FwB

by harukaze

No commitments. When you want to talk we can talk. When you want to act as if you don’t know me, I don’t know you either. Just as it started so casually, we can end it casually. Just say you’re done and we’re done. No gray areas…just black and white. HM

13. Just Another Manic Monday

Chapter 13: Just Another Manic Monday

All the board meetings all day had been excruciatingly long…and boring…

She stifled a yawn so as to not disrespect the representatives of the other company present in the room as one of the boards of directors' voice effectively lulled her to a semi-sleeping state. She felt a soft hand wander onto her lap, taking her out of her sleep induced stupor and looked to her left where her mother gave her a mixed look of worry and care. She only smirked back in assurance, resolute on paying more attention. Yoshiko squeezed her thigh with her hand lovingly before retracting it, her attention once again at the discussion before them.

About an hour later and Haruka yawned loudly in the elevator ride back up to their office, the elder female Tenoh beside her looking at her in amusement.

"Didn't sleep well last night?"

The tomboy could only smirk, thoughts of last night gracing her mind momentarily. "I did…just not enough."

Yoshiko nodded at her cryptic words. "How was it…your day with Michiru-chan?"

At this the young CEO could only give a genuine and wide smile. "It was good…we went to a nice coffee shop for breakfast, went to her grandfather's for lunch, visited her sister, and went to Regency for dinner," she stated like a happy child and smiled wider at the amused look her mother was still sporting her.

"Care to elaborate some more of those? I would personally like how Kaioh Kei thought of you…"

"He hated me," Haruka laughed brashly. "I could tell…He probably thought I was like…some kind of a bad influence on his grandchild, especially when she said I was her best friend, but of course he didn't want to look like he wanted to start a fight with a kid over it…so we just kind of let it go…"

Yoshiko shook her head in disagreement, her smile still fixed on her refined features. "He was notoriously known for his silent, but serious demeanor. When he didn't want something, his face usually said it for him…not his mouth."

The blonde nodded, remembering the staring contests she and the old man shared during her and Michiru's short visit to the undisclosed tea house.

"And you visited Yui-chan as well?"

"Nh…at the Kaioh cemetery."

"How was that?"

At this, the tomboy had to give a loud sigh. "I've never seen such a…dead cemetery…don't mind the pun…" Yoshiko laughed, knowing full well what her daughter was meaning to say. "The place reminded me of what you said about rich people and their history…"

She only nodded and patted her daughter's shoulder softly. "I'm glad everything's going well between the two of you…although I doubt it's as perfect as you claim it is…"

Haruka sighed again. "We're in this phase…friends…just…friends…" The elder female Tenoh looked at her momentarily in worry. "I mean…I'm happy that I can finally talk to her again…it's been too long…but…everything feels so…short…" And this thought led her to the violinist's planned marriage which sparked only one thought in her mind. "Sugiura…" Her right hand balled into a fist, Yoshiko's look becoming that much more confused and worried. "I hope I don't see him soon."

But before she could ask her daughter to elaborate, the elevator door had opened and both Tenohs found Yuki standing in front of her desk waiting for them anxiously instead of at lunch where she should've been already.

The aged secretary looked at Haruka before stating somewhat nervously, "There's someone…in your office." Two pairs of emerald eyes narrowed. "I explained that it was beyond your lunch break, but she wouldn't listen."

At first the blonde thought it might've been Jiro…and almost felt inclined to welcome him in her office for a little…brawl…but…

"Both of you should go in…She doesn't look…too pleased."

Without another word to their secretary's almost cryptic sentences, both Tenohs made their way to Haruka's office, the tomboy opening it and her emerald eyes widening just a bit at the crop of wavy blue hair in a bun atop a sitting figure, her back towards them. Looking at her mother's expression, she found only one thin eyebrow making its way up in skepticism before she finally walked to her leather chair, not meeting the eyes of a very morose faced Kaioh Shina.

Finally meeting eyes with familiar gray ones that stared steely back at her, she gave a small bow of her head and greeted without unlocking their gazes, "Good afternoon Kaioh-san…how may I help you?"

Her mother only stood beside her in her full height, her right hand resting itself on the top of Haruka's executive leather chair. But it was as if she wasn't in the room itself, Shina not paying one bit of attention to her.

"What are you to my daughter?"

The tomboy's eyes narrowed just a bit more from her question, but felt oddly nonchalant. "Michiru-san and I are friends."

"Friends? Really…"

She hadn't noticed the brown envelope in the elder Kaioh's arms until she made it obviously clear. Flickering her eyes to acknowledge it momentarily, her attention flittered back to gray eyes still calculatingly fixed on hers. Without dropping the relentlessly heavy eye contact, Shina pulled the flap of the envelope open, pulled the contents inside of it out, and slapped it all on Haruka's desk, the sound whipping the silent air roughly.

The young CEO didn't look at them immediately, her emeralds still upon grays. Sighing just a bit at how annoyed she suddenly felt at this intrusion, she gathered her attention on the papers now strewn all over her desk and her eyes could only narrow from there.

They were pictures…all taken yesterday…

"Kind of low to have someone follow your daughter's whereabouts—

"How dare you!"

Shina stood up in anger, her hands curling into fists…and it only took the tomboy several moments to feel the frustrations regarding her feelings for Michiru's parents to flare up as well.

"If you're here to merely point fingers Kaioh-san then you're wasting both my and your time," she stated sarcastically, pushing a black and white picture of the violinist and her inside Regency, the smaller woman's hand softly on her cheek and a warm look upon her face.

Her jaw clenched in anger as the next picture came into view: of Michiru smiling at her as she left her car.

The blonde's sarcasm didn't leave as she pushed each picture away. "Oh look…it almost looks like there's a storyline involved…" she muttered and her eyes turned into dangerous slits as the picture of Jiro came up, his hand on his cheek and looking every bit the sorry man she knew he was going to be when they meet up again, leaving the elevator of the violinist's condo and going to his car. Looking back up at furious gray eyes, she grunted lowly, "Is there a point to this Kaioh-san?"

Shina looked as if she was having a hard time composing herself…not used to being spoken down to, least of all a child.

"I will ask again," she stated in a dangerous and low manner. "What is your relationship with Michiru-chan?"

And it was here where Haruka stood up as well, her hands curling into fists and the picture of Jiro crushed in her grip. "I personally think it's stupid to answer a question I've already clearly answered…"

Gray eyes burned furiously at her mockingly placed answer. "Do you really think me stupid to believe that?!"

"Then don't come here asking questions when your mind already has obviously placed preconceived notions," the blonde bit back.

"Friends," Shina spat. "Friends don't look at each other like that!" And threw the picture of their hands touching in Regency at her. "Friends do not call one another at ten in the evening to stay for the night! I am not stupid Tenoh-san! You really expect me to think my daughter and you are just 'friends' when all these pictures show otherwise?"

She slammed a photograph on the table, eliciting a loud whack to end her tirade and Haruka's gaze to fall upon the picture of Michiru and her that morning, hugging before departing for the day.

And all of the sudden she felt all the anger coursing from her body leave and she could only feel empty. Her eyes drifted to all the scattered pictures…the two of them at Regency, her giving her blazer to an obviously cold and lost faced violinist, the two of them entering her beach house to get out of the cold and dark night, the two of them leaving together several hours later as morning made its presence known…

And she could only laugh painfully…her emerald eyes tearing up as she locked eyes again to gray ones that suddenly looked surprisingly up at her.

"I wish…" she stated softly, feeling the familiar drum of her agonizingly beating heart. "That I could proudly tell you that Michiru and I are more than friends…" Shina swallowed audibly at her sentence as her gaze went back to the pictures on her desk. "I wish…that she would look at me as more than that…but regardless of what you think Kaioh-san…that's all we are…friends…That's all we'll ever be." She looked back up to the elder female Kaioh with an obviously defeated face. "She knows what she'll lose…so even if she was struck with sudden enlightenment that maybe there's a possibility we could be more…she wouldn't give up what she's worked so hard for…Not for me…"

Quietness befell the room as Haruka ended, her pained expression never leaving. Gripping her temples with her fingers, she sat back down on her seat and looked back up as soon as she squeezed the dammed tears in her eyes out.

Locking eyes with gray ones once again, she stated softly, "These pictures…all they do is start nestling seeds of doubt…Don't follow your daughter anymore…lest she finds out about them and begins doubting you."

And once again, Shina's defiant stance came back, her eyes narrowing once more, although this time just a bit less hostile. "Regardless of what you may think Tenoh-san, it wasn't my idea to take these pictures."

Haruka's eyes widened in confusion at her words.

"These were sent to me at the office this morning," the elder Kaioh said with a clipped tone. "Someone saw the two of you at Regency yesterday…they followed you since. One billion yen for each roll of film they took. From what I gathered…they took at least ten…They want an answer by the end of the day…or they'll make an article out of it by morning."

Emerald eyes narrowed into slits as her hands balled into fists once more.

O--O--O--O--O

It's been a tiring day and it was only just a little after lunch time. Unfortunately for Michiru, "lunch" hasn't arrived yet, but surprisingly enough, in and of itself, her father had asked her out to eat at the most conveniently placed time.

"Your father says not to call your driver," Shizuka stated beside her as she took her phone out to do just that. "He's coming to pick you up himself."

The violinist nodded, albeit reluctantly and looked around at the radio station they were waiting inside of. There were bodyguards placed everywhere and she couldn't help, but feel a little stifled from all the people surrounding her, but her manager insisted that it was a necessary precaution; her fanbase had finally nurtured itself into a rabid one. Sighing just a bit, they waited for a few more minutes until her phone rang, her father imminent in the other line.

"I'm outside Michiru-chan," he greeted, as loud and raucous voices peeled out from his end. "There's a lot of people out here so make use of those bodyguards okay?"

