Family Affairs
-of-
The H&M Chronicles
Chapter Seventeen: Consolation, Part One.
" Haruka. " Michiru took a double take on the blonde and stood gaping. " What is on your head? " When she began to recognize the floral imprint and white lace, Michiru took off after Haruka. " Haruka! You have my underwear on your head? "
" But it's clean! Why can't I wear it around the house? " Haruka would stop occasionally to tease her and then she would keep running from the girl. " I like it! It's very girly. "
" If I catch you Haruka, you are in the biggest trouble ever! " Michiru eventually chased the blonde into the kitchen. They circled around an island for a couple moments as the blonde continued to stick her tongue out. " Give me my underwear!"
" Ohh but it's so wonderfully lacey and it smells like Tide, winter fresh breeze. " Haruka pulled the underwear over her eyes and attempted to look through the leg openings. " Look, Michiru… I can see you! "
Michiru made a jump over the island and landed in the blonde's arms. Haruka started laughing but began swinging the girl around in circles, trying to avoid having the underwear taken off. They were making so much noise that they failed to hear the front door open.
" What the -- " Seiya stood at the opening to the kitchen, observing the scene before him. Haruka had nothing but a set of plaid blue boxers, a white t-shirt and a pair of underwear on her head. Michiru had even less, she wore a set of underwear and a t-shirt, straddling Haruka's waist. Seiya looked over at Usagi who grew red with embarrassment. " What on earth is going on here? "
Michiru began to pout and so did Haruka. " Haruka stole my underwear! "
" You lie! " Haruka said, exaggerating. " You said it was a new hat and told me to try it on. " Both of them began arguing until Seiya intervened again.
" So then how did you start straddling Haruka, Michiru? " Both of them blushed for a moment. " I see. " Seiya cleared his throat. We will be waiting in the car. Try to hurry and get dressed. Seiya left the kitchen with Usagi, reassuring her that everything would be okay.
Haruka waited for the right moment to steal back the underwear and laughed. " It's my new hat! " The blonde jumped for joy and ran up the stairs. Michiru was more than willing to chase the blonde, for she knew she would eventually get it back.
" Very nice. I'm surprised to see the both of you got ready in time. " Seiya threw the car into gear, turning up the music so that nothing else was really heard. Haruka sat content in the back seat which was something she wasn't used to but she liked feeling the cool wind graze her cheeks. Haruka breathed in the air heavily, reflecting silently on her life. There was truly one thing she was missing. The blonde stole a glimpse of Michiru, in her silky green dress, as she was looking out the window. 'She really is beautiful.'
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
Haruka would have given just about anything to be able to take Michiru into her arms and kiss her, no, not just kiss her - she wanted to hold her. She knew that wasn't possible but she still would have done it. A sharp image of Makoto came to Haruka's mind as she felt defeat flood her heart. She had to stop thinking of Michiru so much but how many times had she said that before?
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
She wasn't thinking of anything in particular, except she really was. Haruka was more than disappointed having to face reality every time her eyes fell upon Michiru. It seemed like a never ending battle with herself. She couldn't stop her feelings for Michiru but she didn't want to either. Michiru had become the very bit of light in the dark tunnel that had become her life. Nothing was the same without her and she never wanted to be apart from her. But such was her life, that she would never be able to truly love Michiru. Haruka was surprised when she felt a hand touch hers. The blonde's eyes pulled away from the window to find a questioning Michiru, who squeezed her hand reassuringly.
" Are you okay? " The aqua-haired girl whispered so that no one else could hear her except the blonde. Haruka's heart seemed to flutter but she contained her happiness by squeezing in return. The blonde nodded, smiling at the girl next to her, hoping that she hadn't caused Michiru to worry about her. Michiru averted her attention back to the window and released her hold on Haruka.
" We're here. Strap up beautiful ladies and stupid Haruka. " Seiya joked as jumped out of the car. He quickly ran over to Usagi's side and opened the door for her. " Ma'am, you should stay with me tonight, it might get dangerous. "
" It's only a ball Seiya. " Usagi laughed as she took hold of Seiya's arm.
