Family Affairs

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The H&M Chronicles

Chapter Nineteen: So What?

Michiru held her breath as she walked into Seiya's rather large mansion. She was usually familiar with Seiya's house as she had been there multiple times before but there were so many students crowding the house that she found it hard to even recognize where she was. Several people had greeted her as she walked through the door and she did her best to be polite but she didn't couldn't identify them as anyone she knew. They were most likely saying hi because they were drunk, not because they actually knew her.

Makoto pulled Michiru from room to room and even Makoto was impressed by the level to which Seiya had taken the party. In each room, there was a different DJ spinning their own mixes, each of them distinctly diverse in their music and variations. " Seiya put a lot of work into this. " The brunette said as a smile crossed her face. She loved to dance. She wasn't the best at it but she was certainly the kind of person that would dance the night away. " Do you want to dance? "

" Actually, I'm going to get a drink first. I'll meet up with you back here. " Michiru told Makoto as she parted with her girlfriend. She managed to get through most of the crowd without being plowed over and she was surely grateful for that. Michiru noticed the kitchen was trashed. She only rolled her eyes in defeat, knowing who Seiya would call upon for help with cleaning after the party was over. Michiru began to pour herself a drink and one for Makoto as well. It took her forever to get the mixers that she wanted to use; everyone there was friendly, except when it came to getting their drinks. When she finished pouring what she needed she found her way back to Makoto, successfully not spilling either of her drinks on her way there. " You wouldn't believe how messy the kitchen is. "

Makoto laughed. " I'm sure Seiya will have fun with that. " The brunette took her drink off Michiru's hands. " Take a look at that. " Makoto pointed to the middle of the room where most of the guests had centered themselves around a tall blonde dancing to the music. " Haruka's really good at dancing, I was watching him while you were gone. " That was the last thing Michiru wanted to think about. She had spent the whole ride to Seiya's party trying to get over what she had seen at Formal and now she had to confront the blonde at the party. With her luck, Minako would show up in the midst of the party and the two would ruin everything for her.

Michiru began looking everywhere except in Haruka's direction but she finally relented when she heard the DJ switched the song that was playing. Her eyes fell upon Haruka and she found herself glued to Haruka's performance. Quite a few girls stepped towards the blonde before the song could start, handing Haruka cup after cup of alcohol. Haruka downed each cup with absolutely no resistance or self control. The girls were charmed by Haruka's ability to drink and dance but most of them were too scared to actually join her. Michiru became fixated on the blonde, as she noticed slight details that seemed to make the biggest difference in Haruka's appearance. The blonde had taken off the jacket and bow to her suit. Her long, green, collared shirt had been untucked and the top three buttons were undone. Haruka was the product of tons of alcohol, inspired by music and the massive amount of girls that seemingly could not keep their hands off her. She watched intently, feeling hints of jealously as some girls began to run their hands down Haruka's arm sensually. 'How could she let them do that to her?'

" Wow. I wonder what Minako says to that -- " Makoto said, as she placed an arm behind her neck. There was no way Minako would be happy to see that happening.

" To what? " Minako asked, startling Makoto. She took a drink from her cup as she watched the same scene Makoto and Michiru were engrossed in. " Oh that? I told Haruka to loosen up. " Minako shrugged and headed towards Haruka or more like dancing her way to Haruka, was a better way of putting it.

" Wow. " Makoto couldn't push any other words from her mouth. She was simply shocked at the reaction of Minako when she saw that other girls were all over Haruka. " Is he really that good? " Makoto questioned. There was no way Haruka deserved that much attention. Not only did Minako NOT mind the fact that girls were hanging off Haruka, she condoned it. " That's crazy. " They watched as Minako joined the girls that were hanging off Haruka. She was the only one brave enough to take on Haruka's insatiable desire to constantly dance.

" Michiru! " Seiya approached his best friend, a bit tipsy from all the alcohol he had consumed. " Michiru! Hey…. " Seiya said as he rested his whole weight on Michiru's shoulder. " Oh! You're watching Haruka dance. It's unbelievable. I couldn't even get that many girls and this is MY party. "

Michiru stole a glimpse of her 'stepbrother' when she turned in the blonde's direction. For the millisecond that the two had been staring each other, they both had caught one another. Haruka's smile faded quickly as a serious expression began to replace her former one. Some of the girls that had been dancing with the blonde threw dirty looks at Michiru, who seemingly robbed them of the attention Haruka was adorning them with. As if inspired by something, Haruka leaned over to Minako, whispering something in her ear and then the blonde excused herself, leaving a pack of disappointed girls behind her. She walked straight past Seiya and Makoto as if they weren't even there. Michiru had expected the same treatment but with her it was different. When Haruka was about to pass her, the blonde turned her body sideways, with her face facing Michiru's cheek. The smaller girl's eyes got wide as she felt something soft upon her cheek, but it was only for a fleeting moment and then the softness had left her. Had that been….

