru out of her thoughts. The bike slowly approached them and parked up by the cars. Once the motorcyclist took their helmet off, Michiru was graced with the image of short blonde hair being tousled by Haruka's own hand. The tomboy noticed the two and smiled politely.
"Hey." The two girls smiled back, Makoto looked in through the window to see Usagi, Minako, Rei, Hotaru and Leon all pushed up against the window, desperate to see what was happening. As soon as Haruka turned to look there too, the five turned away from the window, appearing to do normal activities such as reading the ice cream menu, Haruka raised an eyebrow in suspicion, but decided to ignore them. She turned back to Makoto and Michiru, only to find Michiru smiling widely.
"I'm sorry if I didn't seem too happy at the track, Haruka-san. I'm so happy for you. Honestly." Before the tomboy could react, Haruka could feel herself being enveloped in a hug by the aqua-haired beauty. The blonde felt a surge of warmth through her body and happiness like she had never known. Makoto was giggling behind them, but Haruka pulled away from the hug, a blush clearly covering her face. Michiru was still smiling, she could only think of how she could leave every hint possible for the blonde to follow and to take advantage of the situation thrown in front of her, Michiru was so glad that she knew Haruka had some feelings for her, now it was all just a matter of time and Makoto said she couldn't take obvious steps – so how about subtle ones? Makoto cleared her throat;
"We should go in, Haruka... everyone is waiting for you." Michiru had to think fast! She grinned mischievously as a simple idea came to her in a flash. The young violinist quickly tiptoed and placed a kiss on Haruka's cheek, nearly rendering the tomboy paralytic. But somehow the blonde managed to keep in control of her body and follow the blue-haired goddess leading her into the diner without tripping on her own feet or fainting from lustful joy.
A loud cheer was heard from the corner Haruka's family and friends and claimed as their own inside the Crown, only for the cheer to be instantly silenced after the distinct sound of two 'thwacks' could be heard. Haruka looked and saw her father was nursing his head and his mother grinning, with her handbag in her hand, and Usagi was nursing a lump on her head while Rei had a grin like no other on her face.
Haruka took the seat beside Hotaru and found Michiru sitting on the other side of Hotaru Michiru couldn't stop herself grinning every time Haruka so much as looked in her direction. Halfway through her sundae, Haruka subconsciously placed a hand on her cheek still remembering the warmth that simple kiss brought her and found her eyes flicker quickly to Michiru then back to the dessert in front of the tomboy. Haruka thought to herself how soft Michiru's lips were, the scent of her perfume... as Haruka looked over to Michiru, another thought entered her head – the next two weeks would be hell.
A/N - another evil chapter done! R&R cos I love the attention :P... Preview for the next chapter - Haruka and Michiru are in Haruka's room working on their assignment... what are Hotaru and Leon up to?... till then! Ciao!