Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ True Love ❯ Chapter 11

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

By: apl85

True Love

Chapter Eleven

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It's been almost eight weeks since school had started, the weather started to get colder as the days past. Through a window shined the sun which beamed off a snow globe on the corner of a desk. On a very hard chair in the corner of the room sat Michiru who had her head down and she was biting the bottom of her lip. `Why does he want to see me, I never did anything wrong.' The squeak of the door brought her attention to her left, a boy with light blue hair stepped inside the room,

“Miki?” He turned his head and smiled at her.

“Hey Michiru,” he sat down beside her after he talked to the secretary.

“I see you got called to the office too.” Michiru didn't respond, she was to nervous about what the principle wanted, all the years she had gone to this school not once was she called to the office. The door to the office opened and a man stuck his head out,

“Miki Michiru, come on in.” Michiru stood and walked behind Miki, they entered the office which was larger than the other room. Behind a dark maple desk sat a tall man with chestnut brown hair.

“Come sit down you two,” he offered them a chair in front of his desk. Michiru sat on the edge of her seat and avoid eye contact with the principle.

“First of all you two are not in trouble,” Michiru let out her breathe she held.

“I have some bad news about the orchestra you are trying to organize,” he paused as he glanced at some papers on his desk, “there won't be an orchestra as there aren't enough students that want to join.” He looked up into two disappointed faces,

“I'm truly sorry.” The ringing of the bell echoed through the room, Miki stood from his seat and nodded to the principle seeing that he couldn't argue with him. Michiru followed his lead then left the office with Miki.

“Oh well, it was good while it lasted.” Miki brushed a strand of hair out of his eyes,

“I gotta go, see ya later Michiru.” Miki left her standing by herself, Michiru let out a sigh and made her way to her locker, she put her books inside and closed the door. All of a sudden her view went dark.

“Guess who?” A smile crept on her face as she recognized the voice, “I'd say Haruka Tenoh.” Her vision cleared as Haruka moved her hands from her eyes.

“Good guess,” Michiru turned around to face Haruka who had a smile on her face.

“I guess you could call it that.” Michiru started to walk down the nearly empty hall toward the exit, Haruka caught up with her.

“So what did the principle want?” Haruka stuck her hands in her jean pockets.

“He just wanted to tell Miki and me that the orchestra wasn't going to happen.”

“Oh that's too bad,” Michiru shrugged her shoulders. They exited the school and walked over to a blue Grand Prix.

“Umm…” Haruka stopped walking, “Michiru,” she stopped and turned to face Haruka.

“Yeah,” Haruka ran her hand through her hair, “I was wondering if you'd like to go for a ride with me tomorrow on my dirt bike?” Michiru stayed silent for a minute or so before she answered.

“I'd…I'd love to,” she smiled at the blonde and the blonde smiled back in return.

“I'll come by your house tomorrow after lunch.” Michiru nodded her head and turned to the car, “I'll see you tomorrow than.” She opened the door and got in; she smiled one last time before her mother drove away. Haruka stood there and watched the car slowly disappear over the horizon.

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The sound of crunching leaves could be heard throughout the street as Haruka walked down the street. The leaves were slowly falling off the trees as winter was just around the corner, the sun shined but the wind was cool. She turned down a familiar street and continued to walk until she saw the house that she had been looking for. Her hands automatically went into her pant pockets as she made her way up to the front door and knocked on the door. This would be the first time she had knocked on the Kaioh door but surly not the last. Footsteps could be heard coming towards the door and the sound of someone unlocking the door, Haruka took a deep breath as the door opened.

“Hello Haruka,” Kei stood there.

“Hello sir… is Michiru home.” Kei smiled as he looked at the familiar boy in front of him.

“Come on in Haruka,” Kei opened the door further and let the blonde haired boy in his house. “Michiru will be down in a minute or so.” They went in the living room and sat on the couch, Haruka kept her head down avoiding Kei stares.

Kei stood from his seat and excused himself from Haruka. She let out a quiet sigh as he left the living room.

Upstairs in her room sat Michiru on her bed looking at her fish tank. She wore blue hip hugger jeans and a navy blue sweat shirt. A little knock on the door interrupted her thought,

“You have a guess downstairs waiting for you.”

“Okay, thanks dad.” She stood from her bed and checked herself in the mirror making sure everything was in its right place. She opened her door and made her way downstairs to her waiting friend.

