Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ True Love ❯ Chapter 17

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

By: apl85

True Love

Chapter 17

Michiru sat at the table in the kitchen with her parents; they flipped through pictures of children that Michiru had brought with her. “They are all so cute,” Yori didn't realized just how many children didn't have families. Michiru stopped at one of pictures, “This is her…” she held up the picture so her parents could see. “Oh…she is so beautiful,” both her parents smiled.

Michiru had moved out of her parent's house three years ago and now lived in an apartment building on the out shirts of the city. She had made quite I name for herself with the help of her father in the music world; she did her first concert by herself at the age of twenty and recorded three CD's in the past eight years and they all were successful on the classical music charts. She also had painted many pictures over the course of her career too and they also are selling at top dollar to art galleries around the world.

“I still can't believe you want to do this sweetheart,” Yori looked at her daughter who had grown up so much; she now was twenty six years old and accomplished quite a lot.

“Yes I am quite sure…it feels like I'm missing something in my life,” Michiru still stared at the picture in her hands.

“Why not get an animal…like a dog or cat?” Kei looked to his daughter. “Dad I already went through this with you…” Michiru's parent's were concerned for there daughter; what she wanted to do was a very big step in the young woman's life.

“Have you met her yet?” a happy smile formed on Michiru's mouth. “Yes…”

-- Flashback--

The young woman stood in front of the orphanage and could here the screaming and laughter of children, she took a deep breath and made her way inside the building. She sat on one of the chairs in the hall way and waited for the one in charge.

“Michiru Kaioh?” an older man stood a few feet away from her; he was quite tall with snow white hair and wore glasses. Michiru stood, “Yes.”

“Please come with me…” she followed him to an office down the hall, he opened the door and let her enter first. By the window was a wooden desk and sitting behind the desk was a young looking woman with very dark purple almost black hair. The woman looked up as Michiru entered the room and kindly smiled, “Welcome Miss Kaioh…” she stood from her desk and came over to her and shook her hand. “Thanks…”

“Please have a seat…” she offered her a chair by the desk; the woman went and sat behind her desk once more. “So…we have a lot to talk about.”

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Michiru stood by an open door that lead into the activity room of the orphanage; inside some of the children were coloring in there books while others painted and played with building blocks. In a corner of the room sat a little girl who stared out the window watching the birds fly by, she looked very serious. Michiru smiled at the girl that sat all by herself, she knew that this little girl was very shy and didn't talk much; she loved to draw pictures of animals and was pretty good at it too.

“Do you want to go talk to her?” The woman with the dark coloured hair stood next to her, Michiru nodded her head. “Do you want to talk to her in a private room or…”

“I'll talk to her in this room if that is alright?” she looked to the woman who nodded her head. Michiru left the door way and made her way to the little girl, on her way over she noticed the pictures on the wall that the children had drawn they all were very good. By the time Michiru reached the little girl her stomach was doing flips and many thoughts were going through her head of rejection from this child.

“Hello there…” two big eyes of purple looked up at her for a mere second then back out the window. Michiru took one of little chairs and sat next to the girl but not to close that it made the girl feel uncomfortable. “What are you looking at?” she looked outside and saw the beautiful blue sky and the few clouds that floated by. “The animal shaped clouds…” this dark haired little girl had quite a good imagination at just the age of four and a half. “See that one…”she pointed to one of the fluffy clouds that had an almost elephant shape to it, “it looks like a baby elephant.”

“Wow…you are good…what does that one over there look like?” Michiru pointed to the one beside the elephant. “That looks like a….” she tapped her finger on her chin as she thought, “bear.”

The two of them spent an hour looking out the window naming the animals they spotted in the sky. Michiru was so involved in naming names she lost track of time but it didn't matter to her, it felt right to be here with this little girl; it filled the gap in her life she was missing.

-- End Flashback --

“Do we get to meet her?” Yori was excited; she was going to be a grandmother. She never told anyone but she looked forward to being a grandparent, every time she saw an older women playing with her little grandchild at the shopping mall or at the parks. It brought a sad note to her knowing Michiru would never have children being that she wasn't into guys but now all that is in the past.

“Yes of course you and dad can…she will be after all, your grandchild.” Kei and Yori smiled so happily at there child who would soon become a mother. “We will be grandparents…” Kei thought very hard about this, he loved being a father and he surely would love being a grandparent; having little hands hold onto his bigger hand, it brought much joy to him.

“It will be awhile before I can officially adopt her…it will take some time,” Michiru was sad about that part but she still was happy she could go see the girl anytime.

