And In The End.
A/N: Hurray i'm done. Gomen mina-san it took so long. I was distracted... I dedicate this to my Ruka-koi. Enjoy!
Cold wet sweat took place over my body as I once again dreamt of her. Tossing in the bed I pushed the blankets to the ground and shivered as the night air covered me. Her laugh haunted my dream, the sweet angelic sound that flowed from her lips as she tossed her head back and laughed. Her arms were around me holding me tight as we shared a moment no one else would comprehend. I turned again letting her eyes penetrate into my soul the words cascading over me as she told me again and again that she loved me. Only me. And that our love to conquer anything. That pulled me from the dream, I let out a frustrated scream as my body sprung into a sitting position. It was dawn, barely I shifted my weight out of the bed and wandered into the bathroom. Tossing warm water on my face I stared into the mirror. Dark circles had taken place under my eyes, my skin had turned a pale white. I looked horrible.
'You look Great.' Ansha smiled handing me my morning coffee and mail. 'You have a meeting at 3 with some producers and a dinner meeting with.' Ansha paused looking over my schedule. 'I'm not sure, it doesn't say. I think it's a promoter.' I sighed heavy as I took my mail and planner from her. Slipping my hand around the warm cup of coffee I placed it against my mouth and breathed in the scent of rich beans. 'Then you're off for the whole weekend.' she smiled.
'Hai.' I muttered unable to think what I could do with myself for three whole days. Being alone was the worst, her face haunted me whenever I closed my eyes. If people were around, I had reason to forget her.
'Do you have plans?' Ansha pushed gently. 'I could, you know, keep you company if you wanted.' she added. I raised my eyes to her in shock as her hand traced along my hip.
'Yau-chan.' I said in a warning tone.
'Gomen Tenoh-san, you just seem so lonely. Any girl would be a fool to lose you.' her hand continued on my waist pulling gently toward her hips. I stepped back.
'Yau-chan you're my assistant. And you're a good assistant. Please don't make this complicated.'
'Gomen Tenoh-san.' she said in a meek rejected voice.
'That will be all Ansha, enjoy your long weekend.' I stepped away from her fully, heading for my office, wondering how I'd gone from Haruka the player to anyone who'd deny the advances of a gorgeous red head throwing herself and me. I drank my coffee slowly as I read over my day, a track meeting at 10 am for the 5 o'clock news then nothing until I met with the producers at 3. The dinner meeting had me confused. I wasn't aware of any promoters wanting to see me and Ansha was so good about writing down names. I shrugged my shoulders and downed the last of my coffee.
...
My day seemed to never end, my 10 o'clock meeting at the track seemed to last forever as people who remembered my wins came out of the woodwork to question if I'd ever race again. My heart stung as I lied to them. 'I'd consider it, for the right price.' I laughed fakely. My old managers shook my hand asking if I'd married the pretty aqua haired girl I was dating. I blushed in answer and they slapped my back as if I had. I couldn't bring myself to correct them. That's how it should have been. I should have married Michiru, we should have a little family, things should be perfect. But they aren't. At 3 I met with the producers. They wanted me to spend more time in the studio, my fans from before were once again my fans and the amount of fan mail I generated filled a room. They smiled with glee as they offered me money and company perks. I remembered this feeling from my glory days, as I signed the contract I wanted nothing more then to rush home to Michiru and tell her the good news. Instead I drove home slowly, stopping extra long at each stop sign taking my time as I wound the corner to my apartment and slowly sauntering up the stairs. I changed into a navy dress shirt and white dress pants ran my hands through my short blond hair and checked my planner for the restaurant I was meeting my mystery dinner date at. Kau-Ming. My heart stopped. Kau-Ming was our place, Kau-Ming was the restaurant I took her to. My mouth went dry as I read it over and over I glanced at my watch and put my wallet into my pocket. Tonight was going to be a challenge.
Kau-Ming hadn't changed since I'd been there last. The same red brick made the small restaurant stand out against the typical scene of Japanese buildings. I killed the engine of my car and closed my eyes mentally preparing for what I assumed would be an uneasy dinner. But as my eyes closed she returned to me, her hands placed on mine, her body turned slightly toward me in the passenger seat her smile brimming. 'Our place Haruka, tonight is special.' I remembered.
'Hai, an anniversary that should be celebrated.' I smiled at her.
'Two years is a long time to put up with you.' she laughed.
'Nani.' I retorted but her lips were crashing down on my faster then I could have hoped and our kiss caused me to forget anything she had said. Softly her hand moved from mine to caress my face pulling me deeper into the embrace.
'Lets go, I'm starving.' she smiled pulling away from me. I let my eyes stay closed.
'I'm not hungry for the food anymore Michiru.' I managed.
'Later Haruka.' She breathed against my ear. I felt the cool of the night air then heard the slam of her door. I fixed my shirt and jumped from the car within seconds I was by her side, my hand tightly holding on to hers, ensuring the world knew Kaioh-Michiru was mine.