Michiru entered the living room quietly so Haruka wouldn't know she was there. She snuck up behind her and covered Haruka's eyes like she did the other day. Haruka sat there and didn't say anything.

“Hey Michiru,” she dropped her hands from Haruka's eyes.

“How did you know it was me?” She sounded disappointed.

“I heard you come in the room.” Haruka stood from the couch and turned to face her.

“Oh…” she pouted which made Haruka laugh at her. Haruka walked over to the front door while Michiru followed her.

“Are you ready to go?” She put on her shoes that she took off when she came in, Michiru nodded her head. She opened the door and gusted of cool air hit their faces,

“It sure is getting colder out?” They started to walk down the street, “I hope you don't mind walking a bit.” Haruka looked down at Michiru,

“It's alright.”

Haruka's dirt bike was stored at a near by garage because at their trailer they had know room to store it. They made their way to there destination, Michiru was amazed at all the different kinds of trees that surrounded the place.

“Hey Haruka, long time no see.” One of the mechanics at the garage stopped what he was doing and came over to them.

“I've come to take my dirt bike out for a spin.” Haruka had a happy glow in her eyes as they walked to the back of the garage were the dirt bike was held. She hadn't rode it for such a long time, not since she broke her arm her father wouldn't allow it at least until they were settled in there new home. Haruka pulled off the cover that protected it against the elements of the garage underneath was a red and white Honda CRF250R. She pushed it outside and put it on it's kickstand to look it over before she started it. Michiru followed her not sure of what to do, Haruka looked so happy to be able to drive her dirt bike, she stood off to the side and watched her.

After Haruka checked it over and it looked alright she started it up, it roared to life. Haruka looked at Michiru and smiled at her then walked over to her.

“Do you want to go for a ride?” Michiru smiled at her and agreed. She had never been on one before and this could be the only chance she might get. Haruka handed her a black helmet with an eagle on the back of it, Haruka took her hand and guided her over to the roaring beast.

“Are you ready for the ride of a life time?” Haruka put on her helmet which was red with a black strip down the center of it and got on to her bike. Michiru swallowed to try and calm her stomach, she was very nervous but she did trust Haruka though. Haruka offered her her hand; Michiru took it and climbed on the back of the bike. She wrapped her arms around Haruka's waist very tightly as Haruka revved the engine,

“Are you ready Michiru?” The grip around her waist tightened and she felt Michiru nod her head against her back. Haruka started out very slow just for Michiru to get used to the movement of the bike, the grip around her waist eased up some so she sped up. Michiru had her eyes tightly shut, she was afraid to open them and see just how fast they were actually going.

“Michiru?” The sound of the roaring beast died away in Michiru's ears and the wind ceased.

“Michiru you can open your eyes now.” Haruka turned her head and out of the corner of her eye she could see Michiru's eyes closed so she stopped the dirt bike and turned it off. Michiru opened her eyes and looked around their surroundings before she looked at Haruka.

“Why did you stop?” Michiru had a confused look on her face. Haruka smiled at her and took of her helmet,

“I want to show you something?” Michiru let go of Haruka's waist and got off the bike, her legs felt weird from the vibration of the dirt bike. Haruka got off the bike and put the kickstand down.

Michiru never noticed that they went up a hill, were she was looking was breath taking, they where at the very outskirts of Osaka, you could see the Pacific Ocean. The wind increased and Michiru could smell the water and almost feel the mist from the waves, she closed her eyes to enjoy this moment.

Haruka stood some what behind Michiru not wanting to bother her; she knew that Michiru would like the scenery. She crossed her arms before her chest and watched Michiru for a while before moving beside her. She looked over to Michiru to see the expression on her face, it seemed happy, content, peaceable, she smiled to herself at thinking of showing her this.

“It's quite beautiful isn't it?” Michiru opened her eyes and looked over the scenery again.

“Yes it is very…thanks for bring me here Haruka.” The sweetest smile Haruka ever saw was on Michiru's face at that very moment.

“I thought you would like it.” Haruka returned the smile then went over to her bike and offered Michiru her helmet. Michiru took it from her and put it on, Haruka climb on and then let Michiru get on. She did the strap up on her helmet then leaned her body against Haruka's back. Haruka's heart started to beat faster as she felt Michiru's chest against her back and the arms wrapped around her waist. Haruka turned her head slightly so she could see Michiru's face.

