Family Affairs

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The Lust Chronicles

Chapter Twelve: Giving in, Part One

" I'm glad all of you could make it to the last session. Now we begin our training for the upcoming competition in December. Remember, the judges this year are still undecided, but chances are they're going to require competition entrants to compete in pairs. Just to be safe, I would like all of you to start thinking of possible partners to play with. " Mrs. Julian placed a notebook on the desk in front of the students. " It's very important that we take first place in the competition. So, for those of you who are accustomed to taking the higher positions based on solos, think again. You don't want to be caught without a partner if the judges decide to change the rules this year. " The older woman placed a pen on the table. " For now, let's use this as our sign up sheet, no one leave until you have placed your name on this paper. " Most of the students made their way to the sheet when Mrs. Julian interrupted them. " Ms. Kaioh, may I please have a word with you? "

Everyone began whispering to each other, gossiping about the implications of a private meeting. Michiru nodded her head quietly and followed the orchestra instructor off to the side of the room. " Yes, Mrs. Julian? "

" Michiru. I know how you love to do your solos. I know that every year up until now, you've won first place based on pure talent. But after they switched the judges' committee a couple months back, well, they've started to discriminate against solo musicians. They've told me that music was about collective musicians, not just individuals, so they're in the process of changing the guidelines. I have a good feeling that they're going to change it before the competition comes. So, I would like to give you the heads up. After all, you are Junai's star musician. We expect you, of all people, to lead the competition with perfection. I just hope you can find someone of the same level of talent to compete with you. "

" Are you telling me that I can't enter the competition with a solo? " Michiru asked, to clarify the situation. She'd never done a piece with any other person. She didn't mean to boast but not many people could keep up with her tempo and style when she was playing the violin. She'd already tried and failed previous years.

" I'm sorry. But unfortunately, you'll need to find a partner. " Mrs. Julian patted Michiru's shoulder and walked away.

Michiru scanned the orchestra room, observing the students before her. There was no chance in the world any of them would play with her. Most of them thought she was stuck up when it came to her music. And, as it was, it was very difficult to find someone to practice with. Michiru sighed when she realized there were an odd number of musicians in the room. Meaning for her, she didn't have a partner because there simply weren't anymore. All of the other musicians signed the sheet and left the orchestra room, seemingly forgetting that she ever existed.

" This is fantastic. " Michiru walked up to the sheet and signed the paper anyways. Even if the judges wouldn't score her solo, she would go through with it despite whether or not they wanted her to. The aqua-haired girl quietly walked out of the auditorium, pondering her sudden predicament.

" What ails you, my dear?" Makoto caught up with the rather distraught Michiru, placing an arm around her shoulder. " You seem tired. "

" Nothing 'ails' me. I'm fine actually. I'm just focusing on a lot of things right now. " She didn't move Makoto's arm from her shoulder but she sure felt like it. Lately Makoto was acting artificial; sometimes when she was talking to her, she felt as if the brunette wasn't actually listening to her. Maybe it was just her trying to find all the faults in Makoto, which was a habit she had been meaning to get rid of, but just couldn't. None of her relationships ever worked out because she tended to find why her partner was imperfect somehow. She wasn't planning on running this one the same way she had ruined her other ones. " Don't worry about it sweetheart, it's just one of those days. "

" I'm sorry to hear that. Did you still want to study tonight? "

" Maybe but I can't promise anything. Studying doesn't sound all that fun right now. "

" Then, why don't we go have some fun? " Makoto smiled back at her. " If it's one of those days, then I'm sure we can fix that by heading to the arcade. Even the younger girls go there, so we probably won't look too ridiculous. "

Michiru nodded, for lack of a good way to say that she didn't really want to go. " That's fine by me. Did you want to go now? "