I shook the memory out of my head and pushed the car door open, I made my way to the front of the restaurant gathering as much courage as I could I opened the door.
'Right this way Tenoh-san.' the host smiled when I made it to his podium. I was seated at a table for two, in the far back of the restaurant. A table I would have requested for us. 'You're partner is already here.' the host added pouring me a glass of water. 'I'll send the waiter.' My partner was already here, I let the words repeat in my head lifting the water glass to my mouth.
...
'Hello Haruka.' the sweet sound of her voice captured me. I waited for my mind to stop playing with me as I looked over the water glass. Standing before me was Michiru.
'Mi, Michiru?'
'Hai.'
'But, when? I thought you were still in Canada.' I stuttered. Placing the glass back on the table. Before Michiru could answer our waiter arrived. We gave him our drink orders and he was gone again.
'I moved home after an accident.' she answered showing me her wrists. Guilt coursed over my body, but anger soon followed.
'Ah.' I said willing the waiter to hurry with my beverage. 'How did you know I was here?' I asked unable to let my eyes meet hers.
'I saw you on the news.' she said softly. 'Haruka I needed to see you. I needed to talk to you. I'm sorry to have surprised you like this.' I glanced up to look at her, careful to avoid her gaze. Her eyes were closed, drops of pain were beginning to flow down her cheek. 'I needed to tell you, to explain things.' she added.
'Shhh Michiru, it's alright.' I said to her, my heart breaking at the sight.
'No Haruka, it's not. But it will be.' She offered a pained smile as our drinks were finally placed before us. I took a long sip of mine letting the fire of the alcohol burn down my chest. We ordered our food. Once the waiter was gone a warm hand covered mine. My mind demanded I move but my heart kept my hand cradled in hers.
'Haruka, im so sorry.' Michiru started. I could feel her eyes burring into me as I kept mine averted. 'Everything that happened, all the pain.' her voice was straight. 'I caused it. But I never meant to. I never wanted to push you away.' her fingers began to stroke my hand gently and lovingly just as she had done for years before. The same stroking that would calm me no matter how angry I was. I kept my eyes on the table. 'When we moved to Daytona our lives changed. I no longer had one of my own, instead I was living through yours. I always thought I could. I wanted to be with you so badly Haruka, I never thought id begin to resent you for having a life. When I got the offer to teach in Calgary I jumped at it. And you followed me, excited for me to start living my dream. But we got to Calgary my dream turned into a night mare. I told myself over and over that it was only for a little while. But no matter how many times I pushed myself to believe that, I couldn't fool you.' Her voice trailed off as the waiter placed our appetizers before us. I picked up my fork and poked the scallop as Michiru continued. My hand now felt naked without hers. 'I did fight Haruka, I fought every day for them to let me be who I was. For them to accept me as gay. But they'd never budge and I know I should have left, I should have demanded it but I was scared. I thought teaching at that school was my only dream, and I was so desperate for it to come true. So I worked harder, trying to show you it wasn't so bad. And in doing so, I was never home. And I hated you when I was home. I couldn't understand why you didn't see how hard I was trying.' I looked at her then, letting my eyes finally dive into the wells of aqua that were broken before me. My heart warmed at the sight of her, and I took every part of her in. 'After Blake tried, well what he tired I thought I'd lost you forever.' she began again, this time her voice was more pained. I looked at her placing my fork on the plate I took her hand into mine. I couldn't help myself, I needed to make her ok. she smiled at me as continued. 'I couldn't think of any way to make it right, I knew we both wanted a family and figured that would keep you around. If I could give you a son or daughter you'd love me again. You'd forget all the things we'd been through. I could stay home with the baby and you could work with your teens. I had it all figured out Haruka. But I wasn't thinking straight, I was confused and I was sick in the mind. I went to the invitro clinic and they asked me so many questions. I lied to them, I told them my husband had died in a fire and I was desperate to have something to hold on to. Once the pregnancy was confirmed I went to find you. And you forgave me, I didn't get a chance to tell you about the baby, I wasn't prepared for you to forgive me. We got home, made love and I was so content. But then.' she trailed off, my hand held her tighter.
'You don't have to continue.' I said gently. Her eyes were now locked on the table, I used my free hand to pull her face up, letting our eyes connect.
'Yes I do.' she tried. I brushed my thumb against the softness of her cheek and she moved her face deeper into my hand. My heart leapt, this was how it was supposed to be. 'When you left, the last time I couldn't bring myself to do anything. I cried in bed until I pulled myself from it to make some tea. I remember being in the kitchen, my hands shaking as I tried to put the kettle on. Everywhere I went I saw your face, I heard your voice and my mind reminded me how I made you leave. I pulled the kettle from the stove and pulled out one of the kitchen knives. I don't even remember it hurting.'
'Who found you?' I asked. My voice sounded so lifeless.
'One of our neighbours.'
'And you can still play?'