"Nh," she only voiced. "I'll be out in a couple of minutes."

She noticed Shizuka begin directing the bodyguards around them as some nodded in consent to what she was saying while others only stood in quiet understanding. Walking in between a line of eight, four at each side, they began making their way out, the noise coming from outside getting slowly louder as they walked ever closer.

As the door to the radio station opened, shouts of her name rang through the air and she could only give what she hoped didn't look like an exasperated smile out. The bodyguards were doing a great job pushing people away as she strode on, her manager beside her and feeling little touches from random people that she could only smile at. The door to her father's limo was already open, his chauffeur opening it widely for her and a few more bodyguards near it to prevent people from coming through.

She smiled at Kaioh Shinji before making her way inside the stuffy limo, waving at her manager who only smiled back before turning back towards the radio station. The limo lurched forward and finally they were taken out of the too crowded vicinity and into Tokyo's busy streets.

"That's some fanbase you got," Shinji stated with a smirk and Michiru could only smile in exasperation.

"Nh…the new album's doing well," she stated and received a bark of laughter.

"Well?" her father asked incredulously. "Well…would be about five hundred thousand in the first week…not the first day…and it's only lunch time…"

The violinist smiled at her father's rare show of praise, but noted the apprehensive look etched deeply into his sapphire eyes.

"Is something wrong otou-san?"

But he only kept smiling at her and even patted her leg for good measure. "Your mother will be joining us too by the way," he stated. "For lunch."

To say that she was surprised at this sudden turn of event was an understatement. "You…Kaioh-Miroku isn't busy?"

"It is," Shinji stated off handedly. "But…we just want to know how our little girl's doing…that's all."

She detected the little lie in his voice, but only gave a worried look before nodding in understanding.

The drive to her father's choice of restaurant was quiet soon after, making Michiru feel oddly out of place. She was close to her parents, but not at the same time…which was kind of weird in and of itself. They were all close…before Yui died…

The car stopped finally as she looked outside through the tinted windows to see Il Miele, a sophisticated Italian styled restaurant/garden. Their driver opened the door and she and the elder male Kaioh went out.

With a soft smile in his face, Shinji wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a fatherly way and led them both inside the restaurant. The maitre d' noticed them immediately and they were led into the garden area of the establishment. They followed the cobblestones, reaching a secluded table surrounded by sweetly full bloomed forget-me-nots. The violinist smiled at the pretty picture before her before taking the chair Shinji pulled out, looking at him gratefully as he did so.

"We'll be waiting for my wife before we order," he said to the waiter who had followed them in at the request of the maitre d' who bowed deeply before walking farther away, but not completely out of sight.

Michiru couldn't help the sharp intake of breath as she heard what her father had just said. She couldn't even remember the last time he spoke that softly about her mother, least of all calling her his wife…She wondered briefly if there was a chance for them to go back together. But as this thought graced her mind, she couldn't help, but question the frown suddenly imminent on her father's features as well.

"Michiru-chan…"

She frowned momentarily at how troubled he seemed, before giving an asking look in return.

Shinji leaned back into his chair and looked at her with the same pools of sapphire eyes. "Is there…anything you'd like to tell me?"

The violinist gave an outward look of confusion only because it rang through her body and mind as the question was uttered.

"What do you mean otou-san?"

But the elder male Kaioh merely shrugged. "Well…we haven't spoken in a while…and I'm kind of worried about your well-being…" he stated softly. "Is there anything you need me to know? Anything at all…I mean…" He looked away for a second as if gathering his thoughts before continuing, "Your mother and I…we care a lot about you. If…if this entire…marriage thing is giving you a lot of stress…making you…I don't know…maybe experiment? We—

"Otou-san…I'm sorry about not coming yesterday…"

"No…no it's not that…" Shinji stroked his goatee uncomfortably, seemingly knowing what to say, but having a hard time getting it out.

Michiru had never seen him in this state. She's always seen the proud, the strong, the sure Kaioh Shinji he's shown to everyone…especially his family. Seeing him so unsure of something flared the worry that had began eating her inside.

"How do you feel about Jiro-kun?"

Her eyebrows stitched together at the almost random question. "He's…a nice man…" she stated and she felt she could've said that a week ago and meant it, but after last night, lying through her teeth was the best she could do.

The elder male Kaioh nodded. "Nh and you're more than happy to marry him?"

The young woman smiled sarcastically. "I wouldn't say happy…" she said while looking away. "But…it's for the better…isn't it?"

Shinji looked as if he didn't want to answer the question. Instead he looked down at their unopened menu and his frown could only deepen. "Could you love learn to love him? As I loved your mother?"

Michiru felt her stomach lurch at such a question. Love…and all its wonder mixed as a word with the name Sugiura Jiro seemed almost like a joke to her… She stared passively at a bright blue forget-me-not and restrained her fingers from going up to her temples to massage a headache that had begun lurking there.

"I…don't understand why I have to." Sapphires once again connected, her father looking at her imploringly as she reached in the crevices of her heart to try to explain to her father that it was nearly impossible without having to say why. "It's…it's an arranged marriage. I don't understand why falling in love with Jiro has to be…a prerequisite for it."

"We just want to ensure that your relationship becomes as full and as long as both of you want it to be—

"Nh, for the sake of Kaioh-Miroku—

"No!" Shinji almost yelled, making younger sapphires widen in surprise. He sighed loudly and looked at her with the same troubled look. "I know…you think we're only doing this for the sake of the company, but we…we want you to be happy as well. We're not trying to force your feelings on Jiro-kun…We want you to merely…acknowledge him as your partner."

The violinist sighed this time.

"Is…is there something you want from him? Something—

"No…"

"Then…what can he do Michiru-chan?"

"Was grandfather like this with you and okaa-san?"

The sudden question took the elder male Kaioh aback. Rebellious eyes looked up at him as he sighed, knowing full well what the answer was. "N…no…but—

"Then why are you making this so hard?"

"Promise me that…you'll be true to him—

"That's so unfair otou-san…" They looked at one another uneasily before Michiru continued, "If I were to ask you the same thing…you would've already broken it…"

This small statement was what completely shut the CEO's mouth. His daughter looked away with the same troubled expression their faces both mirrored as she shook her head tiredly.

"I will do as I told you both I would," she said softly, looking at the scene around them instead of at her father. "But falling in love…shouldn't be an obligation."

Quietness befell them again, her sage words disappearing in the still air around them. A few minutes passed in awkward silence until Shina finally arrived, her features more troubled this afternoon than Michiru had ever seen before. They shared a brief hug before she took her spot next to Shinji, placing a brown envelope on the table next to her water as she did so.

The violinist gave the envelope a momentary glance before looking back at her parents who were now both looking at her inquiringly. She gulped. She felt naked in their stares, her heart palpitating from the silence that had permeated the air so effectively. She wondered briefly what this was about…and her thoughts swam randomly in circles, starting nowhere and ending nowhere in the quest of finding out for herself what was happening.

"D…" She looked up as she heard her mother's voice and looked at her in askance, a confused expression she doesn't normally see gracing the face of the elder female Kaioh's. Gray eyes looked at her as she continued albeit slowly, "Did…Are you happy…with us?"

Michiru's eyebrows resumed its stitched, confused frown. She looked momentarily at her father who only looked anxiously away.

"Have we done…anything wrong to merit…any bad decisions—

"I don't understand what you're trying to say okaa-san," she stated in a perplexed manner and Shina's jaw noticeably clenched tighter in obvious worry.

The lurking headache had finally showed itself and just as sudden, the aqua haired woman couldn't help, but be tired of the roundabout way her parents had both been talking since they asked her for this outing.

Sighing loudly in her growing frustration, she looked at both of them in irritated askance and stated, "I'm not…entirely sure what's going on, but I would appreciate it if one of you could…kind of tell me."

Her mother looked at her then with an almost accusing glare. "What is Tenoh-san to you?"

The question…was not what she was expecting. Haruka? This was about Haruka? She wondered briefly if they had found out about their relationship a month back, but didn't want to get ahead of herself. There was no use digging her own grave…

Wiping the clearly surprised look on her features, Michiru opted for a confused one instead. "We're…friends…" she only stated…which in its entirety was…true.

"We're your parents…I hope you understand that Michiru-chan," Shinji commented off handedly, making the violinist's attention swivel to him.

Laughing a little, in obvious uneasiness, the violinist continued, "I…don't know what's gotten into both of you, but…"

She softly trailed off as her eyes caught her mother's actions. The blue haired woman reached into the envelope and placed a stack of pictures in front of her, the first one effectively widening her sapphire eyes in shock. Her heart fluttered a little as her attention flickered to Haruka's handsome smiling face, and then at her own soft look as they stared at one another, her hand upon the tomboy's.

It didn't take her long to figure out that this picture was taken during their dinner in Regency, and almost inwardly chastised herself at how…obvious her features were that she was completely and utterly taken by the brash and boisterous CEO sitting before her.

She looked up then at the calculating stares of both of her parents and couldn't help, but look away again, feeling like a child who just got caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar. Nevertheless, she was resolute on saying the truth…not the entire truth per se…but more or less…the truth.

"We're friends," the violinist said softly and looked back at her parents. "Nothing more, nothing less."

"It doesn't…frighten you that…being friends with someone like her is—

"What is that…okaa-san?" She didn't realize she had cut her own mother off until her irritated voice cut the air like a knife. She looked away in obvious disgust. "Like her…What is that?"

"A lesbian," Shina stated clearly and with a hint of disgust in her voice as well.

But Michiru's sardonic laughter only rang out between them. "You make it sound like it's…some form of disease—

"To me it's like an infection that'll only worsen the more you entertain it—

"And to me, she's like the best-friend I never had the chance to grow up with."

