Disclaimer : I don't own the characters.
Next chapter will probably be the last. As for the ending of this chapter, most of you might already wonder if Hiroshi's plan will actually work but I can assure you, no more drama after this. Ok, maybe a little. A special thanks to everyone who reviewed the previous chapters and congratulations to those who guessed right about that car. It was...
Read and find out.
Two Can Play That Game
Chapter twelve
- Revelations and a new plan -
Michiru was now lying on her bed, facing the ceiling. She wanted to cry but no tears made their way down her face. She had wanted to run after Haruka earlier that afternoon but she knew she couldn't. Haruka had probably driven away before she could catch up. After she had watched Haruka disappear into the nothingness she had stood there for atleast another half an hour. Going back to class wouldn't have helped her feel any better so she had decided to just go home and reflect on what had happened.
And well, here she was. Lying on her bed wondering what to do next. Maybe she was lucky and Haruka would show up at school tomorrow and just pretend nothing happened. They'd just act as if they were the best of friends again and would go out shopping for that stupid dress Michiru needed for that damn winter dance. ''Michi, honey..'' Suddenly a voice sounded causing the aqua haired girl to snap out of her thoughts and look up at her mother who stood in the doorway. ''Can I enter.''
''Sure.'' Came the reply. She was already greatful enough about the fact her mother hadn't brought that damn Hanzo with her upstairs. She really didn't want to see his damn face right now.
Aya nodded as she stepped into the room, closing the door behind her back. Slowly she walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge, resting her hand on Michiru's leg. This action was suppossed to make Michiru look at her but much to her dismay Michiru didn't move a bit. She just lay there, staring at the ceiling and sometimes looking back at the concerned face of her mother. ''What's wrong honey?''
''Nothing.'' Michiru lied when she suddenly felt a tear roll down her cheeks. She cursed herself in silence. This always happened. When she was alone she would never cry but the moment someone got too close she would break down. Her mother shook her head. During the past few years she and Michiru never really got close enough like mother and daughter to know eachother well enough but her daughter's tears told her the truth.
''Did you get into a fight with your blonde?'' Her mother then asked. Upon seeing Michiru's eyes widen she knew how right she was. ''I take that look as a yes.'' She added, stroking Michiru's face, wiping away the tears that were now falling. ''Want to talk about it?''
''No.'' Michiru replied, feeling embarrassed for being so weak in front of her mother.
''Doesn't matter.'' Aya stated.''Because I'll just stay here until you tell me what happened. You'll feel releaved after you tell someone what's wrong.'' Michiru sighed. How could she possibly tell her mother what was wrong after all the lying. Her mother already assumed Michiru and Haruka were dating when that wasn't true at all. Maybe it was about time to break out of all that lying. Maybe it was time to start telling the truth.
''Mom...'' Michiru whispered, not noticing that she had finally called her mother 'mom'. ''I need to tell you something.''
Aya simply shook her head.''You don't have to tell me anything sweetheart. ''I already know. You acted too tense around Haruka. It almost seemed natural but I could see in your eyes what was true and what wasn't.'' Michiru sat up upon hearing that. Staring at her mother with a look of disbelieve on her face. How could that be? How could her mother possibly know that her relationship with Haruka had all been an act?
Well it hadn't completely been an act. ''I know I have been a lousy mother Michi but that doesn't mean I am blind.''
This was enough for Michiru to break down into tears completely.''Oh mom, I've been such a fool!'' She cried while clinging on to her mother who held her daughter closely.
''Don't cry Michi, everything can be solved.'' Aya whispered.
''No it can't. I love Haruka but i've been too naive, too blind to notice she felt the same way for me. And now she's angry...'' Michiru sobbed wondering where all of this came from.
''Why don't you call your lovely blonde then?'' Aya asked, reminding Michiru that she had no idea of what Haruka's phone number was. ''And if she's just as stubborn as you are then go to her place. You've been there before right?''
Michiru nodded. How the hell was she going to call Haruka when she didn't know the blonde's number. Then again, it was possible that Minako and Hiroshi were still at school. One of them surely had to have Haruka's number. 'She would never pick up the phone, I wouldn't.'