" Yes, but it might be dangerous. " Seiya replied playfully. " Hey, we'll meet you guys inside, okay? "
Haruka agreed as she opened the door for Michiru, before Michiru could think about opening it for herself. She helped the smaller girl step out of the car, admiring how well she wore the dress. " Michiru. " The blonde felt the aqua-haired girl habitually lock their arms together. 'I should tell her she looks beautiful.' Haruka began to argue with herself internally, leaving a puzzled Michiru in the midst of her thoughts. It was only after a couple moments that the blonde realized she had left Michiru hanging without an explanation.
" Haruka? "
" Never mind. " Haruka locked eyes with Michiru, knowing she couldn't reveal her feelings for the girl that was supposed to be her stepsister, or her best friend, depending on who they told. " When's Makoto going to be here? " For some reason, the blonde had a feeling that Makoto would be late. Makoto had a way of being extremely inconsiderate of Michiru no matter how special the event was.
" I'm not sure. "
" I see. " Haruka continued to walk with Michiru into the main hall at Junai. Tonight was the formal winter ball room dance, otherwise known as 'Formal.' Everyone would attend the ball out of tradition and everyone would be wearing outfits worth upwards of five thousand.
Haruka smiled when she remembered buying Michiru's dress. She wasn't too good with size so she went to the store several times, bringing the attendant examples of Michiru's clothes, to better get a size estimate. Turned out her multiple trips to the store paid off. The dress not only fit but it really brought out Michiru's normally hidden curves. The best part wasn't the dress though, it was Michiru's expression when Haruka had presented the dress to her. The blonde suggested since they were best friends, they have complimenting outfits. Michiru was more excited about the dress than she had ever seen before. Needless to say, both of them were wearing shreds of a deep green weaving in and out of their outfits. Haruka had a silky black suit with the collared shirt, being the green that complimented Michiru's dress. She also wore a bow tie at the request of Michiru but wasn't too fond of it.
" Haruka - did you want to take that booth over there? " Michiru asked, bringing Haruka out of her memories and into the present.
" If you like it, then it suits me just fine. " The blonde replied smoothly, keeping her eyes focused on Michiru. Just moments after they took their seat, most of their friends had spotted them and were making their rounds of greetings.
" Evening Haruka, Michiru. " Ami waved as she walked by the table with Rei by her side. Both of them waved enthusiastically at the pair, who smiled in response. " Are you sure those two aren't dating? " Ami quietly asked through her teeth.
" I don't know anymore. Who shows up at a ball with matching outfits and aren't dating? " Rei questioned.
" I guess it doesn't matter. They are our friends either way. But I think they would make a good couple. "
" My thoughts exactly. " Rei commented. " I hope Minako doesn't get the same impression about them as we do, or she'll be heartbroken about it. " Ami nodded as they made their way to their own table.
" They were talking about us. " Michiru said, inwardly.
" I know. " Haruka replied, watching the two walk off.
" What do you think they were talking about? "
" Probably the same old things they are always talking about. " Haruka shrugged. She had a lack of interest for rumors or gossiping, whatever Rei or Ami had said made no difference to her. From the look on Michiru's face though, it might have made a big difference to Michiru. " Hey. " Haruka whispered to her. " Don't pay any mind to them. I'm sure they said nothing of importance. "
" Right. " Michiru was assured with one smile from Haruka. " Even if they said something important, it wouldn't hurt us. "
" Of course not, we're invincible. "
'Invincible together.' Michiru liked the sound of that. " Hey, there's Minako. " She pointed out Haruka's girl friend but was surprised she did so. When she thought twice about it, she almost wanted to call herself an idiot. If she pointed out where Minako was, Haruka was sure to leave her side, and Michiru was sure to have a terrible night if Haruka left for too long.
" I see that. " Haruka mentioned as she motioned for drinks to be dropped off at their table.
Michiru thought she heard wrong. " Aren't you going to see her? "
" In a bit. Am I bothering you so much that you are trying to get rid of me? "
" No … not at all… " Michiru blushed, realizing that her behavior would have caused anyone to think exactly that. She didn't mean to sound rude but she was definitely stunned in disbelief. Did Haruka not want to see Minako? Why would anyone not rush to see their significant other? Haruka seemed to be head over heels for Michiru, a thought that did not please Michiru, but was a fact nonetheless.
