Disclaimer : I don't own the characters.
A special thanks to my reviewers and readers. I am glad you all enjoy this story so far. Haha and if you hate Hanzo now, wait 'til the next chapter and you'll find reasons enough to hate him even more. Haha, here at the people I'd really like to thanks for all their nice comments and compliments so far, Silver Sailor Ganymede, royal destiny, princessSerenity101, LitaDelacour, Leena9, Ruka K, aldoraspritelette, long lasting star, Ten'ousai, Wolfblaze, alexa hermann (Haha if that means 'hanzo' in turkish then it totally fits!), The Lil Kag, Iamtheriver, lyra14260, FireyDragoness, Unknown01 and ofcourse Myosotis13
you guys are my heroes!
I hope you'll like this chapter..., I am not responsible for the errors in this chapter...If I can blame my pencil for (written)spelling errors then I blame my keyboard for these errors.
Two Can Play That Game
Chapter six
- Blind Date part #2 -
Michiru was kind of surpised to hear the blonde suggest this. After all, why would Haruka want to continue this date? To be quite honest Michiru was glad that it was Haruka and not someone she hardly knew. On the other hand she felt kind of disappointed. After all, secretly she had hoped on meeting someone she could date even after tonight. 'Maybe I should just call it a night.' The aqua haired girl thought as she looked up at the blonde in front of her.
Haruka still seemed to be waiting for a reply. ''Maybe, we should just call it a night.'' Michiru finally said, repeating her thoughts. This time Haruka seemed to be...hurt? Michiru wasn't sure of what the expression on the blonde's face had meant but she suddenly regretted her words now. Then the idea of going home kicked in. If she was going home she would have to face Hanzo again and her mother. She really didn't feel like going through that again.
''Sure.'' The blonde finally said, faking a smile. She had no idea where this strange feeling she was feeling came from but whatever it was and whatever it meant, she didn't like it. ''Let me give you a ride. It's already getting dark outside and I don't want you to...'' She paused. It sounded kind of harsh to point to Michiru that she could be assaulted or anything.
''That's ok.'' Michiru whispered. There was no way she was going to let Haruka drive her home. She couldn't afford letting Haruka know how poor her family really was.''I'd rather walk actually.''
Haruka shook her head.''No way, I am driving and that's final. Besides I need to know where you live anyway. Remember, I have to pick you up for that winter prom thing. You don't want to walk from your house to school in a dress late at night either, do you?'' Michiru took a deep breath. She hadn't thought of that. Actually she hadn't even started to think of a good way to raise enough money to buy a dress. Maybe she should just play along with Hanzo's 'kindness' and ask him for some money.
Michiru laughed a bit, forgetting that Haruka was still sitting in front of her. It was just that the idea of asking Hanzo for money amused the aqua haired girl. She'd rather tell the whole world on national tv that her family was poor than to ever ask him for a favor. Even if he would offer to pay for her dress she'd turn his offer down.''What's so funny?'' Haruka questioned the smaller girl who snapped out of her world of thoughts, blushing.
''Uhm, nothing.'' She replied with an honest smile on her face. It was strange. Being here with Haruka like this just didn't feel right but it didn't feel wrong either.'I should be yelling at her, insulting her but...' She paused, looking up at the blonde.'She's so handsome...' The blonde tomboy was just staring back at the other girl with a questioning look on her face. Michiru blushed heavily. Did she really think that? Haruka wasn't handsome! Haruka was a huge pain in the ass, right?
''Haruka...'' Michiru started as she took a sip of her water.
''Mhh?'' The blonde replied.''That means yes.'' Haruka explained playfully when Michiru gave her one of those 'huh?' looks.
''Can I take that back?'' The aqua haired girl asked, looking down at the table.
''What? Take what back?''
Michiru blushed even more before she finally replied.''Calling it a night. I'd like to stay...just a bit longer...and well...'' It was obvious that she was having a hard time forming her words which was something that Haruka had never seen before. Michiru always seemed to reserved and not afraid to speak her mind. This proved that she indeed didn't know anything about the beautiful girl in front of her.
'Wait, beautiful?!' Haruka's mind screamed.'Wait, that's not important right now, tell her it's not too late! tell her! tell her! Suggest to see a movie after this, come on Tenoh, she's just a girl!'
''I understand.'Michiru finally whispered.''Too late.'' She added. 'I am such a fool.'