Then there was the option of going to Haruka's house but it seemed too easy. After giving it a second thought she decided to go back to school and ask Minako for Haruka's phone number. If she was planning on visiting Haruka she had to find someone to drive her and sitting in a car with Hanzo wasn't exactly what she needed or wanted right now.
''Mom,'' Michiru paused for a moment, waiting for her mother to let go of her. After a few seconds her mother finally pulled out of the hug. She had never held her daughter this close before. Michiru now realised that her mother was crying as well. ''Why are you crying?''
Aya smiled sadly before wiping away her tears.''I am so sorry Michiru. I know I've hurt you a lot in the past and I want that to change. I want to change. With Hanzo we can be a normal family, so you won't have to ashamed of our family anymore. We can live the lives of the rich. I really love Hanzo and with him I want to start a new life with my family. That includes you. But,''
''I'll give him a fair chance.'' Michiru whispered although she didn't like the fact her mother loved that guy so much. ''Now don't cry mom. I am not ashamed of my family. I just act like a stupid and selfish teenager.'' Aya smiled before pulling her daughter in another tight hug.
''Thank you.'' She whispered as she heard her daughter sigh.
------
One hour later Michiru had finally reached her school again. She could've been there much quicker but since the snow slowed her down she had taken atleast half an hour longer than needed. Luckily for her school had just ended when she reached the front gate of the school. Michiru stood there a couple of minutes, scanning the passing students in the hope to catch a glimpse of Minako and Hiroshi.
No such luck ofcourse until she saw a familiar brunette walk her way. ''Makoto!'' Michiru yelled, drawing the attention of the tall brunette who smiled and run up to Michiru.
''Hey Michiru, I can't believe what I heard. You really run off with Haruka Tenoh after Haruna threatened to expel her?'' Makoto asked, a curious look was plastered on her face.
The aqua haired girl nodded.''Sort of. Haruka didn't do it though. The car I mean but,'' She paused for a moment. ''Have you seen Hiroshi or Minako?'' The brunette seemed annoyed to hear Hiroshi's name.
''I don't know about that Hiroshi twat but I saw Minako disappear behind the school.'' Makoto finally answered. For a moment Michiru just stood there, wondering what Minako would want to do behind the school but then nodded.
''Thanks a lot Makoto!'' She said quickly before she started to run away towards the school building. It was far more quicker to get to the other side of the school through the halls than to run around the whole building.
-----
''What?!'' Minako yelled, staring at the raven haired girl in disbelieve.''I can't believe it was you! How the hell did you manage to get it in there?! More important, why?!'' She yelped.
Rei giggled. ''You're asking too many questions, love.'' She replied with a wink.
''Ok, just tell me why.'' Minako stated. ''You don't have Haruna as your teacher. You dropped history last year. What did she do to you?''
Again Rei giggled before straightening up. ''I am just returning the favour.'' She paused for a moment, enjoying the curious and questioning look on her girlfriend's face. ''I did it to frame Haruka and Michiru. I left Haruka's coat in the car along with one of Michiru's earring. I know from Setsuna that they'll get expelled for one whole week. The winter dance is in two weeks which gives them more than enough time together and realise their feelings.''
''I like the way you think.'' Minako said, amazed. ''Why haven't I thought of that? Then again, what if the teacher's decide not to expel them and just forbid them to go to the winter dance.''
''Don't worry, as long as Setsuna is part of the student council nothing can go wrong. Besides the teacher's are behind all of this too, remember?''
''What?'' Minako blinked in confusion causing Rei to laugh slightly.
''I thought that big mouth of a Hiroshi would've told you. The teachers and most of the students were sick of that constant fighting between Haruka and Michiru so a few came together to plan a way to get them closer.''
''W-wait...'' Minako stammered, interrupting her girlfriend. ''You mean that the teachers actually try to get them together in a romantic way? Since when are they so open to lesbian relationships?!''
''Oh no, no. You got it all wrong.'' Rei corrected the other. ''That dating part is just an extra. Setsuna, me and a few others made that up. After all, they're so cute together. Even you have to admit that.''