“Try and keep your eyes open this time, you missed all the colourful trees.” Michiru looked away embarrassed for closing her eyes, Haruka smiled at her then started the engine.

They arrived back at the garage about an hour and a half later, Haruka was pushing her bike instead of riding and Michiru was walking beside her carrying the two helmets.

“I can't believe it ran out of gas.” Haruka felt stupid for not checking to see if there was enough, she was just to excited to finally be able to drive it after all those months. She pushed the bike inside the garage and back into the back and covered it up after she put gas into it. She ran her hand through her hair and sighed,

“Sorry you had to walk all that way.” Michiru looked down at the helmets in her hands.

“That's alright.” She was actually glad it ran out of gas, she could spend more time with Haruka and actually be able to talk to her with out the sound of the motor in the background. Haruka took the helmets out of her hands and placed them on a near by shelf. Haruka yawned as they started to make their way over the main street. She was exhausted from pushing her bike for more than an hour, `that bike was heavy,' she rubbed her arm were it started to get sore.

Michiru noticed this but didn't want to say anything but what kind of friend would she be if she didn't ask her.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah I'll be fine just a little sore.” She had put her hands in her pant pockets and continued to walk beside Michiru.

They arrived on Michiru's street before one of them spoke.

“Do…do you want to come over for awhile before you go home?” Michiru looked down at the sidewalk; she hadn't really had any friend over before so she was kind of rusty in that department.

“Umm…I guess I could.” Haruka looked at Michiru who finally looked at her with a surprised look in her eyes. They continued on there way until they reached Michiru's house, upon entering the sound of the violin entered there ears.

“Is that your father?” Haruka bent over to undue her shoes before continuing any further.

“Yes it is.” Michiru was doing the same thing as Haruka.

“He is really good.” Haruka was amazed at the music he was creating with a difficult instrument like that.

“That's why he is the famous violinist.” Michiru walked over to the music room were her father was with Haruka following her. They stood in the door way not wanting to disturb him; Haruka was really amazed by Michiru's father. The tiredness she was feeling earlier simple vanished from her, or she simple forgot about it.

Kei sensed eyes on him so he made the song shorter than it actually was and stopped his playing and sat his precious instrument down on the piano next to him.

“Hello you two.” He looked at them with a happy grin; he was happy that his little girl had a good friend now and was happier about school. He walked over to them,

“So how was your ride on Haruka's bike sweetheart?” He kissed her on the forehead.

“It was very exciting,” she looked over to Haruka who had a silly grin on her face.

“That's good.” Kei looked over to Haruka, he was happy that Haruka could make Michiru so happy.

“We'll be in the living room, just thought you might wanted to know,” Michiru looked up to her father's loving eyes.

“Okay,” Kei looked into his daughter's blue eyes and smiled again. Kei watched them walk into the living room then he shut the door to the room and walked over to the violin and started to play again.

Michiru sat down on the couch and Haruka sat beside her. She didn't know what to do now. Haruka looked around the room it was remarkable, in front of them was a Toshiba 42” television, they were seated on a black leather couch and two other recliners were somewhat beside the couch. There were pictures of the family all over the room; it felt very comfortable in the living room.

“Do you want to watch TV?” Michiru handed her the remote.

“Okay,” Haruka took the remote and turned on the TV; she flipped through the channels and landed on a movie called Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

“Do you want to watch this?” Haruka sat the remote on her knee.

“Sure,” Michiru leaned back further into the couch to try and get more comfortable.

Yori's Pontiac pulled into the driveway and she got out headed for the front door. She opened the door and the noise of the television greeted her, she took her shoes off and made her way into the living room. She was surprised to see Michiru with a friend sitting on the couch watching television, instead of making her presence known she went off to the music room were she would probably find Kei. She opened the door a little and stuck her head inside; sitting at the piano was Kei who was writing notes on a sheet of music paper. Yori made her way into the room and stopped behind her husband.

“Composing another song dear?” Kei put his pencil down and looked up at his beautiful wife.

“You're home earlier than I expected.” Yori sat down beside him on the bench.

“Yrah, I put one of my chefs in charge of the kitchen tonight.” She leaned her head in her hands that rested on her knees and rubbed her temples.

“I see Michiru has a friend over.” Yori looked up into Kei smiling face.

“Yeah I know, isn't it great she has a good friend now,” Yori nodded her head in agreement; she stood from the bench and went over to the door.

