Tenshi

by aprileagle

COMPLETE! Once, she had lost everything dear to her, so she decided to stay on her own. Then why does she care again? Why does she have to listen to that tender violin music? Why does she slowly fall in love with the famous violin player Kaioh Michiru?

9. Chapter 6: Guardian Angel Part 1

I am a dreamer but when I wake,

You can't break my spirit – it's my dreams you take.

Chapter 6: Guardian Angel

"Is that your hand luggage, Kaioh-san?"

Of course they would fly with a private jet over the wide ocean to start their America tour in the west of this big country. Nonetheless, security affected them, as well, no matter how famous the Three Lights were in Japan and how much they were awaited by their fans in the USA.

"Hai." Michiru nodded and carefully put her violin case and her small black bag on the counter. Then she opened them to show the friendly smiling flight attendant first her violin and then her brand new reflex camera.

"That's the newest Canon, a very nice model." The woman looked at it longingly and it was clear that photography was her hobby. Quickly, she checked the bags for needles, weapons and other dangerous objects and nodded, because she found none, as she had expected. "Then I wish you a nice flight and many photo opportunities."

Michiru bowed and grinned widely.

"Arigatou. I'm sure I'll have lots of them."

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"What's so special about it?" Sejya leaned over the parapet and looked into the white fog beneath. He couldn't see the water, only the bridge and its famous piers were visible and it looked as if it stood in a sea of clouds. As if it were not only the Gate of the West but also the Gate of Heaven. "It's only a bloody bridge."

"But it's the bridge." Tahiki, who had bought a guidebook, browsed through the different pages and his younger brother groaned, because he knew that a lecture about this famous building was to follow. "It was built in 1935 and…"

Sure enough he started to talk about the facts which he had read in the book, even though no one really listened to him. Their first concert would start in the evening, but they decided for a sightseeing tour in the morning instead of another rehearsal. It was their first time in America and they wanted to see as much from this land as possible. Who knew when they'd be able to return to their solar system. If they'd return…

"That looks great!" Yaten bowed over the parapet and spreat his arms as a cool breeze played with his silver hair. The sun was shining from a cloudless sky and they felt like they had entered midsummer even though the season had only started ago in Japan two weeks. "It looks like candy floss."

"Sure it does." Chuckled Haruka and stepped closer to Yaten to hold him if he'd lose balance. Right now her job didn't include to look for forgotten scarves and gloves, but to take care that the youngest brother didn't forget to use his sun lotion. The weather was indeed very nice and the Three Lights were wearing sleeveless shirts and short trousers; only Haruka stuck strictly to her dark jeans and a dark tour t-shirt, no matter how much Michiru tried to convince her to wear clothes more suitable for this hot summer weather. Right now, the young violinist stood next to them, holding the screw cap of her camera's lens between her lips while she crouched to take a nice photo. She wore a white summer dress and her straw hat had slipped from her plaited hair to her back.

Cheese.

"Feef!"

The others didn't really understand her mumbled word, but they turned around nonetheless and smiled at her.

Click.

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"This casino is completely different from our pashinko halls." Michiru wasn't sure if she was allowed to take any pictures, therefore she had smuggled the camera within her handbag into the big casino. There were slot machines everywhere. Everything seemed to glimmer in a golden shine and there was music in the air, but it was distant and almost inaudible, because the slot machine noises were too loud, as were the falling coins.

"Well, you can lose your money either way." Haruka shrugged her shoulders and looked around. She clearly wasn't impressed by the casino, but Michiru knew that she couldn't wait to go to the white tiger show for which the Three Lights got free tickets, because they volunteered to perform a song in the end, as kind of a little bonus for the normal audience. It would start in about two hours and Michiru caught Haruka at glancing at her wrist watch every now and then. Obviously, she didn't want to be late in order to get a seat in the front row to have a good look at the tigers. The young violinist was happy to know that the tigers would leave the stage before they would make a surprise appearance.

"They like it and I don't think that they'll lose too much." Michiru pointed at Sejya and Yaten, both feeding the slot machines and enjoying the funny sounds they made. Tahiki stood behind them, looking interested, but not nearly as obsessed as his little brothers. Yaten screamed when he won five dollars. One would have thought that he'd just hit the jackpot.

"Look at those pathetic fools, Sarah."

A middle-aged man pulled his black cap deeper into his face as he headed through the rows of slot machines. He was carrying a Nicon in his hands, catching Michiru's attention. If he was allowed to use it, it was surely okay for her to use her Canon, as well. No sooner said than done, she pulled her own camera from her handbag and switched it on. However, she couldn't take a photo instantly, because a young woman crashed into her. She was holding a Nicon, as well, and they both would have fallen to the ground if Haruka hadn't grabbed their arms and held them back.

"Oh, I'm sorry." The young woman stroked some strands of her shoulder long, dark hair behind her right ear and raised her hands in an apologizing gesture. "I didn't see you."

"No problem, no one was hurt." Michiru's English was overshadowed by a thick Japanese accent, but she was understandable. Most of the people in this place were tourists, anyway, and therefore grasped at least the meaning, because their English wasn't any better. Haruka mostly did the translation work for the Three Lights, but Michiru wanted to try and improve her English, even if it meant to say her sentences more than once or consulting her small dictionary which she always carried around with her. Now, the young violinist smiled at the young woman and pointed at the Nicon. "Nice camera you got."

"Yes…" She returned the smile and looked around as if she were looking for someone. "Wish it were mine. Bye." With those words she turned around and they saw her running through the rows until she caught up with the older man who was holding the other Nicon, apparently waiting for her in impatience.

Haruka and Michiru watched them go, but were distracted by Yaten's happy scream. As it turned out, he had won ten dollars this time, in ten cent coins. It wasn't much, but it looked like a big win. Therefore, his joy was huge and his happy cries very loud.

"That guy was right, Michi-chan." Chuckled Haruka and shook her head. "They're fools."

"But they're not pathetic." The young violinist put the screw cap into her handbag and looked through the view-finder. Yaten was now dancing while Sejya tried to nick some of the ten cent coins. Tahiki looked clearly embarrassed. Michiru grinned and took aim. "They're simply funny."

Click.

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It wasn't their first open air concert, but it would surely be their most impressive one. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. The stage was positioned next to a huge canyon and the show would start at eight in the evening so that the highlight would coincide with the sunset. Although the first fans had already arrived and sat in front of the huge stage, did the Three Lights wander around to look at the nice landscape. True, the Fujisan was nice, but these mountains were different. They looked wilder. Untouched. Untamed.

We've always wanted to come here.

Haruka stood near the abyss, looking out to the wide land before her, stretching out until the horizon, maybe even beyond. It seemed proud and free and she was suddenly reminded why she had loved it. A long time ago. Before they were taken from her. Before she lost him. Before nothing mattered any longer: Not her native country nor the one where she had spent most of her childhood.

But we never found the time.

Warm wind blew through the canyon before her and tugged at her hair and her black t-shirt. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the element surrounding her. For a moment she was a teenager again, sixteen years old with a family and a bright future. She had believed to be as strong as the wind, then. Only to see five years later that she was weak and didn't resemble the nature's wild element at all.

And then we couldn't go any longer.

"This is quite deep." Yaten seemed to have appeared out of thin air beside her. She opened her eyes and automatically stretched out her right hand to grab his shoulder and to hold him tight at the crumbly abyss. However, someone else was quicker. A steady hand took Yaten's right one and as Haruka looked up, she noticed in surprise that Sejya was standing next to his little brother. For the first time in weeks he didn't tell him to watch out or criticize him for being careless again. They didn't start to fight, or better, Sejya didn't start to argue while Yaten stared unimpressed at his feet as they had done many times before, especially since they had started their tour through America. Now, the two brothers were standing side by side, looking in evident awe at the beautiful landscape in front of them.

"It's wonderful, Sej."

That's a great view, Haru-chan. It's wonderful here.

"Hai, it is."

Behind them she heard a by now well-known noise, but she didn't turn around to smile or wave stupidly. Nor did the two brothers move.

Yes, it is, Aki-chan.

Click.

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"Howdy."