“Do you guys want to go see her tomorrow? That's if you're not to busy…” Kei and Yori were just waiting for her to say this. “Of course we will...I'm really want to see her…”

“Alright…I'll call there tomorrow and see what they say then I'll call you and let you guys know,” Michiru was excited, she knew her parents would fall in love with her the moment they meet her.

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The Kaioh's stood in front of the orphanage just like Michiru did a few months ago, Yori held onto her husband hand as the three of them entered the building. Michiru walked ahead of her parents as they made there way to the second floor of the building, she was excited but also scared of how she will react when she meets her parents. “I have to warn you mom dad she is very shy and takes a while to trust people…” it took Michiru may visits to gain her trust and for her even to talk to her. The three of them stopped at a door that had the word `Activity Room' on it; Michiru opened the door quietly and told her parents to wait here. Michiru found her instantly, she sat at one of the tables with a few children; she walked over to her without her noticing that she was here. “Wow…you guys are quite the artist,” two purple eyes looked up to her and grew in surprise, “Michiru!!'

“Hey sweetheart….” Michiru knelt down so she was eye level with her; she received a huge tight hug from the little one.

“It's about time you visit me…I was waiting…” Michiru couldn't help but smile.

“I have someone here that wants to meet you…” the little one looked to her uncertainly then looked past her out of curiosity, “Really?”

“Yup…you want to meet them?” the little girl nodded her head unsurely. “Alright…do you want to come with me then?” Michiru held out her hand for her to take which she did. The two of them made there way through the room and over to the door, standing on the other side was Kei and Yori who watched there daughter come back with a little girl on her hand, it looked so cute and natural like she's done it many times before. Michiru opened the slightly closed door and stepped through, “Mom Dad…I'd like you to meet,” Michiru looked down into purple eyes, “Hotaru.” the little girl stood very close to Michiru's leg almost hiding behind it. Yori knelt down so she'd be eye level with Hotaru, “Hello Hotaru…I'm Yori Kaioh and this guy over,” she pointed to Kei, “is Kei Kaioh my husband.” The little girl smiled but looked very unsure at her and the man; she leaned closer to Michiru and gripped her leg very tight. Michiru could feel that Hotaru felt very uncomfortable, she knelt down with some difficulty and wrapped her arm around Hotaru's small shoulders, “Are you alright sweetheart?” Hotaru shook her head no; Michiru picked her up and hugged her ever so gently. Yori and Kei had a worried look on their faces, “Did I do something wrong?” Michiru smiled at her mother, “No…she is just very shy that is all…has nothing to do with you mom,” she tried to reinsure her parents but they still looked hurt. Hotaru rested her chin on Michiru's shoulder and looked into the room where she just came from, she didn't mean to hurt there feelings it just happened; she couldn't help being shy toward people she didn't know, it was just something she was born with.

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The Kaioh's spent the rest of the day there getting to know Hotaru better; by the time they had to leave she wasn't as shy around them as before. Michiru stood beside Hotaru's bed were the little girl was just about ready for sleep, “Good night sweetheart…” she bent over and kissed her on the head which in turn Hotaru hugged her around the neck very tightly, “Are you coming back?” Every time she said goodnight to her she always asked that question. “Of course…don't I always come back?” she sat on the bed beside her, Hotaru nodded her head, “Well isn't that good enough?” she shook her head no. Michiru raised her eyebrows, “No? Why do you say that?”

“I want to go with you…” Hotaru pointed to Michiru; this took her back a bit, it was the first time that Hotaru had said that to her; Michiru got this warm feeling inside her which made her smile. “I'm glad you want to sweetie… I really am,” she kissed her on the forehead again then stood, “I will be back…you can count on it okay…” with that said she tucked her in bed and turned on her nightlight then left the room and went to go find her parents.

By the time she found her parent's tears rolled down her face, she was so happy it moved her to tears. Yori noticed the tears rolling down her cheeks, “Sweetheart?” she came over to her and gave her a hug, “Are you alright?” Michiru nodded her head yes,

“Hotaru…she wants to go home with me…she wants to live with me…” Kei came over to the two girls and hug them both at the same time, “That's good to hear dear…that is really good.”