" Haruka. I meant to tell you this earlier but I guess I was flustered about the whole, underwear incident. " Michiru winked at the blonde who had to laugh, remembering the whole chase that ensued after she had stolen a pair of underwear. " You look really good. I had to do a double take for the second time today, but not because you had underwear on your head, but because I almost didn't recognize you. You would make any girl fall head over heels for you. "
" Thank you. " Haruka replied, she was about to continue when she noticed Minako was making her way over to the table. She sat up and scooted away from Michiru a bit.
" Hi sweetie. " Minako said as she bent over to kiss Haruka. The two shared a brief kiss but Usagi stopped them from going any further.
" Excuse me. Just because you two are lovers doesn't mean you can brag about it in public. " Usagi said as she took a seat next to Michiru. " You two should go dance. You guys would look great together. Go on! I'll take pictures. " Haruka was reluctant to dance; instead of agreeing to Usagi's suggestion, she found herself looking to Michiru for an opinion.
" What do you think? "
Of course, being put on the spot changed Michiru's feelings on the subject. If she disagreed with Usagi's suggestion then people would surely begin to figure out her secret. She had to condone anything related to Minako's relationship with Haruka, in order to avoid having her secret compromised. " You should. " Michiru replied weakly. Her tone was weak enough to cause Haruka to worry about her words, she could tell by the blonde's sudden change of expression. " Really, Haruka, you should dance with her. " She would have preferred to have danced with Haruka instead of Minako, but fate dealt her a miserable card and she simply had to deal with their relationship as a result.
" See Haruka, even your closest friend in the entire world agrees with me. Go on, I'll take pictures… but there's a slight chance I might eat your dinner if you don't come back in time… " Usagi slipped in the last part causing Haruka to smirk at her humor.
" Very well. I won't be long. " The blonde took Minako on to the dance floor and disappeared into the crowd of people already dancing.
Michiru sighed heavily, suddenly finding herself feeling at a loss for some reason. For lack of anything else to do, she began to trace her fingers along the rim of her cup, remembering how it was to trace features on Haruka's face while she was asleep. A smiled emerged victorious on her face, causing Usagi to become interested in what she was thinking about.
" Michiru… I know I am usually a ditz… but you have to hear me out. " Usagi had a very serious tone about what she was about to say which triggered Michiru's attention. " I know what I saw at your house was … playful at that… but I think there's something going on behind the scenes. Seiya denies that you two are together, but I have some doubts about that. "
" You know, Usagi, I don't blame you for thinking that. " Michiru came to the conclusion, somewhat startling even herself. " Haruka and I, well, we're close. A lot of people naturally assume that if two people are close they must be intimate. We're not your standard best-friend case. We do have a tendency of making people think we're together but we don't do anything out of the normal and nor will we change our behavior because of what other people think. " Michiru paused. " Nothing is going on between Haruka and I. We are simply friends. "
" Okay. If you say so. But… if there's some sort of chance that you happen to be in love with Haruka, you should try to hide it better. Especially if Haruka doesn't know. That would be awkward. " Usagi made herself comfortable and leaned in on Michiru's shoulder. " I just worry for you Michiru. You were always good to me, I would like to return the favor eventually. But this is the only way I can help at this point. "
" I am not in love with Haruka. " Michiru firmly but painfully stated. It hurt her to think of what her life would be like without Haruka. It would hurt her to think of what she would be like if she didn't … love… Haruka. Did she love Haruka? " I'm not, Usagi. " Who was she kidding? She did love Haruka. She wouldn't deny her feelings for the world. If she could act upon them, she would. But she would never act upon them if Haruka was in love with Minako, never. If she exposed her feelings, she risked losing Haruka, especially if she shared those kinds of feelings with Minako and not her.
" Ahem… " Usagi cleared her throat in a rather obvious manner, nudging Michiru in a rough manner. " Your girlfriend, twelve-o-clock. "
" And? "
" Well, I didn't want you to say anything that would compromise your relationship, especially since you don't really love Haruka. " Usagi said those last words almost sarcastically, as if she knew the truth but wouldn't openly force the words from her own mouth.