" Sure do. " Makoto disarmed the alarm on the car, unlocking it for them. " It probably would have been fun if we had all the girls come and play with us, but I'm sure it will still be fun with just the two of us. " The brunette got in her car and started the engine. Michiru joined her shortly after but soon found her thoughts drifting to the tall blonde that she was so fond of. She missed having him open the car door for her, she missed him not caring whether or not other people were with them when they went out, she missed his smile, his laugh, his humor and his funny expressions. In fact, she missed just about everything about him. She hated that they weren't getting along. She knew that a part of her couldn't blame him for any of the decisions that he made; he probably didn't realize how she felt, which was totally understandable. That only meant that this rift in their relationship was entirely her fault. She was the one who stopped talking to him after that night at the movies. What was it, two weeks ago? She felt so far away from him, even when they were in the same room. They never talked anymore or even looked at each other. Haruka spent most of his time with Minako and if not Minako, Seiya. Michiru sighed inwardly. She missed him entirely too much for her own liking.

" Hello? Earth to Michiru. " The brunette waved her hand in front of Michiru's face. " Did you hear anything I said? "

Michiru blushed. " Sorry. "

" I see. What's going on that you can't listen to what I'm saying? It must be something really important because in the history of knowing you, you've never ignored me, not once. " Makoto gave Michiru a very concerned expression. " Did you want to go home instead? If you're not feeling well, I can take you home. "

No. Haruka would be there. That would be awkward. No matter how she felt, she didn't want to see him but at the same time, she couldn't wait to see him. Things were getting way more complicated as the weeks passed. " No thanks. Let's just go to the arcade. I'm sure I'll lighten up when we get there. " She highly doubted herself but she refused to go home at this point, so she didn't have much choice in the matter.

Makoto took Michiru's hand in hers and nodded. " If you say so, my dear. "

" Haruka, no! Oh man! I totally was beating you! " Minako groaned as the taller blonde surpassed her high score. " You totally cheated on that one. "

" No, no, no. This, Minako, is pure talent! Be amazed that you could play against someone as talented as I. " Haruka laughed as Minako jumped on her back, trying to stop Haruka from getting any higher of a high score. " Look, I'm not even touching the game and I'm still beating you! " Haruka spun around the arcade a few times hoping Minako would get dizzy and quit attacking her, but it was to no avail.

" We should celebrate your high score, Haruka. " Usagi stepped in, sporting a very mischievous expression on her face. " We should celebrate by having you buy us all the goodies at the snack bar. What do you think of my genius plan? " The grin Usagi had, plastered all over that sweet and innocent face, caused Haruka to oblige very quickly.

" I love it! My wallet is in on the table. " Haruka pointed to the table they left all of the belongings at. Minako pinched Haruka's cheeks and then chased Usagi over to the wallet, which provoked an argument and then a very heated battle between who was going to pay for the goodies.

" Haruka is my boyfriend, not yours. Therefore, I should get the wallet. " Minako held out her hand as if she wanted the wallet to be handed over without dispute. She was extremely disappointed when Usagi opted for the dispute and did not give in to Minako's request.

" Well… well… Haruka likes me more because I'm smarter than you, Minako! "

" Are not! "

" Are too! "

" Are not! "

Haruka was about to become the counselor for the two angry girls when she saw a familiar face enter the arcade, accompanied by another face she would rather not see. ' Michiru. ' Haruka wanted to run up to the girl she had become so distant from and hug her with everything she had. Unfortunately, she didn't think either Michiru or Makoto would be too happy with that reaction. Finally, Haruka forced herself to look away and focus on Minako. She'd always found it easier to forget about Michiru when she gave all of her attention to Minako.

" Haruka, can I please have your wallet? " Usagi pleaded at the foot of Haruka, as the blonde laughed in response. She tried to shake Usagi off her shoe but was surprised at how well the younger girl could cling to her leg. " I know Minako is your girlfriend, but I'll be your girlfriend too, if it means you'll buy me the Supreme Nachos with a giant box of chocolate raisins. "

" No, don't do it, Haruka. She's just using you for money." Minako butted in between Haruka and Usagi, growling at the pleading girl.