She had never openly defied her parents. She had never spoken out of turn…never spoken back. She was…the perfect girl…But she realized then how much Haruka meant to her when even her mother's biting comments were something she was more than able to stand up against and even more-so fight.

"I don't know what your preconceived notions are of Haruka…but she is more than the woman you think her as. She is not just…some lesbian. She is not an infection that will fester and grow…"

She bit her lip at the thought of Haruka's words being right when they finally got out of her grandfather's tea house yesterday…She had thought the tomboy was kind of stretching it for she couldn't even imagine there were people so rudely brought up that they would rather "choke on nails" as the blonde had crassly stated, than stay with her in the same room. But as she looked up to her mother's eyes…her gray, disgusted, evading eyes, her heart could only throb painfully at how unfair life was.

She wished then that they could get to know Haruka well…If they were to even spend one afternoon with her, they might understand who she was and why she meant so much to her—

"I don't want you to be seen with her again." Sapphires widened in shock at her mother's coldly placed words, but Shina only looked back resolutely.

Her heart hammered painfully now. They had just become friends…they had just stopped being masochistic martyrs and were already becoming friends. Why? Why did they have to stop seeing one another? What was so wrong with it? They were just…friends…What was so wrong with that??

"Why?"

"These pictures…" Shinji suddenly stated. "They're from a sender who could tarnish yours, Tenoh-san's…all of our reputation. They asked for one billion yen per roll of film. Your mother and I are more than willing to erase this away, but—

"No—

"You have to do something at your end too Michiru-chan!" the elder male Kaioh yelled. But Michiru could only shake her head in disagreement, her features now showing the pained feeling her inside tormented from. "You just came out with an album! If…if this whole thing goes out, your career as you know it will be over—

"I don't care—

"You're willing to throw away your entire life for…a friend?!" There was only silence for a few minutes after Shinji's outburst and finally the dammed tears in Michiru's eyes broke out. The only male Kaioh looked at her, his expression of mixed confusion and worry.

He glanced worriedly at Shina who was also looking away now, a conflicted look upon her face. Someone had to be resolute…if only to fix this problem.

"We're not doing this because we don't trust you…This isn't some kind of retaliation on our part because you have always been our perfect little girl." He swallowed his guilty feelings down as he could only stare resolutely at his daughter's obviously hurting, silently crying figure. "But…we are doing this for your sake…more than ours. This is to ensure you have a wonderful future."

A defiant look flittered across Michiru's face only to be swamped down again by the torrent of sadness overtaking her entire being.

Gulping again, Shinji continued, "We'll pay them what they want…if only for them to shut up for a little bit longer. Meanwhile…we'll have to rush the date of your wedding to quell any disbelief of the media…"

Sapphire eyes widened at the words and ideas coming out too quickly from her father's mouth, her heart skipping a beat from the anxiousness suddenly placed in with her torrent of depression.

"Your mother and I have decided that to get rid of distractions is a must…at least until after the wedding. Tenoh-san is included in this…as well as Satoshi-san."

It felt as if the wind was getting knocked out of her repeatedly. She locked eyes with her father's same sapphires in quiet, albeit horrified disbelief.

"We implore you…to get your priorities straight, Michiru-chan. We believe you when you say that Tenoh-san is only a friend. If she is just that…what we've just asked of you shouldn't be that hard. Satoshi-san will once again be your driver after the wedding ceremony is over only because he seems to be the main reason why you keep seeing that girl. Everything will go back to normal after the wedding…it's just a matter of—

"No."

"You have to give something more than incessant no's Michiru!"

"I have given my all for this family!" The aqua haired woman cried loudly, her frustrations coming to the surface. Her parents' eyes widened at her outburst as her tears continued rolling on. "Maybe the problem is I haven't said enough no's otou-san…" she stated, looking at Shinji who could only stare silently back. "I've never voiced my opinion against anything the two of you had already decided on. You wanted an every Saturday meal in which we could look like a family? Fine! I'll act like your perfect little girl who was okay with your troubled marriage. You wanted to finalize a divorce that's been on a standstill? Great! Never mind the fact that it hurts for me to see both of you hurting so much…just as long as I don't refute a word against yours! You want me to marry Jiro? Okay…I'll marry him…I'll marry him when you want me to. Tell me the date and time and I'll be there…But don't take people who I deem important away from me when I haven't done anything unfavorable against you."

Silence danced across the entire table, Michiru's frustrated frown imminent on her troubled, still crying face as both of her parents looked away from her and one another.

"I will not stop seeing Haruka…We're not doing anything wrong…I want Satoshi-san back…he was the only person who understood what I wanted even when I didn't ask. I will accept a rushed date for the wedding if only for these reasons…otherwise I don't care what the media may cook up…I want it done under my terms or we can wait for the year to end as was the plan to begin with."

They had never seen their daughter this defiant before which was surprising in and of itself. And Michiru had now decided that she can't…won't take any of what she said back. Immediately this was what she thought Yui must've felt when they told her to marry back then…this undeniable feeling that she was right…and they were wrong, which raised a bit of pride in her…that she could at least be like her sister when push came to shove.

Her mother sighed loudly gathering the attention of the table. Gray eyes looked worriedly at her as she asked, "What do you want to do then Michiru-chan?"

The violinist swallowed the random feelings dancing in her in order to control her mind. This was important…If she couldn't show how serious she was now about this entire thing, there was no way her parents would look at her in the same light again.

"When do you want the date to be?"

"A month and half from now," Shinji stated looking somewhat conflicted.

"Just enough time for all of us to straighten anymore loose ends," her mother joined as well. "Proper invitations, the wedding dresses, bridesmaids…all that stuff…"

Michiru nodded, looking slightly overwhelmed. "I'll be sure to take care of it—

"I'll be there as well." She looked up at her mother who had spoken up and cut her off. "Not that I don't trust you, dear," the elder female Kaioh stated seriously. "But…I consider it a big event…my daughter getting married. I would like to be there to support you and help you and just…be there…so everything will be easier and you won't have to be stressed as much."

"Kaioh-Miroku—

"Will be taken care of…" her father stated and smiled. "You may think that this is just some kind of a business venture for us Michiru-chan, but…it's not just that. We genuinely want you to be happy. I'll be taking care of the company while your mother helps you with whatever you may need."

The aqua haired woman looked at her parents silently for a second before nodding and smiling gratefully. "And it'll be alright for Haruka to join?"

Shina looked away, but her father merely looked at her. "What is she to you?" he asked seriously.

Michiru's smile widened somewhat as she glanced passively once again at the forget-me-nots surrounding them. "She…is my best friend and confidante," she said softly. "I don't…I can't do this without her."

Her parents looked at her seriously, taking her words and everything that came with it to mind.

"And nothing will come out of it except friendship?" her mother asked sternly.

The violinist's smile somewhat saddened. "Nh…I respect both of you and your positions too much for it to go any further," she said quietly, her parents eyes widening in unison at her honesty. "She and I are friends…it will remain that way until all signs tell me that it should go further…at which time I will sever our ties…so no one will get hurt."

She couldn't see the shocked expressions her parents were sporting, her attention focused on the little throb of pain emitting from her heart. That familiar lump lodged itself in her throat again as her gaze merely fell on one blue, small, but strong flower.

"Don't…do anything about the pictures. I'll contact Haruka and Jiro tonight…We'll all go out in the public eye and act…as best as we can to quell anymore media suspicions. I'll even ask Hikaru-san to come for good measure."

Michiru looked back up to her parents' worried glances at which she just smiled at. "It was my fault…that these pictures were taken. I was careless. Therefore I'll set it right." She looked down at her lap and gave a soft sigh. "I'm kind of worried about Jiro and Haruka meeting up though…Has he seen these pictures by the way?"

Shinji nodded his head. "His copies were delivered to him at about the same time as us so yes…he knows…as well as…"

He looked at his wife who evaded his glance.

"As well as?" Michiru asked, looking at her mother's frowning expression.

"Tenoh…san," the elder male Kaioh answered. Her eyes widened at his answer and soon after, her attention swiveled back to Shina.

"Okaa-san…is—

"I merely wanted to know the truth in her words," her mother stated evenly and looked at her just as so. Her pursed lips contorted into a smile, making her look more uneasy than anything. "She hadn't received anything…I just wanted to know if…You both…said the same thing…Friends. Just friends." She nodded more to herself as she spoke out. "I believe it."

The young woman nodded, albeit hesitantly at her mother's carefully placed words. She just hoped that Haruka was okay…That she didn't take anything Shina said out of context or saw her in a begrudgingly new low…because as much as they were the polar opposites in the world…the picture of her mother and Haruka getting along…at least talking civilly to one another…was a dream she would be more than willing to give up almost anything to come true.

Shinji was the first to break the silence Michiru hadn't noticed settled itself once more at their table as he opened his napkin and spread the triangular cloth over his lap. "Let's…have lunch shall we?"

The two women only nodded as he waved their waiter's attention to them, but the violinist didn't feel at all hungry. Her appetite had ebbed ever since the beginning of this lunch and all that she could think about now was what she could do tonight. Her hands were itching to call the blonde up…ask her if she was okay first and second if she could join her in making a plan to shut reporters up tonight. She didn't notice her father's worried face locked on hers nor her mother's frown that hadn't disappeared since the start of their lunch.

O--O

"Hello?"

Her heart skipped a beat, a smile her face hadn't been able to show a genuine kind of all day finally passing through.

"Good evening Haruka," she greeted and bit her lip softly, her insides warming at the thought of even just talking with her on the phone.

"Hey," the blonde answered in the other line. "How're you?"

"Good…" Silence danced between them as she heard the little scuffles the paperwork the tomboy was working with in the other line. "When are you off?"

