Chapter 8

Stand by me

It got her off guard. Michiru's hand wandered to her heart, she felt the beating rise. "Sagrada Família" was written as the description for the sketch of the church she observed. "Is everything alright, Mama-Michiru?" Hotaru whispered besides her. With a shake of her head, the violinist got back in the present. Nonetheless, the dark memories left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Yes, I just remembered something" Michiru answered with a smile. Her daughter noticed some change in the behavior of her mother, but she didn't want to push her to revealing her feelings. The emotional maturity of the Sailor Guardian of Destruction was no secret to anyone, and on this day a relief for Michiru. There laid something in her past, she was not able to talk about, yet. It was better to continue the round through the "Jugenstil" exhibition they visited that day. The art teacher of Hotaru gave the class a very difficult homework for the summer break, and the genius artist Michiru was very pleased to help her daughter with this. The recording of her new album was hard work, and a little distraction was good for the creative process.

"Okay. Let's see what we have here." Michiru unfolded the piece of paper with the assignment of the homework. "Redraw a historical painting of your choice and elaborate a short presentation. Fun for thirteen-year-olds." Hotaru grimaced at the sarcastic remark from her mother. "I am happy we are not bound to any era. I don't see me redrawing a renaissance painting. All those stupid naked children and fruits." Michiru giggled. "You are more a genius with words, my little Emily." A bright smile appeared on Hotaru's face. "But I think the naïve forms of the paintings around the turn of the century will do it. We can also see some of the Picasso's." Her daughter looked at her like she was a spider. This was a clear answer. No Picasso.

"Do you saw something that got your attention?" Hotaru put a thoughtful face on and her view wandered over the exhibits. "The Tiffany lamps look pleasing to me. But we have to stick to the paintings. I really like the things Klimt did." Michiru nodded. "You can draw a part, and we can find you some gold foil for the other stuff." "Yes, please!" They laughed. It was a really lovely day for them. Sometimes it was hard to fit in some space for just the two of them in the daily chaos. Having an opportunity to spend quality time together was difficult when you have three parents. Often she worked with Setsuna on school science projects or visited the racetrack with Papa-Haruka. Clearly, Michiru and her had the violin sessions. However, all of this sounded like work. Visiting the art museum was indeed work too, but learning something about art history and making art was more of an interest, than a career choice for Hotaru. So, she could connect this with pleasure. And Michiru enjoyed talking and teaching about all of this. It was a good way to pause a bit. Sitting in an art hall and just watch something beautiful was a recreation.

"Mama-Michiru, how was your first exhibition like? You never talked about this." They sat on a bank in the middle of one of the smaller rooms. They were almost alone, besides an elderly couple who had some trouble taking a good look of a painting. The security guard was visibly nervous about them nearly touching the exhibit, what could cause the alarm to go off. Again, Michiru's hand got up to her heart. She fumbled with the little bow at the cleavage of her mint green dress. "Well, my first one was quite a train wreck. Literally, I think. When you can see a big worm monster as a train that wrecked it." Hotaru raised one eyebrow. "Sounds terrific." "Therefore, Haruka and I got into another argument. It was cursed. But maybe this is one way to success. You have to fail the first time." And you need an investor with much money. Also, a good feeling about your ego and a strong fist for any lurking monster which destroys your work.

The red roses on the table aggravated Haruka. Michiru would never buy red ones for herself. White flowers were her weakness. Not reds. Tilting her head, the racer thought about a good strategy to find out what was going on here. She felt a little sting inside her guts. A strange sensation. Normally, she was the one who got a lot of attention and gifts from fans. Girls, most of the time. Seeing those flowers near her girlfriend provoked something in her. There was no well elaborated way to ask Michiru where this bouquet of irritation came from. Better not to think about it too much. Her view wandered outside the window. The day was beautiful, and she found no sight of any monsters or Eudial going around causing trouble. Maybe they could do something nice today. There was a new restaurant near their apartment. Or they could go to the pictures. Normal stuff all couples do. No monsters, no pressure, no responsibilities. No secret admires who drive Haruka crazy. Seriously, who was this person giving her girlfriend such an expensive bouquet of red roses? She ground her teeth. There was no way for her to think about something else. Rolling her eyes, she changed her seating position. Leaning against the window sill, she could watch Michiru draw her painting of a mermaid. The ocean was obviously a strong theme in her collection. Her private collection of sketches looked a bit different, and a blond Sailor Guardian played the main role in there. What if the roses came from someone else Michiru drew recently? This was the final straw for the racer. Those flowers drove her mad, and there has to be clarity. "Michiru?"