" Am not! "

" Are too! "

" Am not! "

" Girls, girls. Both of you can get what you want at the snack bar. I'm pretty sure there's enough money in there to support an army of Usagis and Minakos. "

Both of them looked at each other skeptically and raced to the snack bar, leaving a very overwhelmed Haruka. She'd never thought being with her girlfriend and Usagi would ever be like taking care of two really big children lacking a sense of maturity. Not that any of that was bad thing. She liked being a kid every now and then, this however, would take some getting use to. She shrugged. Having fun was better than being uptight about everything and it was definitely a great distraction. The tall blonde was about to take a seat at her table, when she realized Makoto and Michiru were standing in front of her.

" Do you mind if we sit here? " Makoto asked rather politely.

" Not at all, please. " Haruka waited until Michiru sat down before she actually took her own seat. She wasn't going to wait for Makoto to seat, it might give the impression that they were on good terms, which is something they were not.

" You handled them very well. You're very patient. " Michiru commented with a content smile. Haruka was about to respond when Makoto had to open her big mouth.

" I can't believe you gave them your wallet! " Makoto laughed at her like she was the idiot. " They will run you dry. "

" My bank account doesn't 'run dry' because of a snack bar visit, even if it's Minako and Usagi we're talking about. But why don't you let me worry about that, okay? " Haruka emphasized the last part of the sentence, hoping that Makoto would just shove off, but little did she know, she was adding fuel to the fire.

" Sorry to hear, Mr. Rich Guy. Didn't mean to offend your bank account. "

That wasn't what she meant, though she knew she sounded stuck up when the words came out of her mouth. " Don't worry, you didn't. You'd have to be a lot richer than me to offend my bank account. " Haruka placed a hand over her lips. Did she really just say that? When did she pick up an attitude like that? She had to leave before she said something she actually felt guilty about.

" Hey sweetie! Look at what I got! " Minako practically skipped over with a bundle of food. Haruka nearly thought she was actually going to feed an army; Usagi was much worse though. Haruka had to laugh at the amount of food they bought, she knew they would eat all of it too, that was the best part.

' Sweetie? ' Michiru thought as she began to feel a bit sick to her stomach. The pain she was feeling did not help the situation. ' Didn't know they were on intimate terms so soon. ' The aqua-haired girl was becoming flushed in her face and leaned into Makoto by default, trying to find some sort of comfort in the escalating awkward situation.

" Would you like some of my food?! Don't eat Minako's, she likes to lick all of her food before she eats it. " Usagi joked as she rounded the corner with five trays in her hand. " What? Why's everyone looking at me like that? I'm going to share! But only a little bit! " All of them laughed at her response, all of them except Minako, who was glaring at her for the comment she made. " Okay, I'm sorry, sheesh. I was just kidding. "

" I'm not feeling well. " Michiru mentioned quietly to Makoto.

" Then let's take you home. " The brunette almost stood up when she remembered something. " Wait, we can't go home just yet. You were going to come with me to my appointment in a half an hour. Can it wait? " Makoto pleaded to the very pale Michiru.

" I'll take you home. " Haruka stated with an unwavering tone. She noticed Michiru's condition some time back but she hadn't realized it was serious enough for Michiru to request that she be taken home. " Minako, would you mind taking Usagi home please? " It was more of a statement then a request but Minako would understand, that's what Haruka liked about her; she was a very sweet and understanding person.

" Not at all. I hope you feel well Michiru. Go home and get some rest. If you'd like, I can catch all of your assignments for you tomorrow. " Minako sounded concerned, which made Michiru feel guilty about all the times she insulted her inwardly.

" Thanks Minako. That means a lot. " Michiru moved her way out of the table, following a determined Haruka. " I'll call you tonight Makoto. " The aqua-haired girl kissed the brunette on the cheek and waved back at the group, who to her surprise, already started digging in on the food.

" This way. " Haruka opened the door for her and pointed towards her car. " Did you need me to pick up any medicine for you on the way? I could always do it after I drop you off too. " The blonde helped Michiru inside the car and jumped in not moments after.

