A/N - FIRST OFF - immense amounts of love and smexx should be given by everyone to Reusch17 for proofreading this entire fic! (she went through pain reading it i tell ya!)...So ladies and gentlemen... here we have it. The very final chapter in this story. I just want to thank everyone who had reviewed and I hope that this final chapter brings ome finality to those who were not too happy with the previous chapter... on a brighter note... my laptop and has been repaired and rightfully brought back to me! So, without any further ado, here is your epilogue. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 15 – … HEY… (EPILOGUE)
"How much longer until she's actually here, Setsuna-san?" Michiru paced around the apartment with her cell-phone glued to her ear while she nervously played with some of her hair.
"Calm down, Michiru-chan! If you are so anxious, you should have just ridden with us in the car!" Setsuna sounded a little agitated now; this was the twentieth time in fifteen minutes Michiru had called her asking if Haruka had entered the arrivals lounge yet. The aqua-haired beauty found herself shaking her head almost violently.
"No! I can't be there when she comes back! Because if I am, everyone will know that Haruka Tenoh has a girlfriend, and then it'd only be a matter of time before everyone found out that I'm Aiko Neptune, and then both our careers would be over!" Michiru raised her hands in the air exasperated, and then fell onto the couch behind her. She heard Setsuna giggle at the other end of the line.
"Michiru... she's here." And without another word, Setsuna hung up the phone. Michiru stared at her phone in disbelief for a few moments before she slowly set it down on the armrest on the couch. She looked up and saw the other silent occupants of the apartment staring at her in anticipation. Michiru stood up and looked at her parents, then at her friends from Mugen, and she smiled.
"She's here." Minako and Usagi instantly began hugging each other and babbling about how perfect it was that Haruka and Michiru would finally get to be together and how happy Haruka would be to have a coming home party.
"Everyone loves ice cream! And Mako-chan's cake! And karaoke!" Usagi began gushing about the night's plans. Rei scoffed loudly and hit Usagi on the head,
"Usagi-baka! Haruka-chan doesn't like karaoke! Well, not when you're singing!" Rei poked her tongue at Usagi who seemed on the verge of tears, but before any could escape, Mamoru came to the rescue. He held Usagi from behind and kissed her on the cheek, instantly drying any tears. Makoto giggled and caught Michiru's attention, to which the young violinist raised an eyebrow.
"Mako-chan, what is it?" Makoto said nothing at first but travelled around the apartment slowly, letting her hand glide gently over everything; the sofa, the window pane, the coffee table, the TV.
"Haruka will love what you've done with the place, Michiru-chan." Michiru smiled gratefully. She had been so worried about the apartment and how to decorate it, as she had been given carte blanche by the tomboy to do as she saw fit for the place.
Straight after their declaration of love to each other, Haruka had taken Michiru to the parking lot and to the Honda concept, and suggested that they lie on the hood of the car and stare at the stars for a while. So there they were; Michiru was lying on Haruka's side, with the blonde's tuxedo jacket draped over her to protect her from the winter cold.
"I can't believe we got penalised for using non-ballroom steps!" Haruka was still in disbelief over the 38 out of 40 she had found out they'd been rewarded. Michiru playfully slapped her arm once more.
"Ruka, I can't believe you're thinking about points! Does it matter?" Haruka looked down at her love and shook her head. She sat up slowly, causing the younger girl to sit up too.
"No, it doesn't... Michi, can I ask you something?" Michiru raised one eyebrow and ran one hand lovingly through short blonde hair, and spoke teasingly.
"I already said I'd wait, Ruka." Haruka could feel a blush rise to her face but she didn't bother hiding it… after all she was with the girl she loved. Haruka took Michiru's other hand and kissed it gently.
"After Fuji Speedway... I got a pretty big cheque; enough to buy a place of my own. I gave it to my manager and asked him to buy an apartment for me in Tokyo for when I return and he did. It's a great place. I won't have time to move any of my stuff into it that I'm not taking with m, but I was wondering if you would do it for me." Michiru laughed gently.
"You want me to move your stuff in for you? Lazy Ruka." Haruka smiled gently and still didn't take her eyes off of Michiru.