With a furrowed brow, Haruka browsed through the canvases in the storage cart. Behind her, a very nervous Michiru pawed with her feet. "You are incredible" the blond said, turning half around to find the other girl reddening. "With those paintings, the Mugen Academy would pay good money to make you one of their students." Slowly, the violinist came nearer. "When you say so." Haruka stood up and looked her seriously in the eyes. "For both of your talents. But it would be no problem to speed things a bit up with your first big exhibition." Her facial features brightened up into a beaming smile. The plan was simple. They would arrange an exhibition with Michiru's art, sending an invitation to the head of the Mugen Academy. Then they could see that a great artist like Michiru was the perfect choice for their school. Her talents on the violin would also play a part. But the work on her record took longer than expected. And they had no time.

"I already talked to my mum, and she was immediately on board." Michiru nodded, although she was not really convinced. She always dreamed of her first exhibition. Now there laid a shadow over everything. Somehow the circumstances matched her art. The paintings showed pain, destruction, the end of beauty and visions of the apocalypse. Her mind was full of prophetic dreams that turned into real life nightmares. She extracted them and banished them on canvas. Strange enough that people wanted to hang those obscure fantasies on their walls. Like this owner of the cruise ship. He was so impressed that he bought a handful of paintings from Michiru, and she could give a concert at some parties on his ship. Her family was very proud of her. The new car, they bought from the sale, was a great bonus. Additionally, this was something she did on her own. It was hard work to get her foot into the business of art. And sometimes there was the need of a brother who was a big encouragement. Tenzin's contacts seemed to be shady here and there, but he had a knack for those business things.

Now things had changed and as much as Michiru liked Haruka, it was strange for her getting money from a rich family. She knew how this would look like. Already thinking about the disrespectful newspaper articles. She got herself angry before something even happened. The racer was not aware of Michiru's bad feelings. For her, it was totally normal that she gave her the money of her family to arrange all this. That left a bitter taste in the artists' mouth.

"Perfect!" Tenzin clapped his hands together and stood up from the chair he was sitting on, while Haruka regarded Michiru's works. "And my band can play as a special act?" The racer laughed nervously. "It took me a bit longer to convince my mum about this, but after I showed her your record, she was in love." Tenzin was exited. "Great! My sister and I are having one career changing moment together. I can't wait!" A small smile appeared on the violinist face. Seeing her brother committed like this was rare after the Jiguko got nearly destroyed. And the work at the factory was not pleasing for a creative soul like his. He was a dreamer. This was the thing Michiru loved the most about her brother. It got him sometimes in trouble, but his energy was the light she needed.

"I promise, we play our not so brutal pieces. I chose the ones which would match the ambience of Michiru's paintings. Emotionally and destructive. And you have to play with us." He hugged his surprised sister. "Of course, Tenzin" she answered a bit dryly. Her brother knew immediately that something was wrong. But he would wait until Haruka was gone before he addressed his concern. "You are not happy with the constellation, are you?" He put his finger right in the wound. It would be useless to talk around the subject. For some moments they walked in silence. Michiru was troubled. She could not disappoint her brother and Haruka. And the mission behind this all played a big part too. Maybe this was the only part that mattered to her.

"I don't want to sound ungrateful." As she spoke, her eyes were glued to the pavement. Was it her proud that coursed all those heavy feelings in her guts? For sure. It was stupid. "You think they would say you date a moneybag?" Michiru grimaced. "First of all, we're not dating." "Not yet." Tenzins' remark was followed by a smirk. He was lucky that his sister gave him just an angry side eye and not a punch in his stomach. "You know this is a great opportunity for you." The struggle inside the violinist got visible in her body language. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and stopped in her tracks. "Yes. But this was not the plan. You know?" Tenzin tilted his head. "What was your plan? Finding money on the streets?" Now he got a hurting punch on his upper arm. "Ouch." Michiru was sore. "No! Idiot." She pushed him aside, continuing her way home. "What was it then? Can you please talk to me?" While moving forward, Michiru turned her head over her shoulder. "It was always you and me. Working together, getting gigs, talking to shady people and selling our art by ourselves. It was honest work." Tenzin shook his head. "Playing in an underground club and selling your precious art to drug lords? How proud our parents must be. Listen, Haruka's family has a decent history and you like her. She is your partner." He got a point. But the bitter taste wouldn't go away easily. Again they walked in silence. Tenzin could not stand this long enough.

