A/N- Aren't you readers lucky that I almost never do what I'm suppose to? I should be packing, but instead I'm writing my fic. No wonder I never get anything done. Yay for procrastination. Ok so here's Chapter 2 and many a thanks go to gottoluvanime and Vanessa Riverton for their help with some ideas… but especially thanks go to Haruka-Chan 212 who helped me greatly with not only ideas, but proof reading as well. Alright so I hope you guys enjoy!
Family Life Ch 2
Haruka walked through the front door and after tossing her bag on the floor turned around and shut the door with a slam that shook the walls. She started taking off her shoes when a concerned Michiru walked around the corner.
"Ruka?" Haruka looked up and Michiru could tell she was in a bad mood. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing important… just some problems down at the track. The car was having problems and then we got a call saying that one of our sponsors is backing out..."
"Why would they back out? You're the best racer in all of Japan." Michiru asked as she took the blonde racer in her arms, and rested her head on her chest. Haruka circled her arms around Michiru and rested her head on top of Michiru's.
"Let's just say it wasn't a very good reason." She sighed. "What have you been up to today?" Haruka asked as she pulled away to look at Michiru.
"Well actually Arian and Hotaru have been helping me pick out things for the wedding." Michiru said leading Haruka into the living room by her hand.
As soon as they were in and Hotaru saw Haruka, she was up and running at the tall blond.
"Haruka-papa!" She yelled, causing Haruka to wince. She had a headache from all that had happened at work that day and Hotaru shrieking at her wasn't helping. Although Haruka still bent down and picked up the little girl.
"Hey Hime-Chan. You have a good day?"
"Hai. I got perfect on a quiz at school."
"You did? That's great. I'm so proud of you." Haruka said placing a kiss on Hotaru's forehead.
"And then Auntie Arian picked me up and now we're helping Michiru-mama."
"I can see that." Haruka said placing Hotaru back on the ground. "Hello Arian."
"Hey Haruka. Man you look beat."
"Rough day." Haruka said as she stretched her tired body and then flopped down on the couch. Michiru sat next to her and lay against her side. "So how are things on the wedding front?"
"Well we decided on the cake and the wedding dress." Michiru said as she showed Haruka a picture of the cake they had decided on.
"Looks good. What about the dress?" She asked looking at the table trying to find a picture of the dress her beautiful Michiru would be wearing.
"You're not going to see that till the wedding." Michiru said as she kissed Haruka. "It's a surprise."
"Hmph… fine."
"Oh cheer up Haru-Chan… at least you can see what you're wearing." Arian tossed a photo at Haruka.
"Don't I get to choose what I wear?" Haruka asked as she picked up the photo and looked at it.
"Yeah right… you would wear some plain old suit." Arian retorted. Haruka grunted at Arian.
"Well I guess this looks good." Haruka said, as she eyed the black tux, with a white shirt and matching gold bow tie and cummerbund.
"You'll look stunning." Michiru added as she snuggled closer to Haruka.
"Well I have to get going guys. I have plans tonight, but I'll see you when I pick Hotaru up tomorrow." Haruka raised an eyebrow at Arian.
"You have plans tonight, eh? What's her name?"
"Who said I have a date?" Arian asked as she made her way to the front door.
"You did when you mentioned plans, but not what they were. You only do that when you go out with someone and don't want me to know." Haruka replied as she followed Arian. Arian blushed and turned to look at Haruka.
"Alright so what if I do have a date? You have a problem with that?"
"No… I just want to make sure that my little girl isn't getting into trouble." Haruka stated in a very fatherly tone.
"Oh shut up Haru-Chan." Arian hit Haruka on the arm.
"Ow. Ok but seriously what's her name?" Haruka asked while rubbing her arm.
"Her name is Riska… and I have to get going or I'm going to be late so I'll see you later."
"Alright have fun and I'll see you tomorrow." Arian waved and was out the door.
Haruka closed the door and smirked as she thought about Arian finally going out on a date. It had been a long time since the raven haired girl had last gone out on a date and Haruka was happy for her.
"So she has a date does she?" Haruka turned around to look at Michiru before responding,
"Yes she does… I'm going to have to figure out who it is so I can bug them." Before Haruka could say or do anything else, Michiru's hand connected with the side of her arm. "Ow!"
"Haruka Tenoh be nice."
"I was being nice…" Haruka pouted rubbing her arm. "Just in an obnoxious way." She finished with a smirk. Michiru rolled her eyes and walked back into the living room.