"Yeah... and there won't be much stuff, so it'll be a little sparse... so I was thinking... that maybe you could move your stuff in too." Haruka waited for a reaction from Michiru, who at first was completely paralyzed. Haruka had an apartment? Okay, yeah she had heard that. Haruka wanted me to move her stuff in. Yeah, heard that too... and she wanted me to move my stuff in? Oh God.
"You want me to move my stuff in?" Haruka simply nodded, a small, nervous smile gracing her handsome features, "Because you want me to move into an apartment with you?" Haruka said nothing but she reached into her pockets, where her car keys where and pulled out a small bronze key.
"I didn't think tonight would go this way at all, so this is really kinda spur-of-the-moment, but I really hope you'll say yes, Michi." Haruka waited in the silence as Michiru stared at the key in her girlfriends' hand. Without a further second, Michiru squealed and threw her arms around Haruka.
"I would love to move in with you, Haruka!" The two smiled and hugged tightly. Neither thought the night could get more perfect.
"I hope so, Mako-chan. Although the apartment is the least of my problems." Michiru spared a glance over to her parents as she said that. They were now on the couch, looking around as the teens all rushed around, getting food and drinks ready, as well as balloons and banners at the last minute for Haruka's return. Makoto laughed as Michiru looked back from her parents and she seemed a little embarrassed.
"Oh man! Do you remember when we moved your stuff in?! Michiru-chan, I could not stop laughing! I can't believe your parents were so obvious!" Makoto began chuckling gently to herself while Michiru smiled gently, looking away from her parents as she remembered the day she moved in.
Michiru was sitting in the new apartment, glancing around her surroundings. It was January 3rd and Haruka had left Tokyo 8 days ago to train in Australia for her first F1 appearance. Michiru was being helped by Leon, Yumi, Hachi, Setsuna, Hotaru, Makoto and her own parents with moving her things and Haruka's into the new apartment. It was located in Seijyo Gakuen Mae, just by the Odakyu line and several other promising rising stars lived close by. It had two bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom as well as a large one for common use, a living room that was joined with the lounge, an office and an eat-in kitchen of quite a spacious size – it nearly made Makoto jealous. It also had a 24 hour, resident access, to the fully-equipped gym and swimming pool at the top. Michiru put down the final box of Haruka's belongings in the living room and she wiped her brow. Katsuo came in shortly after with Asami and Yumi not far behind, each carrying a box of Michiru's belongings. After a few more moments, Leon came in carrying a few boxes with Hachi.
"Is that all of them, koi?" Yumi wiped Leon's brow with a handkerchief as she spoke softly to him. He nodded his head slowly.
"All that's left is that gigantic piano that Hachi thought would make an ideal gift... for an apartment... on the 26th floor." Hachi smiled sheepishly as Leon shot him a glare.
"Hehe, I totally thought you said the sixth floor, Leon!" Yumi rolled her eyes and stroked Leon's hair gently.
"No worries love, we can use the goods elevator. It's only a baby grand, it'll fit. Now then, Michiru-chan, where are we putting all of these things?" Michiru looked at the boxes. They contained Haruka's trophies and her personal belongings.
"I think that belongs in the office, though Haruka may call it a trophy room." Yumi laughed gently and moved those boxes aside. Asami picked up a box of Michiru's clothes,
"Which room is yours again, Michi? We'll put your clothes in there."
"Just put it in the master bedroom, okaa-san." Asami nearly dropped the box on her own foot, which caused her to jump back and everyone to look at her questioningly.
"The m-master bedroom? Um... isn't that Haruka-san's room though, Michi?" Michiru found herself rolling her eyes.
"No, okaa-san, it isn't Haruka's room." Asami breathed a sigh of relief and picked up the box of clothing again, but Michiru wasn't done speaking, "It's mine and Haruka's room." Once again the box landed on the floor with a dull thud. Michiru had been expecting this, and it seems she wasn't the only one. Yumi looked at Asami questioningly.
"Is everything alright, Kaioh-san?" Yumi's sweet voice pierced the silence and Asami looked at her husband who seemed equally as troubled. She turned to slowly faced Yumi again.
