Chapter 11:
Haruka and Michiru were now seated at the table for breakfast, along with Setsuna and Hotaru.
As she sat there eating her breakfast, Michiru couldn't help but giggle in amusement at the way Hotaru was spoon feeding Haruka. It was clear the young girl was determined to get Haruka to finish breakfast.
"You know, Hime-chan, I can feed myself."
Haruka said, in between bites of food.
"I know, but if we sit here waiting for you to feed yourself, we're gonna be here all day."
"Fair enough. But do you think you could slow down on the rate at which you're giving me each bite of food? My stomach is starting to cramp."
"It's cramping because it hasn't had much in it to digest in the last couple of weeks. Now finish your eggs."
Hotaru's voice left no room for argument as she held the bite of food up to Haruka's mouth.
After about ten minutes had passed, Haruka had finished her breakfast and was now resting her forehead against the table.
"I'm very proud of you, Haruka-papa."
Hotaru smiled, patting her father figure on the back.
"Ugh, I feel like I'm gonna be sick."
Haruka groaned as she began to slowly get up from the table.
"Oh don't be so dramatic. It wasn't even that much."
"Speak for yourself."
Haruka muttered as she made her way upstairs.
Setsuna and Michiru just shook their heads, watching Haruka's retreating form. They then turned their attention to Hotaru.
"Well I must say, Hotaru, I'm impressed you got your Haruka-papa to eat all her breakfast."
Setsuna said.
"Thank you, but it's not like it was much of a challenge. As I stated earlier, I'm her little firefly. I knew I'd be able to get her to eat."
"You do make a valid point. But, Hotaru, I don't want you to think you have to feed your Haruka-papa all her meals. I know you mean well and want her to be okay, but it's not your responsibility to worry about her."
Michiru said.
Hotaru gave a nod of understanding.
"I know, Michiru-mama, but I can't just sit by and do nothing."
"I understand that, but try not to worry yourself too much about your Haruka-papa, okay?"
"Okay."
Hotaru then stood and went to place her plate in the sink.
"Speaking of Haruka-papa, I'm gonna go check on her."
With that said, Hotaru headed upstairs.
When she made it to Haruka and Michiru's bedroom, she noticed that the door was locked.
"That's strange. Why is the door locked? She never locks the door."
Hotaru then knocked on the door, in an effort to get Haruka's attention.
"Haruka-papa, it's me. Can I come in?"
When she didn't get a response, Hotaru knocked a bit louder.
"Haruka-papa! Hello, can you hear me?!"
The amount of noise Hotaru was making gained Michiru and Setsuna's attention, and they quickly made their way upstairs.
"Hime-chan, what's all the banging and yelling about?"
Michiru asked.
"Haruka-papa locked the bedroom door and she's not answering!"
Hotaru yelled, starting to get worked up.
"Take it easy, Hime-chan. I have a spare key in my art room."
Michiru then raced off to her art room and returned a short while later with the spare key. She was then about to unlock the door, when it suddenly swung open, causing her to jump back.
"Is there some reason you all are standing outside the door?"
"You had the door locked and weren't answering. Why was the door locked and why weren't you answered?"
The accusatory tone in Hotaru's voice was impossible to miss.
Haruka began to glance around as if she was searching for an answer.
"I just…uh…wanted some privacy."
"Mmhm. And why exactly did you want privacy?"
"For private reasons."
"Which would be?"
"Hime-chan, the whole point of privacy is that you don't tell people why you need it."
"You're thinking of secrets, Haruka-papa. Now why did you need privacy?"
"You're too young to know."
Hotaru's face deadpanned.
"Haruka-papa, if you're trying to tell me the door was locked because you were having some alone time, I'm not buying it. You have never once locked the door for that. Also, since when do you need to have alone time right after breakfast?"
"Okay, let's move on. What's the plan for today?"
Haruka asked, trying to change the subject.
"Not so fast, Haruka-papa. Why were you in your bedroom with the door locked? I want answers and I want them now!"
"Hotaru, that's enough."
Setsuna's voice was calm, yet stern.
"Bu-"
Setsuna held up her hand, effectively cutting Hotaru off.
"Michiru, please take Hotaru downstairs. Haruka and I are going to have a talk."
Setsuna's tone pretty much let the others know that nobody had better so much as even think about arguing with her.
Once Michiru had taken Hotaru downstairs, Setsuna turned her attention to Haruka.
End of chapter 11:
