Notes: Episode 112, "Who is the True Messiah? Chaos of Light and Darkness". Or, "The first one with Hotaru".

Episode 112

In the months that Michiru had known Haruka and they'd shared a living space, she'd noted a few indelible facts.

1. Haruka had an inordinate amount of yellow in her wardrobe.

2. Haruka enjoyed the "easy listening" radio station.

3. Haruka couldn't abide lights on in an empty room.

Michiru watched from the kitchen doorway as Haruka pounded the chicken breasts with a mallet and added another fact to her list.

4. Haruka only cooked when she was angry.

The meat mallet landed with another wet smack.

Haruka only cooked when she was VERY angry.

Should she ask why? Did she need to?

No. And no.

The chicken continued paying for another's crimes.

Well this would solve nothing.

"If you wanted pâté, we could have bought some," Michiru said.

Haruka grunted in response. Always so charming, was her Haruka.

"Shall we invite Setsuna over?"

A string a curses accompanied further chicken punishment. Michiru made no comment and didn't acknowledge the outburst beyond pointing to a large jar sitting on a nearby counter. Rolling her eyes, Haruka fished out her wallet and added several yen notes to the already impressive collection of paper and coins.

"I can't help but notice I'm the only one who ever has to use this," Haruka grumbled. But she was no longer attacking the food, so this was an improved development.

"Some of us have better control," said Michiru, "and sponsors who aren't as concerned with their youth image."

Haruka added another note to the jar and then shared her opinions on sponsors. Michiru giggled and, quite despite herself, Haruka smiled in response. "We need a 'coquettish jar' for you. You can share my pain."

"I believe you'd fill that one yourself. Can you really afford to pay twice?"

"I can afford most things," Haruka said, affecting great superiority. "Haven't you heard about my wonderful sponsors?"

Michiru giggled again. Cocky, self-assured Haruka was by far her favourite. But broody, internalizing Haruka would soon return if left to her own devices. That wouldn't do.

"Do we not like Setsuna now?"

At the mention of the name, Haruka's expression darkened. She didn't start abusing the chicken again, however. Michiru enjoyed progress.

"She thinks she knows everything!"

"I'm not unconvinced she doesn't."

"Yeah well she doesn't know THIS."

Michiru tilted her head, studying Haruka. She was rigid, her body as inflexible as her mind. Once Haruka had decided something, you had a better chance of convincing the earth to change its rotation.

Still, Michiru had known greater miracles.

"Are you sure?"

The setting of Haruka's jaw said everything. "We can't work with them, Michiru! They're not like us!"

"Perhaps Setsuna is right," Michiru began, heedless of Haruka's defiant expression. "Perhaps our differences can be a strength."

"'Strength'," repeated Haruka, her tone making it clear what she thought of that idea. "They're weak. What do they know about strength?"

Michiru's smile pierced Haruka's glare, and she placed her hand over Haruka's heart. For a moment, she simply enjoyed the feel of it, the wonder that it continued to beat. "It's worth noting we're only here due to the 'weakness' of one young girl."

Immediately Haruka's mouth opened to protest, but when no sound came out, she closed it. Michiru allowed her hand to linger a moment longer before retracting it.

"At least make amends with Setsuna," Michiru said. "I like her." She lifted her eyebrows. "As did you, when she was saying things you wanted to hear."

Haruka threw her hands in the air. "Fine! But tomorrow. I'm hungry." The chicken received a disapproving sneer. "For something else. Let's go out."

Which was the other thing Michiru really wanted. Two out of three was acceptable. She made her way to the door, and then jumped as Haruka's voice rumbled in her ear.

"We'll come back for dessert."

"My my, Haruka."

Three out of four was better.