"Hi there, beautiful." Michiru turned around, and was met with a smiling face. Rei's long, raven hair was tucked perfectly behind her ears. She wore a thick green army jacket, her nose tinted red from the cold.

She inhaled deeply and gave her a disinterested look. "What do you want, Rei?" She asked with a sigh, as she fumbled with her camera and aimed it upwards. The dark haired girl took a step closer, and rested her hands over Michiru's.

"You'd get a better angle if you tilt it to the right." She moved Michiru's arms over, and the camera flashed. As they turned the camera down to look, Michiru noticed that she was indeed, correct. The picture looked much better than before.

"Mmm. It feels so nice to hold you like this, again." Rei whispered, as she encircled her arms around Michiru's waist. The aqua haired woman didn't move. She was too entranced with Rei's scent, cherry blossoms. She always smelled just like Japanese Cherry Blossom perfume. It was so amazing.

"I see you're still shopping at Bath and Body works, and buying that tacky perfume." She answered coldly instead, jerking away from her ex girlfriend's embrace. Rei smiled, her red lipgloss shining.

"Funny how you say that. I always recalled this to be your favorite." She replied back, meeting Michiru's eyes in a way that seemed to freeze her on the spot.

She had spent so much time avoiding Rei, that she'd forgotten how stunningly beautiful she was. She pressed her lips together and angrily shoved her camera in her coat pocket. She closed her eyes, softly, then pressed them harder, to control herself.

She couldn't look at Rei. She couldn't lay eyes on that perfect figure, her curves, the way they perfectly sculpted her body; and the long, dark hair that she straightened herself every morning, her perfect makeup.

Physically, she was absolutely flawless. But Michiru could see past all of that, better than ever before. She could see the pain, growing inside of Rei. The pain that she deflected onto other people to satisfy herself.

She wouldn't do that to herself again. She wouldn't fall into Rei's cunning trap. "Thank you for the help with my camera. Have a nice day." Her tone was harsh, curt. Michiru turned and began to walk away.
"You'll crawl back, Mich. You'll have your fun with Haruka and then come right back to me, begging for it. We both know it." Michiru pretended not to hear her, and kept walking, but her face contorted with confusion, doubt.

She couldn't be right. She was a fucking liar. Michiru kept walking forward, despite the rising anger within her.

Michiru watched as her best friend smiled happily, holding up a peace sign and posing beside Nadia. Their pink, flushed cheeks were pressed together, and their arms wrapped securely around each other.

"1…2….3!" There was a bright flash and Minako went to give Nadia a hug. The Russian girl giggled and latched right back onto Minako, kicking a foot up for the next picture.

"Doesn't seem that shy to me…" Michiru mumbled to herself, fumbling in her pocket for a cigarette, then remembering she shouldn't smoke in front of professors. She watched as Haruka was getting all cute and touchy with a little brunette not too far away.

The girl tilted her head flirtatiously and giggled (obviously a fake laugh.) and Haruka brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Michiru watched with burning jealousy and anger; her eyes switching from Minako to Haruka quickly and rapidly, like flashes of lightning.

And here she was, standing alone in the midst of it all, clutching a lighter and trying to avoid the lump in her throat. She felt so alone, and the worst part of it was, this was a feeling she was used to already.

It was only when Minako turned to look at her, when she lost it. Her expression was full of pity, sympathy for Michiru, standing all alone, pathetically. The aqua haired woman's glare came on quickly, as she took a step back.

"Fuck you, Minako." Her voice was loud enough to draw her best friend's attention, and to attract her worry. Minako didn't even look angry or upset with Michiru. Just worried.

She took another step back, then turned away. She needed to go. She needed to be alone. So she ran; her feet hitting the pavement in hard, stressed thumps, her hair flying behind her as the bitter wind rushed against her.

The train doors were closing as she slipped in and let out a deep breath as she slumped against the wall. She pulled out her cigarette and lit up, blinking back tears of frustration. The ride was short, though it felt like it would never end.

—-

She twirled a lock of aqua hair around her finger, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks were stained with mascara that had spilled down her face. She had promised not to cry over something so small.

She was Kaioh Michiru, tough, strong, and not afraid of anything or anyone. And if anything, she would prove it. She would prove it to everyone. That no matter who left her, or hurt her, she would always survive it.