“I'll let you get back to your song.” Yori closed the door and made her way to the living room.

“Hello mom,” Michiru looked up at her mom when she heard someone come into the room. “Hello you two,” Yori looked at both of them and noticed just how close they were sitting to each other.

“Michiru, can I speak to you for a minute in the kitchen.” Michiru looked at Haruka then up to her mother and stood from her spot next to Haruka and followed her mother. She didn't have a good feeling what her mother wanted just by the look in her eye. Her mother was already in the kitchen and stood by the counter.

“Come over here please,” Michiru followed her mother's orders, “I hate to say this sweetheart but I don't like you sitting so close to your friend in there,” her mother quietly spoke so Haruka couldn't hear them.

“He might get the wrong idea.” Michiru couldn't help but smile at her mother; “mom you don't have to worry about something like that…” her mother raised her eyebrows,

“…Haruka is a girl mom.” Yori eyes went wide in surprise, she was speechless,

“Umm…can I go now?” Yori nodded her head yes and Michiru left to rejoin her friend in the living room. However, in the kitchen Yori still stood in the same spot,

“Well I guess that's a good thing then, right?” She talked to know one in particular as know one was in there with her. She scratched her head than decided to make dinner for all four of them.

The Kaioh's and Haruka sat at the table and ate their dinner, Haruka wasn't sure what she was eating but whatever it was it was really good, it had noodles, different kinds of vegetables and chicken.

“How's your father doing Haruka?” She took a drink of her milk before she answered Yori's question. “He's getting out of the hospital tomorrow actually.” She grabbed some more noodles from her dish with her chopstick and ate them. “That's good to hear.” They ate the rest of dinner in silence.

“Thanks for supper Yori it was very good.” She bowed to her and Kei, “I hate to eat and run but I have to tidy up home before my dad arrives tomorrow.” Haruka walked to the door and put on her shoes; Michiru stood beside her and watched her.

“Are you sure you don't want my mom to give you a ride home?” Haruka nodded her head, “I'm sure, thanks anyways.” She opened the door and stepped outside in the dark,

“Haruka?” Michiru stepped outside and shut the door slightly behind her, “Yeah.”

“Thanks for taking me for a ride on your dirt bike…it was fun.” Haruka stepped closer to her,

“Anytime you want to go for a ride with me let me know okay?” She tapped her on the nose.

“Okay,” she smiled at the blonde,

“Goodnight my fair lady,” she bowed her head than walked away. “Goodnight,” Michiru whispered then turned and went back into the house; she shut the door and was met by her mother.

“Haruka seems like a good kid?”

“She is,” Yori loosely hugged her daughter and whispered in her ear. “I'm glad you have a friend sweetheart.” Yori looked into her daughter's eyes for a moment then left her standing in the hallway. `I'm glad too.'

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A fresh blanket of snow covered all of Osaka making everything crisp and white. School was over for the day and all the children young and old were outside playing in the snow. The door opened to the Kaioh's house and in stepped a very cold Michiru, her cheeks and nose were beat red from the chilly air, she took off her boots and jacket and went into the kitchen to get something hot to drink.

“How was school today?” Her father was in the kitchen making a coffee for himself.

“Alright,” Michiru opened the cupboard getting out a mug and chocolate to make hot chocolate.

“You got something in the mail today, it's on the table,” Kei took a drink from his coffee, “it's from your grandma,” Michiru went over to the table and picked it up with a happy smile on her face, she always enjoyed getting mail from her grandparents. She made her drink and took it in the living room with the envelope; she sat in the couch and curled her cold legs underneath her. She ripped the side of the envelope off and blew inside it so it would be easier to get the paper out, inside was a picture of her grandparents and an invitation. At the top was `You're invited to attend a 50th anniversary party of Jasuchin & Hirai Kyatto on January 3rd,' at the bottom was a written note by her grandmother, `Michiru I know I always say this but you can bring a friend with you, we want to meet at least one of your many friends.' Michiru placed the paper beside her and took a drink of her hot chocolate, `this time I have a friend I can bring.'

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“Please Haruka, will you come with me?” Michiru had her hands together begging her friend while they walked to school.

“I don't know if I can put up with you for that long of time.” Michiru smacked Haruka lightly on the arm, “hey what was that for?” Haruka rubbed her arm as if it hurt her but couldn't help but laugh at the puppy eyed expression on Michiru's face.