" Good evening, darling. " Makoto held her hand out to Michiru. " I'm so ready to dance. Come on. " Michiru was reluctant, looking towards the crowd of people dancing. " Come on, are you afraid to dance? "
" You wish. " Michiru finally obliged Makoto. " Let's see if you are really ready to dance. " The aqua-haired girl stood only to have the brunette gawk at her. " What? "
" You look good. Where did you get that dress? "
" It's not important, come, let's dance. " Michiru waved back to Usagi, who was content being alone with plates of food. Makoto took hold of Michiru's hand and led her into a slow dance. She wanted to rest her head on Makoto's shoulder but she didn't feel comfortable enough to do so. For some reason, the only thing her mind was focusing on, was someone that wasn't anywhere near her. Images of the piercing green eyes she was fond of, invaded her thoughts. She simply could not push Haruka from her thoughts, not for the life of her. Michiru was hopeless yet again.
" I have missed you all week. You are so important to me Michiru, you don't even know. I'm glad that you are my girl friend. I can't imagine how my life would be without you. " Makoto whispered to Michiru but Michiru didn't respond much. She was too busy feeling guilty for thinking of someone else while she was with her girlfriend. " I love you. "
Not knowing what else to say, Michiru returned the expression. " I love you too. "
" Awwww…. "
Michiru looked up to find Minako dancing behind them, obviously eaves dropping. She would have laughed had not realized that Haruka was accompanying her. Haruka glanced up at Michiru, not too enthusiastic in terms of mood. In fact, it almost seemed as if the blonde was as miserable as she was, but she couldn't imagine why she would feel that way. Makoto turned to smile at the other couple, hiding a layer of jealousy underneath her smile. She couldn't stand to see Haruka with her Minako.
" Look. " Haruka mentioned as her eyes fell upon the crowd around them. It appeared that the whole crowd had formed a circle around the two pairs, admiring how well they had danced. " Seems as though we have some fans. "
" So it seems. " Michiru agreed, somewhat surprised at the reaction of most of her peers. Emerging from the forming circle was Mamoru with a grin larger than she would have liked to have seen.
" Evening ladies and … ahem… gentleman. " Mamoru approached Makoto and Michiru, with intentions of interrupting their dance. " May I please have this dance? " The raven haired man nearly pushed Makoto to the side as he assumed the position.
" I knew you would agree. " Suddenly, Mamoru felt a strong arm push him aside, throwing him a good couple of feet from Michiru. When he looked up, he noticed that Haruka had stolen his position and switched dance partners with Makoto. The blonde winked playfully at Mamoru who stormed off, more embarrassed than angry.
" Haruka-- "
" Shh… " The blonde whispered as she began to lead Michiru in a waltz. " Just dance." Michiru leaned into the blonde as she followed Haruka's lead. This is what she wanted. She wanted to be dancing with Haruka, not Makoto. She felt her body merging with Haruka's as they took control of the floor. They moved as if they were one. Haruka gently placed her cheek against Michiru's temple, causing Michiru to blush deeply. She was sincerely grateful for the fact that no one could see her blush but more importantly, the blonde couldn't see her either.
Michiru honestly wondered what it would be like if they were together. How would everyone react? 'They probably wouldn't understand.' Both Minako and Makoto would be furious, that much was certain. The aqua-haired girl began to notice more and more people focused on their dance. Normally she would have thought their attention was little more than admiration, but the fact that she had a secret regarding the blonde, made her nervous in anticipation. She was sure they were going cause rumors and gossip about this dance for the rest of the school year. But what did that matter if their relationship was simply a rumor…
I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
" Michiru, I can hear you thinking. "
" Sorry. " She replied, not really surprised that Haruka became extremely intuitive with her as of lately. " I'm just getting nervous with all these people standing around us. "
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything seems like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know your alive
" Don't be. " Haruka whispered. " I'm here. That's all that matters. "
Michiru felt butterflies in her stomach, knowing that Haruka meant that purely on a supportive level. Even so, it served well as consolation. Michiru rested her head on Haruka's shoulder, finding solace from her thoughts. Tonight she would dance, simply dance.
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
Disclaimer: The song above is called "Iris" from the Goo Goo Dolls. I do not claim to own this song nor will I. This song is copyright, Goo Goo Dolls.
AN: I don't normally do songfics but I was listening to this song when I was writing it and figured that since it served as inspiration for the chapter, I should give the song some attention. Thanks for reviewing, for those who do. By the way, Maria, I will definitely take your suggestion to heart.
Maria said: " IF YOU HAD MORE MOMENTS BTWN BOTH HARUKA AND MICHI THE WHOLE STORY WOULD BE AWSOME "
I say: You got it!