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Michiru unlocked the door to her apartment and opened the door; she held a little suit case in her one hand. Standing beside her was a little girl who held her teddy bear; the little one was very excited to be here with Michiru. “Shall we go in?” she looked down to the girl who nodded her head and went right into the apartment with out hesitation. Michiru watched as Hotaru looked around the room and out the windows; the orphanage had aloud Hotaru to stay with her until the adoption was complete which would be in a couple of months. “Hotaru lets go check out your room…” the little girl ran over to her and took her hand; they walked down a hallway past Michiru's room and to a door that was closed. Michiru opened the door and let the little one in; the look on her face was so adorable. The room was painted a light purple with light grey carpet; her bed had a dark purple comforter with white sheets with lots of teddy bears sitting on top waiting for a little girl. She smiled as Hotaru checked out her new bedroom, “Is this all for me?” the four and half year old looked to her soon to be new mother.

“Yes it is sweetheart…” Hotaru ran over to her and jumped in her waiting arms for a big hug.

“Are you hungry?” it was getting near dinner time. Hotaru nodded her head, “Yup.”

“Good…I'm making soba noodles…you want some?” Hotaru hugged her even tighter, she loved soba noodles they were her favourite.

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It's been six months since Hotaru had been living with Michiru, it's been nice to wake in the morning and see her smiling face; it warmed Michiru's heart.

Michiru sat on a stool facing a blank canvas she had an urge to paint for awhile but nothing seemed to come to mind. She dunked her brush in the green water paint and brought it to the canvas; she painted a few circles.

“Mama…” a sniffle came from behind her.

Michiru turned slightly, “Hotaru…?” The little one just recently started calling her mama which made Michiru's heart beat faster.

The small girl held onto her hand and tears ran down her checks, Michiru put her brush into a glass of water and came over to her daughter. She knelt down beside her, “What happened sweetheart?” Hotaru slowly moved her hand and showed Michiru; there was a rather long cut but it wasn't too deep.

“How'd you get that?” Hotaru shrugged her shoulders. “Well let's get a bandage on that.”

Michiru took the girl in her arms and carried her to the bathroom and sat her on the counter; she looked in one of the cupboards and retrieved a box of bandages and some Polysporin to help it heal faster. She gently put some of the cream on the cut and then placed a bandage on it. “Is that better?” Hotaru looked to the bandage then to Michiru, a happy smiled formed on her lips, “Yeah.”

“Good,” she helped her daughter off the counter, “Now go play.” She smiled as Hotaru ran to her room. Michiru put everything back in its rightful place in the cupboard then went back to her painting room. She entered the room and looked at what she had accomplished on her canvas; she stopped dead in her tracks. Two familiar green eyes stared back at her. `Why do I always do that?' She took the canvas off the stand and put it with the others against the wall; she needed to stop painting pictures of her.

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“Are you ready to go to Makoto and…?”

“Yeah!” Hotaru cut Michiru off, she loved going over to Makoto's; the two really hit it off when they first met. Michiru grabbed their coats and off they went. Makoto and Ami invited them over for dinner; it was a rare thing that the both of them were home. Makoto worked at Michiru's mother's restaurant as a pastry chef and sometimes a sous chef; she loved her job, the only down fall was she was hardly home. Ami was going to school; she was working on her degree to become a doctor. She had only a month left until her exams, she was really stressed out.

Makoto stood in her well equipped kitchen; she was chopping, stirring and cooking all at the same time. Someone knocked on the door, “Ami!” the brunette looked to Ami's bedroom door which was closed slightly.

“Ami!” no response, Makoto rolled her eyes in annoyance, Ami's been avoiding her for the past month. She asked her what was bothering her but she never did get a straight answer.

Makoto opened the apartment door, “Hello Michiru…” she looked down to the little girl who held her mother's hand and smiled, “Hello my little baker…” she knelt down and tickled Hotaru. Michiru could see why Hotaru like the brunette so much. When Hotaru first met Ami and Makoto she hid behind Michiru's legs, it was very cute. Makoto asked if she'd help her in the kitchen; the first time Michiru was in the kitchen with them because Hotaru wasn't sure about the brunette but now she could be in the kitchen with Makoto all by herself.

“Where's Ami?” Michiru put their coats in the closet in the hallway.

Makoto looked to Ami's bedroom, “Where else would she be?” a sad expression came over her. She sighed in defeat then went into the kitchen with her little helper while Michiru went to Ami's bedroom. She lightly tapped on the door and got no response. She opened the door, the room was rather dark the only light was from Ami's desk were she sat.

“Ami?” Michiru moved closer to her friend; Ami rested her head on her desk. Ami was sound asleep. Michiru smiled at her over worked friend, “Ami…” she touched her shoulder which made her jump. “Sorry…I didn't mean to scare you.” Ami looked at her for a moment before she said anything, “Hi.”

Michiru couldn't help but giggle, Ami had a sticky note stuck in her hair. “What?”

“Nothing…” Michiru reached forward and removed it for her. “How come you are in here and not out there helping Makoto like you usually do?” Ami looked down at her over crowded desk and sighed. “I have too much to do…my exam is coming up shortly,” she sighed again, “And I am not on good terms with her.” This surprised Michiru, when they fought with each other they usually made up the next day or so.

“What happened?” Michiru sat on the bed and faced her.

“I went to see her at work…and…I saw something that I wish I hadn't,” she lowered her head. Michiru stood and came over to her friend, “Have you told her yet?”

Ami shook her head, “No.”

“Come on Ami it would be better to tell her then to just keep it to yourself.”

“Tell me what?” Ami's eyes widen, they both looked to the door; Makoto stood there with a puzzled look on her face.

“Nothing,” as soon as she said it she regretted it.

Makoto closed her eyes and sighed, “Fine…don't tell me,” she turned and left. Michiru watched as she left then turned to Ami who didn't look that certain.

“Mama, Ami dinner is ready,” Hotaru stood in the doorway.

“Okay thanks sweetheart,” she looked to her daughter and smiled. “What do you got on your face?” Michiru came over to her and gently rubbed her face, “Is that flour?” Hotaru nodded her head, she was having fun helping Makoto.

“We will be right there.”

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The four of them sat at the table, dinner was very quite only the occasional question was asked. Makoto had made a couple of dishes with noodles and rice with different kinds of meats.

“Supper was very delicious Mako,” Michiru wiped her mouth with her napkin and placed it on the table.

“Yes that was very good,” Ami looked to the brunette and smiled.

“Thanks,” Makoto rubbed the back of her head, “I couldn't have done it without Hotaru.” The smile on the little ones face made Michiru's heart melt; Hotaru truly felt at home with the girls.

Makoto stood from her chair, “Well I'm going to start doing the dishes…you guys can go into the living room if you'd like.” She started to gather the dirty dishes.

“I'll help you,” Hotaru gathered her plate and glass and brought it over to the kitchen counter. “Thanks,” she patted the girl on the head. Ami and Michiru also took there plates and glasses into the kitchen, “We can help too.”

Ami stood at the sink and washed the dishes while Michiru dried them and Makoto put them away; Hotaru stood on a stool so she could reach the counter and handed the dirty dishes to Ami. The washing of the dishes went rather quickly, just the way the three adults like it. Soon the four of them sat in the living room and waited for Hotaru to pick a movie to watch; she picked one of her favorites and handed it to the brunette. Makoto took it out of the cover and put it in the DVD player then went back to the couch and sat next to Ami.

Day slowly turned night, the moon and stars had come out making everything illuminate. The sound of snoring could be heard over top of the movie that was almost finished.

“Someone is tired…” Ami looked to Michiru who had Hotaru on her lap fast asleep.

“Yeah it's past her bedtime,” Michiru moved a strand of hair from her daughters face and tucked it behind her ear.

“Yeah…it's past my bedtime too.” Makoto looked to the clock; it was almost 9:30. “I have to get up early.” She wasn't looking forward to getting up at five tomorrow morning; the brunette yawned.

“You have to get up at five tomorrow?” Ami may not be talking that much with her roommate but she still cared for her. Makoto nodded her head; the brunette excused herself and went to get ready for bed.

“I think I should go home and put Hotaru to bed,” Michiru looked down at the sleeping child in her arms, “We have a busy day tomorrow.” Michiru had to go to the studio and start recording her new album but first she had to drop Hotaru off at her parents as they volunteered to look after her for the day.

“Oh…do you want me to help you bring her to the car?” Ami stood from the couch.

“Sure that would be great,” Michiru carefully moved her daughter of her lap and sat her on the couch next to her then she stood and got their coats. “Thanks for inviting us for dinner…we will have to do it again.”

“You're welcome…even though Mako did all the work,” Ami felt guilty for not helping the brunette like she'd normally did in the past.

Once Michiru got her coat on and Hotaru's she picked her up carefully and slowly made her way to the door with Ami following her. The two of them made there way downstairs to the parking lot were Michiru had parked her car; Ami opened the door so that Michiru could place Hotaru in her booster seat; Hotaru wasn't big enough yet to just sit on the seat. She buckled her in and gave her her stuffed animal.

“Well…I guess I'll be seeing you later,” Michiru gave Ami a hug then got into her car and drove off to their apartment.

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Standing in line was a tall silhouette; they waited for the two people in front of them to pay for there groceries. The silhouette looked at the magazine rack; one title caught there attention. The magazine had a very nice picture of Michiru Kaioh and holding on to her hand was a little girl with black hair; the title was eye catching also: `Michiru Kaioh soon to be a mother.'