Haruka turned around and burst out into laughter as she saw Sejya strutting through the stable. She let go of the brush with which she had been curry combing her horse and doubled over as he came nearer. He was wearing what he as a Japanese thought was typical for a cowboy: Washed out jeans, a flannel shirt that was even chequered in white and blue and boots that seemed to be too big for him, because he struggled not to stumble over his own feet. However, what had caught Haruka's amusement was the incredibly big cowboy hat. It was too big for Sejya's head and threatened to slip into his face or on his back with every movement. To top it all, it was coloured in white, red and blue, like the Stars and Stripes, American's national flag.

"You're only jealous." Sejya pulled a face and grabbed the saddle as their guide had told him to do. He was a professional and didn't even wince when he saw the Three Lights' outfit for the first time. But to see the guys in their clothes and to actually see them trying to walk or even ride in them was more than Haruka could take.

"Sure…" She held her aching belly and wiped the tears from her eyes, but burst into another peals of laughter when Sejya stumbled over his feet that got tangled in the saddle's stirrups. Undoubtedly, he was a fantastic singer, but he failed terribly as a cowboy. Hopefully, he wouldn't try singing a country song in that outfit during their next concert. Haruka knew that the Three Lights already rehearsed Ghostriders in the Sky and Ring of Fire, because these were songs which you simply had to play in a place like this. However, it would surely cause several of their fans to die of a heart attack when they saw their idol stumbling around in these so called cowboy boots in which no real cowboy would have ever been able to catch a cow, lest alone ride his loyal horse. To say nothing of that crazy hat which only a foreign tourist would buy and then even wear with pride.

"You'll be amazed how good my riding is." Sejya pulled the saddle close to himself, wondering why it was so heavy. His horse's saddle had been lighter and he had worn different clothes than these. But he bought them in a souvenir shop, so they had to be authentic, hadn't they? Silly Haruka simply had no idea!

"You're able to ride a horse?" Now, the blonde sounded really surprised. Slowly, her laughter died and she forced herself to stand up again and to take the horse's reign. She rode a horse when she was very small, because her father had liked those animals, but she was sure that she now had forgotten how to gallop. The black mare struggled against her, standing stubbornly in her box.

"Hai. My parents used to have horses." Sejya pushed the saddle in Haruka's hands and took the reign. There was a quick, silent argument between the lead singer and the animal, before the horse trotted out of the box and the stall. Haruka followed the both of them, stunned, because Sejya obviously knew what he was doing, even though he looked like a typical tourist, a greenhorn as the land's inhabitants would call him.

Outside, Tahiki and Yaten had already mounted their horses. Their clothes weren't any better than Sejya's, but the both of them looked like they were experienced riders, too.

Well, they'll surely get a good laugh once I'll try to gallop.

"Cheese!"

Haruka turned around and looked at Michiru who was holding her beloved Canon in her hand. She had already taken thousands of photos in the first two weeks of their America tour and right now she was either holding her camera or her violin, but was hardly ever seen with empty hands. She seemed to enjoy her new hobby and they liked her pictures.

"Cheese." Echoed Yaten while the others only smiled at Michiru who was wearing old jeans and a lumberjack shirt. However, her clothes seemed to fit her and the cowboy hat seemed to be a real one, at least it looked old and had a normal brown colour. Only a small sticker on her camera's ribbon in the colours of the national flag betrayed her as a tourist. That and her heavy Japanese accent, although her English was a lot better than the sorry attempts of the Three Lights. Quickly, Haruka became their unofficial interpreter and accompanied them wherever they went.

Michiru looked through the view-finder and smiled happily. She looked beautiful, although Haruka had to confess that a kimono was more her style.

As long as she's with us it'll be worth it.

Click.

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"I like this music."

Michiru put down her fork and watched the singer. She was a strong woman with a skin like chocolate as Yaten had put it when they entered the small restaurant. Her voice was powerful and enchanting. A piano player and a young man with a saxophone accompanied her in a sad song. She didn't understand the lyrics too well, but it didn't matter. The music was all that mattered to her. Its language was universal.

"I like the food." Sejya already ate his second helping of a soup which he couldn't really identify, but it tasted fantastic. He knew that their next concert would be a long one, because they shared it with other known singers from all over the world. It was a huge charity project and they knew that it would take more than their normal two hours and in that time they wouldn't have time nor the nerves to eat something, anything. They'd probably wouldn't even drink anything unless Haruka took care of that and carried some water bottles around with her, jogging behind the stage whenever they were allowed to leave it for some minutes. But the concert was for charity to help the victims of a natural disaster. Sejya had seen enough disasters caused by Sailor Galactica, therefore he was willing to take part at that concert and to sing on stage with all the other famous stars a song they had only gotten the last week. It was a nice song and he hoped that his brothers had been able to learn the lyrics by heart, because he didn't know how to smuggle a sheet of paper on the stage when many cameras were watching them, because the concert was transmitted America-wide.

"What's this song about, Haruka-san?" Tahiki didn't share his brother's opinion about the food, because he didn't eat a lot. However, he didn't complain, because the music was extraordinarily good and he wasn't very hungry, anyway.

"Well…" Haruka brought her glass of water to her lips, but didn't drink. Instead, she closed her eyes and listened to the music, ignoring the talking and laughing guests around them. A sad smile appeared on her face. "It's a sad song about a unrequited love."

"Nice." Whispered Michiru and played with her Canon's ribbon. The camera laid on her lap and she had already taken some pictures of their meals. Apparently, she was thinking about taking a picture of the fantastic singer, as well, but she didn't want to disturb her nor her music by acting like a tourist and not like a musician.

Tahiki didn't respond anything. He merely nodded and concentrated again on the sad melody. It didn't matter that he couldn't understand the lyric. It was enough to know the rough content; he was able to imagine the details by himself. His love wasn't unrequited, but still out of his reach. Probably forever.

"For him it seems to be a perfect lullaby." Whispered Sejya, although the music and the chatting people around him were quite loud. Only Michiru seemed to have heard him, because she was the only one who turned her head and saw Yaten slumped on his chair, fast asleep. His own meal was hardly touched, but Sejya didn't have the heart to wake him. He only covered his little brother's slim form with his jacket. Although it was very hot and they all wore short jeans, except of Haruka who wouldn't part from her dark clothes, he knew that Yaten was able to catch a cold even in this humid jungle weather, after all, the youngest Three Light was born and raised on a desert planet. Even though his skin was as white as the moon, his genes were used to hot weather and even the slightest breeze could make him ill.

"It's exhausting to be on tour, huh?" Sejya raised his hand and stroked some silver strands out of a relaxed face. He didn't see Michiru raising her reflex camera nor did he hear the soft noise it always caused when taking a photo, banning a moment in time for all eternity.

Sleep tight, little one.

Click.

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"There's Mickey Mouse!"

There was no holding back when Yaten saw a person wearing the big costume. Sure enough, Goofy and Donald Duck walked on the path before a fairytale castle, as well. Yaten ran over to the figures like a dart, his light green eyes sparkling.

"You wonder if he's really twenty or only two years old." Sejya rolled his eyes and put his sunglasses over them as if they'd prevent him from seeing his little brother behaving like a little child. For Yaten, this amusement park was a dream come true. For Sejya, it was clearly embarrassing.

"Let him be. As long as it makes him happy." Tahiki shrugged his shoulders and the balloon floating on a small string over his head danced slightly. It was shaped like two little dogs eating a plate full of spaghetti.

"I know that happiness is important, but does it have to include that silly cap?" Sejya pointed at the black cap his little brother wore. Two huge, black ears were attached to it and Yaten looked like a big mouse with it. And extremely stupid if anyone would have asked Sejya, which of course no one did.

"I like those caps."

Sejya turned around and groaned tortured as he saw Haruka and Michiru approaching them. Both of them wore such a cap, too. It seemed that no one understood him.

"Traitors." He whispered and made a gloomy face when Michiru pulled her camera out of its bag and started to take photos, including him and his brother with those stupid curs floating between them.

"Common, let's take some pictures of our little mouse." Michiru quickly looked at her Canon's display and grinned at the two brothers and the balloon, then she pointed at the youngest singer who stared at the three figures in awe. They stood around him, obviously talking to him. The stars in his eyes were almost as big as the one they'd seen in Hollywood on the ground.

"This is stupid." Growled Sejya softly and slipped his right hand in his short jeans' pockets. It jingled quietly and Haruka had to grin.