"I think... that my husband and I have concerns, Tenoh-san. About our daughters' living arrangements. There's nothing wrong with them in the same apartment, but the same room? They've barely known each other three months and now they're moving in together like lovers?" Yumi unfolded her arms and still she managed to speak sweetly.
"They are lovers, Kaioh-san. I know there may be issues about time but remember that Haru-chan is not due back for one year. There is plenty of time for them to get to know one another." Asami smiled politely, but still remained unwavering in her actions.
"But still, don't you think that living together would be... too much, too soon? Wouldn't separate bedrooms be best? Just until they sort themselves out properly, I mean."
"Okaa-san, this is my decision, and I know what it is you're trying to tiptoe around, and yes, when Haruka comes back we will be sharing a room and a bed together because when Haruka comes back, we will be partners! It's only natural that we'll be... intimate." Michiru could feel her cheeks flush as she said that last word. There was utter silence in the room, except for Makoto, who was leaning on Hachi and laughing loudly. Hachi wiped his eyes with glee,
"Hai! Y'all need to calm down! I mean sure they can have their stuff in separate rooms, but they'll still end up in the same bed together!" Leon glared at his best friend, while Michiru and Yumi yelled at him.
"Hachi! You are not helping!"
"Yes, I can see how YOU would find that amusing, Mako." Makoto laughed once more, and looked around the room… it was all ready. And if Haruka was at the airport five minutes ago, she should be there within the next thirty minutes. Michiru wiped her hands together, but they seemed to be glistening with sweat. Why was she so nervous? She knew that Haruka couldn't wait to see her and she couldn't wait to see her in their new home... together.
"Um, excuse me, Mako-chan." Michiru quickly ran from the living room and into the bedroom she had been living in for the past 11 and a half months…the bedroom she would soon be sharing with her Ruka. Michiru was careful to lock the door behind her and she made her way over to the bed, and knelt beside it. She lifted up the sheets and from underneath the bed she pulled out an A4 sized black book, with no markings or title on it. It was all a part of the contact they agreed to have with each other.
They had agreed on one phone call a month; they needed to make it a painless year with as little contact as possible – more for Haruka's fear of being homesick and getting a plane home to be with her Michi. But they had agreed during one phone call, that Michiru and Haruka would both keep a secret diary, documenting all their emotions and feelings. It had to include any thought that the other was in, and Michiru was a little embarrassed; in hers, aside from the loose pages of original compositions and some drawings of Haruka, it was empty. What would Haruka think? Would she think that Michiru hadn't thought of her once? That she couldn't be bothered to fill it in? The truth of it was that Michiru felt that the love she felt for Haruka couldn't be expressed properly in words or drawings. It was a deeper, more meaningful love than that. Sighing, Michiru laid on the bed, the book clutched in her hands. She closed her eyes and thought deeply of her love. She pictured short, blonde hair, green eyes, handsome features, and a body that... well, that she had never touched before. Michiru blushed at this thought, and looked over at the room.
The blank pages of my diary,
That I haven't touched since you left me,
The closed blinds in my home,
See no light or day,
Dust gathers on my stereo,
Cause I can't bear to hear the radio,
The piano sits in a shaded space,
With a picture of your face,
For a moment, Michiru thought she was losing her mind when she heard the song, but she realised it was coming from the sound system outside. Ah, the girls had finally figured out how to set up the speakers it seemed. And Michiru heard them arguing over what music to play when they knew Haruka was near, but for now they decided to play whatever was on the radio while they were all scurrying around and getting the last minute preparations ready.
I'm scared to face another day,
'Cos the fear in me just won't go away,
In an instance,
You were gone,
And now I'm scared...
What if Haruka has changed her mind? What if she met someone while racing and was only coming back to keep her promise? What if that was the reason behind the one phone call a month? What if she... what if she doesn't love me? These questions were all plaguing Michiru's mind. Oh god, this insecurity was killing her; she had no reason to believe Haruka had found anyone else. If her Ruka had, then surely it would have been in every gossip magazine from here to Paris!