'a kiss?'

She watched intently as the blonde disappeared into the crowd of people.

Makoto smiled at her, obviously not catching how close Haruka had gotten to Michiru; she must not have seen the blonde brush across her ever so closely, or else she might have gotten mad. The brunette flashed her girlfriend a smile. " Would you mind if I went to dance? " Michiru motioned that it would be fine as she continued to sip on her drink.

'That cologne…' An overwhelming, intoxicating yet familiar cologne flooded her senses as she was watching Makoto dance. '…it's…' " Finally… " Michiru didn't move but her muscles tensed up when she felt a whisper in her ear. '…Haruka.' " I have been waiting for her to leave your side since you two arrived. " The aqua-haired girl felt a gentle and soft hand cover her eyes, gently keeping her from seeing where she was going. Another hand, squeezed her free hand reassuringly and led her away from where she had been standing. " I want to dance, this time without interruptions. " Michiru heard the music change from room-to-room until she heard a slow song playing. The ever so tender hands placed a cloth over her eyes, softly tying the back of the cloth behind her head. " Wear this. I want you to know what things would be like if we stopped caring for the desires of others and submitted to our own. " She stood, at the whim of her captor, wondering what those words had truly meant. A new song rotated and Haruka had taken her into her arms, slowly dancing to the rhythm of the music.

Michiru was surprised to find that she more eager than she was reluctant to play this game that Haruka had set up. As the blonde led her further into the song, she found herself clenching the back of Haruka's shirt, not wanting to let go. She was not alone though. Haruka curved her body around Michiru's, not allowing an inch of space between the two. Michiru was rendered speechless when she felt how desperately the blonde had hugged her in the midst of their dancing. This whole situation was like a bomb loaded with thoughts had exploded inside of her head. She was only certain of one thing: she didn't want to ruin the moment by spending the whole dance in deep reflection. She had to savor the time she had with the blonde.

Michiru released herself from the incessant thinking that plagued her mind, relishing in Haruka's embrace. Being this close to Haruka, allowed her to enjoy in the simple things she normally couldn't. Michiru inhaled the scent that unexpectedly distracted her. The distinct fragrance of both, Haruka's sweet smelling skin and the cologne that she had been wearing, intoxicated Michiru's sense of smell. She found that it overwhelmed her senses as she realized a burning desire had been building inside of her heart. She rested her cheek on Haruka's chest, imagining how attractive the blonde must have been with her shirt undone. Her mind left nothing to the imagination as it roamed all the possibilities of being with Haruka. Michiru clung to the blonde even tighter when she sensed the song would end soon.

" I don't have much time left. I just wanted to tell you Michiru, that nothing is as it seems. " The aqua-haired girl felt Haruka increase the hold she had on Michiru, knowing that the blonde was somehow indirectly trying to tell her something. " Know that through this all, I would never hurt you. If you ever find me to be … confusing… trust in the windows to my soul, they always tell the truth. Trust in them. "

Michiru felt Haruka release their embrace just as the song ended, but not before the blonde had taken off the blindfold. When Michiru turned to face Haruka, the tall girl had disappeared once again into the endless crowd that cluttered the room.

" Michiru, there you are. " Makoto and Seiya approached her. " Where did you get off to? " The aqua-haired girl brought herself back from her disillusioned dreams of happiness, knowing that she had to come up with a lie to satisfy Makoto's curiosity.

" I had to use the restroom, all of the smoke is bothering me. Plus, my stomach can't hold its own when it comes to alcohol. "

Seiya burped. " You shouldn't drink so much. " Michiru stared at him questioningly. She knew he wouldn't have missed her lie had he not been completely drunk.

" Do you want to go home? You don't look like your enjoying yourself. "

" It's just been a long night. That would be great if you could do that for me. "

Makoto nodded, having no need to disagree with Michiru's decision. Her girlfriend had a very long and emotional day. She wasn't sure why she wanted to go to the party thought. It probably would have been better for her well being if Michiru hadn't come to the party but she had to be supportive anyways. " Yeah, let's get you home. "

Michiru didn't wave to Makoto as she drove off. In fact, Makoto didn't drive off, she sped off. She knew how much she had just angered Makoto but she felt what she had done was for the best. She couldn't go on doing what she was doing. Apart of her felt severely guilty, but a feeling of reassurance filled her mind when she thought of Haruka.