"That's why you bought that Mickey Mouse key chain, right?" She chuckled as she saw the lead singer blush and reached inside her backpack. Before Sejya could react, she had pulled out another mouse-eared cap and pushed it on his head.

"You'll regret this."

"Just try."

Soon, two mice were chasing each other over the grass and through the flowers blossoming in front of the picturesque castle while the real Mickey Mouse shook hands with an extremely happy Yaten.

Click.

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"Actually, it was a gift from the French, because they helped America during the War of Independence. Did you know that they didn't only support the settlers financially, but also sent soldiers over the big ocean to fight for them?"

No one listened, but Tahiki studied his guide book all the same way. For him, all these historical facts about a foreign country on a still mostly foreign planet were new and interesting. It wasn't the first time that his guide book mentioned a war, but this name was different. Independence. He wondered how their war against Sailor Galactica would be called in his planet's history books one day. War of Survival? War of Desperation? War of Hopelessness? Would they win, in the end? Would they gain back their freedom, their lives, their futures?

Tahiki put the book on the railing and leaned himself against the cold metal. The view in front of him was fantastic. The skyscrapers' glass fronts glittered golden in the setting sun's light and the skyline reminded the oldest Three Light singer of Tokyo, although it was completely different at the same time. There was no Tokyo Tower overshadowing traditional Japanese temples, but the most modern and highest office buildings in the world, literally almost scraping the sky. Two beams of light emerged between them, mixing with heaven's light.

War against Sailor Galactica.

Now they had toured through America for over four weeks and still there was no sign of Kakyuu. There was only one place left to go, only four more concerts to perform, two in this city and two during their last stop through this wide country.

Maybe she really can't hear us.

They'd sung with all their heart in Japan, in Europe the last year and now even in America. Tahiki knew that they wouldn't be more successful in China or Australia, no matter how hard they tried. They had searched for their princess for over five years now. Probably it was time to admit defeat.

"Cheese!"

Tahiki turned around in time to see his younger brothers and Haruka posing in front of the skyline. Yaten wore the same kind of crown the famous building had on which they stood right at that moment. Haruka grinned sheepishly while she waved a small green plastic torch around whose artificial flame glowed. It was likely working on batteries and was sold in the souvenir shop at the monument's foot. Over the past four weeks they had bought so many souvenirs that Tahiki already thought about renting an apartment in Tokyo only to store them, although he didn't know if they'd be able to take them back with them to their home planet. If they'd ever be able to return…

"Why am I punished with those two chibi statues?" grumbled Sejya and tried to ignore the green plastic book which Michiru had asked him to hold, because she already had her camera and its bag in her hands. The lead singer slowly came to realize that she only bought it for him to hold so that she could take this funny picture.

"Common, Sejya-kun, smile."

"Yes, baka, smile."

"Hai, Sej, smile."

Two pairs of green eyes looked at him, one mockingly and one pleadingly. Michiru's face was hidden behind her Canon, but sure enough, he could see her grinning, as well. He took a deep breath and curled his lips slightly, only to burst into a fit of laughter as Yaten, whose crown allowed him to be free handed, saw his chance and attacked his older brother's ticklish belly.

Tahiki watched them in silence.

Kakyuu always smiled at me.

Click.

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"Welcome to CMR, the best radio music programme in Chicago. My name is John Banner and today we have special guests from Japan. They're called the Three Lights and their music is really good, even though my Japanese isn't the best."

The radio jockey, a young man in his mid twenties, smiled at them in a friendly way, all the while speaking to the big microphone in front of him. The radio station looked like any other radio station they had visited before, although the American stations looked a little bit more messy than the ones in Japan, and at the same time more cosy. CDs and sheets of paper were lying everywhere: On the tables, the players and the ground. Michiru liked it. It looked a lot like a room where someone was working with passion.

"Welcome, Tahiki Kou, Sejya Kou, Yaten Kou and their beautiful violin player, Michiru Kaioh." He confused their surnames and family names and pronounced them in a bad way, but it didn't matter. Japanese wasn't an easy language and hardly anyone was able to pronounce their names without stumbling over a syllable or two. On the other hand, the Three Lights had enough problems pronouncing the English words, so it was only fair.

"You've arrived only yesterday in our nice city, but what do you think about America and especially Chicago?" His smile broadened as an interpreter, a young woman with Japanese ancestors, translated his words into fluent Japanese. Originally, they had wanted Haruka to do the job since English was her second native language, but the radio station insisted on their interpreter. Tahiki didn't want to look impolite and accepted CMR's offer.

Of course, the oldest brother took over instantly and explained how much they had enjoyed their tour through America until now and that they were sad that the two concerts in this city would be the last they'd give in this nice country.

Ruka said that she wants to rehearse her piano play.

Although Yaten accompanied Michiru now in her most famous violin song, he still hesitated to sing the song he had written. He was too much afraid to perform it all alone in front of ten thousands of fans, but changed his mind during his last concert when Haruka confessed him that she was also nervous to play the piano for him while he sang, but that she would do it if he'd wanted her to. Yaten brooded over it all the way from New York to Chicago and made up his mind when they touched down. On their last concert in America he'd sing his new song which he and Haruka had rehearsed very often, but never performed in front of an audience bigger than Michiru, Tahiki and Hashitzou.

Maybe I'll let my boys discover Chicago on their own while I'll go and listen to her.

"Even though you're super stars in Japan, you weren't so well known in America only weeks ago. But now you've made a run on the charts with your debut single in America, Search for Your Love. How do you feel about having been the Number One during the past two weeks?"

Michiru only listened half-heartedly. This interview had been organized for the Three Lights. They were the new stars from Japan. She was only the musical support, the nice and beautiful, but mute violin player in the background. Because she didn't sing and obviously wasn't the girlfriend of one of the brothers, the American press wasn't very interested in her. Michiru didn't mind. The tabloids in Japan had been bad enough for her taste and as long as she could play her instrument and helped the Three Lights in searching for their princess, she was contented. She didn't need all the fame as long as the fans liked her violin play, as well, even though Michiru knew too well that the female teenagers only looked at the nice young men and didn't pay too much attention to their musical skills but more to their looks.

Sure, she had been a twelve year old teenager once, as well, although she hadn't idolized young men but more the female singers and classical musicians.

And now I idolize a young bodyguard who's able to play the piano.

She smiled at her thoughts while Sejya thanked all their fans for liking their music. Of course they'd play their Number One Hit live once the interview was over. Michiru already held her violin in her hands, although she couldn't wait to exchange it for her Canon and take some more pictures, not only of this city and the Three Lights, but mostly of Haruka who had been hesitant when they arrived in America four weeks ago. However, she got used to the reflex camera and Michiru's obsession of taking photos wherever she walked, which gave Michiru the opportunity to take many nice pictures of the blonde, even though she pretended to be more interested in the wonderful landscape behind her.

"Do you plan to come back to America for another tour?"

This time, all three brothers answered and the interpreter had to translate quite a lot, because they were talking all at once.

Haruka seemed to feel fine with them. Although Tahiki offered her free time and half a day off per week, she never took it or simply spent it with them. She tried not to look disappointed when the oldest brother had to tell her that she wouldn't translate their interview but had to stay back in their hotel suite, however, it was clear that she would have rather come with them. She knew that she wasn't a part of their musical group, even though she practiced one song with Yaten, but she didn't behave like a normal employee any longer, nor did the Three Lights treat her like a bodyguard. She was their friend and whatever she did wasn't because of the money Tahiki transferred monthly to her account, but because she didn't want Yaten to catch a cold or get a sunburn; but because she didn't want Tahiki to forget some important papers in the suite's common room and embarrass himself and his business partners in the music trade; but because she didn't want Sejya to jog all alone in a foreign city where the inhabitants spoke a language he hardly understood lest alone spoke; but because she wanted Michiru to take the photos she wanted so badly to have, even though it meant to climb the highest mountains or to cross the deepest canyon with her.