Coffee stains on your favourite book,
Remind me of you so I can't take a look,
The magazines you left on the floor,
You won't need them anymore,
A towel left hanging on the wall,
No sign of wet footsteps in the hall,
There's no smell of your sweet cologne,
I'm lying here alone,
What would happen when Haruka came home tonight? Sure they would have dinner with all their friends and family, and after they finally got rid of the last guest, they would be left alone in their apartment. Michiru knew she could trust the tomboy, but still Haruka had needs like every other person. And even though they've been an item for one year they had only really been together for a few days. Would Haruka come back tonight and see that they would be sharing the same bed? And if she saw that would she... expect anything? Michiru had thought about this before but then she had the idea in her mind that Haruka would never make her do anything if she just wasn't ready. Sure, they knew they were in love, but that was emotionally, anything physical surely needed more time to blossom right? ... But a year is a very long time, reasoned Michiru.
I'm scared to face another day,
'Cos the fear in me just won't go away,
In an instance,
You were gone,
And now I'm scared...
Michiru looked at the book in front of her. She knew it should contain sweet words, at least a poem perhaps of how she should feel. What would Haruka have? Michiru knew Haruka was more the sort of person who would rather buy flowers than write something down, so now Michiru wondered about Haruka's diary – God, did she even remember she had said it? Michiru didn't have another moment to think – the doorbell rang at that exact moment. Sparing a quick look to the bedside clock, she saw she had been in there for almost thirty minutes. Oh My God. It had to be Haruka.
I'm scared to face another day,
Coz' the fear in me just won't go away,
In an instance,
You were gone,
And now I'm scared...
Michiru kept the book in her arms as she approached the bedroom door. She took three deep breaths before she found the courage to unlock the door. She slowly opened the door and looked out into the lounge. She was instantly greeted with the sight of Haruka, smiling as she saw her.
In an instance you were gone,
I'm scared...
"Haruka." The blonde dropped her suitcase and ran to Michiru, holding her tightly. Everyone around them cheered as the two were finally reunited. Haruka put her face into Michiru's hair and inhaled her scent…instantly she felt complete.
"I missed you so much, Michi." It was barely a whisper, and Michiru only just heard it, but she couldn't stop herself from smiling.
"I missed you too, Ruka." Haruka pulled back and looked deep into the eyes of the girl she was madly in love with. Soon, the distance was closing between them.
"Ahem! I don't think that's appropriate in front of company, Michiru." Asami! Haruka had a feeling that woman would be the end of her! Haruka pulled back regretfully and she could see the same regret in Michiru's eyes. Haruka smiled gently.
Asami and Katsuo managed to keep Haruka and Michiru at arms' length from each other for the duration of the long welcome back party. Both teens were getting agitated, but the look Asami gave both girls' every time their gaze lingered too long was enough to make them hang their heads in shame. Right now, for both it was not an issue of making out or constantly touching each other, it was being back in the safe embrace of the person they loved and were loved by. But coming to their rescue was Ami who spoke to the group, at about 11pm.
"We really should get going, it's late. It was great seeing you Haruka-san and congratulations again on your rookie year championship win." Haruka smiled and escorted Ami who left with Makoto, Minako, Rei, Yaten, Taiki, Seiya (who had been very polite, quiet and generally not very Seiya like all evening), Elza, Usagi and Mamoru out.
"I'm glad to see that they're all together still. Although someone needs to open Seiya-kun's eyes to Elza-chan… bless him, boys are so dense." Yumi smiled sweetly to Leon as she said that. Before Leon could respond though, Yumi stood as did Setsuna, Hotaru and Asami. All four went to the kitchen to begin cleaning. Leon grinned widely.
"Yeah… sometimes, some people are just meant to be! I mean just look at me and your mother… a more perfect couple the world has never seen, ne, Haru-chan?!" A clear scoff could be heard from the kitchen – whether it was Asami or not, Haruka couldn't tell. The blonde spared a glance at her watch and Leon saw this. He raised his eyebrow and nudged Hachi, who looked over at Haruka and saw that she was staring at her watch. Hachi yawned very loudly, gaining the attention of everyone in the living room and even the women in the kitchen.
"Man, I am beat, and I gotta go to the club and sort stuff out early tomorrow! Whoo! Who can give me a ride to Paixao?" Leon grinned and winked to Yumi who seemed confused but watched her husband and best friend play out their little act.