"What are you telling people about your arrangement?" "We have a school project." Tenzin started laughing. "Since months? Including a trip to our hometown?" Michiru shrugged. "It was a little holiday. And besides, people are too discreet to ask further questions. Sometimes." "Wouldn't it be easier to tell them you are friends? You meet at an actual school project, and it clicked?" They thought about this too, but Haruka was afraid the press would make up some nasty story. And this was their daily fear. Sending Haruka away again would be disastrous for the mission. "The star-crossed lovers. Would be a great title for a new album." "Tenzin!" "Sorry." Somehow there laid truth in his words. Michiru knew that Haruka had feelings for her. And she knew very well that she had developed feelings for the blond the first time she saw her at a race. The memory was as clear as day. Elza took her to one of those loud and dirty motorcycle tracks. "I have to show you the hot girl I am going to race at the school campaign in a month. She is famous!" And after Haruka took off her helmet, Michiru felt a strange feeling in her body. Her heart pounded, and there was this tingling sensation that wandered from her stomach the way down between her legs. This was the day the young girl discovered that love and lust weren't only constructs. She felt them in her body, and they occupied her mind a bit more than she was pleased about.

Michiru excused herself after the siblings came home. Tenzin gave her a knowing smile and occupied their mother, so she could not ask any questions about the young girl's behavior. She got rid of her school uniform and changed into a midnight blue skirt and a light blue sweater. Homework waited, and a bit of practice on her violin. But her mind was elsewhere. Kneeling down in front of her desk, she pulled a little box from underneath it. With a paranoid look to the door, she sat down on her bed. Opening up the lid and her shameful treasures appeared in day-light. It was for sure a box many teenagers hid from their parents. Pictures of crushes and meaningful items loaded with memories. There was a stone from the beach of her hometown and a very funny birthday card Tenzin gave her years ago. Childish things. Between all this laid cut-outs from magazines and newspapers. What made it a bit shameful was the fact that they were all about Haruka. And Michiru collected them since she first laid her eyes on her. The violinist had even put the sketch of the sleeping blond inside. But her favorite picture was from a magazine that showed the racer in a simple black oversized, tugged in t-shirt and black chinos. Her smile in this one was overwhelming and made Michiru's heart skip a beat every time she saw it. The feeling this smile could spark in real life was beyond words. And not very innocent, she had to admit. "How does it feel being kissed by those lips?" And not just on her own lips but on other parts of her skin. With a last look to the door of her room, Michiru laid back on her bed, letting her thoughts and her hands wander.

"A penny for your thoughts." Michiru opened up her eyes, seeing Tenzin's wide grin in front of her. He looked like a waiter in his black button down shirt and the same-colored trousers. Only the monitor in his ear gave away that their performance as opening act for the exhibition would start every minute. The drummer fumbled with his sticks while the bass player and the guitarist warmed up their fingers. They wore the same combo as Tenzin. The many piercings in their ears gave away that the respectable choice of clothes was just a costume for them. Michiru, who wore a black elegant dress, checked a last time the tuning of her violin. She was nervous in a different way this time. Playing for an audience became a routine for her. But playing at her own vernissage to get into an elite school was on another level. A knock on the door was the signal that they could start. "So, let's go!" Tenzin shouted, and they got on the little build up stage in the dark exhibition room. Applauding silhouettes awaited them. Michiru blinked and looked away from the spotlights. She positioned herself next to Tenzin who was in his element at the first second. A born entertainer. He could move a crowd full of brutal looking underground dogs and the posh elitists. Every time Michiru looked up from her violin, she saw a swaying movement of heads. And after a short set of a handful of songs, a loud applauding crowd thanked them for the performance. Tenzin was proud. After he wished them all an awesome evening, they bowed down and disappeared in the backrooms again. Just Michiru stayed in the exhibition room, being engrossed by the press. But the nervous felling was gone, and she answered every question with confidence, acting like a professional. This was the fruit of the hard press work she practiced with Haruka to be prepared. And it went well.

