Title: A tough decision
Author: Ree
Theme: Haruka/Uranus (nostalgia: day 1)
Genre: General(Romance?)
Version: Anime/Manga Post Stars/ pre-crystal Tokyo
Rating: G(PG?)

This complex lady and her friends belong to Takeuchi Naoko. I just asked if they could play for a while.

A tough decision

Haruka parked her motorbike at the small, but secure, parking lot near the beach. Grabbing a bag out of one of its saddle bags, she went to change into her swimsuit. She stopped at the beach house desk and rented a locker. After making sure the locker worked, she set down her bag and stripped out of her driving suit. Reaching into the bag, her hand connected with her running shorts. 'What are these doing in here?' The question rolled about in her mind for a moment before she dismissed it. Then she decided to wear them over her swimsuit. Slipping on her reef shoes, she put her gear into the locker.

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She had found a secluded section on the beach. Looking at the ground told her why it was so empty. It was covered in small rocky outcroppings. The waves were being blown in by the wind, and were striking the rocks. The breeze blew all around her, teasing her. Closing her eyes, she tried to let all her worries blow away. It didn't work. Opening her eyes she started walking towards the sea. 'The sea is as close as I can get to her right now.' Every step she took towards the water, the water receded. Haruka stopped. 'We are both so busy. We have taken on so much. I'm running both the race car circuit and the dirt bike circuit. Michiru is touring as both a violinist and as a painter. There is hardly anytime when we are together.' She remembered when it had been the opposite. She could feel the piano keys under her fingers as she played with Michiru. She remembered seeing Michiru in the stands to cheer her on as her car or bike flew past.

Turning her side to the sea, Haruka looked down the beach. 'There was a time when we were always side by side.'

The breeze started picking at her shorts, and caressed her skin. 'This is ... This is...' Crouching down into a running stance, Haruka plotted out her route. In the back of her mind she heard the starting whistle. She took off running. A wave of nostalgia washed over her. 'This is what I miss. The feel of the wind on my skin, the rush as it passes my face.'

As she ran her thoughts ran in her mind. 'I have to make a decision. I have to chose a circuit. I can't keep running both full time. But which one should I let go of?' She let the question run through her brain as she flew down the shore.

Three quarters the way through her route the answer came to her. 'I'll keep car racing... It has a shorter circuit, and brings in more money. Then I can dabble in the BMX racing and just enjoy it... And I can enjoy the wind.'

As she enjoyed the wind rushing around her, the smell of the air wafted through her. 'It smells like her. The wind ... the sea wind... it feels like her caressing me.' Running with all her might, Haruka let the sea wind seduce her as it washed over her skin and tugged at her clothing and hair. She left her planned route as she focused on siren's call of the sea's wind. She came to when her foot landed in water. The wave stroked her ankle. Looking down at it, she exclaimed. "Michiru?" Reaching down, she picked up a piece of algae that was clinging to her leg. It was the same color as Michiru's hair.

Glancing back the way she came, Haruka tried to remember avoiding the jutting outcroppings, but she could remember nothing. Looking back at the algae in her hand, she carefully placed it back into the water. Smiling, she felt the water lapping around her ankles, as if it was trying to pull her in. Stepping out of the water for a moment, Haruka took off her running shorts and shoes and placed them on a nearby rock. As she walked back to the water she watched to see if it would retreat, or if she was still welcomed. A wave surged up to the shore and almost dragged her out to sea. Haruka let the second one succeed. With her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time, she realized the sea had done what the wind could not. It washed her worries away.