" I think I'll be fine, I just need some rest. "

" 'kay. " Haruka started the car and tried to drive as smoothly but as quickly as possible. From the way Michiru's expressions were progressing, Michiru looked like a time bomb, ready to explode in a matter of minutes. ' This can't be good. ' When the blonde finally pulled up to the mansion, she was relieved that they had made it with absolutely no accidents. She rounded around the front of her car and opened the door, only to have Michiru spit up all over the front of her pants. Haruka looked skeptically at the puke on her pants but was distracted when she noticed another wave was coming. The blonde held Michiru's hair out of the way and waited for the rest to come. " I think you'll be fine too. " Haruka smiled when Michiru let the rest out. At least the worst part was over. " Come on, let's get you in the house. " Haruka helped Michiru out of the car, who at this point, was not very happy about the situation.

" I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen. " Michiru was on the verge of tears, more so out of embarassment than anything else. " I just… and it just… and now you're covered in it. "

" Oh yeah, well, that. That stuff is supposed to happen occasionally. Besides, if it didn't happen then I might think you're weird. You can't be perfect forever. " Haruka rushed Michiru to the bathroom. " Stay here. I'm going to get you some fresh clothes. Don't move. " The blonde came back shortly after, only to find Michiru had a very terrible fever. " When did that happen? "

" What's that? " Michiru replied, trying to stay focused on the situation.

" The fever? That came out of nowhere. "

" No, that's been there for a couple days. " Michiru bent over in pain. " I was hoping it would go away. "

" Michiru, come on. I knew you weren't taking care of yourself. You have to be more careful about stuff like that. When's the last time you've slept? " Haruka started wiping most of the visible puke off of Michiru. She noticed at this point that Michiru was trying to sleep as she felt Michiru's dead weight fall on her. " Michiru? " The smaller girl leaned into Haruka's arms and the blonde suddenly became worried. She'd never seen Michiru like this before.

" I'm fine, really. " Michiru mumbled in response.

" Great. " Haruka finished wiping off the rest of the spit up and then proceeded to change Michiru's clothes for her. The blonde blushed as she realized what she had been doing. The process for her was so automatic that she didn't notice Michiru was slowly becoming naked. " I hope this isn't considered taking advantage of you. " Haruka whispered to the feverish Michiru. When she got to the last layer, she tossed one of her own t-shirts over Michiru's head. She did the same for the leggings. She figured Michiru would be best comfortable in men's clothing for now, so most of the stuff she was putting on Michiru was stuff from her own closet. " Come, come, let's get you to a bed. " Haruka picked up the smaller girl and carefully walked her into the nearest bedroom. " What were you thinking? I bet you haven't been eating either. " Haruka sighed heavily as she placed Michiru under the covers.

" Haruka… " Michiru mumbled as she tightly clenched Haruka's shirt when she tried to pull away. " Don't leave… " The blonde glanced down at the frail girl before her; she was absolutely torn by the situation. She didn't want to stay because she didn't know if that's what Michiru really wanted, but she didn't want to leave, abandoning Michiru with the fever she was fighting.

Haruka pried the sick girl's fingers from her shirt and stepped away. She was only a few feet from her own drawer and being that Michiru was out like a light bulb, she figured she would change her soiled clothes. She threw on a pair of sweats and sweatshirt, using whatever she had available to rid herself of the smell that she had acquired.

" Please… " Michiru whispered quietly. The blonde bit her lip, knowing that her decision was most likely going to get her in trouble but she couldn't leave Michiru in her condition. Finally she gave in to Michiru's request, settling herself next to Michiru on the bed and under the covers. She felt Michiru's hand grab her sweatshirt, clenching it as tight as possible. She knew the smaller girl was in a great deal of pain. There wasn't a whole lot she could do to relieve Michiru's pain, any medicine would probably have been spit up sooner and later and most likely wouldn't have helped. Haruka started to run her hand through Michiru's long hair, noticing that the more she continued to do so, the less Michiru seemed pained and the more she began to release the hold she had on Haruka. " I'm sorry Michi, please get better. " Haruka rested her face next to Michiru's and began to fall asleep at the sound of the smaller girl's breathing.