"Hmm…maybe a half an hour more. I'm actually kind of tired…long day."

"I'm sorry…"

She could feel the worry emanating from the line as Haruka asked, "About what?"

"My mother…" Then there was silence again. "I…don't know what happened," Michiru started. "But…I hope—

"Nothing…really happened Michiru…Moreover…the situation about the pictures…"

"It's what I'm calling about…I mean…I wanted to speak to you too…"

She trailed off as low laughter came from the blonde, her smile widening. "Ahh…so mean…You always have a reason to call…You don't miss me at all!"

"I do Haruka!" she exclaimed and laughed as well. "I missed you…I really did…"

"Mhmm," the tomboy sounded. "So what then…what do you want?"

"Mmm don't be like that…"

"Like what?"

"Making me feel bad."

Haruka gave another husky laugh, making Michiru's eyes close if only for a moment where she could feel as if they were conversing next to one another instead of across phone lines.

Opening her eyes once more at her empty condominium, she stated, "I was hoping…that you, me…and Jiro…could put on a show tonight…"

Her eyebrows stitched worriedly as silence only answered the other line. Fearing that the blonde may have chucked her phone in irritation at such a tactless request, her mind began putting words together if only to take back what she had just said.

But instead, the tomboy only replied back, "Do you know Matsu Takeru?"

Michiru was taken aback at the sudden question, but nonetheless nodded. "The famous actor?"

"Nh…We're making a new house for him…As a show of thanks he invited me and anyone else I wanted for his week long birthday celebration. Tonight will be one of the preliminary nights before the main bash on Saturday. It'll be held in his mansion in northern Tokyo. There'll be a lot of people there…paparazzi…red carpet…he's pretty vain…"

The violinist laughed at her added off handed comments.

"But yeah," Haruka continued. "It's supposedly the 'party of the year'. If there's any place we want to get the media's attention in…it'll be there."

It was a good idea…It was the best idea given the short notice. Michiru nodded to herself before answering, "Yeah…it sounds viable."

"Tell Satoshi-san to call me up so I can tell him the address and I'll meet you and Sugiura up over at your place. We can all go in the same limo…It should look good…for our entrance."

The younger woman smiled sadly at the blonde's words and replied, "Nh, it should. Oh…I'll ask Jiro to bring Hikaru-san…for you…so it doesn't look like you're a third wheel…"

She felt this was a good call…seeing as the two of them had, had their flings before. The overwhelming feeling of jealousy entered her again just then and she wished she could be the one looped around in Haruka's arms tonight instead of the younger blonde woman.

A hesitant, "Okay" came from the other line making her nod almost automatically.

"I'll see you in a bit then?" she asked hopefully.

"Yeah."

She hung up the phone and called Satoshi up to relay to him what was going to happen that night. She had called him earlier after her lunch with her parents to tell him that he hadn't been laid off at which he just laughed at. Ten apologies later at which he replied that he understood for all of them and probably more, he picked her up from Il Miele and dropped her off to the next radio station site.

Looking up at the clock that read just after five thirty in the evening, Michiru sighed softly before going down her call log again, stopping at Jiro's name and pressing the call button.

It had barely started ringing before a reluctant, "Hello?" peaked out from the other end.

"Jiro…hi," she answered, feeling the familiar sense of discomfort raging in her system.

"Michiru…good evening," the tall man replied. "How are you?"

"I…that is to say…we…have a busy night actually," the violinist stated. "My parents…did they tell you anything?"

"Y…yeah. The wedding date's been changed…and you were going to do something about…the pictures…"

"Nh…" she nodded. "We'll be attending a party tonight…Matsu-san's birthday bash in his mansion. I was hoping you could call Hikaru-san up…so she and Haruka could go together."

"Hnh…Just…Haruka, huh?"

An angry feeling settled itself in her stomach as her eyebrows furrowed ever closer. "We'll talk about this later…The main priority tonight will be to invalidate the pictures taken yesterday—

"How much of those pictures were true Michiru?"

"Don't start this…"

"If not now, when?"

"We'll talk," Michiru stated exasperatedly. "After everything's calmed down to normalcy we'll talk." She gulped her irritated feelings down. "I'm doing this more for the company than myself…I hope you know that. I could care less if people start spinning stories about what Haruka and I are and what that leaves you as, but…reputation…comes before feelings. My parents' reputation more than anything…comes before my feelings. So do this for them…do this for yourself for you will own what they will leave behind. Don't think me selfish enough that I'm doing this merely to keep my album sales flourishing…because I learned a long time ago that my music is what comes before who I should be seen in the public eye…not the other way around…"

Jiro only stayed quiet at her words.

"I'll see you in an hour or so…my condominium."

Waiting for his answer, silence raged between the phone lines, until an audible, "About last night…" trailed off.

Michiru chuckled, more out of worry than anything. "If anything…know that Haruka is who I turned to after what happened last night. Just…she's very protective of me…and hates you right now…I'm not asking you to like her although you may need to get used to her presence because I deem her very important in my life…married to you or not. What you did last night was wrong Jiro…But no one except you, me, and Haruka will ever know about it. Know that I've always looked at you in high regards prior to what you did…but I can't see you as being more, especially after it.

"I will see you in an hour."

The red haired man only stayed quiet. Feeling that their conversation was over, the violinist looked at her phone momentarily and hung up. Sighing to quell the random, jumping emotions pervading her entire system, she stood up from her living room sofa and walked to her room, deciding with her mind what she'd wear for the night.

O--O

She slung her tie across her body, her hands mechanically tying it in place having done so numerous times already in her short lifetime. She looked at herself in the mirror: at her unruly blonde hair, her stiff, straight posture, her furrowed eyebrows, and her narrowed dark green eyes. She wordlessly pulled her tucked dress shirt out a bit, flung her tie behind her and shrugged her white blazer coat on.

She trudged to her shoe closet while tugging on the tie and picked an extra shiningly polished one at her eye level. Sitting on a small, square sofa, she silently put the shoes on in a relatively quick manner, her hands patting down her white trousers as she finished and grabbing her car keys and wallet before making her way out.

Her phone rang out as she pushed the elevator button down, her hands snaking their way to her pockets as she took it out.

"On your way out?"

"Yeah," she answered and went into the elevator as soon as it opened.

"You sound angry Haruka-chan…"

She bit the sides of her mouth. "I'm…contemplating on what to do to Sugiura…"

Yoshiko sighed in the other line as she punched the first parking garage button. "Aka-chan…be nice…"

"Why should I be?"

"You're supposed to put on a show aren't you?"

"I don't have to put on a show when it's just us in the same room."

"Be nice dear…"

"After all that's happened today, I don't think being nice is possible…"

"Then do it…for Michiru-chan's sake…"

She sighed outwardly, hating the fact that she was expecting that kind of answer from her mother. Balling her hand into an irritated fist, she muttered lowly, "And if I ever find out who was following me and Michiru yesterday…I'm going to pummel him too…"

"Do well tonight and it shouldn't all blow up—

"That's not the point…" the blonde grunted, getting out of the elevator and walking to her Ferrari. "Tch…expect it all to go up in smoke when we aren't doing anything to merit a scandal…"

The elder female Tenoh sighed at the other end as she opened the door to her car and stepped in, turning it on momentarily. "I've assigned guards to patrol the beach house by the way…Don't let this whole thing bother you…"

"If it didn't affect Michiru's life it wouldn't…I can only guess what her mother's accusing her of doing…"

"Be there for her…That's probably all she's asking of you Haruka-chan."

"Nh," the blonde sounded, and opened the top down of her Modena Spyder. "I'll be driving now so I'll talk to you later…probably tomorrow."

"Behave well alright?"

She sighed loudly in irritated exasperation. "Yeah…I will…in public…"

"Haruka…"

"Goodnight kaa-san…"

"Take care dear. Tell Michiru-chan I said hi."

She hung up and placed her cell phone in the passenger's side, wondering briefly if Jiro was already in Michiru's condominium and pressing the pedal even lower to get out of the parking garage to get there faster. The mere thought of them being alone together was making her insides boil…

To say that she had been irritated since Kaioh Shina left Tenoh Corporation's vicinity was an understatement. It was the first time in a long time that a lot of the board members had seen her in such a foul disposition, and her mother unfortunately had been way too understanding to stop her sudden berates and angry yells.

They had been followed…and now someone had the gall to blackmail her Michiru. Which caused a spark in the violinist's family to suspect their non-existent relationship which…

She didn't know how it would end…this vicious cause and effect chain. All she knew was that Michiru would be the only one in the receiving end of it…and she would do anything in her power to stop, slow, or if the other two options aren't doable…be with her when it does happen.

Another fifteen minutes elapsed and she was in the violinist's condo's parking garage, the smaller woman's black limo parked and waiting in front of the elevator doors. She chose a spot for her Ferrari before going out and after giving a kind smile to the ever patient Satoshi, went into the elevator.

She hoped to anyone listening to her above that Jiro wasn't there yet…As the elevator opened to Michiru's floor, she stepped up to the door confidently, so unlike the unsure state she was earlier yesterday morning, and knocked loudly.

The door opened to reveal…the tall, red haired man. Haruka's eyes narrowed in slits. Without word she pushed through him, their shoulders colliding roughly as she passed through the entryway and entered the empty living room.

"Where is she?" she asked lowly, turning to his following form.

Jiro's onyx eyes fixed on hers, their angry stances mirroring one another's. "In her room…with Hikaru-san."

She turned away from him and walked across the living room, knocked on Michiru's bedroom door once, and stated clearly, "Michiru, I'm here."

The door opened only a couple seconds later, the violinist greeting her with a beautiful, fitted shiny metallic gray dress on. Haruka's heart fluttered at her smile that greeted her as they shared a hug, her attention flickering to an unsure faced Hikaru in the other end of the room.