"Hachi, I'll take you. Setsuna can drive Hotaru-chan back in her car… ne, Kaioh-san, I'll give you guys a ride too. You got a cab here right? Well Hachi's club isn't far from your house." Katsuo smiled thankfully.
"Oh, that'd be great, Tenoh-san. Arigatou." Asami looked around the room.
"So, we'd be leaving now?" Leon nodded, and Hachi grinned widely as he then spoke.
"Yeah, there's no reason for us to be here any longer… plus I'm sure the girls would just LOVE some time alone to catch up, or exchange Christmas presents… OR make out and do whatever it is two young people in love do nowadays."
"HACHI!" Haruka, Yumi and Michiru all shouted, but it seemed to not affect him. He just laughed with Leon. Asami seemed very reluctant to leave and she turned to Michiru.
"Michi… maybe for tonight you could stay with us? At home?" Michiru shook her head instantly.
"Okaa-san, THIS is my home now. And I'm staying here tonight." Asami tried to look for an excuse but she found herself and her husband being gestured to stand up by Hachi and Leon who had grabbed their coats and thrown them onto their laps.
"Come on! We've all been young once! Christmas is a very special time for young people in love! They want to spend time together… they want to kiss! They – OW!" Leon was interrupted by Yumi dragging him to the door by his ear.
"Leon, darling… shut up." Leon whined like a baby. He got to the door and was joined by everyone else.
"But Yumi! If we say it now, it's less shocking for everyone! You'd have to be an idiot to think that tonight, the second this door is closed that these two won't leap on each other and - MPPHMPPH." Haruka managed to just throw her hand over her father's mouth in time. She decided to get the message across she'd have to speak in English.
"Dad… for the love of God and for my sanity… Please, PLEASE, be quiet." Leon smiled sheepishly and nodded.
"Sure thing… now behave you two, and don't do anything I wouldn't do." He winked at Haruka as he escorted everyone out of the house, especially Asami who tried to cling onto the door frame as a last minute attempt to stay with her daughter. Haruka closed the door and waited a moment before turning around to Michiru who was standing a few feet behind her.
"Hey." Haruka was suddenly breathless and at a loss as to what she should say. Here she was… after 12 long months, she was back in Tokyo. She was in her new apartment, with the woman she loved… and she had no idea what to do or say.
"How was your flight?" Haruka smirked at Michiru's question – it seemed Haruka wasn't the only one at a loss.
"It was okay… completely exhausting though. Three hours checking in, customs, autographs then a nice long thirty two hour flight – remind me to take a direct, Japanese airline next time!" Haruka laughed gently and Michiru approached her, taking her hand gently in her own. She was blushing quite hard and she decided to concentrate her eyes on her lovers' hand.
"You must be tired then." Haruka nodded but said nothing. Michiru smiled gently, while still fighting with her blushing face. "Then perhaps we should go to bed." Haruka instantly froze on the spot. Oh God, why was she thinking like this all of a sudden? Okay, it wasn't all of a sudden, she had thought about Michiru all the time the past twelve months. She had thought about her smile, her laugh, her hair… and on some lonelier nights - after women had been throwing themselves at her at F1 after-parties and Haruka had to turn them all down as none compared to her Michi – she would find herself thinking about more intimate things that involved herself and her Michi. Makoto had teased her earlier in the night about how out of the two bedrooms, Michiru had stayed in the master bedroom all year… with all of Haruka's stuff in the room – it seemed that Michiru had every intention of sharing a room with Haruka from now on. 'Oh my God', Haruka had a bad feeling that Michiru felt pressured because Haruka asked her to live here with her. The last thing Haruka wanted Michiru to think was that she wanted THAT the second she came home.
"Erm, I can stay on the sofa tonight… We don't have to do that. I mean, share the bed, not THAT that, I mean… oh crap. I sound like a baka." Michiru giggled gently at the flustering Haruka. Before either could say anything the house phone rang. At first, they made a move to it, but decided to leave it as they didn't want to talk to anyone. A few seconds later, the answer-phone picked it up… and Leon could be heard speaking.
"Yo, Haru-chan! Hachi forgot to tell you, but tomorrow he's throwing a party for the F1 champ at Paixao, so make sure you're there… y'know, if you're not too exhausted tonight! Haha – OW! Yumi, what gives-" The phone was cut out and Michiru looked at Haruka who seemed to be in a state of shock.