“I'll have to ask my dad, okay?”

“Haruka Michiru, wait up!” They both turned around, Miki and Harumi were running to catch up to them, Harumi slipped on a patch of ice but managed to stop herself from falling on her butt. Miki was patting heavy by the time he reach them.

“You guys are in your own little world when you're around one another, aren't you?” Michiru looked at him confused by his comment.

“Why would you say that?” Miki shock his head not believing that they haven't noticed it themselves,

“We have been calling you trying to get your attention two blocks ago.”

“Oh well, at least you caught up to us before we got to school, right?” Haruka turned and started to walk the rest of the way to school with Miki and Harumi following her. Michiru couldn't stop wondering if what Miki said was true.

“Michiru are you coming or are you going to stay here and freeze?” Michiru was so deep in thought she didn't notice that everyone had left, she quickly caught up to them and never gave what Miki said a second thought.

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“Is this the last of your luggage Michiru?” Kei stood in front of the staircase and yelled upstairs to his daughter. “Yeah!” Michiru yelled from her bedroom were she was looking at her reflection in the mirror making sure her outfit looked alright for the long journey ahead of her.

“Michiru?” Yori stood at the door watching her daughter in amusement. “Are you ready to go visit your grandparents?” Michiru wasn't really paying that much attention to her mother, her mind was somewhere else…

“Michiru?” Yori waved her hand in front of Michiru's face; Michiru blinked her eyes and came back into reality. “Hmm…” Michiru looked in at her mother who had an amused look on her face. “Are you ready to go?” Michiru nodded her head and walked past her mother who smiled at her. `She must be excited about this trip,' Yori locked the front door of their home before she headed to the car were the rest of her family waited.

“You can stop right here mom,” their blue Pontiac Grand Prix stopped in front of a trailer park that was surrounded by a fence and trees. Michiru opened the door to the car and got out, “there's a gate at the entrance and I don't know the number to open it so I'll go get her.” She closed the door and walked into the park to get her friend.

“Aren't you ready yet Haruka?” Zenko sat in the living room reading the newspaper. “Just about,” Haruka yelled from the bedroom while she packed her cloths, she was kind of nervous to be meeting the rest of Michiru's family. She placed one last pair of jeans in her bag before she shut it and sat on her bed, `why did I agree to go with her for?' she ran her hand through her hair and remembered the look on Michiru's face. Haruka smiled and stood from her bed and was about to go into the living room,

“Crap, I forgot to pack my suit.” She dropped her bag on the ground and went to her small closet and pulled out her black suit coat and pants.

Michiru walked down the main street of the park, `which way is her trailer again?' She tucked a loose strain of aqua hair behind her ear and rubbed her cold hands together. `That street looks familiar,' she headed down the street and spotted Haruka's trailer amongst the snow drifts, `finally!' She knocked at the door and a taller version of Haruka came to the door,

“Good morning Mr. Tenoh,” she smiled up at him,

“Hello little lady,” Zenko opened the door wider and let her come in out of the cold.

“How are you today?” Michiru was very polite to him, “I'm alright,” he went over to the couch and slowly sat down so he wouldn't move his skin as much. They could hear movement coming from the other side of the trailer, Michiru looked over to were the noise came from, Zenko chuckled, “She'll be done packing in a moment.” Zenko shook his head in disbelieve at how slow his daughter was being usually she would have been packed already.

“Okay,” Michiru looked back at Zenko; she noticed that he was wearing a tan looking suit of some kind.

“Hello Michiru,” Haruka finally came out of her room, Michiru looked at her and smiled, “are you ready to go?” Haruka picked up her suit case that she just dropped and went over to Michiru who stood by the door.

“Yup, ready as I'll ever be,” Haruka had put on her winter coat and boots, “bye dad, I'll see you in a week.” Haruka lightly hugged her father so she wouldn't hurt him and left with Michiru.

The snow crunched under their boots as they made their way to the car. “Haruka,” Michiru looked at the ground so she wouldn't slip on any ice. “Yeah,” Haruka was also watching were she stepped.

“What is your dad wearing; I mean the tan looking suit?” She looked at Haruka, “It's a nylon suit he has to wear until he is completely healed… it's so his skin will heal tight and not lose so it won't be wrinkly.” (AN: my dad had to wear something like that when he got burned at work, it's not a fun thing that's for sure)

“Oh…” They made it to the car with out another word spoken.