Haruka never minded when Michiru sat or stood a little bit too close to her or took her hand, even though the ground wasn't that stony and uneven so that she didn't really need the blonde's support. However, her Canon was a good weapon to convince anyone that it wasn't such a good idea for her to fall down. If she treasured her violin with her life, she wouldn't let go of her camera, either, if she were to stumble. Not that Haruka ever asked any questions. She simply held Michiru's hand, only let her go when she decided to take a nice picture of the fantastic view in front of them. Not even once did the blonde try to move away from her closeness and swam with her in the hotels' pools whenever there was enough time or when Sejya's jogging exercise had already ended. Because Michiru was safe in the hotel pool's water whereas Sejya was likely to get lost in a foreign city. Right now there were no youmas and neither the Three Lights nor Michiru believed that one would attack them in America. Still, they tried to be on their guard against Sailor Galactica for their worst enemy was unpredictable.

Haruka seemed to enjoy their concerts, their interviews and their free time activities. She hardly ever told them anything about her life in America; she probably didn't want to show off or make them feel uncomfortable, because she'd already been to Mount Rushmoore or Disneyland, but she didn't miss one of their sightseeing tours or other crazy ideas. She liked the times when they didn't eat in their suite, but went out to eat at a restaurant. Sometimes, the three brothers felt too tired and didn't want to go out. Then Michiru seized her chance and went to a small, cosy restaurant with Haruka who explained her the foreign meals and how to eat them, not minding or maybe not noticing that their dinner looked a lot like a date, especially with the candles burning between them, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Maybe she feels the same?

Michiru smiled and nodded as the guy, whom they should simply call John, thanked them for the interview and asked them to play their Number One Hit exclusively for Chicago Music Radio. Absently, she stroked her violin and rose from her chair to accompany the three brothers in their search for their princess and maybe for the peace for all of them.

Maybe it's time for plan B.

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I like it here.

Haruka nodded, playing absent-mindedly the song she would accompany Yaten to in only two days' time. Although she knew the melody by heart, she didn't want to make a fool of herself. Her fingers stroked the black and white keys of the grand piano while her eyes searched the empty audience. She had been in this opera hall before. A long time ago. Over five years before. It had been here that her father made his debut almost three decades ago. Although he had been born in the South of the United States, he had always loved this city in the North. It had been one of the places where he and his wife bought an apartment to live during his concerts and to raise their children. To raise their little daughter. To take care of their little son who hadn't been able to travel around the country.

It's a nice place.

Haruka watched the little boy dancing on the stage, hopping around to her music, bursting with an energy he hadn't possessed when he had been alive. Her little brother was born in Japan. Originally, her mother wanted to give birth in Chicago, in their favourite city, but then there were complications and she had to go into Toyko's hospital, not knowing that those complications were tiny in comparison to the ones they would have to face in the future. Haruka had to face. Alone.

You can play quite well.

The little boy came over to her and sat down next to her on the chair. His light green eyes sparkled and Haruka had to hold herself back to ruffle through fair strands, because she knew that she wasn't able to touch him, even though he always seemed to be around. His presence was the strongest in this city and she wondered if she'd be strong enough to visit him. To show a strength she hadn't possessed almost one year ago.

"Daddy was the piano player." She whispered more to herself and started the song anew. It sounded empty, shallow without Yaten's pure voice accompanying her. "And you would have been a genius, as well, Aki-chan." Haruka sighed and closed her eyes, hardly listening to the soft melody filling the air around her that was mixed with his high laughter. "I'm only average."

His laughter got brighter, merrier.

She thinks differently.

Haruka opened her eyes and turned her head. She frowned, because the audience was dark. Only the piano was illuminated by a spotlight and she couldn't see anyone. But then she heard the silent laughter she got to know so well during the past months. Michiru smiled and clapped her hands as the song ended.

"I don't think that you have to worry, Ruka. You'll do fine in two days' time, just like Yaten. You both should be more self-assured." Michiru climbed the stairs and crossed the stage. She wore her light blue summer dress; the one she had bought in Texas. Her straw hat bounced on her back as she walked, was half covered by her open sea green hair that floated like cascades over her shoulders. She held her violin case in her hands.

"I don't want to mess up." Admitted Haruka and stroked over the keys again without making a sound. The sheet music was before her, but she didn't really look at it, because she knew the music by heart. "It's been quite a while since I've played the piano."

Almost one year that I've played it.

Over five years that I've played it on a stage like this one.

Haruka hadn't told them much about her piano skills. Only that she had learned it during her time at an American high school in a club and that it wasn't really good. Yaten loudly protested, but that was all they learned from her and accepted it. When asked why she didn't tell them earlier, she told them that they weren't looking for a piano player and that it only had been a hobby whereas for the Three Lights it was their job to make music.

"You won't mess up."

Michiru sat down next to her on the chair and for a moment Haruka blinked and looked around, only to see him sitting at the stage's edge, playing with a small teddy bear in his hands. It was blue and had been his favourite toy.

"How was the interview?" Haruka didn't slip away when Michiru sat too close. Their arms touched and the young violinist sighed after a moment of silence and leaned her head against the blonde's shoulder. "Where are the boys?"

"The interview was successful, but boring." Michiru glanced at her violin case on her lap and played with the clasp. "Tahiki wanted to do some more sightseeing stuff, but I guess I can do that tomorrow morning."

When you can come with me.

"So I decided to help you with your rehearsal and then invite you to a nice dinner. The boys are old enough to take care of themselves for once." She giggled as she imagined them trying to agree on which food to eat. Yaten preferred McDonald's while Sejya always tried to find a Japanese restaurant, no matter how little it tasted like the real ones at home. Tahiki, on the other hand, wanted to try some new meals and therefore they often ended arguing. Mostly, it was Michiru's decision in the end and they all followed her, but today Michiru wasn't with them which could turn out to be a tricky situation.

"Sounds good…" Haruka's eyes were on the sheet music, but her mind was far away. Lost in the city whose streets she knew by heart. No, she hadn't wanted to get out and see more of it than necessary, more than their hotel suite, the concert hall and the park where they would give a charity concert, The World For Children, together with other famous musicians from all around the world. But she couldn't disappoint Michiru. When Michiru asked her something, she couldn't say no.

We'll just have to find a place I haven't been with him.

Although that shouldn't be such a big problem since her little brother had loved fast food like every child whereas Michiru didn't like hot food that you had to eat with your fingers. She didn't want to burn her hands with which she had to play the violin the next day.

"Then let's play."

"Huh?"

Michiru rose and Haruka returned from her deep thoughts. She blinked and looked at the young violinist who had put her violin case on the ground to open it.

"I've said, let's play this song together until you're sure that it's perfect and then let's get something to eat. That interview made me really hungry, especially when the interviewer asked us if we liked the American food."

"These are questions that people are interested in?"

"You have no idea." Michiru giggled and gently pulled her violin out of its protecting case.

"So what are you going to do, Michiru-chan? Are you going to sing?" Haruka had heard her sing before and she liked her strong voice, but it would be quite complicated to sing and play the violin at the same time, wouldn't it?

"No, I'll simply play Yaten's part on this little darling." Michiru smiled and stepped closer to the blonde to have a look at the notes.

"Arigatou."

"No problem." Quickly, Michiru bowed forward and her lips brushed Haruka's in a swift peck. You couldn't really call it a kiss, at least not what the blonde would have imagined to be a proper, a passionate kiss, nevertheless it had felt good. It left her body tingling and her head spinning. It was over too soon and she wanted to grab Michiru's hand and pull the young violinist on her lap and make a real kiss out of the shy peck, but she couldn't move. Couldn't stretch out her hand. All she could do was look into Michiru's sparkling blue eyes as deep as the ocean.

"Let's play, Ruka."

Michiru smiled that beautiful smile and ruffled gently through Haruka's mop of hair, before she put her violin to her shoulder and started to play as if nothing extraordinary had happened. Haruka stared at her for a moment in silence, blinking, trying to get her thoughts and her body under her control again.

What?

Michiru played her part clearly unimpressed, still smiling at her. Since Haruka didn't know what to reply, how to react, she tried to concentrate on the music. Only long years of hard practice and her musical instinct let her not miss any notes. Together they played the song and it seemed as if they had never done anything else. Their playing styles fitted perfectly to each other and their instruments complemented one another. Maybe Haruka thought that her skills weren't good enough, but Michiru silently had to disagree. It felt as if the blonde belonged to her music, and to her, too. It was the first time that they made music together, but the young violinist swore that it wouldn't be the last one.

