Notes: Episode 117, "Higher, Stronger! Cheer by Usagi". Or, "The one where Hotaru writes a fan letter to that track star".

Episode 117

"Do you see her?"

Haruka shook her head. The floor of the stadium was a sea of chaos as athletes and their coaching staff milled around, locked in their private worlds of pre-race preparations. Elsa had invited them to watch her compete and Haruka had used a combination of charm and old contacts to get them into the areas reserved for competitors. They'd been keeping an eye out for her, but Haruka knew it was unlikely they'd find Elsa until after the day's competition.

Still, it was familiar territory, and Haruka enjoyed reacquainting herself with it, however briefly.

Michiru shifted Hotaru in her arms. "Want me to take her?" Haruka asked hopefully.

"You know you have to wait for your turn," Michiru replied, chuckling at her partner's blatant disappointment.

Haruka took a few steps toward the center of the stadium, but as she continued watching Michiru she bumped into someone going in the opposite direction.

"I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, catching Haruka's shoulders to steady her.

"My fault," Haruka assured him. She brushed her hair out of her eyes, and then blinked in recognition. "You're Shun Hayase."

The man smiled pleasantly and inclined his head in greeting.

"Our daughter is a big fan," Michiru said, appearing next to Haruka. Hotaru burbled happily in her arms.

"This young lady?" Hayase asked with a grin.

Michiru tilted Hotaru so she and the track star could see each other better. "She watches all of your competitions."

"Well, I'm always pleased to meet a fan." Hayase extended his hand to Hotaru. He laughed as she curled a fist around his index finger.

Hotaru had stopped making cheerful indistinct baby noises however. As her grip tightened, Hayase felt his smile die on his lips. There was something about her eyes. They were the largest and most intense eyes he'd ever seen for a baby. And … familiar?

Then Hotaru giggled and released his finger. Hayase shook his head. Just pre-race jitters. Had to be. He'd always had an active imagination.

"She's strong!" he said. His laugh was a just a little too forced.

"Yes," Michiru agreed, saying nothing else.

Haruka clapped Hayase on the shoulder, breaking the moment. "Hey good luck with your jumps today."

"Right! Thank you!" he said, hurrying back toward the locker rooms.

His mind was flooded with memories. Hospital beds, a tight feeling in his chest, unable to get enough air. Hayase NEVER allowed those thoughts before a meet, never. He needed time to focus.

But she was strong, that little baby. He could still feel his finger tingling where she'd grabbed him. He didn't know why, but that made him feel better. Finally, she'd found her strength, and somehow he felt … proud?

Calm washed over him and his mind cleared. Hayase would win his events today, he knew it for certain.

After all, his biggest fan was watching.