"I am going to kill him when I see him." Michiru rested her hand on Haruka's shoulder and leant up to her, kissing her gently on the lips. It was another short kiss, but Michiru smiled as she pulled back a little and spoke into Haruka's ear.
"Let's go to bed, Ruka." It would have been fair to say that Haruka did not need to be told once more. She silently followed Michiru into their bedroom and saw it had been decorated in a rich red, with a large queen size bed in the middle, and plenty of photos around the room; undoubtedly to keep Michiru's spirits up in Haruka's absence.
Michiru closed the door silently behind her and approached Haruka. She didn't say a word, but instead she wrapped her arms around the tomboy's neck and kissed her. At first softly, but Haruka couldn't take it anymore. She wrapped her arms around Michiru, and she opened her mouth slightly, and Michiru took complete advantage. She threw her tongue instantly into the tomboy's mouth and devoured every single part of her mouth with a ferocious intensity that took Haruka by surprise. After a few seconds they parted and looked deep into each other's eyes. Suddenly, the entire direction of the thoughts had turned to this – to be with their lover, in the only way you can be with you lover; in mind, body and spirit. Neither said a word again and instead Michiru simply nodded to Haruka, who gulped nervously.
Haruka realised she was shaking as her hands made their way to Michiru's blouse. And as she undid every button, she could feel her breath catch in her throat. Michiru smiled gently and her hand gently caressed Haruka's cheek. The blonde closed her eyes and enjoyed the younger girl's touch. A few moments later found Michiru standing in front of Haruka without her shirt on. Haruka gently kissed Michiru's neck and felt the softness of the skin she loved so much.
Michiru had never been so sure of anyone in her life. She didn't care if she had only really been with Haruka for a two days total in their relationship; they had been together for a year in her mind and right now… the subtle pleasure her body was indulging in was being provided by the only one who she was convinced could ever provide her with as much love. Michiru could tell that Haruka was as nervous as she was, – one thing Michiru had never asked was how intimate she had ever been with Keiko, but she didn't care… right now she wanted Haruka in every way you would ever want a lover. She wanted Haruka to be her first… and last. So that was why Michiru ignored all her earlier doubt and went ahead with what she wanted; And she wanted the blonde before her in every way. Michiru had never desired, wanted and needed like she did right now. It felt good, and it felt right. Haruka was right. Somehow, amidst the kissing that Haruka was now administering to the younger girl's collarbone, Michiru managed to find the ability to speak as she looked at her lover, who was looking sexier than ever as primal instinct took over both of them, notably more-so in the tomboy.
"Haruka... please…" Michiru needed to say no more. With one devilish smirk and a happiness like she had never known, Haruka set to making sure only one thing happened that night. That she made Michiru happier than ever. And Michiru in turn, had the exact same plan in store for her lover.
The next morning, Haruka woke up first with her chest to Michiru's naked back and her arms snugly around the younger girl's waist. The gentle twilight of Tokyo entered their bedroom through the small sliver that the curtains allowed. Haruka looked over to her lover and saw she was basked in the morning light. Michiru was still fast asleep. Haruka smiled to herself. She thought she was the luckiest person in the world. She leaned forward a little and kissed Michiru lightly on the forehead, careful not to wake her up. A small smile formed on Michiru's face… now Haruka knew she definitely would only ever wake up feeling complete and satisfied as long as Michiru was there beside her. God, Haruka loved this girl so much, and she was pretty damned sure that this girl loved her just as deeply. Michiru stirred slightly, and opened one eye, looking at her blonde lover. She blushed a bit, but then looked Haruka deep in her eyes. Michiru leaned up to her and kissed Haruka gently. Once more silence engulfed them, but it was such a comfortable silence, neither minded it. After a few moments, Haruka kissed Michiru's forehead and lovingly placed her hand on the younger's girl's fine cheekbones.
"Remind me to never leave you again, Michiru."
A/N 2 - Yo. So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed it all as much as I did... The song in bold italics was "I'm Scared" by Duffy. If you don't know it, download it now! If you made it this far, review... So I can see your thoughts on the ending of it all. Ja ne, Karis!