Minako was about to say something when a third voice interrupted them. ''So Rei put that car there to corrupt my reputation and you were behind that date and everything, weren't you Minako?'' Both girls turned around in shock, facing Michiru who seemed somehow both amused as angry. ''I must admit that the two of you got me good. You were behind that blind that between me and Haruka too... But ofcourse I already knew that. Yet,'' She paused for a moment. ''Even though you made me realise how much I really like that stubborn little tomboy...''
Both Minako and Rei swallowed hard, not liking the tone of it.
''I am still going to kill both of you!'' She yelled causing both girls to flinch in shock.
''N-now you wouldn't do that, would you?'' Minako asked with a nervous tone in her voice.
''Ofcourse not.'' Michiru giggled. ''I just wanted to see the two of you scared. I can't believe little 'ol me managed to scare both of you at the same time. Anyway, tell me something...''
''What?'' Rei and Minako asked in unison.
''Why this secret meeting behind the school?'' A smirk appeared on her face.''No,. no let me guess... Minako and Rei are officially dating and were hoping to get 'some'? Am I right or am I right?''
''Define 'some'.'' Minako replied while blushing heavily.
''Never mind. Anyway could the two of you do me a huge favour?''
''What?'' Both Rei and Minaka asked in unison once again.
''Stop interfering with me and Haruka. Because of that stupid date you set up between Haruka and Rei I ended up fighting with Haruka. I have to admit that most of your plans had their positive sides but that one only had negatives sides. As for me getting expelled, you'd better fix that too. I for one like going to school. It's the only excuse I have left to see Haruka.''
''F-fighting?'' Minako stammered. That didn't make any sense. After all earlier this afternoon Haruka had just pulled Michiru out of the classroom and that was after she had set up that date. They seemed to be close friends then.
The aqua haired girl nodded.''Yes, fighting. So please stop interfering. I still am thankful for bringing me closer to Haruka and that's why I am not killing the two of you but it has been enough now.''
Both girls nodded. They knew Michiru would never literally kill them but they both knew for a fact that Michiru wasn't bluffing when she said she would hurt them. Michiru was about to turn around when she suddenly remembered why she was here in the first place. Quickly she turned back. ''Oh that's right...''
''We're going to die.'' Minako yelped in shock causing both Rei and Michiru to look at her with raised eyebrows.
''Not really,'' Michiru sweatdropped. ''What I wanted to know was if you happen to know Haruka's phone number by heart?''
''Nope, sorry.'' Minako replied.''I used to know it until she bought herself a new cellphone. But I am pretty sure Hiroshi knows.'' Michiru sighed in disappointment. She had really hoped Minako knew since Hiroshi seemed to have vanished in thin air.
With that she turned around again, whispering a silent 'thanks anyway' before she started to walk back to the school's entrance. Maybe she was lucky and she would bump into Hiroshi.
-----
''I already thought I'd find you here.'' Hiroshi stated, looking at the blonde tomboy who hung against the railing of the bridge, staring at the frozen water beneath her. She didn't even bother to look up to see who it was. She already knew.
''How'd you find me?'' Haruka questioned although she really didn't care. She could feel her friend's eyes on her.
''Well at first I thought you took Michiru to some unknown place after that car thing but after school I spotted Michiru at the school's gate and figured something must've gone wrong. To answer your question, you always visit this place when you're down or need time to be alone to think.''
''What part of 'being alone' don't you understand eh?'' Haruka muttered, focussed on the snow flakes which landed on the frozen water, becoming part of the blanket of ice.
''The 'alone' part.'' Hiroshi replied sarcastically.''So enough of this pointless conversation, what's wrong Tenoh?''
''Nothing.'' Haruka lied, as usual denying everything.
Hiroshi just ignored her, walking up to his friend as he leaned against the railing as well. ''Listen Tenoh, it's cold outside and you know I hate the cold with the same passion as I love porn so just get to the point and tell me what happened.''
''I realized god is a man and hates me.'' Haruka sighed, trying to avoid the subject as much as possible. In vain ofcourse, she knew that when Hiroshi wanted to know something he would push the subject until he got all the information he wanted.
''With other words, you got into a fight with your aqua haired mermaid?'' Hiroshi said, translating Haruka's words to a normal sentence.