She dragged a warm hotel wash cloth across her face until it showed no sign of tears, then called down to the front desk, asking for a nice, sharp pair of scissors.

Within only a few minutes, a knock sounded at her door, a hotel staff was waiting outside with her requested item. "Thank you very much." She smiled kindly, running her finger over the silver blades as she closed the door.

She brought the scissors over a long, curly lock of aquamarine hair, shut her eyes as tightly as she could, and closed the blades. Her hair fell onto the floor at her feet, and a strange smile formed on her face.

"I have a feeling this isn't going to look so bad." She whispered to herself, as she began snipping. She took deep breaths as she added the finishing touches to her new hairstyle.

It was now a good bit shorter than before, stopping at her shoulders and set into a perfect short hairstyle. She smiled at her handy work and tossed the scissors down right on the counter.

They were all going to dinner at a very popular restaurant to celebrate their first trip as freshman in college, and Michiru was planning to shock them all tonight.

—

"Mich? Hey, Michiru it's me." Minako gently closed the door behind her and walked into their room. She could hear the air conditioning running in the bathroom, so she knew her best friend was hiding here somewhere.

"Mich, listen I just came to say I'm sorry for this morning. I know you don't want to speak to me and you're probably mad at me but I just wanted to-" She stopped mid sentence as the person she was looking for stepped out of the bathroom, flipping the lights off behind her.

"Oh my god." Was all she could muster, getting her first look at Michiru. Her hair, her perfected makeup, her fucking dress. It was black, with see through sleeves running down her perfect arms and stopping right at the end of her wrists. The high heels made her seem significantly taller, more intimidating.

"You…. You look-"

"I know." Michiru interrupted, smiling at Minako's flustered state. She turned and picked up her Chanel handbag, slipping a tube of red lipstick, and her cellphone inside. "I didn't mean anything I said this morning, Mina. It was rude and a real bitch move for me. Let's just forget about it, okay?"

All Minako could do was nod dumbly, still entranced with how beautiful this woman looked. "Listen, I'm gonna go ahead. I have an old friend that I'm meeting with before dinner. I'll see you there." She gave Minako's shoulder a gentle squeeze before leaving.

The blonde haired girl walked slowly to the restroom, where she saw the scissors, makeup left scattered across the counter (makeup she would definitely be using for herself as well.) , and a few bobby pins left around here and there.

She knew Michiru would never let herself go down without a fight. She would never allow her mind to win. She would pick up the pieces to whatever self confidence was broken and restore them, until they came back together, stronger than ever before.

She was brave, resilient, kind and strong. She was everything Minako wanted to be. Her smile came faintly, so soft she barely noticed it. She loved her best friend more than life itself.

—-

Haruka was engaged in a not so interesting conversation about the study of ancient prayer with her history partner when a flash of aquamarine caught her eye. She leaned forward in her seat, trying to follow the girl with her eyes as she turned around the corner.

The woman's head turned towards her and she gave a quick wink, smirking as she continued on her way. It was a look that overall seemed to say "i know how much you want me right now." But it was all so fast and abrupt that she couldn't quite tell.
She craned her neck further, only causing her to lose her balance and quite literally fall out of her seat. "T-tenoh san! Are you okay?" Her partner asked, offering to help her regain her balance. "Y-yeah I'm good. Could you excuse me? There's something I need to get done."

She didn't wait for any form of a response before dashing around the corner and into the lobby. Nothing. She pushed the door open and saw her standing in the street, hailing a cab. "Michiru!"

The woman turned around at the sound of her name, and her blue eyes fell on Haruka. She watched as the blonde made her way over, her eyes trailing up and down Michiru's body as she did so.

"Hello, Haruka." She greeted, smiling confidently and tucking a lock of short hair behind her ear. "Your hair… It looks really fucking amazing. When did you cut it?" She asked, her face filled with confusion. Michiru found it a bit strange why Haruka was asking about her hair when her eyes were locked on her breasts.

"When none of my friends were engaging with me and I decided to leave early." Michiru replied instantly. "But I suppose you were too wrapped up in your little friend to notice." The taxi pulled up and she opened the door to the backseat.

"Michiru, that was-"
"If I were you I'd be getting myself ready for dinner. I flat ironed your top, too. It's hanging up in the closet." She settled herself in the seat. "I'll see you there." She gave Haruka one last look before closing the door.