Still Michiru had finally accomplished what she should have done a long time ago: Break up with Makoto.

It was harsh, in her eyes, because it all happened in less than thirty seconds. She left no explanation except that she didn't love Makoto, not like she thought she did. In fact, not only had she lost her love with Makoto, she had found a new love even though it was unrequited. Michiru simply couldn't handle being with Makoto when she knew that she loved someone else. It was obvious to her, especially when all she could ever think about was a certain blonde. Despite how terrible she might have made Makoto feel, there was another part of her that knew she had done what was right.

Michiru sighed heavily, suddenly realizing that she didn't want to be stuck outside forever. She fumbled in the cold, trying to select the right key to her house but it wasn't working too well for her as the cold began to take its effect on her, causing her to shiver constantly. ' I should have worn a better jacket, if I knew it was going to start snowing tonight, I wouldn't have worn this poor excuse for a scarf. ' Michiru was busy looking at her keys in the fading light when she noticed a pair of footprints, embedded within the new layer of snow at her feet. Her eyes traced the prints all the way around the side of the house. Who would have been at her house this late at night? No one would have been at her house, except… 'Haruka.'

Michiru quickly lost interest in opening her front door to seek solace in the warmth inside. It might have been freezing but she didn't care; she would have stayed in the cold so long as she found what her heart desired. She placed her keys in her small purse and followed the footprints down a path that led to her backyard. Swinging around the corner she walked down a path, with small, barren trees overhanging the path, forming somewhat of a corridor. Michiru stopped in her tracks when she saw the blonde with her back turned to Michiru. She looked as if she were gazing at the sky or absorbing the feeling of snow falling upon her face.

" Haruka? " Michiru asked, very much concerned by Haruka's behavior. " Are you okay? "

The blonde didn't seem to be alarmed by Michiru's voice, instead she turned to greet the girl she had become so familiar with. " Michiru… what are you… doing out here? " Haruka was doing her best to sound as cohesive as possible. Knowing the girl must have been freezing without a jacket, she sought to find warmth for the quivering Michiru. " It's cold, come here." Haruka held out her arms. She had noticed that the countless amount of alcohol the blonde had consumed had already set in, causing Michiru to be wary of Haruka's actions.

There was a silence between them as she realized that she wasn't the only who at a loss for warmth. Haruka stood standing, slightly shaking, as snowflakes fell all around her. She examined her companion feeling as though she had never seen Haruka so peaceful; the blonde, though obviously having differences with the weather, had a serene expression on her face that Michiru would have loved to see everyday. It would have been nice to embrace Haruka as she had done before but instead, she decided against it for the sake of the girl standing before her.

" I think we're both cold, why don't we jump in the sauna? " Michiru approached Haruka and escorted her inside, where their hot tub had been.

" Michiru, what are you -- "

" Don't be afraid. Get in, silly. "

" In my clothes? "

" Of course. How else? " Michiru asked as she slipped into the warm water, not caring for the fact that she would soak her dress profusely. Life was much too short for her to be concerned about trivial things. She dipped herself under water but didn't come up for some time.

Haruka knew this was normal for Michiru, having seen her swim a couple times. The blonde was not excited about getting completely soaked in her clothes but she figured she probably wouldn't do it too many times in her life so she finally relented. When she had entered, she felt the water circulate through her clothes, bringing warmth to both her skin and body. She felt the steam rise from the hot tub causing a very thin layer of sweat to start forming on her face. Just as Haruka's muscles were becoming relaxed, she saw Michiru surface.

" It's quiet under water. "

" Is it? " The blonde asked, already knowing the answer. Her mind began drifting as she knew it would, especially being alone with Michiru. She had half expected the aqua-haired girl to question her about the dance but she was pleasantly relieved when she didn't.

" Haruka, would you ever hide anything from me? "

The blonde swallowed hard as if she had just eaten a baseball. Her body tensed up as she lost the ability to control her own emotions. She wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't she would ever know how to answer that question. The truth was the only good option but it didn't seem so good for her. " Yes, if I didn't know you. But if I did know you… I would never hide anything from you. I would trust the world in your hands. "

Michiru pursed her lips in thought. That was a good response but it didn't quite answer her question. " No, I mean, are you hiding anything from me? " Here was Haruka's test. The test to see if she would lie or not. If she passed, then she knew she could truly and honestly trust and love Haruka - if such privileges were permitted to her. If she failed, then she would better off not thinking of Haruka the way she already did. She watched as Haruka looked around the room, nervously. Finally, the blonde nodded her head.