Haruka looked at her watch and sighed. It was only 7:30 and after the momentary jolt of energy she had gotten from being able to tease Arian she was back to being thoroughly exhausted. She rubbed her tired and eyes and returned to where Michiru and Hotaru were.
"I think I'm going to go to bed now."
"So early?" Michiru asked as she stood up and placed her hand against the blonde's forehead. "You're not getting sick are you?"
"No don't worry… it was just a long day and I'm tired. That's all." Haruka smiled reassuringly.
"Well alright then." Michiru said as she eyed her lover warily.
"Honestly I'm fine." Haruka leaned down and gave Michiru a quick kiss. She then straightened up and turned her attention to Hotaru. "Come and give me a good night hug Hime-Chan." Hotaru immediately lunged at Haruka who was now kneeling down. She placed a kiss on the child's head, "Good night Hotaru."
"Good night Haruka-papa." Chimed the black haired girl as she released Haruka from the death grip around her neck. Haruka stood and smiled at Hotaru while ruffling her hair. She then turned and left the room, making her way up the stairs.
Michiru watched her leave and couldn't help, but be worried. Even when Haruka had bad days at work she was normally relieved to get home and though she was tired, she still seemed happy. Today though she was clearly upset about something. Michiru wanted to know what, but knew better then to probe the blonde. If Haruka wanted her to know, then she would tell her. If not it was best to leave it alone. Michiru sighed and went back to looking through catalogues with Hotaru.
Upstairs Haruka was standing in front of the mirror in her bathroom. She looked awful and she knew that Michiru was worried about her. She shook her head as she opened the medicine cabinet and took out a bottle of Advil. She took three of the small capsules with a glass of water to ease the headache that had been throbbing for the last few hours.
Returning to the bedroom she changed into some boxers and a t-shirt and sat down on the bed. She held her head in her hands as she thought back to the day's events. Sighing she lay back and turned out the lights.
"That better be the worst of it…" Haruka mumbled softly as she drifted off.
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When the alarm went off the next morning, Haruka wanted nothing more then to throw the infernal clock against the wall, but instead resigned to hit it a little harder then normal. She groaned and rolled over on her back, blinking at the white ceiling.
"Ruka?" Haruka turned her head to look at Michiru. "You feeling any better this morning?" Michiru asked, reaching out a hand to brush some blonde bangs back.
"Still a little tired, but I'm fine."
"You sure? Maybe you should take a day off and rest?" Haruka smiled softly and kissed Michiru before getting out of the bed.
"I'm fine Michi… really." Haruka stated as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door. Soon the sound of running water could be heard and Michiru sighed getting out of the bed herself. She threw a robe on herself and walked downstairs to start breakfast.
When Haruka finally came downstairs Michiru and Hotaru were already eating breakfast.
"Morning Hime-Chan."
"Morning Haruka-papa. Are you driving me to school today?" Hotaru asked as she looked up from her scrambled eggs.
"Sure." Replied Haruka as she poured herself a cup of coffee. She then turned to Michiru, "Do you have a rehearsal today?"
"Yes, in the afternoon. I should be home by 4 though."
"Excellent. I'll be home around he same time. We can get ready and then head off to the concert."
"Is Auntie Arian coming over tonight?" Hotaru asked looking at her parents.
"Yes. She'll be here at 5 to look after you tonight." Hotaru beamed at Haruka's answer, excited to see her Auntie Arian. "Now go on and get ready for school. We have to leave soon." Hotaru nodded and ran out of the kitchen.
Michiru watched Hotaru run out of the room and then looked over at Haruka who was reading the front page of the newspaper as she sipper her coffee. There were bags under her eyes and Michiru was sure she hadn't really slept the night before and that she was not as 'fine' as she kept saying.
She was debating internally whether or not to bring it up again when she heard Haruka's voice call out to her.
"Michi?" She looked up to see Haruka looking at her questioningly. "Are you alright?"
"Yes I'm fine. Just thinking about something."
Haruka stared at her for a little while until Hotaru ran into the room ready to leave for school.
"I'm ready Haruka-papa."
"You brushed your teeth and everything?" Haruka asked eyeing the little girl, who smiled proudly to show her white teeth. "Alright then… let's go." Haruka walked over and gave Michiru a quick kiss and then she and Hotaru left.
Michiru sighed. Whatever was bothering her would have to wait till later.