“Hello Haruka,” Kei got out of the car and took her bag from her and put it in the trunk with the rest of the luggage. “Hello,” Haruka and Michiru got in the back seat of the car and waited for Kei, “ready to go?” Kei got in the car and Yori drove off down the road to her parent's house in Shingu.

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It was mid afternoon by the time they arrived in Shingu, it had beautiful scenery, the trees were all frost covered and the snow was so white and fluffy. Yori parked the car in front of a white house with black shutters; they all got out of the car and stretched their aching muscles.

“Well, we're here,” Haruka looked at the house, it was quite beautiful, the house was half the size of the Kaioh's house, there was a little garage that sat beside the house and a rather big tree in the front yard.

“Come on Haruka, I want you to meet my grandma,” Michiru took hold of Haruka's hand and walked to the side door of the house, she still held Haruka's hand as she knocked on the door. Footsteps were heard and the unlocking of the door, Michiru squeezed Haruka's hand as the door opened.

“Michi!” an older lady with white hair and blue eyes stood there, “grandma!” Michiru let go of Haruka's hand to hug her grandmother, Haruka watched her with sadness in her eyes, her grandma lived on the other side of the world and she hadn't seen her for over five years.

“Grandma, I'd like you to meet my best friend,” Michiru let go of her and turned to Haruka, “I'd like you to meet Haruka Tenoh.” The older lady looked at her granddaughter's friend and smiled causing you to see her laugh lines around her mouth; it was a very warm smile.

“It's nice to finally meet a friend of Michiru; she never brought a friend to see us before.” Haruka eyes widen in surprise, Michiru never told her that before.

“So where's my daughter and son-in-law?” The women stuck her head out the door to see if she could see them. “We're coming mom.” Yori and Kei carried all the luggage; the woman hugged her daughter tightly once they entered the house.

Once they all said there hellos they all went into the living room and Haruka and Michiru sat down beside each other on the floor.

“Grandpa and I were wondering Michiru if you'd like to play your violin at our little party?” Michiru looked at her grandparents with wide eyes, “In front of everyone?” Her grandma nodded her head, “O-Okay…” Michiru started to get butterflies in her stomach, her grandparents wanted her to play for them in front of everyone in the family, she looked down at her hands trying to concentrate on something else.

The rest of the afternoon they all talked about what's new in their lives and what they accomplished in the last time they visited. Haruka sat there quite as a mouse just listening to each one of them when they spoke trying to learn more about them.

Dinner time came, Yori and her mother Hirai went into the kitchen to prepare dinner leaving her dad, Kei, Haruka and Michiru alone. Michiru stood from the floor, “I'm going to go unpack my clothes before they wrinkle,” she looked down at Haruka who still sat on the floor, “care to join me?” Haruka stood and followed Michiru out of the room, “I thought I'd leave before they start talking about politics or something,” she brushed a loose strain of hair behind her ear, Haruka was just glad to get away from the glare of Jasuchin, Michiru's grandpa.

“I don't think your grandpa likes me,” Haruka sat on the bed of the guest room were Michiru's parents would sleep. Michiru hanged up her clothes in the closet, “I think it's because he thinks you are a guy.”

“Why would he think that?” Michiru stopped what she was doing and gave Haruka a `you got to be kidding me' look then continued what she was doing. A silly grin was on Haruka face as she lay back on the bed resting her hand on her stomach and put her other hand under her head.

“I can't believe I get to hear you play your violin for the first time.” The sound of dropping hangers echoed through the room, Haruka sat up and a very pale looking Michiru looked back at her.

“Did I say something wrong?” She stood and walked closer to Michiru, Michiru knelt down to pick up the clothes she dropped, her hands were shacking uncontrollably. Haruka knelt down beside her; she took Michiru's hands in hers and looked up to blue eyes,

“Michiru?” she took her hands out of Haruka's and gathered the rest of her clothes than stood to put them in the closet, Haruka remained kneeling, she was a bit confused at what she said to make Michiru go so pale. Haruka stood from her kneeling position and stood right behind Michiru, “please tell me what I said wrong?” Haruka placed a friendly hand on her shoulder, Michiru put her head down and gripped one of her shirts she held in her hand.