She didn't wince away nor did she ask me startled questions.

Michiru's grin widened as she watched Haruka play Yaten's piano.

Looks like plan B works.

She loves your music, Haru-chan.

Haruka was finally able to tear her eyes away from Michiru, who smiled dreamily and rocked gently to the soft melody, to look at the small boy. He rose from the stage's rim and came over to them. His little hand grabbed the hemline of Michiru's dress and held it tight just like a small child would hold on to its mother. Michiru didn't notice him; her thoughts were concentrated on the music and her violin. And maybe, and that thought made Haruka slightly blush, on the blonde, too. His light green eyes studied her thoughtfully. Then, he looked at Haruka and nodded with a serious expression on his young face.

She loves you, Haru-chan.

The blonde blinked.

And you love her, Onee-chan.

And slightly faltered in her music.

dbdbdb

"What do you want to eat, Yaten?"

Sejya put on his sunglasses, although the sun had long disappeared behind heavy clouds promising rain. The chance to be recognized by their fans was smaller in America since they hadn't been popular in this huge country for years but only for weeks. But you never knew and he didn't want to give autographs. At least not now after one of the most stupid interviews he'd ever taken part at. Tahiki had talked all the time and not one of the three brothers trusted the radio station's interpreter. Did she really translate what they told her in Japanese? They really wanted Haruka to do the translation work, but Tahiki decided against it when the radio station offered them their own interpreter.

And because we always do what Tahiki-niisan says, we had to trust a total stranger.

Sejya was angry at his older brother who didn't even go with them to a restaurant to eat dinner as he had promised earlier. It was alright for Michiru to disappear right after the concert had ended to search for Haruka, but Tahiki was their older brother. Damn, he had promised them to have a nice evening before the two exhausting concerts the following days and their way back to Japan. There, the stress would surely increase, because they were more famous in Japan. Maybe it would be their last free evening for the next weeks, maybe even months. Two months ago when they toured around Japan, Tahiki had said something about recording a new album once they returned. That would take all of their free time and Sejya feared that he would see Tahiki less and less.

However, the oldest brother thought that talking to the organizers of tomorrow's charity concert was more important than eating dinner with his younger brothers.

Damn!

"Huh?"

Obviously, Yaten hadn't listened. The young man had pulled his dark cap deeply into his face, but he didn't wear his sunglasses. Therefore, Sejya could see that his little brother was disappointed about Tahiki's behaviour, too.

"What do you want to eat, Yaten?" Repeated Sejya his question in patience, feeling slightly better that Yaten agreed with him.

"Dunno." Yaten wasn't really hungry. Maybe they simply should head back to their hotel and rob the mini bar, no matter how unhealthy a chocolate bar was.

"Let's eat some burgers." Sejya wasn't really the fan of fast food, even though it was a good method to annoy Tahiki who preferred healthy food, especially salad. But he knew that Yaten liked it and suddenly wanted to do something to cheer up his younger brother.

"Really?" Yaten's light green eyes shone with a fragile hope that made Sejya painfully realize that he shouldn't be angry with his older brother when he was the one who often enough neglected his little one.

"Of course." Sejya put his arms playfully around the younger man's shoulder and dragged him along the road towards a shopping centre. They surely would have a McDonald's to spend his last American dollars at. "Let's forget this idiot of a Niisan and have a great time out, so that he'll regret breaking his promise!"

"Well…"

An evening out with Sejya?

It had been a long time since they had been out like that in Japan. Simply the two of them going to the cinema or eating Ramen or just talking. However, during the last four weeks when they had travelled around America, the lead singer relaxed more and didn't scream at Yaten whenever he made a mistake. He hadn't picked up a fight during their American tour and even supported him when he wanted to visit Disneyland, whereas Tahiki wanted to go to Cape Canaveral instead. In the end, Yaten won because of Sejya's and Michiru's support. He had been so happy and Sejya even wore this funny Mickey Mouse cap all day, not even once making stupid comments about a world that was built for children and adults who never grew up.

Just to hang out with Sejya?

Maybe Sejya simply had been too stressed in Japan and could finally feel free in America where not every teenager recognized him. Their concerts were quite successful and he even praised Yaten's piano play. Still, they hadn't found Kakyuu, but at least this time it wasn't Yaten's fault for he didn't miss a single note in their important songs. He even felt so self-assured that he dared to perform his solo in two days' time, because not only Haruka told him that he could sing very well, but also because Sejya said that it would be a waste to not sing it after the both of them had practiced so hard.

It sounds almost like a date…

Yaten glanced in Sejya's grinning face. The lead singer apparently thought of all the ways to repay their older brother for his betrayal.

"Okay." Yaten felt his cheeks redden and smiled happily at Sejya who seemed to have finally overcome his phase or whatever it had been during their Japan tour. Who seemed to have finally become his older brother again. The man he loved so much.

"Then, we'll only have to find a McDonald's." Sejya squeezed Yaten's shoulder gently before he let go and looked around. In New York he had seen the golden arch at every corner, but here it seemed to be harder to find it. For over ten minutes they searched, in vain.

"I'll ask in that bookshop over there. You'll wait." Decided Sejya after another five fruitless minutes. His stomach silently started to rumble and he wanted to arrive at the restaurant before the rain began.

"With your English?" teased Yaten and giggled when Sejya punched him gently, pouting.

"Everyone knows what McDonald's is. I'm sure they'll understand me."

"But will you understand their answer?"

"Oh, be quiet." Sejya rolled his eyes and mentally prepared himself to ask the question in a language that couldn't have been more different from his native tongue. They really were lucky that Japanese resembled a lot the language spoken in their solar system or they would have been stuck. "Just wait. I'll be back in a minute."

Sejya turned around and marched into the next bookstore. Of course it wasn't easy for him to pronounce those strange words the right way, but the young shop assistant was very nice and his good looks surely helped a little bit, too, because she was quite eager to explain him the right way to the nearest McDonald's. She even drew him a map so that he wouldn't miss it. He thanked her effusively, bought a book about Chicago and left the book store again, feeling proud of himself. The first raindrops hit him and one look at the dark sky told him that they had to hurry up if they wanted to arrive at the restaurant in dry clothes.

"I've got the answer, Yaten…"

He turned around and froze as he saw his younger brother standing at the place where he had left him merely minutes before. However, the young man wasn't alone any longer. A tall, blond man stood right beside him, talking to him, laughing. Yaten was laughing back.

Too close.

Sejya's triumphant mood quickly turned into anger and as the man dared to touch Yaten and Yaten didn't shrink away, into white hot rage. Three big steps later, he was next to them. Yaten was still laughing, but his face fell when he turned around and saw the dark expression on his older brother's face.

"Get away from him!" Sejya's English truly sounded strange, but the American understood him, nonetheless. The lead singer's face indeed spoke volumes and his voice told the threats he didn't say out loud. "Get lost!"

"Just go around the next right corner and you'll find the next McDonald's." The blonde had the nerves to reach for Yaten's right hand to shake it, as it was costum in this country, but Sejya was quicker. Violently, he grabbed the American's right arm and turned him around to him, away from his little brother.

"Fuck off." He growled into the other face that wasn't smiling so stupidly any longer. "I won't tell you twice."

The blonde frowned, then he nodded and walked away without uttering another word. He didn't even say goodbye. Sejya and Yaten watched him go and an uncomfortable silence spreat over them, which the young pianist's shocked whisper finally interrupted.

"What the hell was that?"

"I could ask you the same question!" Sejya crossed his arms before his chest and looked provocatively at the younger man who returned his stare without batting an eyelid.

"I've asked him for the way, just in case you weren't successful."

"That was absolutely unnecessary! I'm capable enough to ask for the way. I even got a map drawn by the shop assistant."

"You've asked the shop assistant and I've asked this nice man." Yaten crossed his arms, mirroring Sejya in a mocking way. "I don't see where's the problem that you misbehaved in this way."

"Misbehaved? I've rescued you!" Sejya's face flushed and his voice rose quickly, but he didn't care. He was so pissed off!

"Rescue? Did I come to rescue you from that beautiful shop assistant?" Yaten took a deep breath. He could play this game, as well. No, this time he wouldn't bake down. Not when Sejya had managed to ruin their little evening in just two minutes, even though Yaten didn't understand why.