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It was almost five and Haruka was sitting in the living room watching TV, already dressed in her black suit with black shirt and white tie. Michiru was still upstairs fixing her hair and applying the final touches of her makeup. Haruka turned the TV off when she heard the doorbell ring and stood from the couch.
"Hey Arian you're right on…" Haruka stopped talking when she noticed Arian wasn't alone. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were bringing someone tonight Arian." Haruka extended her hand to the tomboyish woman standing in front of her. "Haruka Tenoh."
"Riska Fujita. It's a pleasure to finally meet the famous Haruka Tenoh. Arian has told me so much about you."
"Hmm… I suppose nothing good eh? So you're the new girl in Arian's life huh. Let me give you a hint… get out now before it's too late." Haruka received a quick slap to the arm for this one.
"Shut up Haru-Chan. Are you going to let us in or keep insulting me to my girlfriend?"
"Well the latter seems like more fun so…" Once again Haruka had to hold her arm that was stinging from the contact of Arian's hand. She stepped to the side and let the two women in.
At that moment Michiru was making her way down the stairs.
"Hello Arian. Who is this?"
"Michiru Kaiou I would like you to meet my girlfriend Riska Fujita."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Kaiou-san." Riska said as she took Michiru's hand and lightly kissed the back of it. Michiru blushed slightly and then look over to Haruka who was taking in the whole scene with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.
"Please call me Michiru."
"Only if you'll call me Riska then."
"Deal. Seems like you have competition for suaveness Ruka." Michiru said as she took her hand back. "It's very nice to meet you Riska."
"Well I figure as long as that rings on your finger then I don't have much to worry about do I?" Haruka asked casually. Michiru walked over and pulled Haruka down in a fairly passionate kiss.
"You never have to worry about a thing dear." She said as they parted.
"Auntie Arian! Auntie Arian!" Hotaru called as she came running down the stairs.
"Hey there kiddo. How you doing today?" Arian asked as she picked Hotaru up.
"I'm good." Hotaru stopped and stared at the person beside Arian. "Auntie Arian who is that?" she whispered pointing at Riska. Arian giggled,
"That, Hotaru, is my girlfriend Riska. Riska this is Haruka and Michiru's daughter Hotaru."
"Hey there Hotaru-Chan. It's nice to meet you." Riska said holding her hand out to Hotaru, who looked at it for a moment and then reached her small hand out and Riska proceeded to place a small kiss there just like she had done with Michiru. Hotaru stared at her for another few moments before she spoke again.
"Can I call you Auntie Riska?" Riska's eyes went wide and she looked to Arian, who shrugged… and then to Michiru and Haruka who also just shrugged. She looked back at Hotaru and shrugged her shoulders as well as she answered,
"Sure… I guess that's alright." Hotaru beamed at her and then turned back to Arian.
"Auntie Arian can we have pizza tonight."
"Sure kiddo. Now go on and keep yourself busy while we talk to your parents for a moment." She set Hotaru down and she ran into the living room and soon the TV was heard.
"Well she seems to like you sweetie." Arian said as she clung to Riska's side.
"It's just the aura I give off I guess." Riska smiled.
"Well I hate to interrupt you two love birds… heh, feels good to say that to you for a change…" Arian glared at Haruka. "But we have to get going. So we'll see you later tonight."
"Have a good time at the concert." Arian said as she watched the couple walk out the door. She turned back to Riska, "Come on… we have a hungry child to order pizza for."
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The applause rang out throughout the concert hall as the performers took their last bows and left the stage. The crowd started to slowly make their way out of the aisles and filed out into the lobby.
"That was an amazing concert." Michiru said as she walked next to Haruka. "Thank you again for the tickets." She kissed Haruka on the cheek, who chuckled.
"Well I'm glad you enjoyed it. At least I got something right on your birthday."
"Oh Ruka you got more then that right." Michiru said as she fished through her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She frowned as she looked at the display.
"What's wrong?" Haruka asked when she saw Michiru's face.
"I'm not sure. I have 5 missed calls from a private number. At least I know it's not from home or the number would have shown up." She said as she turned the ringer back on. Almost immediately her phone rang. "Moshi Moshi?" Haruka watched as Michiru's face went pale. She hung up the phone and turned to Haruka. "We need to go to the hospital." She said as she started walking quickly to the door.
"Why? What is it?" Haruka asked running after her.
"It's my father."
A/N-So did ya like? Let me know by reviewing. And now you probably won't see an update from me for the next 2 weeks or so… or at least you shouldn't… you might… we'll see what happens. Ok till next time.