—

"Did you see her?" Haruka asked as she slammed the door to their room. She stopped at the bathroom door, watching as Minako contoured her cheekbones. "I did. And I'm assuming by the blush on your face that you did as well."

Haruka ignored the comment and stripped her sweatshirt, tossing it to the ground. As promised, her white top was hung up neatly on a metal hanger. She tugged it on, quietly observing how tight it looked on her, then shrugged.

Her pants were laid out neatly on the bed. They were long, loose black slacks that came up to her waist. It was a perfect balance of masculine and feminine. It was almost as if Michiru had known what she would feel comfortable in.

"So, how was it?" Mianko's voice came drifting from the bathroom. Haruka observed her figure in the mirror before absently calling back. "How was what?" She tucked her cotton shirt in a bit more tightly, letting it hug her figure.

"The sex you had with my best friend." She looked up and Minako was standing right there, smirking at her. She turned away, dropped to her knees, and pretended to search for her shoes. "Why do you care?"

The woman took three big steps towards Haruka, then bent down so they were at the same level. "Do not hurt her, Haruka Tenoh. And I will not hurt you, its simple as that." Her tone was sweet, almost as if she was giving her a compliment.

"Got it…" She threw her hands up in a surrendering notion, then leaned back down to continue her fake search. "And your shoes are by the door, Haruka. You aren't fooling me!" Minako called as she disappeared back into the bathroom.

—-

"Thank you, for agreeing to come." Setsuna took a long sip of her whiskey, patting Michiru's hand like she really meant it. The aqua haired woman just gave her a look like this was the simplest thing she'd ever done.

"Well, I was in town. And who wouldn't agree to come see such a close friend?" She fiddled with the strap of her purse, refusing to make eye contact with Setsuna. "Mm. I see you still carry that nervous energy with you, Michiru."

"It isn't that…" She lit a cigarette, placed it between her perfect rows of white teeth. "Its just been so long, since I've seen you. And since, everything." She finished quietly with that last word.

Setsuna's expression softened. "Seeing you go through that. It was hard for all of us. How are you now? Are you still with Rei?" She asked with a genuine smile, attempting to grant Michiru some comfort. She only snorted at the mention of Rei's name. "I am not. We broke up ages ago."

"Hmm, I see. Rather be alone?"

Michiru smiled, looked down at her drink. "Never."

Setsuna's eyes were deeply entrancing, they carried knowledge and wisdom. Michiru often wondered about the woman, and where she learned the things that she knew, or if they came simply to her.

Setsuna had been a close friend of the family since Michiru was a child. She was there for everything, the assault, the divorce her parents went through, that one year where Michiru had truly lost it.

Setsuna knew her better than anyone else. She was very confident of that. Maybe that was why she avoided her so much up until now. "You look beautiful, Michiru. Very confident." She took a closer look, studying her. "Your aura has changed."

"Well, Ive been through hell and back to find myself again." She took a long drag, offered it to Setsuna. The tall woman shook her head. "Thats a dirty habit, Michiru." The aqua haired woman shrugged, letting Setsuna's very true comment roll right off her back, but regardless, put out her cigarette.

"So, have you met anyone?"
Michiru shifted in her seat, tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "What do you mean?" Setsuna just gave her a look; a look that lasted so long, Michiru just sighed. "Yeah, I have." The taller woman smiled and leaned a bit closer, practically beaming with curiosity. "Talk, bitch."

Michiru smiled, then felt herself grow serious. "She's…like nothing I've ever experienced before. Like everything I want and don't mixed into one. She makes me feel things I never knew I could. It's so strange." She seemed to hold on to her words, even after she was finished, like saying them out loud made everything real.

"But I can't get hurt again, Setsuna. I just can't do that to myself again." The woman reached out her hand and caught Michiru's in one, firm grasp. Their eyes met and those deep, dark orbs spoke millions of words even at one glance.

"With love, comes an abundance of risk. And never will it not. It's your decision whether you want to pursue it with that information in mind."

"Setsuna….. I do."

—-

"Michiru?" The aqua haired woman turned around and her smile disappeared immediately when she saw Nadia standing there. Her hair was tied back in a small pony, with a red ribbon. She looked like a teddy bear.

"Can I help you?" Her tone was cold, it matched perfectly with her eyes, which were the exact same way. Nadia tripped on her words a bit, obviously a bit intimidated by Michiru's demeanor.