"That's completely different!"

"Oh, didn't notice."

"That pervert only wanted to kidnap you."

"He didn't even know that I'm a member of the Three Lights. He was only nice, Sej. Relax, not everyone wants to claim ransom."

"Didn't you notice the way he was looking at you?"

"He was just looking the way that pretty shop assistant over there stared at you." Yaten sighed deeply and shook his head. He really hadn't noticed the American's look. Maybe it had been there, maybe it hadn't. Maybe he had simply been a nice man who was used to tourists in his city and only wanted to help him and show the way. Either way, Sejya's reaction was inappropriate. He was twenty! He was old enough to talk to a handsome young man. Sejya was talking to pretty girls all the time and no one got upset because of it.

"I flirt with whoever I want." He said determinedly and turned his head and tried to recall the way the nice American had described to him. His stomach rumbled and he would make Sejya pay the bill for his stupid behaviour. Which meant that he would be able to eat two ice cones and not only one, because he was also short on American dollars since this was their last stop. He could have used his credit card, but it was in his hotel room and he didn't want to bring back the foreign money to Japan where he couldn't spend it, and they surely didn't have the time to go to a bank to change it. Maybe they were famous now and had enough money, but Yaten still remembered his childhood. Ten dollars which were equivalent to a good meal were still a small fortune for him, no matter if they earned thousands of dollars each concert.

"Nani?"

Sejya's dangerously quiet voice brought him back from his sad memories of a small child sleeping hungrily on a rug in a small storeroom. For the toddler Yaten, a small roll had been a precious treasure.

"What did you just say?"

Yaten rolled his eyes and took another deep breath. Right now, Sejya was extremely annoying and he wished he would simply forget the nice American and concentrate on their visit to McDonald's. The evening wasn't entirely ruined now. Maybe they could go to the cinema afterwards. They wouldn't understand a word, but you didn't really need to understand a lot if you watched a typical Hollywood movie. As long as they were able to spend some time with each other to re-establish their cracked relationship as brothers, Yaten would have even walked into one of those boring museums which Tahiki always wanted to visit. Yaten was sure, if he begged enough, Sejya would invite him and maybe even buy him some popcorn, just like he had done so many times in Japan shortly after they had arrived on this planet.

"Calm down, Sej. He was only showing me the way… I think we have to go over there." He pointed at the road in front of them and started to walk in the hopeful right direction. However, Sejya grabbed his left hand and held him back.

"You said something about flirting. Would you care to explain that to me?" Sejya's face was red with anger and Yaten didn't know if he should laugh or cry. Surely, Sejya thought that he was too young to flirt with someone, lest alone to have a relationship. Certainly, he was still a small boy in his eyes, as he was still a little child in Tahiki's mind.

There's no reason to worry.

Yaten slightly shook his head as he saw the same over protectiveness in Sejya's sparkling eyes he had seen various times before in Tahiki's face. Sometimes he wondered if that would ever change. If his brothers would ever see him as a grown up man, as an adult, or if he was doomed to always stay the eight year old boy who had been so suddenly pushed into their lives and into their responsibility.

The one I love doesn't love me back.

Probably, he'd never fall in love with someone else, would never have a boyfriend, but that didn't mean that he had to ignore all the other handsome males on this planet. At least not when Sejya enjoyed all the attention he got from his female fans.

I can play this game, too!

"You flirt with your fans all the time, Sej, so why can't I flirt with mine? I'm twenty and therefore old enough to do so." He reminded his older brother and wanted to turn around to end this conversation and to head to the McDonald's restaurant instead. However, Sejya's grip turned into steel and he wasn't able to free himself. "Let me go, Sej. That hurts, you baka."

"That was a man you were flirting with, Yaten." Hissed Sejya, not seeing the pain and the growing fear in light green eyes. "My fans are female."

Yaten gulped as he realized what this conversation was truly about. But there was no reason to back out, to fish for lazy excuses. It wouldn't make a difference, anyway.

"Hai, I know; I'm not blind, baka." The young pianist wanted to look strong, self-confident, but his voice shook slightly.

"Nani?"

"You never had a problem with Setsuna-san or Elza-neechan, nor did you ever think less of Michi-neechan." He gulped as he watched his older brother's face turn from a deep red to a sickly pale. "Don't make such a scene, baka. I've flirted with a guy, so what?"

"But… but…" For a moment, Sejya's mind was blank as he stared at the younger man, knowing that his most ardent dream just came true, only to cruelly be turned into his darkest nightmare.

"Have you never notice?" asked Yaten, clearly surprised. "I hardly ever looked at our female fans or wanted one of them to be my girlfriend."

I only looked at you.

"But you're still…"

"What? Still a little child? I'm twenty, Sej. Maybe you didn't notice, but I grew up! While you were busy with your female fans and fantasizing about Usagi-neechan, I grew up. I'm not longer eight or fifteen years old. I'm twenty! I'm an adult."

"Rubbish, you're still a child…"

I want you to be a child, because then haven't lost you.

Right, in your eyes I'm only a child.

"I've grown up, Sejya, and I'm old enough to have a boyfriend."

Even though I won't have one when I can't have you.

Sejya's eyes grew wide and he grabbed Yaten's other hand when the young man tried to escape, tried to run over to the McDonald's restaurant. The lead singer didn't feel the increasing rain nor did he notice that he pushed Yaten against the next wall, dirtying the younger man's light blue suit.

"That's silly!" he shouted angrily. Being angry with himself for his wrong feelings. Angry at fate for she surely watched this scene, being amused, laughing over his bad luck. Over the past years, Sejya had tried to accept that he'd see Yaten in the arms of a woman one day, maybe one of the other Sailor Senshi, but surely a girl who was as nice as Kakyuu for Yaten had always adored his Oneechan. However, the thought of seeing him with another man, with a stupid guy who couldn't really love him, was driving him crazy.

"Why's it so silly, Sejya? I'm twenty years old and I'm gay." Yaten wriggled in his older brother's iron grip, but there was no chance of escape. Sejya had always been stronger than him; as everyone in his life had been strong in comparison to his weak moon body.

I'm gay.

The sentence hurt too much to bear. It ringed in Sejya's mind, mocking him in a cruel way. To know that there would have been a way to love this delicate creature in front of him, hadn't it been for the decisions his parents and Tahiki made. Hadn't it been for the promise he made when they had to flee from their home planet to escape Sailor Galactica's wrath. The pain had been bearable as long as he thought that there would have never been a way to be with the one he loved. Now, their family relation stood like a invincible wall between them. Their blood separated him from Yaten.

Blood that we don't even share…

"Why are you doing this to me!" He shook the smaller man violently, not caring that Yaten lost his cap, not caring that they might cause a scene. The rain was heavy now and there was no one around, but Sejya didn't notice. He only saw light green eyes reflecting the pain he felt deep in his heart.

"Stop it, Sej. You're hurting me." Now, Yaten couldn't disguise the fear in his voice, couldn't hold back the whimper escaping his throat. "Stop it."

"Do you think this is funny!"

"Please, Sej." Begged Yaten and winced as Sejya's fists even tightened around his wrists. Surely, they were already bruised and would look blue and red the next day. Hopefully, he could wear some gloves tomorrow, because he didn't want to explain to Tahiki what had happened. Didn't want to admit to himself that Sejya hadn't reacted the way he had always hoped when he finally came out to him.

He's clearly upset.

Yaten groaned as the pain increased in his arms and felt the tears burning in his eyes.

Is he sickened? By me?

"Why are you doing this to me?" repeated Sejya his question, clearly not hearing his little brother's silent pleas.

"What am I doing to you, Sej?" whispered Yaten and two tears ran over his also pale cheeks. He stopped to struggle, because it was no use. He'd only hurt himself more if he kept trying to escape Sejya's strong hands. "Nothing has changed. I'm still your little brother." Yaten sobbed silently, knowing that he wouldn't talk to Tahiki about his sexual preferences, ever. Who knew how the oldest member of the Three Lights would react. Obviously, there was a difference between friends loving the same gender and a family member doing so. Yaten felt crestfallen, because he had really hoped for a little bit more support. Of course, he hadn't even dared to dream of Sejya embracing him and confessing his undying love to him, but he had expected him to grin and tell him that he had already noticed and that it was okay. Yaten clearly hadn't expected Sejya to freak out like that.