After the press dismissed her, she scanned the place for the familiar face she wanted to see right now. At the other side of the room in a black tuxedo, Haruka leaned against a wall, watching every step of Michiru. And the smile on her lips was too much to handle for the young artist. There was this feeling in her guts again. Slowly she walked over to the racer who greeted her with a little applause. Just for her. "This was the best performance by the Pretty Guardians I saw until now." She leaned down, taking the violinist hand in her own, and gave it a formal kiss. A nervous giggle escaped Michiru, and Haruka's smile got wider. "I overheard some conversations. They love your art." Then she came even closer. "They love you." The little pause was filled with tension. By the way they looked at each other, they knew that there was so much more to say. Things they could not verbalize, yet. Emotions that stayed in their hearts until the moment of relief has come.

Suddenly, a woman with long red hair stepped to their sides. She wore an elegant violet dress and looked too strict for an art enthusiast. "Good evening. My name is Ms Kaorinite. I am the headmaster of the Mugen Academy." Haruka and Michiru looked perplexed. "We've gotten an invitation for this event." With a short side glance to each other, they got themselves together and bowed down. "Nice to meet you. We are…" With a sharp gesture of her hand, she interrupted Haruka. "I know who you are. A strange way to apply." She observed the pair in front of her. Maybe the plan hadn't worked out at all. But then the features of the woman softened a bit. "But this is the way of dedication our school appreciates. I will send the application form in next week." A massive stone fell off Michiru's heart. They did it. But the headmaster looked up and down on Michiru in an arrogant manner. "Congratulations." She said with venom in her voice. "Having a famous friend can help the poorest out of their distress." It was a verbal punch in the face. But before the violinist could answer to this, Haruka intervened by grabbing the shorter girl by the shoulders. "It is always pleasing to support the young talents." Kaorinite nodded. She had nothing to say anymore and wished them a good night.

"I hope she is not our new math teacher" the racer joked and did not notice that the other girl was fuming. "I… Michiru? Is something wrong?" Without any explanation, the violinist took her hand and dragged her out of the room. Haruka was puzzled as they stopped in a hallway far away from the exhibition room. "You fucking idiot!" Eyes wide open, the racer received the second slap in the face from her companion. "Who do you think you are? Is there no brain left when you are full of money?" Her words hurt more than the slap. Valid anger rose up inside Haruka. She breathed in, ready to unload her frustration. "Are you out of your mind? What is wrong with you?" "What is wrong with me? You and your fucking ego let me look like some dog you picked up from the street. Like I am nothing without you." Now Haruka got the source of other girl's fury. And her own anger disappeared almost completely. The slap was still over the top. "It was the comment, right?" Michiru crossed her arms. Her lips were closed, but her eyes said everything. It would be better when she could speak about her problems. Bottling them up caused only more trouble. Like the situation that was created in this very moment.

"We are nothing without each other. Think about this." And there is nothing, when you leave me, Haruka added in her mind. This was the thing she could not talk about. Anger turned into grief, and tears shimmered in Michiru's eyes. "Wouldn't it be better for you living your life without all of this apocalyptic stuff going on? Am I no burden to you?" Haruka's heart ached. "It would be pointless. Driving around in circles. Literately." A bitter smile appeared on Michiru's face. She let her arms down. "I am sorry. My frustration overwhelmed me." She closed the space between them and touched Haruka's cheek gently. "I forgive you." She leaned into the hand. It was a moment straight out of a movie. The next step would be a romantic kiss the couple shared after a toxic fight. But this was no movie. Not for the romantic ones. Then suddenly a big shattering noise brought them back into reality. With a groan, they parted. Duty called. Luckily, no one was with them in the hallway and they could transform.

The exhibition room was nothing but chaos. Injured people ran around, and a big daimon had destroyed a big part of the paintings. This was the last straw for Neptune. She attacked the monster with nothing but pure hate. But the worm got away. "Be careful, Neptune!" Uranus jumped in with a punch to knock the monster out. "Alright!" This was the signal for the second attack and now her "Deep Submerge" which was followed by a "World shaking" from Uranus, destroyed the daimon finally. After it turned back into human form, they both stood there in shock. It was the drummer of Tenzins band who laid on the floor, whining.

What a strange coincidence, Uranus thought to herself. It was not the first time Tenzin was somehow involved in those attacks. Maybe he had something to do with the drug deals? And could she speak with Neptune about this? But there was no time now. They had to leave.

