By the time ingot to Michiru's house I saw Hotaru and the aqua haired goddess running through the fenced in yard, knocking around a brightly colored rubber ball.
I stood at the gate for a few minutes just watching them play until Michiru saw me and waved me over as she panted.
"Haruka!" Hotaru exclaimed as she rushed toward me, knocking me onto the ground.
"Nice to see you too Hime-chan." I managed to say with a chuckle as I wrapped my arm around her.
Michiru just sat laughing at us as I managed to sit up, positioning the little girl so that she was seated on my lap.
"Keep on laughing mermaid girl. You didn't just get nailed on your ass by a kid." I stated and I felt Hotaru stiffen.
"I'm sorry." the violet eyed child stated timidly and I instantly felt horrible at my choice of words.
"It's okay princess, I'm just surprised that you could knock me down." I assured, kissing the top of her head before I added "I'm sorry I'm late, I Kind of fell playing ball earlier."
Her guilty look transformed into that of concern as she looked up at me.
"Are you okay?" she asked and I nodded.
"It takes more than a little fall to keep me down Hotaru-chan." I answered as I glanced over at Michiru, who smiled at both Hotaru and I.
"We were about to head in for some lunch, why don't you join us?" the aqua haired teen asked me as she stood up, dusting off her jeans and just as I was about to decline Hotaru grabbed my hand.
"Come on Haruka-San!"
I couldn't tell Hotaru no, she had been denied too many things in life.
"Okay okay kitten, I'm coming." I chuckled, following her as she drug me along.
"Okay, what do you two goofballs want to eat?" Michiru laughed as I was pulled into the kitchen.
"I don't care Michiru." I answered as I finally found the heart to pull out of the girl's grip before I added "okay Princess, you don't have to pull my arm off." I chuckled and she smiled up at me, the bruises still here but she seemed happier.
"Hey, do you two want to sleep over at my place this weekend?" I asked suddenly and Hotaru turned to Michiru who smiled slightly before nodding.
"Yay!" Hotaru stated as she clapped her hands in delight.
"Okay little energy ball calm down and come eat." Michiru chuckled as she put a massive plate filled with cucumber sandwiches on the table.