'Hai, no nerve damage. I was in the hospital for a while, lost a lot of blood. I met a nurse there. Matthew.' She picked up her fork with her free hand, leaving the other in my grasp. 'He helped me. He showed me what I had done, to you and to myself. He reminded me how I was strong once.' I watched her eat pieces of the food before her. She was quiet for a moment as she chewed, the waiter returned with our meals. I looked to Michiru for more, her hand tightened against mine, her eyes sparkled, this was the Michiru I remembered. 'He reminded me that who I was, and showed me who I had become. Oh Haruka, I wasn't anything like I should have been. I was miserable and horrible. I blamed you for everything that was my fault, and in the end, I really wanted to kill myself so that you felt guilty.' the last part hit me hard, I tried to pull my hand away but she held on. 'But Matthew helped me, and Haruka, I know now. I don't want to die, and it certainly wouldn't be your fault.'
'Michiru I,'
'Please Haruka, just hear me out.' she looked at me with eyes the spoke louder then her words. I nodded. 'I don't deserve another chance, I deserve for you to tell me I'm crazy and for you to walk out of here and never look back. But I need you to know that I miss you Haruka. I love you still as I did when we first met. As I always will. What happened in America was inexcusable but, Haruka, my Ruka, if you can find it in yourself to give me a new beginning I promise to never hurt you like that again.'
...
An easy light breeze cascaded around the Hikawa shrine tossing gold and navy ribbons into the air. 'Chibi-usa-chan get back here right now.' Usagi hollered chasing after her daughter.
'Us Ag EE!' Rei screamed as the blonde toppled over a large vase.
'Gomen Rei-chan.' Usagi smiled lifting the pieces of the vase, joined by Chibi-usa to her right.
'Today isn't about them.' Rei's wife smiled; softly caressing the raven girls arm.
'Arigato Mina-chan.' Usagi smiled rushing to avoid the anger of Rei. Mina slipped her arms around Rei's waist letting her head rest on the fire goddesses shoulder. 'What a perfect day.' Mina smiled.
'Hai.' Rei agreed holding her lover close. 'Are they ready?'
'Hai.' Mina nodded.
'Are they sure?' Rei challenged.
'Hai.' Linking arms with her lover Rei pulled Mina toward the hall, the decorations were being finished. The food had been laid out and Mako-chan was ensuring Usagi stayed away. Mamoru stood at the end of the hall chatting to Yuricchio. Ami sat in the pew a book in her lap as she wound ribbon around a small bouquet of flowers.
'I think it's time.' Mamoru called from the front of the hall. Rei nodded.
'Places everyone.' Mina demanded gently pushing her lover to the front of the hall before disappearing with Usagi.
Soft violin music surrounded the inner hall as Michiru followed Setsuna, Mina and Usagi. Cream and aqua dresses brushed across the floor spreading the petals Chibi-usa and Hotaru had tossed. Hugged in a white corset with a long flowing skirt Michiru looked like an angel. Her aqua hair pulled away from her face held her vale in place. I stepped forward, my black tux shaping my body perfectly, the navy accents adding colour to my attire. I watched her walking toward me, my heart caught in my throat, my body tingling. She looked beautiful. Any question I had that this was right left my mind, and I focused on my Michiru.
'Love is like a timeless battle. Endlessly testing our personality and our heart. Pushing us to reach for the highest high and dragging us through the lowest low. But when love is meant to be, there is never a question, and no matter the pain, no matter the struggle in the end hearts that are linked will find each other once more. Haruka and Michiru were tied together in fait. Linked from the start with the red string. Try as they may neither will ever love another as they love each other. And today we join them in marriage.' Rei smiled as she handed me the small wood ring I'd bought, the red glaze of the ring shining in the light of the hall. 'Haruka.'
'I gave you my heart the moment I saw you. You have my soul and with it you own me. Our lives are one and through everything our love is still strong.' I said placing the ring on Michiru's left ring finger. 'I will love you forever Michiru, no matter what the world throws at us.' I turned to Rei as she handed Michiru a similar ring.
'You are my destiny Haruka, the only thing that completes me. No matter how dark my day you are my light. I shall never love another as I love you.' she pushed the ring on my finger and my body felt light. Tears well in my eyes as I looked from Michiru back to Rei.
'As the gods are my witness and the planets my guide I announce that you're married may you live happy together, forever.' A smile crossed my face as I turned to Michiru, sliding my arms around the tight soft fabric of her waist I pulled her against me. 'Mine forever.' I breathed against her letting my lips take hers.
I kissed her as if I'd never have a chance to kiss her again, our mouths moving together in harmony, our tongues fighting their usual battle, my hands pushing her deeper into me. I could hear the awes and cheers of the people around us but I wouldn't let her go. She was mine again, my Michiru, my wife. The past meant nothing now, our future was all that was important. I felt her arms around my neck, pulling me as I pushed her, as though neither of us could get enough of the other. I felt whole.
Thank you to all who read this/ love it. As always they end up together. Please review if you have the time. :) And Special thanks to Vanessa, Kaze and Impersonal...because i think about you guys more then you probably know. Much love - Trixx