"You look good," she said softly and looked at her dress appreciatively.

"You do too," the aqua haired woman stated and followed up by straightening her tie and flattening the parts of her white suit over. "Hikaru-san's helping me fix my hair…would…you like to come in?"

A troubled look flashed across the blonde's face as she looked over her shoulder, her peripherals catching Jiro's fixed stance. "I think Sugiura and I need to talk actually. Take your time—

"Don't—

"I won't."

Michiru's eyes flittered to Jiro who was eyeing both of them with an irritated look before looking back into clear emerald eyes.

"I won't take long."

The young CEO nodded and turned back as she closed the door to her bedroom, walking towards Jiro and sitting on the sofa directly across from where the tall man was standing.

"Sit down." She didn't want to make it sound like a command, but she couldn't help the dangerously low levels her voice was making at the moment.

"I'll stay standing," the onyx eyed man stated evenly, making her emerald eyes stop looking at everything around him and up at him instead.

"We have a lot to discuss before we can even go out of this condo tonight," she muttered. "Don't make a little thing like sitting down and talking civilly a big deal."

Jiro's eyes narrowed at her small statement and he looked like he wanted to refute, but after a couple more minutes, he decidedly leaned on the armrest of the nearest sofa and half sat, half leaned into it, his arms folding across his chest, his eyes never leaving the angry blonde's as well.

"You have no idea how badly I want to punch you right now…" Haruka started, her voice only low enough for the two of them to hear. The tall man's eyebrows furrowed even deeper at her choice of words as she brushed her blonde hair back in a frustrated manner and grunted loudly, looking wilder than she already was. "Do you know…how painful it is to get a call from her in which you know there's something wrong, but for the life of you can't ask because it's a too serious manner for it to be handled so insensitively through just a mere phone?"

Her eyes flickered to the red haired man's Adam's apple that bobbed as he gulped audibly, her jaw beginning to clamp and her teeth gritting effectively.

She looked away from his face, lest her self control fly out of the window and she acted on her gut feeling of pummeling him to the ground.

"I don't know what you were thinking…or if you were thinking at all when you decided to force yourself on her—

"I don't understand why it has anything to do with you."

"It has everything to do with me," Haruka spat, her body standing up even before her mind could relay the action causing Jiro to stand up in reflex as well.

Her hands balled into fists and all she really wanted to do was punch his face in, but she kept rooted to her spot, her emeralds fixed on his onyx ones.

"You weren't the one she turned to last night. You weren't the one to console her. So I think it's a pretty dumb to assume that the situation you put her through doesn't have anything to do with me." She closed in on the remaining several feet distancing them, the red haired man's stance turning into a defensive one. But she stopped as she was less than a foot from him, their faces and eye levels equal to one another.

They locked eyes at such a close proximity, the air around them charging dangerously.

"You may be her fiancé, but that little known fact means nothing to me," Haruka growled. "It doesn't give you the right to violate her privacy, it doesn't give you the right to think you can have your way with her. It doesn't mean shit. If you force yourself on Michiru one more time…without a word of consent from her…I will disregard the voice of reason blaring out in my head to not kill you and kill you."

Onyx eyes widened at her dangerously narrowed, dark emeralds as they continually stared at one another evenly.

"Don't think for a second I'll hesitate…because if it comes down to Michiru, I will not back down. I'm not some weak, prissy little girl, and if you want to test that fact, I'll gladly show you."

The door to Michiru's bedroom opened, but Haruka and Jiro only continued on with their eye staring contest, a pure look of contempt gracing the blonde's face, as a mixture of anger and confusion raged on the tall man's.

The anger bubbling inside her was slowly making its way out the more she stood at such a close distance from a man she hated with her entire body, but it began dissipating as soon as she felt a soft hand touch her shoulder. She looked down at Michiru's worried face and flickered her attention to Jiro who the violinist looked at now as well. He swallowed audibly, licking his suddenly dry lips before looking away.

"Is everything okay?"

Haruka nodded, her eyebrows still furrowed and her attention still locked on the red haired man. "Nh, just…having a heart to heart talk with your fiancé."

The aqua haired woman smiled, albeit worriedly before asking, "Are you two done?"

The tomboy's voice turned dangerously low. "We'd better be…"

She stood there if only for a few moments more to reiterate how serious she was if what she had said prior wasn't enough for the man in front of her, before turning away and giving a serious smile to the violinist who could only look worriedly on. Her attention flittered to Hikaru who stood at the end of the living room, not heeding much attention to her little black, cocktail dress, and pursed her lips tiredly.

"We'd better go…We still have a long night ahead of us," she stated and glanced at Michiru who nodded. "Let's make this clear so that by the time we get there, we're all great and dandy," she continued on sarcastically. "We're all friends…we have been for some time. Shou-san you're there to quell any belief that Michiru and I are more than that…Sugiura…be the perfect gentleman. If lying is the only viable option…remember the lie so it doesn't pile up into confusion. Answer questions only when someone else is with you so that if the same question comes back up, the same answer will be given. Be happy…" And to prove her point, the blonde gave a disgustingly fake, sweet smile, one that Michiru couldn't help, but chuckle at, at which point she gave a genuine one if only for the woman beside her. "Any questions?"

She received simultaneous shaking of heads before nodding in affirmation and started making her way to the front door, glancing at Hikaru as she did so and eyeing the fiancés with her peripherals. The small blonde woman walked up to her with an unsure smile, the tomboy's eyes devoid of warmth…the same eyes that looked back at her that night in her car.

"What's in this for you?" Haruka asked almost pryingly, her eyes showing the lack of care Hikaru's answer would provide.

"Jiro's my friend. I'm doing this for him," she said softly and locked eyes with her evenly.

She could only smirk widely. "Good…'cuz Michiru's my friend…and I'm only doing this for her." The small woman looked at her in confusion for a moment as she stuck her hand out. "You're a good actor…aren't you Hikaru?"

The long haired woman smirked as well, taking her hand in hers. "Of course I am…Haruka…"

"Good."

Their hands linked together as Haruka turned back to see Michiru's eyes turn from conflicted sapphires into saddened smiling ones.

She couldn't wait for this night to be over…

O--O

For the nth time that night she wondered if Haruka had always been this good at acting.

"Tenoh-san! Sugiura-san! Question please!" a random person yelled in the crowd behind the velvet rope.

Michiru noticed Haruka's easygoing smile flitter across her handsome face once more and smiled at how easily she could sport such a sexy face…and that same smile slid somewhat as Hikaru's as pretty one came alongside the blonde's. All four of them stood in the same close proximity, hundreds of flashbulbs going off at once.

"Are all of you friends?" the same voice in the midst of a sea of people asked loudly.

Haruka slung his free hand across Jiro's shoulder good naturedly while nodding, the violinist seeing her fiancé's face somewhat confused at first before an unsure smile made its way completely in. Apparently not everyone's used to wearing new masks.

"Yeah," the blonde replied and grinned at the red haired man. "Hikaru introduced us a while back and…well Jiro-kun…you want to elaborate?" she asked turning to him. "I don't want to look as if I'm stealing your spotlight here…"

Everyone's attention fixed on the red haired man, and Michiru knew that she was the only one in that entire place who could see the hidden mischief dancing in those enthralling emerald orbs.

"Y-yeah…" Jiro answered albeit reluctantly. "We…umm…met—

"In Kaioh-san's gallery event," the tomboy cut off and continued. "Hikaru and he are friends as you know, and she wanted me to meet him…so I went there if only for that reason."

"But didn't you know Kaioh-san prior to it?"

"Her music, yes," Haruka answered not missing a beat. "But not necessarily her. I contributed to her last charity event and that was it. Who knew they were such an amazing couple though."

She shared a brief smile with Michiru who merely smiled at her comment and at Jiro who gave her a look of small wonder followed by another unsure smile.

"We've been pretty close friends ever since…especially me and Jiro-kun," the tomboy ended and even went as far as to pat the red haired man's shoulder repeatedly.

"Yes," he suddenly nodded, earning the attention of most of the onlookers as well as the people beside him. "Haruka-san and I have become such good friends that…she will be participating in Michiru and my wedding as, at the very least, a groomsman."

If the tall man's words affected the blonde, she didn't show it. Her smile only widened, her slung arms around Jiro and Hikaru looking that much more comfortable.

"And what about you Shou-san? Will you be attending the wedding?"

"Yes, she will be one of my bridesmaids," the violinist answered this time, earning awed looks at the crowd that they had successfully played well.

"So if you'll excuse us, we have a party to attend," Haruka stated lastly, ending the small interrogation session without any rousing suspicions.

As they began turning away, a loud, "Wait!" caught their attention, a mouse of a man shouldering his way to the front to get a better look at all four of them.

The violinist noticed his eyes flicker at the blonde before going to her, missing the other two party members completely before he started, "There…is this rumor going around that you…Kaioh-san and Tenoh-san, are romantically involved."

Chatter erupted in the crowd as shock passed through the general vicinity.

Michiru's eyebrows furrowed as she gave the man a deeper look, his nervous disposition making her suspect him even more. Her gut feeling told her that this was the one responsible for the blackmail attempt. Her gut…was never wrong…She looked back up to Haruka who was smirking again and she automatically knew just by looking at the blonde's expression that the same thought had passed her mind as well.

"Can you tell us…if that's true?"

"Well unfortunately for you," the tall woman stated loudly and clearly. "That rumor is just that…a baseless rumor."

"Then how do you explain the circulating photos of you and Kaioh-san eating a romantic dinner yesterday in the Regency restaurant?"

"Romantic?" the blonde exclaimed, laughter pealing out of her voice. She looked down at her feet in what looked like obvious amusement before looking up at the violinist who was smiling at seeing her amusement as well. "Kaioh-san…do you want to tell these people why we had a 'romantic' dinner last night?"