Quickly Haruka shook her head when she realised that she had been too caught up in her own thoughts to notice that she had been staring. ''No, no wait.'' She said before Michiru could stand up.''Don't go. It's never too late to take such a thing back. It'll be my pleasure.'' Michiru smiled upon hearing that, feeling somehow filled with joy all of a sudden.
'Ok if this night goes well then I won't hurt Minako...' The smaller girl thought while a smile appeared on the corners of her lips.'Well, not much.'
''So.'' The blonde started.''What do you think, will Minako and Hiroshi pay for the bill or do we have to do that ourself?'' Although Michiru knew Haruka was only kidding she couldn't help it but feel worried. She couldn't afford anything to eat or drink in this restaurant and she knew that Minako didn't have that money either.
The tomboy ofcourse noticed the shocked look in the other's face and smiled.''Don't worry. I am 'dreamer' after all. I'll pay for tonight. If you feel like it we can go to the movies after this but on one condition..''
The aqua haired girl just gave Haruka another one of those questioning looks.''On the condition that you promise you've said more at the end of the night than ten words.'' Michiru giggled at that.
'Maybe I should indeed say something.' She thought. Then again, she couldn't just let Haruka pay for the restaurant, this place was known for its first class food and expensive meals. ''Ah...I've got a condition for you as well.'' Michiru started. This time it was Haruka's turn to look confused. ''You'll have to let me pay for the cinema. I don't want to go home at the end of the night feeling guilty about you spending s much money on a date that was nothing but a set up.
'Nothing but a set up?' Haruka wondered. To her this date had become more than just a set up after Michiru had taken back her words of not wanting to continue this date. Plus, she knew that Michiru wasn't rich. Minako was a good friend but she had a big mouth after all, no secret was ever safe with her. ''No, tonight is completely on me.'' Haruka stated. ''Maybe you can pay for the next one.'' The last part was accompanied by a wink.
'Next one? Next date?' Michiru thought while another blush appeared on her cheeks. Haruka was turning her into a tomato too much tonight but Michiru had to admit that it felt nice to be here. Haruka was acting completely different from the way she acted on school or at any other place for that matter. She was almost acting like a real 'gentle man'.
''Sorry I didn't mean to em...'' Haruka started when she noticed that her words had somehow made Michiru act different.
''No, no!'' Michiru cut the blonde off. ''The next time's on me.''
Haruka smiled upon hearing that.'So she's interested after all. Maybe I won't regret tonight...maybe...' She shook her head when she realised her mind was already two steps ahead of her. 'No sex! Wow I am such a pervert, Hiroshi was right.' ''That's a deal, now where is my wine. I ordered it like half an hour ago.'' Haruka said, changing the subject.
Michiru giggled.''You know, we could always just walk away now. I know a place we could go instead of the movies.'' She suggested, reminding herself of the beach she used to visit in the past. She hadn't been there for years. Besides, if they would go to that beach it would be free and Haruka wouldn't have to pay for anything.
''Sounds like a plan.'' Haruka said, scanning the room. Finally she noticed the waiter who came walking into their direction with a bottle of wine in his hands. She smirked. ''Let's run.'' At first Michiru didn't know what Haruka meant but when she also noticed the waiter she smiled and nodded. Quickly both of them stood up as they started walking towards the exit as fast as they could, without getting noticed ofcourse.
When they got outside Michiru didn't say anything and just followed the blonde who was walking rather fast.''Come on, hop on.'' Haruka said, pointing at her motorcycle. Michiru had her doubts at first, she had never sat on a motorcycle before, it looked kind of dangerous. ''I promise I won't drive too hard.'' The blonde added when she noticed the hint of fear in the aqua haired girl's eyes.
Michiru quickly nodded when she saw the waiter run out of the restaurant, waving and yelling at them. He was still holding the bottle of wine Haruka had ordered. She took a deep breath before taking the helmet Haruka was offering her and put it on. Haruka had already taken her seat and started the engine. Taking another deep breath Michiru finally hopped on, holding the blonde tight as she felt the motorcycle move.
''Wait!'' The waiter yelled but it was already too late. Before he could reach them the motorcycle with the two young women had raced away at full speed. Michiru held the blonde as tight as possible, fearing her life would end here tonight on the road.
Haruka smirked when she felt Michiru's arms tighten around her waist.'Aha so the great Michiru Kaioh fears speed?'