"I won't tell the press, don't worry. And I won't flirt with other men if it upsets you so much, okay?"

Not that I want to flirt with other men, anyway…

"Now let me go and let's eat some burgers, Sej." Yaten gulped and prayed that Sejya would take his offered truce. The evening was ruined, but maybe they could rescue the rest of the American tour and have two good concerts before they went back to Japan. Maybe they would even be able to find Kakyuu during those performances. They never needed to speak about this topic, about this incident again. Yaten just wanted to escape those violent hands and to see another expression on Sejya's face than utter madness. Madness and hate.

"Nothing has changed?" hissed the lead singer in disbelieve.

Everything has changed. Everything.

"You're still my little brother?"

And that exactly is the problem, isn't it?

"Sej?"

"Right, you're my little brother." Sejya shook his head, fighting against the tears in his eyes, even though his face was already wet from the rain. His dark hair covered his face in deep shadows and his clothes clung to his trembling body. "Because my father and my mother made that decision twelve years ago."

"Nani?"

"Tahiki forced me to accept you as my little brother, although I never wanted you as my brother. I already had Tahiki, you see?"

I wanted you to be my friend and more. But you couldn't be once you were a Kou.

"You see, Yaten?"

"But…" More tears sparkled in light green eyes, mingled with the cold evening rain after a hot summer day. "But I've tried everything to be a good brother and I thought you'd… you'd…"

"No one ever asked for my opinion. No one. Not even once!"

"But… but I love you, Sej…"

… more than you'll ever know.

… only as a brother.

Sejya would have done anything to hear that sentence in other circumstances, with another meaning. However, he knew that it was only wishful thinking; a dream that would never come true. He took a deep breath and looked into light green eyes glancing so trustingly up at him, not knowing that all he wanted was to kiss those pink lips, to caress that slim body. To make him his and never let him go again.

At the same time he knew that it would destroy his family, as it would destroy his Yaten.

This way it only destroys me…

"Don't be angry any longer, Sej." Yaten stood on his tiptoes and brushed his lips against Sejya's unshaved cheek; a gesture he had often done when they had been little kids and had argued. It was his sign to show that he'd surrendered, that the fight was over. However, right now the gesture was the most humiliating thing Sejya had ever experienced. He reacted on instinct and before he knew what he was doing, he had pushed the younger man away from him. Yaten landed hard on his backside, but he didn't feel the cold rain soaking his trousers. All he felt was his burning cheek and the aching eye where his older brother had punched him. Hard.

He beat me.

I hit him.

For a moment they stared at each other in silence. All that could be heard was the steady falling of the raindrops and the distant traffic noises.

"I only wanted to have a family." Whispered Yaten finally and tried to get up. Sejya watched his sorry attempts in silence, without reacting. At last, the young pianist was able to get on his rubber legs. "Gomen when I took yours." He turned around and stumbled away, not really knowing where he was headed to, but it didn't really matter. Everything was better than to see Sejya's cold stare, his behaviour that showed him clearly that he still might be Tahiki's little brother, but that he had stopped to be the lead singer's sibling.

Sejya watched him leave. Then he fished for his sunglasses, which he had lost during their fight, and put them over his blue eyes to cover his hate and his shame.

dbdbdb

"The guys really missed a great dinner."

Michiru rubbed her belly that was filled with chicken wings in satisfaction. The restaurant had been cosy and the waiter even lit the candle between them, giving their table in the secluded corner a romantic atmosphere. The food hadn't really been that romantic, especially since Michiru tried to eat her chicken wings with knife and fork, sniping a small bone at Haruka. The blonde didn't seem to mind. She only laughed her beautiful laugh while she opted to eat with her fingers. Yes, it had been a nice, expensive restaurant, but Haruka told her that she never ate French fries with a fork. Michiru, who was a true Japanese and didn't know a lot about American traditions, ate them boldly with her fork, as well, which seemed to fascinate the waiter. At one point, even the chef came out of his kitchen to ask them if they liked their dinner, surely, only to have a look at the strange woman who really ate her French fries with a fork.

Or maybe Haruka only teased her and translated the chef's words incorrectly and lied about this strange American custom. Whatever, Michiru didn't mind as long as she had a great time with the blonde. Not even the heavy rain could darken her mood when they left the restaurant after ten o'clock in the evening. The rain was freshening after a long hot summer day and didn't feel too cold for her liking. To top it all, Haruka was holding the borrowed umbrella which they had to share. A good opportunity for Michiru to snuggle closer to the taller woman who didn't seem to mind her closeness.

"Well, they won't be hungry." Haruka sailed around an especial big puddle and grinned happily, pointing at the backpack on her shoulders.

"You're spoiling them, you know, Ruka?" Michiru giggled as she remembered the waiter's stunned face when they told him not to put the rest of their meals into doggy bags, but to give them three full meals as kind of takeaway. Now, Haruka was the proud owner of three paper bags containing chicken wings and French fries. Just in case that their boys forgot to eat.

"That's my task, Michi-chan." Haruka chuckled and patted Michiru's hand on her right arm that was holding the umbrella. "That's what I'm living for; spoiling you all beyond repair."

"I know." Michiru giggled and leaned her head against Haruka's shoulder. It slowed them down in their speed, but they had time. They didn't need to be back at the hotel before midnight. They could sleep in, because they didn't have to be at the charity concert, which would start in the early evening, before noon.

"It's amazing that this land already looks so much like autumn." Michiru raised her head and looked at the big trees above while they had to wait at a traffic light. Chicago didn't only have a huge lake, which Michiru could watch for hours, it also had nice parks and was surprisingly green. Or better, golden. "The leaves are already coloured, although it's only the beginning of September."

"The climate here's colder than in Japan, Michi-chan." Haruka followed the younger woman's gaze and heard the wind rushing through the tree tops.

Golden rain.

"It'll be midsummer when we'll return to Tokyo."

"Good to know. I've wanted to wear that dress some more times. You know, the one I bought in Texas."

"Yes." Haruka nodded, still staring at the coloured leaves above. She could hardly believe that almost an entire year had passed. A year she had been sure she wouldn't survive. Not alone. Not in her despair. However, she had seen snow, cherry blossoms and an hot sun burning from a cloudless sky and suddenly the trees' leaves were coloured again. Here she was, still alive and kicking, actually feeling well.

You're not alone any longer.

Small steps ran behind her through the grass and although it was raining, she saw dry, warm leaves dancing in the sunshine while they flew through the air.

She turned her head as Michiru leaned her head against her shoulder and had to smile gently as she felt Michiru's left hand leaving her arm and her left arm snaking around her waist to hold her closer.

Yes, I'm not alone any longer.

"You've been to this city before, right?"

Haruka hesitated, but then she nodded. She wasn't dying to tell Michiru everything that had happened in her life, at least not yet and especially not now, but she also didn't want to lie to her. Not when a white lie wasn't absolutely necessary.

"Yes, a couple of times."

"I thought so when you found the opera hall at once." Michiru sighed in content, happy that she wasn't as famous in America as she was in Japan. There would be no photos covering the tabloids, telling the world that she was in love with this mysterious stranger. Even if it was true, even if she was in love with Haruka, it was her private life which she didn't want to drag into the public. She wanted to share her music with her fans, but she wouldn't share her life with them. Although there had been a time when her music had been her life. "I'll have some time in the morning before we'll have to depart for The World For Children concert. Maybe you could show me around a bit."

There! That's the perfect excuse!

Although Haruka knew that it was nothing else than a lame excuse. There would be enough time to show Michiru Chicago after her concert had ended. Or she could talk to Tahiki and ask him if they could prolong their stay. It was more important to visit him. To tell him in person that she was okay. That she still missed him. That he'd always be on her mind, no matter how much time would pass. That she had decided to live her life before she would see him again.

To say goodbye.

"Of course. How about a boat trip on the lake Michigan?" suggested Haruka and blushed slightly as Michiru snuggled even closer to her, nodding her head in happy agreement.

You're such a coward!

Suddenly, the blonde had the crazy idea to ask Michiru to come with her. To visit him, as well. To tell her everything that had happened during the years prior to her time with the Three Lights and Kaioh Michiru. But then again she knew that it was too early. Her pain was still to fresh, too strong; she couldn't share it with the young violinist. Maybe she would never be able to do so. Ever.