She chuckled. Lying came so easily it almost scared her…almost. "I…don't know if I should ruin it," she stated, looking at the smiling tomboy as she did so.

Haruka only shrugged. "I don't want to either, but I don't want Jiro-kun to have second thoughts regarding our relationship even more so…"

The small woman nodded, giving a look of simple defeat. Lying…almost seemed like second nature…Maybe it was. "Since Jiro and Tenoh-san have been getting along so well since the gallery meet, I asked her out to ask where she thought my fiancé would like to go for our honeymoon…as a surprise…"

"Oh my God, you're such an insensitive jerk!" Hikaru yelled, dwarfing the smaller man even more with her loud, well placed insult.

"B…but the…you went out of your condo and—

"We didn't come up with a conclusion during dinner so Tenoh-san and I decided to brainstorm some more in her beach house," Michiru stated with a simple shrug. "The wedding date's been moved closer so I wanted to finalize the decision and we got so caught up in talking that we didn't realize there was a storm raging outside until we both decided that it was too late as well as too dangerous for me to go back home…so I stayed the night in the guest quarters…"

The poor man looked honestly lost.

"Would that be all?" Haruka asked, her tone coming out quite dangerously enough to make his eyes widen.

They waited for a small, albeit slow nod before walking towards the mansion, the media no longer interested in their presence and casting their attention instead on more newcomers.

Michiru could feel the waves of anger coming out of the blonde beside her as they walked together, Jiro to her left and Hikaru to Haruka's right. She touched her elbow briefly, getting her attention and seeing the frustration coming out easily in those same emerald eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked, wanting to brush her hair right then if only to quell the irritation coming out of her.

But the blonde only nodded, her furrowed brows never leaving. "That was him…"

"I know."

Their two companies could only look and listen to them in silence.

"I can't wait to make his life a living hell."

"Haruka…"

"Hmm?"

"Don't—

"Was what you said true?" The violinist looked up at her questioningly as she kept her stare straight ahead of her, the looming figure of the mansion coming ever closer to them and the sound of loud music continuously pumped on. She could see her gulp a little, her angry eyes mixed with pain now. "The date for the wedding got moved…closer?"

Michiru had to look away. Nodding, she answered softly, "Nh, to quell any disbelief in case he still lives up to his threat…It was decided this afternoon…when my parents and I were having lunch."

Haruka brushed her hair back in her growing frustrations, the pain in the pit of the violinist's stomach growing the more conflict she saw roll off her best friend. "Then…I really can't wait to make his life a living hell…Don't try to stop me 'cuz I'm resolute about it."

They stopped walking then and it must've looked strange…the four of them. Jiro's hands were linked with Michiru's, but she was more than a few feet away from him, her forehead resting on Haruka's shoulder who's other arm was looped around Hikaru's.

Sighing softly, the tomboy slung her arm good naturedly on the small woman's form and smiled, amidst the troubled look she still sported.

"We'll talk about it later," she stated, her voice softer now than anyone has heard her speak all night, her attention only fixed on the violinist who only looked up at her smiling face. "We're not done acting yet…so until then…let's keep going."

Michiru gulped the lump in her throat down before nodding and parting ways with her, moving closer to her spot beside Jiro who could only look away.

O--O

They were all seated in a pair of white leather loveseats, Haruka and Hikaru on one side, and Jiro and Michiru on another. A coffee table nestled between their respected distances, alcoholic beverages on its smooth, glass surface and loud, raucous music repeatedly pumped out of the surround sound around them. The host of the party, Matsu Takeru, came by earlier if only to show that he knew they were there. He asked about the progression of the building of his new home, how the wedding plans were coming along, and who the blonde's beautiful date was for the night, and then disappeared just as soon as he came. The dance floor was full, acrobats and circus performers littered the ceilings as well as the ground, showing polar opposites of different worlds that graced the inside of the building that night: well pressed suits and cocktail dresses mingling with tattered, prop clothes…aristocrats with the working class.

It was the kind of place…Haruka hated…

She nursed her vodka in her hand and drank it slowly, locking eyes with worried sapphires she only smirked back to.

"You two should dance…it'll look good for picture takers…" she stated through the reverberating music.

She felt sickened at how quickly Jiro stood up with a confident smile and asked for the violinist's hand confidently. She chugged the rest of the remaining vodka down, feeling it sear through her throat roughly. Her eyes shut forcibly close, swallowing some more of the pain down before her eyes flittered open at the soft touch in her cheek.

Michiru's eyes spoke volumes of how worried the smaller woman was.

"I'm fine," she stated, answering an unasked question.

She could see Jiro standing off to the side through her peripherals as the violinist squatted down to her level, taking the empty glass from her hand and placing it back on the coffee table.

"Michiru—

"Let's dance first."

She felt slightly tipsy, her foul mood growing ever since she found out about the moved wedding date. She locked eyes with the smaller woman's pretty sapphires as her lithe hands linked with her own.

Turning away from her, Michiru stated to Jiro, "Cut in after a couple minutes. I just want to make sure Haruka's okay." The tall man sat back down begrudgingly with a sigh as the violinist's attention found an unsure Hikaru. "Come in too…when Jiro decides to come…so you can take my place with Haruka."

At this the tomboy gave a loud, sarcastic laugh. All attention turned towards her as she smiled in mock exasperation. "Pfft! She'll never take your place…"

The aqua haired woman sighed, although the smile in her face gave her away. "Let's go."

Their hands linked, and she followed Michiru out of their table and into the pulsating dance floor, the fast and loud music completely different from the way the violinist's arms had wrapped around her neck and her arms enveloped the other's tiny waist, and how they just swayed slowly…as if they were listening to their own, private song.

Haruka felt drained all of the sudden, but the sapphire eyes fixed on hers for that one moment made her hellish day bearable…livable…if only for little moments like this that they could share unabashedly alone. She felt her heart give way once more and she smiled softly, loving the way those sapphire eyes looked back at only her and how her small hands stroked and played with her hair.

"I've been so caught up with all that's been happening that I haven't commented on how beautiful you look tonight," she said huskily, her smile widening as Michiru's face mirrored her sentiment.

Her left hand rose from the aqua haired woman's waist to her face and stroked her cheeks lovingly and she smiled, if only a little more, at how she leaned into her touch. She brushed her hair a little, pulling a few, combined strands playfully and glancing at amused sapphires.

"Your hair looks nice when it's up too…" The comments seemed to be rolling off her mouth, but the violinist only smiled wider.

"Hikaru-san helped me with it."

Haruka's face darkened somewhat at the mention of the other girl, but her eyes never left the one before her. "Any reason why you chose her tonight?"

Michiru looked at her worriedly as her hand came back down to rest on her waist again. "I thought…you would've appreciated it…"

The tomboy sighed loudly. "Hmm…"

The smaller woman looked away then, conflict in her sapphire eyes obvious. "I mean…if anything I'm sure she'd be more than willing to go home with you again. You seem stressed and…if she can alleviate it—

"What're you talking about?"

They locked eyes again and the face the violinist sported right then broke her heart. She looked…defeated…

"I'm just saying…if you need to have sex again just to relieve—

"Michiru—

"Can I cut in?"

She almost lashed back with a frustrated no, but Michiru had begun retracting her body away from her. What the hell was going on?? She stood there in the middle of the dance floor as Jiro took the violinist away, retracing what their conversation had been in her mind. Looking at Hikaru who only stood quietly next to her, her brows furrowed even more at her sudden realization. She swept passed the small, blonde woman wordlessly, making her way to the bar where her mind could cool off…lest she'd make a scene that would destroy what they've all been working for all night.

O--O

Haruka had been silent the entire night after their dance…and it was making Michiru nervous. Fortunately for her, the promises of work tomorrow had forced all of them to call it a night and they began the long walk out of the mansion, the blonde walking faster than all three of them.

She and Jiro had technically stayed at the dance floor the rest of the night; she hadn't known the tall man danced pretty well. But the thoughts of Haruka going home with Hikaru lingered in the forefront of her mind and although she looked as if she was enjoying herself…the entire night had definitely been an award winning act. She sighed inwardly and looked up just in time to see Satoshi let the blonde go in her limo. A couple minutes later and they entered the limo too, her driver giving her a concerned look that she mirrored as she sat beside Jiro at the end, Haruka at the left seats and Hikaru sitting down on the unoccupied right side, right in front of a simmering tomboy.

As the limo lurched forward and the air of electricity charged silently on inside, Michiru leaned towards the tomboy and touched her knee endearingly. "Is everything okay Haruka?"

"No," she answered lowly, making her eyes widen in surprise. The blonde stared right at the other blonde woman in the room who evaded her piercing stare as best as she could, and everyone could see the way her hand tightened into irritated fists. "Did you tell…or even insinuate that we had sex that night after Michiru's gallery event?"

The violinist's heart hammered through her chest, her sapphire eyes widening even more. Her attention flickered to an uneasy Hikaru who didn't need to reply for everyone to know the answer.

They didn't have sex?

The small statement repeated itself in her mind over and over. It would make a lot of sense to things she's been asking with herself for the past month…like why the blonde had looked so hurt and conflicted the night they had dinner in Lunaire…and why she had been working nonstop like she had done with her album. She was as conflicted with their break up. She was hurt as well…

Michiru looked back up at the disgusted and irritated look plastered over Haruka's otherwise handsome features.

"I wouldn't touch you again with a ten foot pole if I hadn't had to act tonight," she muttered eliciting shocked responses from all the parties involved.