After transforming back, they tried their hardest to look shocked about the situation. Authorities were already there helping and interviewing the people at the vernissage. Haruka's mother was the first who came up to them. She had tears in her eyes. "Great god, you two are well." She embraced them tightly. Michiru was a bit overstrained by this situation. "But are you alright?" Haruka's mother nodded, whipping away her tears. "Please go home, mum. We got this." The racer hugged her mother goodbye, and then they both helped the others. After the injured guests were gone and the police talked to everyone, both girls started to clean up the space. Almost every painting was ruined. It broke Haruka's heart, seeing the other girl wandering through her works, worried and confused. Just one painting of a whale in space was untouched. "This is the only one left." She put it in her hands, observing every inch of it. "How can we go on with a life cursed like this?" Michiru's words were full of sorrow. Carefully, she leaned the canvas on the wall. "As long as I can count on you, I can go on." "I am a fucking idiot, Haruka." The racer walked up to her, embracing her from behind. "Sometimes you are." With bitterness, they laughed. The scent of Michiru's hair made the racer weak. It could be so simple. Just turning her around and letting go. The soft fingers of the violinist hand touching her arm just added to this desire. This was the moment she finally gave in into a request Michiru brought to her months ago. She couldn't avoid this any longer. And maybe it would help the other girl of her hardship. "Can I make you an offer?" The grip around Haruka's wrist tightened. "Are you willing to start a new series of paintings beginning with a painting of… me?" Slowly, the violinist turned around. "Finally."

A little boy. Haruka was jealous because of a little boy who fell for Chibiusa in the end. Now she was the one who felt like a kid. "There is still some time left for a cup of tea. What do you think?" Michiru had almost forgotten about the little talk earlier. But the racer was still contrite. Had she even the right to be jealous after all the fooling around with other girls? Not really. "Your mind is elsewhere, isn't it?" With a playful smile, she took the hand of her girlfriend. The touch brought Haruka back to the moment. "Sorry. My mind was still by the little conversation about roses." "You mean the talk of you being jealous?" "Right." Michiru laid her hands on Haruka's shoulders. She was fine with this, but should she mock the heart-drop a little further? It was a great opportunity, but the racer looked already really troubled. "You can pay for the tea and I will never talk about this again. Deal?" Haruka shook her head. "I mean…" With a sigh, Michiru put a finger on the blonds lips. Then she let the finger wander down to her jawline over to her neck, letting it rest on her collarbone. Haruka gulped. The sensation of the touch made her knees weak. And she couldn't resist any longer, leaning down to kiss the other girl. But the violinist put her in place with the strongest finger the racer ever felt on her chest. "You owe me a cup of tea, and then we will see if I forgive you." Haruka groaned. "I am an idiot." Michiru hooked arms with her girlfriend as they walked to the next café. "Sometimes. But I think you are cute when you are full of regret." After some moments in silence, Haruka spoke up again. "Our relationship went through hard times. I hope you know that the bond I have with you is not just tied by our destiny." Michiru looked up. She knew this. There was no explanation needed. "I know. You don't need to convince me." Suddenly, Haruka stopped in her tracks straightening her shoulders. It was a preparation for the next thing she had to say. Simultaneously easy and the hardest thing she had ever done. "Michiru? There is something I did not say, yet." The violinists prepared herself. Her hand wandered down into Haruka's. "Say it now." The taller girl turned around, cupping the other girl's face in her hands. "I love you." A smile appeared on Michiru's lips. "Yes, it took you some time." She leaned up for a kiss. After they parted their lips, they looked around if anyone saw them. But the few people around them minded their own business. Then Michiru looked up to her girlfriend, who took her in a tight embrace. "I love you, too. My idiot. But Haruka?" "Yes?" "You still have to pay for the tea." Haruka rolled her eyes, causing the smaller girl to laugh.

"How was the day at the museum?" Michiru stretched her arms as she got into the kitchen, receiving a cup of tea from Setsuna. "Great. I taught her a lot about art history she didn't read in a book, and I could show Hotaru some interesting exhibits." The other woman nodded. "Sounds good. And did she found something for her homework?" The violinist blew into her steaming cup. "Yes, tomorrow she will reproduce a painting by Klimt. Haruka will help her with the glue and stuff." A little chuckle escaped Setsuna. It was always cute seeing the two working on some school projects together. They rescued the world, got hurt and even killed while fighting against monsters. And now they sit in the living room watching cartoons. "I like this peace." "As long as it will last." Hopefully for a little while longer.