"That sounds great." The younger woman sighed again in content and almost cursed when the hotel appeared in front of them, too soon for her liking. Hadn't they needed much more time to get to the restaurant? Or did Haruka use some short cuts in order to get out of the rain which was getting colder the longer they walked through the slowly emptying streets? During the day it was clearly still summer, but the nights showed that autumn indeed was approaching, not only in the colourful trees, but also in sinking temperatures.

"Then it's a deal?"

It's a date!

"Hai!"

Michiru grinned and let go of Haruka's warm body reluctantly. Haruka shook their umbrella dry while the elevator took them to the right floor. A small plastic card functioned as a key and they realized surprised that the Three Lights were still out. The TV set was switched off and there was no light behind their bedroom doors.

"Maybe they found a nice restaurant." Suggested Haruka and put the paper bags with the chicken wings into the mini bar's fridge. They would still be delicious tomorrow, even though they'd be cold. "Or a nice museum." The blonde rose and wanted to turn to Michiru to wish her a good night when she suddenly felt two soft arms embracing her.

"Michi…?"

She looked directly in blue eyes as deep as an ocean. They sparkled like a precious diamond and Haruka was unable to look away again. She was trapped in that intensive gaze as she was trapped in that tender embrace, but she didn't mind. No, she didn't mind at all. Here, she felt strangely safe, as if the demons of her past couldn't reach her, couldn't touch her, couldn't harm her.

She loves you, Haru-chan.

Haruka wondered if Michiru could hear her fast heart beat as she put her arms around slim shoulders, pulling the young violinist closer to her, never losing eye contact.

And I love her.

She wasn't really surprised by that realization, for she had already known it, had felt it deep in her heart, had simply been too afraid to admit it. First, she had only thought that she fell in love with Michiru's soft violin play, but now she knew that she also fell helplessly in love with the young woman, maybe right at the moment when she had heard her play their song for the first time.

Michiru stepped on her tiptoes at the same time when Haruka lowered her head. They closed their eyes as their lips met right in the middle. At first, the kiss was tender, shy, nothing more than their lips touching. Then, Michiru took advantage of Haruka gasping for breath to deepen the kiss which quickly grew more passionate. The blonde's hands gently stroked through sea green hair while the young violinist pulled Haruka's patented tour t-shirt out of her narrow black jeans. They both stumbled over to the couch and fell ungraciously on it, with Haruka on top. They broke their kiss only for the split of a second in which Michiru hauled the black fabric over the blonde's head, helplessly messing her mop of hair, as well. Michiru didn't even have the chance to marvel at Haruka's small but well formed breasts; the urge to kiss her was stronger. Therefore, she pulled her down again and kissed her, hard, all the while caressing naked arms, enjoying the goose flesh she caused there. Silently, she congratulated herself for having chosen the summer dress with the buttons at the front. It was a lot easier to open than her normal concert dresses. Although she seemed to be more skilful. Or maybe she was only bolder than the blonde who was still struggling with her dress' buttons while she had already managed to open the clasps of Haruka's sport bra. The blonde gasped for breath and groaned softly as the younger woman touched her tender flesh. Suddenly, their clothes seemed to be in the way. Michiru helped the blonde with the buttons and then reached for Haruka's belt. Deeply, she looked into dreamy dark green eyes, in a softened face that was surely as flushed as hers. She didn't need to ask; Haruka understood her silent question without any words. The blonde nodded before she leaned forward and kissed the younger woman again. Michiru smiled against warm lips as her slightly trembling hand opened the zipper of the black jeans and snaked inside.

"Nice to see that at least some of us have a love life."

Caught in the act.

Sejya smirked viciously and slammed the door loudly behind him which he had opened quietly, just in case that Tahiki was sitting in the common room, or worse, Yaten. Sejya didn't want to face either of his brothers, but he hadn't expected to walk right into a private sex show, although the hot making out seemed to be over thanks to his arrival. Sejya's smirk broadened. If he wasn't successful in his love life, why should they be?

"Could you maybe cover yourself or go to one of your bedrooms?" sneered the lead singer and knelt in front of the mini bar to study its content. He pulled out a paper bag and decided for a chicken wing and two cans of beer. The two women hadn't changed their position when he turned around,. Both were still staring at him.

Like a deer caught in the headlights.

Although Michiru was the one looking surprised and embarrassed, while Haruka seemed to be as pissed off as he felt himself.

"Oh, and don't be too loud, I'd like to watch my soap opera." Provocatively, he sat down into the armchair next to the couch and switched on the TV, turned the volume a little bit louder than necessary. His clothes were still soaked and clung to his body, but he didn't care. Nor did he try to dry his wet hair. It wasn't his armchair, after all. Yes, he would take a hot shower and change into dry clothes, but first he wanted to ruin Haruka and Michiru's evening, as fate had ruined his entire life. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Haruka reaching for her crumbled T-shirt and pulling it over her naked upper part of the body. Again he wondered how they could have ever mistaken her for a man.

"Enjoy your chicken wing, baka." Haruka didn't look at him. She only held her hand out for Michiru to stand up. The young violinist's face was reddened and she was holding her dress together at the neck. Shortly, they exchanged glances, before they headed for Michiru's bedroom.

"Have fun, you two." Sneered Sejya and opened his second can of beer. They didn't respond, because both of them knew that it was senseless to stab the young man, repeatedly, no matter how tempting it sounded. Tahiki would have never approved and they didn't want the chambermaid have to mop up all that blood.

"That was embarrassing!" sighed Michiru as she closed the door silently behind her. Her window was open and the room's air wonderfully fresh, but still her face glowed. Her body trembled, but the romantic mood was gone.

"Gomen…"

"You don't have to apologize, Ruka." Michiru clenched her fists and tore the crumbled dress from her body. She reached under her pillow and pulled out her nightshirt to push it angrily over her head. Haruka was reaching for the door knob when she turned around, binding her hair to a lose plait.

"Stay, Ruka." She touched the blonde's shoulder, leaned her head against the warm body next to her.

"With that idiot there outside?" Haruka blushed as Michiru raised her head and smiled that smile that had taken the blonde's heart by storm. The young violinist took the hot face in her tender hands, before she kissed Haruka again. This time, the kiss was gentle. The passion and the lust they had felt only minutes ago had disappeared with Sejya's rude appearance, but the love was still there, as the need to be near the other one.

"Just to hold each other." Whispered Michiru. "To cuddle a little bit."

Haruka glanced at the big, inviting bed and then back at Michiru, knowing that she couldn't refuse her anything when she was looking this way.

"Okay."

"Great, that…"

Whatever Michiru wanted to say was silenced by another tender kiss. Not that it mattered. In their little world no words were needed.

dbdbdb

And? Did you recognize all the places the Three Lights visited during their tour through America? Did you notice that I included a really good TV show?

That's the first part of chapter 6. This is the main chapter of the story, the climax, as my professor of English literature would call it. I had most of the scenes of this chapter in my mind when I started the story in March: The tour through America, the concerts and especially their stay in Chicago. I only had to work out a story around these scenes to make them work :).

That's why this chapter is extraordinarily long. I simply couldn't stop when I wrote it and it made no sense at all to make 2 or even more chapters out of it, because it is one chapter and all what happens fits to the heading Guardian Angel. It's over 80 pages, therefore it's divided into 4 parts (each about 20 pages). Expect the next part to be up next Monday.

I hope that the last questions and confusion may be answered during this chapter.

About the "tried" lemon scenes in this chapter… I'm not really the kind of author to write lemon scenes. I think that making love is a very private thing and personally, I don't like stories that have such scenes (that was the only thing that I didn't like about The Medicus… well…), because I think they aren't really needed. You all can imagine what might happen; I don't need to tell you in all details. I guess I'm a little bit like the director of The Trueman Show when they show the open window whenever Trueman and his wife have sex.

However, in this story I had to break my rule a little bit, because these two scenes are important for the story and for the characters (and I couldn't resist writing about Sejya walking in on them lol). I hope they're plausible and okay this way, because this is how far I will go – and not a step further (the other scene will be in this chapter, too).

Thanks for your understanding.

April