“I…I never...played my violin before in front of anyone except my parents and grandparents…” Haruka slowly turned Michiru around so she would face her. “So you're a bit nervous than?” Michiru didn't look up at Haruka she didn't want to look into her teal eyes, “a little…” Haruka put her other hand on her other shoulder, “I'm sure you do great, besides you don't have to do it if you don't want to, right?” Michiru shook her head no, “I have to, I already told my grandparents I would, and I can't go back on my word.” Haruka looked up at the ceiling in the closet like she was thinking of something to say, “I can always stand there with you when you perform… give you support I guess you'd call it.” Michiru looked up at Haruka with shocked eyes, “You'd do that for me?”

“Sure, you can't always do things on your own, right?” Haruka took her hands off of her shoulder and smiled at her aqua haired friend. Michiru stood there dumbfounded; know one said anything like that before to her. Before Haruka could react Michiru wrapped her in a tight hug, she put her arms around Michiru and returned the hug. “Thanks Ruka,” Michiru rested her head on Haruka's chest. `Ruka?'

“I'm hungry; let's go see if dinner is ready yet.” Haruka broke the hug and looked into her blue eyes

“Okay.”

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Michiru is seated at her grandmother's make up table brushing her hair, she wore a beautiful dress that went past her ankles, its white and at the back it goes down like a V just above her waist. She sat her brush down on the table and stared at the reflection staring back at her, her face was a little paler and her stomach was doing flips. She took a deep breath to try and calm her hurting stomach.

“You'll do fine sweetheart,” Yori rubbed her shoulder's in a claming motion; Michiru put her head down and closed her eyes. A light knock came at the door; Yori stopped rubbing Michiru's shoulder's to answer the door, “oh hello Haruka,” she stood there wearing her black suit and pants.

“Hello Yori, can I speak to Michiru for a moment?” Yori looked at her then at her daughter, “Umm…sure,” Yori let Haruka in the room then left to go help her mother, Haruka stood at the door way looking around the room, light blue paint covered the walls and flower border wrapped around the top of the walls. Off to the side sat Michiru who had her head still down and her eyes shut, Haruka made her way over to her and stood behind her. She put her hands on Michiru's shoulder and started to rub them, Haruka could feel her shoulder's shack some,

“Michiru?” She opened her eyes and looked in the mirror at Haruka; Michiru's eyes seem a shade darker than normal.

“How are you dong?” She stopped rubbing her shoulders but kept her hands there, “I don't know if I can do this,” Michiru voice shook with nervousness; she tightened her hands into fists. Haruka spun her around on the chair since it could move; she knelt down to eye level with her.

“Sure you can, I'll be right there beside you cheering you on,” she paused, “if you're that nervous just picture everyone in their underwear.” A small smile formed on Michiru's lips, “there's that beautiful smile of yours,” Haruka stood and offered Michiru her hand. Michiru took her hand and stood

“You know you're not the only one nervous,” Haruka did up her buttons on her suit jacket, “I have to meet all your relatives,” Michiru put her arm around Haruka's as they entered the front entrance of the community centre her parents rented for the anniversary party.

“I'm sure they will like you, just charm them with all the charm you have.” Haruka took a deep breath once they stood in the door way of the main hall; Michiru's stomach had eased up some after she talked to Haruka but once she saw all the relatives her stomach again started to feel awful. She tightened her grip on Haruka's arm as they made there way into the crowed room; Haruka's stomach had butterflies in it even though on her face told a different story, cool and collective.

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Michiru stood on a little stage at the front of the hall in front of all her family, she could see everybody's eyes on her, the violin in her hands shook a little, she wanted to run off the stage and never return again. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Haruka standing there watching her with her teal eyes, Haruka stood off to the side of the stage but still was near her like she said she would. Michiru turned her head slightly to see Haruka, the smile on her face gave the confidence she needed to continue, she bowed to her audience then brought her violin up to her chin and began to play one of her songs she simply loved. Soon the people around her disappeared as she began to drift into her own world of music; the only person who remained was her blonde haired friend.

The sound of clapping entered her ears and brought her back into the real world, Michiru opened her eyes she had shut and looked at all the amazed looking people before her. She bowed her head then walked off the stage to Haruka who also had an amazed look in her eyes.

“You played beautifully Michiru,”

“Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.”

Soon there was a crowd formed around Michiru, Haruka stepped out of the crowd and made her way over to the wall to lean against, Haruka watched Michiru hug all her family and friends, a happy smile formed on her face that Haruka wouldn't forget anytime soon.