''That's right, I keep forgetting you are a man and don't understand a woman's language.'' Haruka hissed in annoyance causing Hiroshi to laugh.
''You're more of a man yourself when it comes down to women Tenoh.'' He laughed before straightening up again. ''Now explain to me in a men's language, in a way that even I understand it, what happened.''
Haruka shrugged. Seriously, how could he be joking at a time like this? ''Fine, she doesn't like me. She's a blind little bitch who only cares about her own feelings and...''
''Stop it right there Tenoh, she isn't a bitch. You love her, I know, she knows and the whole school knows. And hell she likes you too!'' He yelped. ''I can't believe you didn't see that for yourself. Why do you think Minako and I tried to couple you up the whole time?''
''Because you enjoy manipulating me?'' Came the reply.
''Yeah that too but also because the two of you needed to realize how much you love eachother. You call her a blind little bitch but in the end you are the blind bitch.'' Hiroshi said causing his blonde friend to finally look up at him, a shocked yet questioning look plastered on her face.
''What are you talking about now?''
''I am talking about the fact Michiru Kaioh is in love with you too. Why she didn't tell you, it's a mystery to me but then again all women are a mystery to me. Besides, I am pretty sure you run away before she could say something for herself, am I right or what?''
''Too right.'' Haruka whispered feeling like an incredible fool. After all if you needed Hiroshi, a man, to tell you about a relationship between two female...
''Awesome, now before you run away from me too, yelling something about looking for Michiru... First listen will ya?'' Hiroshi said, taking Haruka's upper arm in his hands when he noticed she was about to turn around and run away, back to her car. ''If you go to her now you'll be utterly non-romantic at all.''
''And since when are you mister romantic himself?'' Haruka questioned her friend as he let go of her arm.
''Since you needed one.'' He stated. ''Anyway I've got a plan for you to win your chicka's heart on a romantic way that will make her forget about all of this. BUT ofcourse it'll take a bit of time.''
''Do I look like I have time?'' Haruka wondered out loud, getting impatient.
Hiroshi shrugged.''Whatever, just listen to my plan, will ya?''
''Oh no!'' Haruka yelped, stepping back.''No more of those wonderful plans of yours, I am sick of them!''
''No no, all those other plans were made up by either Minako or Rei. I just followed them. I warned her it would go wrong eventually but it seems no one feels like listening to the wise Hiroshi!''
''Uhm...you want me to correct you now or..?''
''Just keep your mouth shut.'' Hiroshi warned his friend. ''Okay, as you know that winter dance is in two weeks from now. I want you to stay away from Michiru Kaioh and our school until then. Avoid her. In the main time you can... practise your speech to her or something.''
''Are you a lunatic?!'' Haruka rolled her eyes. ''She'll think I hate her or something.''
''Exactly.'' Hiroshi stated.''But that doesn't change the fact the two of you are obligated to go to that dance together and she knows that. She'll wait that two weeks for the two of you to finally talk again. You'll make a romantic come back, kiss her, dance with her...do whatever you always do to seduce the chicks you want in your pants and tadaa...''
Haruka sighed. She didn't want to admit it but she somehow liked that idea. ''You want me to come late to that dance so just when she has given up her hope I'll show up, kiss her and dance with her, blardiblah?''
''Might work, ne?''
Haruka hesitated for a moment. It could indeed work because it would give both her as Michiru time to reflect on what happened before. This surely had taught both of them a wise lesson. Never hesitate on showing your true colours. ''Althought two weeks are... well a long time, I think I'll do it.'' She finally said. ''But tomorrow I'll have to buy a dress together with her because...''
''I will take care of that. Or atleast, Minako and Rei will take care of that.''
''No you don't understand...'' Haruka paused for a moment. She had promised Michiru not to tell anyone about her family and the fact they hardly had any money to pay their house. ''Never mind.'' She finally said causing Hiroshi to wonder what else could be wrong. He was surely going to find that out soon.
To Be Continued...
Like I said in my author's notes, last chapter will be the last. After that I'll start yet another new story (I've already written the first chapter of that one) and will start on updating Bluff Master.