"L-listen. I'm not trying to take Minako away from you or anything. It's just… she's super nice and I wanted to be her friend. Thats all." She went back to staring at her feet. Michiru leaned against the wall and raised an eyebrow.

"You aren't as shy as you pretend to be. I can tell."

Nadia's nervous smile disappeared. "Really?" Her tone took a twist as the word left her mouth, it was more confident, and calm, and to Michiru, almost felt menacing. "Yes, really. I don't believe that fake facade for a minute."

"Well then, you're smarter than everyone else in this place." Michiru met Nadia's icy blue eyes. The girl was standing tall, free of the usual slump she carried. "I knew it." Michiru almost whispered.

"What the hell are you even trying to do?" She asked, shocked and confused, clutching tightly onto a tube of red lipstick. Nadia exhaled slowly, and rolled her eyes. "You're making it complicated, Michiru. Here's the fact; there are many ways to get to the top, and I'm just taking the smartest route."

"By lying."

"Like you haven't ever before."
She gave Michiru a smile, then wrapped her arms around her torso, falling back into her feeble state. "Have a nice dinner, Michiru. Th-Thank you for speaking to me." She gave her a quick wink as she turned around to greet a professor.

Michiru's eyes narrowed, a deep, raw hatred forming inside of her. She watched as the professor placed a hand on Nadia's fragile shoulder and flashed a warm smile to her, obviously falling for that fake act.

What felt the worst, was that Michiru had believed her too.

—

"God this place is nice as fuck." Minako stated with wide eyes as a tall man in a suit poured her a glass of red wine. Then she began to laugh silently to herself, nudging Michiru and whispering "Bitch we don't belong here."

They both started laughing, looking around them at the beautiful decoration and high society people that haunted the restaurant. "We should just ditch this and go to Wendy's." Michiru whispered back, setting them off even more.

"So, girls." They were interrupted by the history professor, who had suddenly poked her head in between them. "What are we whispering about?" There was a moment of silence before the older woman began to laugh at herself.

She gave both of their backs and rub and smiled. "Oh to be young again." She tottered away, cackling to herself, though nobody really understood what was funny. Michiru gave Minako a look that seemed to scream 'what the fuck', before taking a long sip of her wine.

"Oh my god this is amazing." She stared at the dark liquid as if it had descended from heaven in the 12 seconds she had looked away, then quickly took another sip. Minako held her glass up to the light. "I'm almost afraid to drink it. They could rob us of out of a thousand dollars for this shit."

"It's all free, Mina. God just drink your alcohol and shut up." Minako did just as told. She nearly spit out her wine from the pure shock of how nice it was. She didn't say anything, for the fear of Michiru judging her, because she had never tasted an expensive drink in her life, due to her family's financial problems.

"Well, I guess this is what a fancy college trip wins you." She stated before downing the rest of the drink. Michiru watched on with amusement as her best friend motioned the waiter back over for more. Mianko's smile was wide and overflowing with joy as she held her glass up for a toast.

"To being boujee ass bitches."

Michiru giggled as the glasses rang from the contact and took a long gulp of her wine. Minako hiccuped lightly, then leaned in close again. "Did you see Tenoh walk in?" The aqua haired woman shook her head, then looked around, trying to spot her.

"She looks really good in that outfit you chose. It made her happy." Minako's tone was casual, but Michiru felt much more of a desire to hear what else Haruka had said while she was gone. After a minute, Mianko set her glass down and gave Michiru a look.

"Quit staring at me like that. Its creepy.."

The comment seemed to snap Michiru back to reality, and she straightened her posture. "You're creepy." She mumbled back, reaching for a roll. "Look, here comes the first course." She pointed as waiters entered with trays of food on their arms, heading straight for the long table they sat at.

"Yesss! This girl is ready to feast!" Minako cheered, clapping rapidly and squirming in her seat. Michiru rolled her bright blue eyes. Minako could be such a child at times.

The steaming plates were placed in front of them and she could feel her mouth water. Minako wrestled her utensils out of the white cloth with need and dug in without a second thought.

The beautiful simplicity of this moment felt so right to Michiru. Sitting here with her best friend, enjoying a meal as she traveled with her dream college to a place she'd always wanted to go. It almost seemed impossible to wrap her head around.

For the first time in a long time, she felt truly grateful.