"Haruka…"

Emerald eyes shut close before the tomboy looked at her, her eyes tired and more than that, depressed. Michiru sighed worriedly and made her way towards the blonde, enveloping her with her arms. She rested her cheek on Haruka's hair, smiling at the familiar scent of her shampoo. She tousled her hair playfully, feeling the taller woman rest her head on her shoulder and sighing tiredly.

"How much did you have to drink?" she asked imploringly, not minding the presence of her fiancé or his friend in her limo and just wanting to make sure that her friend…her Haruka was okay.

"Not enough," the tomboy grunted. "So…tired…"

"Satoshi-san," she called, getting the attention of her ever alert driver. "Go ahead and drop Jiro and Hikaru-san first—

"Michiru."

She turned towards Jiro's irritated demeanor and only gave him an asking glance.

He sighed tiredly and gripped his temples with his fingers roughly. "Is—

"I won't allow Haruka to drive home tonight—

"Then get Satoshi to drop her off."

Michiru merely looked away, feeling the blonde slowly start detaching herself from her hug.

"It's fine Michiru," she uttered tiredly. "Just drop me off…"

She genuinely looked beat and the smaller woman couldn't help, but stroke her wild hair off of her closing eyes. She pulled her body towards her again and rested her head back on her shoulder, the tomboy's eyes closing shortly thereafter.

Silence befell the car as they rumbled on back to the main city's core. When Michiru could finally see the even breaths Haruka elicited in her sleep, she looked at Hikaru who only gave a shamed look back.

"Did you lie…about bedding Haruka?"

She wanted to be absolutely sure, even though her mind had already conceded the answer.

The young blonde woman gave a halfhearted nod making the violinist nod as well in affirmation. She sighed tiredly, glad that the night had somewhat finally ended.

"We'll be dropping you off first. Thank you for coming and helping tonight."

"Is it that big of a deal?"

Sapphires met with caramel eyes and Michiru could only smile. "To me…it means the world."

They locked eyes momentarily until Hikaru couldn't keep it up anymore and looked away, towards a troubled Jiro who just bit his bottom lip inattentively.

Twenty or so minutes later, the small blonde woman left the car with her final good nights and they drove on, this time to the Royal Condominium Tower. Nothing, but silence permeated the entire limo, but the aqua haired woman knew that it was most uncomfortable for Jiro, She merely repeatedly ran her hand through the blonde's hair, not earning the man behind her anymore attention.

They would talk…They would talk tonight after she dropped Haruka off and made complete sure that she was in her condo and resting well. A frown flittered across her beautiful features at the thought of it, but just looking at the adoring face the blonde sported was enough to dissipate this…if only for now.

The car stopped soon after as she looked in the unfamiliar parking garage of the Royal Condominium Tower. Taking her cell phone out of her bag, she went down to Yoshiko's number and pressed call, hoping that it wasn't too late for her to pick up.

"Good evening Michiru-chan," the elder female Tenoh answered cheerfully on the other line, making the violinist smile in content.

"Yoshiko-san, I'm sorry for calling so late."

"Don't mind it," Yoshiko stated, but she sounded worried nonetheless. "Is everything okay? Haruka-chan…wasn't in the best moods when I last called her…She behaved herself, yes?"

Michiru chuckled at such motherly words and nodded. "Yes, she did. She just had a few drinks and she's sleeping now so…I wanted to know where her condominium was before helping her up…"

The blonde's mother sighed exasperatedly. "That girl…She's in Penthouse Suite C. She has a keycard in her wallet and if you slide it in the elevator, it should take you directly there. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience Michiru-chan…"

The violinist laughed and waved her words away. "It's alright Yoshiko-san. I just wanted to be sure that she got to her bed alright…that's all."

"Nh. Thank you for putting up with her…"

"Anything for Haruka…"A comforting silence danced between them as Michiru's smile widened. "I'll talk to you later Yoshiko-san. Good night."

"Good night Michiru-chan. Thank you again."

She hung up the phone and noted the sweet smile her driver sported from the rearview mirror at her expression as she looked down at the still sleeping blonde, shaking her shoulders to wake her up momentarily.

A pout answered her wake up call, making her sapphire eyes widen at the cuteness the tomboy was making even when she didn't mean to.

"I'm sorry Haruka," she whispered softly and shook her even more. "But you have to wake up. I'll help you to your condo okay?"

Sleepy emerald eyes finally opened tiredly and she looked so painfully adorable that it took everything in Michiru's power to not…kiss her…right there and then…Jiro behind her looking and listening to them the entire time.

"Tired…" Haruka stated as her fingers flittered up to her eyes to rub them.

"Let's go."

Satoshi opened the door to the limo as the violinist's hands linked with the blonde's warm ones, helping her out of the car patiently.

"I can help," Jiro stated, hunching up from his seat as he did so.

But the small woman only shook her head and answered shortly, "It's fine."

They made their way out of the limo, her arms around Haruka's waist, as the other leaned on her tiredly. She pushed the elevator button down when they neared it, Satoshi to the left of the tomboy until she was finally awake enough to stand upright, although she continually leaned on the smaller woman, her head even resting on top of Michiru's for good measure.

They entered the elevator as soon as it opened, the violinist looking up at the tired and glazed look gracing the blonde's face.

"Is your keycard in your wallet?" she asked softly, and waved at Satoshi who stayed behind.

Haruka patted her blazer's coat pocket. "Right here…" she drawled, her eyes beginning to close again…

"Take it out for me?"

"You take it out!"

She was acting childishly cute and it took all of Michiru's self control to not just kiss her in that elevator as well. Instead she merely smiled at the blonde's angry pout and reached into her jacket pocket, taking her wallet out from inside it.

"Ne, Michiru?"

She successfully found the keycard and swiped it on the reader, her grip tightening on the other's waist if only to steady her unbalancing form. The small contraption they were in finally began moving up, eliciting a relieved sigh from the smaller woman who finally looked up to Haruka's asking face.

"What is it Haruka?"

And all of the sudden she was being hugged wholeheartedly by the young CEO, her entire body dwarfed as the hug pushed them into the wall. She locked eyes with still glazed, smiling emeralds as the blonde's forehead leaned on her shoulder.

"What would happen…if I took advantage of you?"

Her eyes widened at the sudden question, Haruka's innocently asking face such a huge contrast to what she had just asked.

She reached out to the tomboy's cheek and combed her fingers through her wild hair, a soft smile graced on her features. "Do you know what I love most about you Haruka?"

They locked eyes, the tall woman's eyes somewhat clearing from her question.

"I love that…out of everyone in this world…you're probably the only one who really knows me," she stated in an almost whisper. "You know when I want space, when to back off, when to side with me, when to disagree…And you know when your actions are right and wrong…So I would never have to worry about whether or not you'll take advantage of me…only because I know you won't…"

The elevator door binged open as they continued to lock eyes, a happy smile flittering through Haruka's exhausted features. "I'm glad you regard me so highly."

Michiru merely smiled at her words and tugged her out, the hall making way to a big wooden, double sided door. Haruka pulled her keys out and pushed it to her face to have a closer view as to what specific key they needed to open the door with, her little actions looking too adorable at the violinist's point of view which only brought out small chuckles from the aqua haired woman.

When they finally made their way inside, the blonde looked as if it would only be a couple more minutes before she fell onto the ground as well, her heavy swaying getting that much heavier. Michiru made her lean into the wall as her eyes closed, a huge yawn escaping out of her mouth, while the smaller woman worked dutifully on with taking her bed covers off and making sure her bed was overall, nice and comfortable enough for her to sleep in. As soon as she was done with this task, she helped the exhausted tomboy on the bed, making her sit on the edge of it while she undid the ties of her shoes.

She smiled at how domestic this seemed…making sure Haruka got to bed okay… She pulled the shoes off as well as the taller woman's dress socks and made her way up, tugging the white blazer off of the sitting woman's figure.

"Sorry Michiru," the blonde muttered as she tried to help her, but the fatigue and exhaustion from that night was finally apparent. Added to the fact that she drank more than she should've, she just felt…dead tired. And Michiru could feel it rolling in waves off her body.

"It's okay Haruka. Just a couple more minutes okay? Bear with me," the smaller woman only softly stated and undid her tie, placing it in the bottom of her bed where her white blazer was already placed on.

It was a funny feeling, helping her take her dress shirt off…She had done it before only when they were both in the throes of passion and now that she was doing it for entirely different reasons, she felt oddly hot and turned on…she was not at all surprised at these feelings that had risen up to the surface and she was mildly thankful that the blonde before her was just was way too sleepy to see such an…expression from her.

As soon as the dress shirt came off, she folded it and set it at the bottom of the bed as well, the last one being the taller woman's belt which was easy enough since said woman was still sitting down. She helped her into her bed right after, tucking her inside the blanket as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The violinist sat beside her for a while, combing her hair back until she knew the tomboy had finally given up to sleep. After a couple of minutes, she smiled softly at her endearingly asleep form and brushed her cheek with her hand.

"Good night Haruka," she whispered and got up, only to stop again when the blonde's hand shot up at hers.

Half lidded emerald eyes opened and a sleepy smile overcame the blonde's features. "Night Michiru," she said softly and raised the smaller woman's hand over her lips and kissed it. "Thank you…for putting up with me."

A wide smile flew to Michiru's face as she leaned forward and kissed Haruka's warm temple.

"I wish…I could do things for you too…I wish…I can change…" the tomboy continued, her eyes closing up just as the violinist's features looked at her questioningly. "I wish…I was a guy…so I can do things for you more…Maybe then…it'll be possible to love me…"

Haruka's sleepy words struck a chord in her heart…and for some time all she could do was kneel beside her at the edge of her bed, her sapphire eyes widened in shock. Then, that familiar feeling of overwhelming sadness overtook her body and she could only wipe the tears as they cascaded down.