“You must be Michiru's friend,” Haruka looked over to her right, a young girl with dark purple hair stood beside her, “yes I am.” The young girl looked up at her with dark green eyes, “I'm Michiru's cousin Korin,” she stuck her hand out to shake Haruka's,

“Haruka, nice to meet you.” They stood in an awkward silence for awhile, “are you Michiru's boyfriend?” Haruka swallowed and looked down at the girl and clearly answered her, “No she isn't, we're just really good friends.” Korin now stood in front of her, “Do you want to dance with me?” Haruka was shocked, no girl had ever asked her to dance it was always the opposite.

“Umm…I guess so,” she ran her hand through her hair and followed the purple haired girl to the dance floor. Haruka lead them around the floor, `Ow,' the girl stepped on her foot, she couldn't wait for the song to end, three minutes and two sore feet later the song ended, “Thanks for the dancing with me Haruka,” the girl turned on her heels and walked over to a bunch of girls. Haruka smiled at the girl then went to go find Michiru. She sat down at one of the empty tables and rubbed the top of her sore foot,

“I see you met Korin,” Michiru sat on one of the chairs beside her, “Yrah I got the shoe print to proof it too,” she looked down at her shoe, “I guess I should have warned you about her dancing abilities.” Michiru giggled at her attempted of getting the footprint off her shoe.

“And I suppose you can dance better,” Michiru stopped laughing and put her head down, “Actually no I can't,” Haruka looked at her surprised, “Really…I don't believe that.” Haruka gave up on her shoe and stood offering Michiru her hand, “Shall we dance?” Michiru looked up at her; “I just told you I can't dance,” Michiru crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“Come on, if you don't dance with me than how am I suppose to know if you can dance or not.” Haruka took hold of her hand and made her stand and follow her to the dance floor. Michiru looked around nervously at all the dancing couples. Haruka held onto Michiru's hand and brought the other one up to her shoulder, “You put your hand on my shoulder and I put my hand near your…waist.” Haruka gently rested her hand on Michiru's waist and started to guide them around the dance floor.

“You're doing quite well, you haven't stepped on my foot yet,” Michiru didn't respond, she was trying to concentrate on her footing. The song ended and another one began to play called `with or without you' by U2.

“Do you want to dance with me again?” Haruka brought Michiru near again, “This time try not looking at the floor,” Michiru looked over her shoulder as they danced. “Who taught you how to dance?” Haruka quietly chuckled to herself, “my dad actually not to long ago.”

The rest of the song they danced in silence memorizing it as their first dance shared with each other.

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Haruka laid on the couch in the basement of the Kaytto's house with her hands behind her head, that's were she had been sleeping for the past couple of days. In the spare room laid Michiru, they just returned from the party an hour or so ago. Michiru couldn't find sleep, all the things that happened that night still ran through her head making it very difficult to sleep.

A loud thud came from the other room were Haruka slept followed by a groan, “Haruka?” a groan was the only response given,

“Haruka are you alright?” she sat up in bed.

“Yeah,” a mumble came from the room, “I fell off the couch and the floor broke my fall,” Michiru got out of bed turned on the light and went into the other room, Haruka laid on the floor with her feet still on the couch all tangled with the blanket.

“That's the second time you fell off that,” Michiru helped Haruka get up off the floor, “Are you sure you don't want to sleep in my bed and I'll take the couch?” Haruka rubbed her arm, “Is your arm okay?” Michiru looked concerned at her.

“Yeah I whacked it on the coffee table when I fell.”

“Do you want my bed and I'll take the couch?” Haruka shook her head no and put her blanket back on once she sat on the couch, “I'm fine.”

“Alright then,” Michiru went back into the spare room and finally went to sleep.

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“It was nice meeting you Jasuchin and Hirai Kaytto,” Haruka bowed to them. It was time to leave and go back to Osaka, they were all packed and saying their goodbyes. Michiru hugged her grandma, “goodbye grandma,”

“Good bye sweetheart.” Jasuchin firmly shook Haruka's hand, “it was nice meeting you Haruka,” Hirai gave her a hug which surprised her, “Come back anytime and visit okay?”

“Okay Mrs Kaytto,” Yori and Kei hugged Jasuchin and Hirai,

“Good bye, have a save drive home.” They piled into the car and drove off towards Osaka.

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