Michiru swallowed hard and finally after getting used to it after ten more minutes Michiru was finally able to relax.''So which way?'' Haruka yelled over the sound of the engine.
''Follow this road for another two miles before you notice a small path!'' Michiru yelled back.
''Huh?!'' Came the reply.
''This road, keep heading this way for another two miles until you see a small dirt path!'' Michiru repeated. This time Haruka nodded.
''Sure thing. So are you going to let me know where we are going?''
Michiru giggled.''Ofcourse not!'' She replied, winking at the blonde.
-----
''So do you think we succeeded at pairing them up?'' Minako asked the black haired man. They were now sitting in his car, on their way back to Minako's house.
''I don't know, we never saw Michiru's reaction when she found out it was Haruka who was her blind date.'' Hiroshi answered.'I hadn't expected Haruka to actually show up. I'll call her tomorrow morning, I need to know everything!'
''True.'' The blonde stated.''Whaha, that's because a few guards spotted us and thought we were going to break in or something.'' She laughed.
Hiroshi also started to laugh. ''Anyway..'' Minako started. ''I've dated Haruka some time ago but I never really got to know her well to know her good enough. How big is the chance that she's just dropping off Michiru at her place tonight and then heads home?''
''A hundred percent.'' The black haired man replied with a serious tone in his voice. ''Before Haruka met you she hopped into bed with anyone who was willing to do so but after the two of you broke up she changed. She's more reserved now, more thoughtful about the ones she's hurting or will hurt. She really loved you Minako, she never cheated on you but I guess that doesn't matter now. All I know is that after the two of you broke up she never was the same again. I guess she finally knew what true love meant or what 'being in love' meant.''
Minako blinked a few times.''Why are you telling me this?''
''Because I think you needed to know that. You shouldn't remember her as the woman who cheated on you and broke your heart. Instead you should remember her of the woman who loved you and cared for you.'' The black haired man whispered. ''Besides, deep down you know that Haruka isn't such a person anymore or else you wouldn't try to pair her up with Michiru, am I right or what?''
''I guess.'' The blonde said, looking down at her hands. It was true. She and Haruka had been dating for a few weeks when she suddenly bumped into a girl who claimed to be Haruka's girlfriend as well. Minako had asked Haruka about it but she had never really let Haruka explain or say much at all for that matter. All she remembered was that Haruka had denied everything and being naive enough to believe the other girl she had dumped Haruka on that very moment. Ofcourse that happened one á two years ago.
----
Haruka and Michiru had finally arrived at the beach. The motorcycle was parked on the small parking lot in front of the beach's now closed café. It was already past 8pm after all. No store was open anymore on friday's at this time of day.''It's really beautiful out here.'' Haurka commented.
Michiru just nodded. It had been a while she had last been here. Nothing had changed. The waves still were the same, sounded the same and looked the same. It was a comforting feeling that Michiru felt at this point. She had always enjoyed being here, alone with her thoughts.'I guess that's the only difference. I am not alone tonight.' She thought.
The blonde tomboy smiled upon seeing the calm look on the other's face.'She looks like this place makes her feel relaxed, calm. Just like I feel with the wind. The wind calms me, speaks to me. It's hard to explain but I somehow know she understands.'
''You never answered my question.'' Haruka suddenly started causing Michiru to blink a few times before turning around.
''Which question?''
''Your dress for the dance, uh winter prom I mean.''
Michiru blushed. Maybe she should just tell Haruka and get it over with.'I don't want her to feel sorry for me or start offering to pay a dress for me.' Lying it was going to be. ''I actually haven't bought one yet, I was planning on doing that tomorrow. My mom has just found a new boyfriend and he offered to drive us to the mall tomorrow so...''
''Liar.'' Haruka interrupted her with a smirk. ''You don't have to lie to me Michiru. Minako already told me about your family situation.''
'Damn you 'princess' Aino!' Michiru scolded the blonde in her mind. ''Oh...''
''Don't worry. Unless she decides to tell anyone else your secret it save with me.'' Haruka said, walking over to the smaller girl. ''Now why don't you let me buy you a dress ah?''
''I don't accept other people's money.'' Michiru pressed, feeling insulted.
Haruka thought about it for a while.''Mhh then let's see it as borrowing the money and pay me back later.'' Ofcourse Haruka was never going to let Michiru pay her back with actual money.
''I can't...'' Michiru started but stopped when Haruka pressed her index on her lips.
''You didn't let me finish. I know you don't like taking money from anyone but see it as doing me a favor. I need my date to look incredibly hot for that prom, don't I? Plus you can pay me back by going out with me again next week.'' The last part was accompanied by another one of those playful winks. Again a blush appeared on Michiru's face.
It was strange. Haruka was talking to her as if they were friends since the beginning of time. But the truth ofcourse was that before tonight they had been nothing but 'sworn enemies'.
Finally Haruka removed her index from the smaller girl's lips.'So have we got a deal or not?''
''Depends on it Haruka...'' Michiru replied but the look on her face had already betrayed her.
'I win, again.' Haruka thought smiling. ''Depends on what?''
''You'll have to help me pick the right dress then...'' Michiru finally said.
Haruka went wide eyed at that.''You mean...shopping?''
''Shopping, it's not that bad as you make it sound. You actually manage to make it sound like some kind of slavery.
''Because it is slavery when I am around a girl who obviously likes shopping.''
Michiru smiled sadly.''That's because I hardly ever go out to buy clothes or feel like a normal teenager. Not that I am complaining. I mean...Well my life isn't that bad. My mother loves me and I've got a sweet sister and we're happy. That counts.''
Michiru wanted to say something else but when Haruka placed a hand on her shoulder she decided not to. 'She's probably going to act all stupid now. Saying stuff like -I am sorry to hear that- or -that sounds sad, I wish I could help somehow.- No way, if she starts with that then I am out of here.'
''I envy you.'' Haruka said instead, surprising the smaller girl.''I mean, being poor must be hard sometimes and maybe everytime, I don't know but you seem to pull it off perfectly.''
'Thanks.' Michiru thought. It was the first time she had ever heard someone say something like that when it came down to this subject. With that thought on her mind she rested her head against the blonde's shoulder, staring at the sea in front of them. She didn't know why her feelings for the blonde had changed so drastically but she could no longer imagine herself yelling against the blonde.
''Now let's talk about happy things.'' Haruka whispered, putting her arm around the smaller girl. Even though it was pretty cold outside both of them didn't seem to be bothered by it.
''Let's.'' Came the other's reply. Michiru started to get a bit confused at this point. Standing here like this, with Haruka's arm around her. It felt so right to her for some sort of reason. She felt safe and warm here, like no one could get to her now. Not even Hanzo, no one.'Tell me Haruka, let's talk about this...is this a real date or is it still something else? Just the set up what's making you stay?' Ofcourse she didn't dare to ask that question out loud.
''Christmas for example.'' The taller woman whispered. She knew that Michiru didn't want to discuss that holiday since she seemed to have cursed it but Haruka just had to ask. ''Did you change your mind already?''
''I am staying with my mother on christmas, she'll need me.'' Michiru replied, hoping that Haruka would just drop the subject. No such luck ofcourse.
''I thought your mother found herself a new boyfriend. I am sure she won't need you. I know that it sounds mean but...I know someone else who needs you more for the lonely christmas days.''
Michiru didn't pull away from the position she and Haruka were standing in. Instead of that she just gazed up.''Who?''
''Me.'' Haruka replied. ''Please spend the christmas days with me, I promise you won't regret it.'' The blonde had no idea why her words sounded so much like a plead but it didn't matter anyway. She had no idea where these strange feelings had come from in the first place but the thought of having to saying goodbye to Michiru at the end of this night didn't please her at all.
The aqua haired girl focussed on the sea in front of them. Her head was still resting against Haruka's shoulder. ''You're right. Let my mother be with Hanzo. I'd love to spend christmas with you.'' She finally said after taking a deep breath. She was even scaring herself at this point. Never before had she ever felt so lonely in her life. She knew that her mother really liked Hanzo and that she eventually wouldn't need Michiru anymore. But at the same time Michiru felt happy and complete. That was also the part that scared her. Haruka was making her feel like that, being with the blonde made her feel this complete and emotional. She wasn't used to that.
''How about tomorrow?'' Haruka suddenly asked when she noticed her date was spacing out.
''Tomorrow isn't christmas.'' Michiru giggled, still thinking this was about the same subject.
''I meant the dress hunting.'' Haruka replied with a laugh.
The aqua haired girl blushed.''I'd love to...''
The taller woman nodded before saying that it was already getting late and that they should be heading home. Michiru tried hard to hide her disappointment but had agreed. She just didn't want this night to end.
To Be Continued...
Aha, they're getting closer! Let me know what you think.