Leaning towards her one last time, she closed her eyes and gave her a small kiss on the lips, her insides warming just enough at the familiar, soft touch.

"You don't have to change anything Haruka," she whispered softly, and caressed the tomboy's cheek. "I love you so much already."

O--O--O--O--O

"Something on your mind?"

Kaioh Shina looked away from the darkened streets outside to Shinji who sat beside her in the running limo, the elder Kaioh's face looking concerned.

She shook her head, but sighed. "I was just remembering how Michiru-chan acted today…"

Her husband's eyebrows furrowed as the events of lunch passed through his mind. "It was the first time we've seen her rebel against us…"

"I'm worried…"

Shinji could only look at her in confusion.

"Tenoh-san…she has feelings for her."

The elder male Kaioh didn't look surprised at this sudden statement.

"And if she were to be completely honest with us, I think Michiru-chan would say that she has feelings for her as well…"

It was quite obvious…especially with the way the violinist had protected the tomboy from any ill words…how she had successfully made her a part of the wedding as a part of what almost seemed like an ultimatum.

Shina looked outside again, her eyebrows furrowing in concern and confusion. "I wish I could let her see how wonderful a man Jiro-kun is…just so she'd stop chasing after some…lesbian playboy…Why…she's so enthralled with someone like Tenoh-san is…unimaginable…

"I get the feeling that she's only doing it to rebel against us…She's trying to see how far she could push this without one of us breaking…" The female CEO shook her head in displeasure. "I plan to let her see how wrong she is about Tenoh-san during the planning stage of the wedding…just so she can say her 'I do's' without any hesitation or second thoughts…"

Shinji nodded beside her, the car coming to a stop as they finally made their destination: the front of the Kaioh Estate. They both looked at the looming figure of the dimly lit house before Shina looked once again at her ex husband.

"Would…you like to come in?"

The elder male Kaioh gave her a look of confusion as she stared down at her legs, feeling a little childish for asking such a tactless question.

But before she could say her never mind's, Shinji only gave a brief nod and stated, "Yeah…I think I will."

She smiled in what looked like relief before going out of the car, the elder male Kaioh following her out and into the mansion.

AN: Wow, okay I'm tired…don't mind the AN's in this chappy cuz it's 5:30 in the morning and I just feel like sleeping now -.- that Gruul's run took forever…holy crap. A lot of questions were answered in this chapter, like the conflict between Haruka and Jiro, the media's spin on their relationship, Shina and Shinji's return, Hikaru's lie, etc. etc. So the wedding date's been moved…had to move it of course…dramatic effects. One sided convos and off to bed. /yawn.

Black Caballiere: This is the longest chapter ever in my creations so I hope it'll last the week. Bang your head into something soft k? I don't want some kind of crazy murder case against me if something were to happen. Yes, Jiro isn't a jerk. They'll have their talk as mentioned slightly in this chapter next chapter so yeah.

t.: One sided convos are fun haha. It would've been OOC for it to be any further…on both their parts anyway. Married couple is right…the end here kinda has that same feeling too what w/ taking a drunk/sleepy Haruka to bed. Haha yes, they're friends…it's funny how EVERYONE knows they're not…but they're like BUT WE ARE! Grats on acing your tests and good luck w/ the rest.

hunter007: The kid? The kid's not makeable…yet? Haha I dunno…but I was picturing that scene and I was like wow…it looks like there's a family in the making…so there you go.

waitingforFWBupdate: No need to panic…although I'm starting fall quarter soon too…we'll see how my schedule'll be like. Haruka stealing kisses huh? Yeah, I guess it could go both ways, although Michiru's winning on the stolen kisses poll right about now.

glowie: I can picture u on green hill w/ flowers all around u and birds chirping happily as you skip merrily around. O.O kinda…specific on the details, but pardon it, I'm just tired and speaking outta my ass haha. Michiru did not break anything haha, don't hate my OC's too much now. Haha the pairing…funny. I need rest like…now…

petiyaka: Haha…Jiro has his reasons to keep w/ the marriage and well I guess so does Michiru so although she says no, she really hadn't said no to the marriage. Pretending to be best friends look grim right now…they can barely stand not touching each other w/o their so-called significant others with them.

FWBfanatic: If there's an update? Hmm…are updates from other authors that sporadic or something? I try to make it this weekly ritual just so I have a deadline that won't disappoint waiting people, but I guess that's just me. Although I do have a fic that's currently left in the dust…poor Harry Potter fic -.-;; Eh? I make people cry? Don't think it's applicable in real life…sometimes I guess haha. This is what happens to Jiro when Haruka and he met (nothing, but threatened) and how his reaction will be will be covered next chapter.

Haruka-Michiru: No real kissing allowed yet. Although when it happens, it should be a worldwide celebration…They did get caught…yes they did.

Kilohe: ahh I see. Yes u spelled horde right haha. My WoW characters died too much today for me to want anymore to tell u the truth -.- it's amazing how such a Gruul's pug could be awesomely bad, but finish it nonetheless. I'll keep writing…don't worry about that.

LaCazadora: You're welcome for the update.

AlterEgoErin: Haha glad you're thinking more than Haruka killing him as a repercussion for touching Michiru wrongly. Haha unrushed stories…hmm…I hope I didn't rush this chapter…cuz I wanted all the things floating in my head to go off…and I really did mean to do my last good editing job tonight, but my eyeballs are about to pop close…w/ or w/o my eyelids wanting them to…Thanks for the comments about the switching of genres haha. When do they figure it out…hmm…I think it's so implied that the audience figures it out early, but w/ the entire crew…I think they just woke up one day and went ohhh…zomg they're so together…cuz they're such teases anyway. Usagi and Minako outright asks Michiru if they're together and she's like no…she's just my most important person ever in the whole entire world. Go go blonde power.

wolvesorrow: How he got in? He can pick locks? I don't know…haha the author didn't think this part through enough sorry. Attempted rape…yeah I could see that…but it's fine…Jiro won't…he didn't haha. Surprise sex…those words together got me and my gf cracking up. Breasts are soft? Haha I don't know…It feels good…it's like laying ur head on the softest pillow ever…XD ok…that's enough. Aww…I was kinda mellow about their confrontation…although you can tell Jiro got pwned in it. Hope you weren't too disappointed that there weren't any punches thrown.

RaginFireDesire: Homework…eww. Looks at ur stack of books and knocks it over. Let's play Jenga w/ them…although if u have those 80-150 dollar textbooks maybe u should just smack me for knocking it over in the first place.

krugern: Isn't it ironic? The only time when they're not "together" is when they act the most couple-ey? Haha…hilarious. Evil author alert…Glad you liked the scenes and appreciated them. Hope I can continue w/ those little scene pleasers.

Swinging Cloud: Haha…you people…I don't mean to scare readers off…like zomg it'll take FOREVER for me to upload next chapter…nah. I didn't have it written out…so I was kinda worried. I don't have next chapter written off as well, but I feel like writing so I'll try to go at it tomorrow. Self-control eh? Neither do I to tell you the truth…but it's ok. H and M have enough self control to keep us from having to do it too. Haha maniacal rapists are too much…I would never make an OC like that…nevah!

Garfield: haha that first review spot seems kinda rare to get? I'm not sure…I never realized it was a challenge. I think ur review got cut off too…some people got their reviews cut this chappy. Makes me mad at ffn…stupid site. Sorry and thank you for the added effort. Restrained emotions are the only things that they can do for now…although it looks as if they're not at all restraining it. Glad you liked the chapter overall.

Akira-kun: haha they sooo crossed that friends line. Don't worry about it though, as long as they don't know they did we'll be fine. Married couple seems like the recurring theme last chappy. Haha Jiro getting kicked. Poor guy…That face…I saw one of my wow friends doing it. I've copied it since haha. Contradict yourself more. I like my H and M not together…yet. Stolen kisses are as far as they'll go.

YinYangTwin1: Nah Jiro won't. His character isn't the type to do that, although I think he just kinda reached breaking point there. I led you on? No wai! I already said it so I wouldn't lead people into thinking they'd be together yet…prolonged angst.

Chumba wumba: sorry your review got cut. Dunno what's wrong w/ ffn these days…slacking site…Fluffiful haha. Dramatic irony indeed. Stupid evil authors making otherwise smart people oblivious. Haha Jiro's plan B failed miserably. She called Haruka right after. Shinji and Shina appear here so good call on that…they were quite crazy here too what w/ their deals and all that…but I think Michiru won the ultimatum battle…although Shina'll be here for the duration of the wedding plans. Would u like a bittersweet ending? Would u like them pining for each other for all eternity? Cuz you know…I can…haha. People would hate me…but /shrug. I can…(I get sadistic when it's 6 in the morning and I haven't slept). XD And Haruka's Ex? We'll have to see won't we? :P Right now, I am writing this chapter for chapter but I have exactly what I want already planned out on my head…so I guess it's both regarding your question. Haha coconut references…it sounds more asian than banana. Oh…and yes I'm leet…so of course I know that song…haha

j-belle: dunno what meep means but I hope it's a good thing.

Thepillows93: Reputation? I always say to people that I'm not a softy at all…that I wear the pants in the relationship. And then hide fics like this from them, cuz they'll know I'm lying out of my ass.

MisatoCarey24: They will do more desperately trying to jump each other scenes, no worries. Yoshiko? Yes, I know she wasn't in here much, but she's a good character and I definitely want to write more of her. Hmm…Shina and Yoshiko…I think I'll create a little…battle between them. About what I'm not really sure yet, but…I'll create an instance where they'll have to wanna bite each other's necks off.

Impersonal: Glad you caught up on reading. Jiro…don't be too hard on him…nothing's going his way…poor guy. Thanks for saying I've kept Haruka from being OOC and poor Michiru too…always getting the crappier ends of the relationship sticks.