" You want the truth then. " Haruka stepped closer to Michiru, staring her straight in the eyes. " Then the answer is… " Michiru held her breath as she waited for Haruka to finish her confession. " … the answer is … yes I am hiding something from you. I have been meaning to tell you but I simply don't know how. It's not something you can just tell someone and expect them to be fine with it. And that's precisely why I could never gather enough courage to tell you. I didn't you to think less of me -- "

" -- because you're a girl? " Michiru cut Haruka off before she actually make a confession. The blonde seemed stunned by her words. " Haruka, I have known that for quite some time now. It's not that hard to figure out. I just don't know why you wouldn't tell me - I would trust you with anything, even something as trivial as my gender. Did you think I would think less of you? "

" Hai… somewhat. " Haruka replied, honestly.

" Promise me something, Haruka… promise me that you will never lie to me again."

" Hai, Michi, I promise. I won't lie to you anymore. "

Michiru was partially satisfied but secretly she truly wasn't. If that was Haruka's only secret, then she was at a loss. She couldn't believe that the blonde's only secret was something she had already known. She had been silently hoping that Haruka's secret was something entirely different. Michiru's eyes fell upon the reflection in the water. Who was she kidding? Haruka didn't love her. Haruka loved Minako and that was simply a fact. She had to stop thinking Haruka returned these feelings she had developed for the blonde. She had to. Michiru stood to get out of the water, tears at the brink of her eyes.

" Michiru… " Haruka grabbed the girl's hand, pulling her back into the hot tub and into a warm embrace. " There's one more thing… " Michiru had seemingly lost her breath, hearing those words being spoken. " It's been on my mind ever since I met you and it continues to plague my mind even now. Perhaps I haven't known you for long but I do know that in the time that I have known you, my whole life has changed. I can't control myself at times, I lose sight of my own composure and for the longest time, I tried to deny what it was that was making me feel this way. But one day I woke up. One day I realized that I hated having to deny the sinking suspicion that…. " Haruka paused, knowing that the consequences of her words could be disastrous. Even so, she had to confess what was deep within her heart. There was nothing she wouldn't sacrifice to be faithful to the girl before her. " … that I love you. I know you probably didn't want to hear that … but … I had to tell you. I can't lie anymore. I love you so much that I wake up every day, sickened by the thought of someone else having your love. I envy Makoto more than I thought was capable of a person; she has everything that I have ever wanted. I would give up the world just to hold you in my arms… Michiru you are --- "

Haruka didn't need to say anything else, even though her words were sweet, Michiru simply couldn't resist doing what she had wanted since she met the blonde. The aqua-marine haired girl leaned forward, pressing her lips against Haruka's. At first, she waited, knowing the blonde might be taken aback by her actions, but then she felt Haruka return her kiss. It was everything she had ever imagined it would be. Her lips…they were soft, sweet and loving. Michiru pulled away for a second, her lips still touching Haruka's. " Ruka, I love you too. "

Haruka moved back, with more questions than an inquisitive child. " But what about Makoto? "

" What about her? "

" You two are dating. "

" Yes, as of ten minutes ago. But it didn't work out for us, or for me I should say. We are no longer together. " Michiru traced her finger along Haruka's jaw line. " What about Minako? "

" What about her? " Haruka asked slyly, with a grin across her face.

" You two are dating. "

" Yes, as of two hours ago. But it didn't work out for us, or for me I should say. We are officially broken up. "

" Hm. " Michiru placed a finger on her lips.

" Hm yourself! " Haruka said as she grabbed Michiru and spun her around with excitement. Both of them started laughing as they almost fell out of the hot tub all together. Haruka put the girl back down into the water as a serious expression replaced the smile on her face. " You're beautiful even when you are soaked from head to toe. I never told you that… but you should know. "

" Hai, Haruka. I think the same of you. It looks like we still have some confessions to make. "

" I agree. "

" Shall we save them until we get into my bed? " Michiru asked, innocently, though fully away of the implications of her words.

Haruka placed her forehead against Michiru's with a provocative smile on her face. " I think we shall. "

The End.

AN: Bet you never saw that coming. Don't worry, I didn't realize I was ending it until they kissed. Don't kill me please. I know I could have ended the story with more depth, but why? Haruka and Michiru finally made their CONFESSIONS. lol. See you in my next fic. Silas C.