A smile came to the silhouette's face, `She's finally going to be a mother.'

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The beeping of the alarm clock echoed through the apartment; a groan followed by a hand smacking the snooze button.

“Mama…Mama…” Hotaru ran into her mother's room and jumped on her bed then onto her. “Time to get up…” she poked her mother in the stomach. “Yeah I know…” it must be nice to be so energetic in the mornings; Michiru was a morning person but she didn't have that much energy when she first waked up; must be the fact that Hotaru is only four and a half but soon she will be five in a month.

Michiru took the covers off and stood from her bed and went to the bathroom. Once she finished in the bathroom she made her way to the kitchen were Hotaru sat and waited for her mother to make breakfast. Hotaru was excited about today; she would spend it with her grandparents. She went to their house a couple of times and she really loved it, the house was so big and Michiru's parents were so nice to her.

After the two eat there breakfast they got dressed and headed out to Yori's restaurant were she'd meet the two. Hotaru sat in the back of Michiru's car and watched all the cars go by; Michiru looked in the rearview mirror once in awhile and could see the excitement in her daughter's eyes.

The car pulled into the empty parking lot of Yori's restaurant and parked in the back; the front doors wouldn't be unlocked as it was too early in the morning. Michiru turned the engine off and got out and helped Hotaru out of her booster seat. “Are you ready?” Hotaru nodded her head and smiled. The two made there way to the door and opened it; they were greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread.

“Hello you two,” Makoto stood in front of a big oven; she wore a white chef's coat and a black hat.

“Hi Mako,” Hotaru let go of her mother's hand that she held and came over to the brunette. Michiru smiled as Makoto picked her up and let her see the baking bread in the oven.

“Is my mom here yet?” Michiru looked around the rather empty kitchen.

“Yeah she is in her office.”

Michiru left the two and went to her mother's office which was just around the corner of the ovens. She knocked on the door frame since the door was open.

“Come in.”

Michiru entered the room; her mother was busy looking at some papers, “Hello.” Once Yori recognized the voice of her daughter's she turned around with a big smile on her face. “Hi dear,” she stood and gave her a hug, “Where's Hotaru?”

“She's with Makoto.” Yori nodded her head, “Makoto surly loves that girl.” Yori told Makoto that she would be a great mother someday which caused the brunette to blush.

Michiru looked to the clock on the wall. “What time do you have to be at the studio?” Yori also looked to the clock. “In twenty minutes or so.”

The two of them talked for a bit until Hotaru found them, “Hi sweetheart.” Yori bent down to Hotaru's height, “Are you having fun with Makoto?” Hotaru nodded her head, “I always do…”

“Do you want to stay here with grandma and Makoto for awhile?” Michiru looked to her daughter whose eyes got bigger, “Really?” Michiru nodded her head.

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Michiru pulled her car into her parent's driveway and turned off the engine. The house looked the same as it did when she was a child; it still had a welcoming feeling to it. She got out of her car and made her way to the front door; she unlocked the front door and entered the house. Music was the welcoming sound that met her with the laughter of a four year old girl. Michiru smiled as she made her way into the music room of her fathers.

“Hello you two…” Kei and Hotaru sat at the grand piano; Kei was playing with the help of Hotaru; she was in charge of hitting two keys while Kei hit the rest. Once Hotaru heard her mother's voice she stopped playing and turned to face her. “Hi mama…” she got off the stool and came over to her; Michiru bent slightly and hugged her daughter.

“Are you two having fun?” Kei had been teaching Hotaru on how to play the piano, she is doing very well. “Of course,” Kei stopped playing once he lost his student, “We always have fun right sweetheart?” Hotaru nodded her head and came over to him.

“Is mom home?” She didn't see her mom's car in the driveway when she pulled up. “She had to go run an errand but she should be back shortly.”

“Okay,” Michiru need to talk to her mother but she could wait even though it was very important. She left her father's music room and went into the living room and sat on the couch and waited for her mother to return; music slowly drifted through the house.

The front door opened and in stepped Yori, she carried a bag of groceries that she placed on the floor as she took off her shoes.

“Hi grandma…” a happy smile formed on Yori's mouth, she loved it when Hotaru called her that; she looked up into the young child's eyes. “Hello Hotaru.” It amazed the women at how fast this little girl came such an important person in this family in Michiru's life. It warmed Yori's heart that this little girl could make Michiru feel so loved…so happy. The happiness she sees in her daughter's eyes when this little girl calls her mama and runs into her waiting arms.

“Want to help me with dinner?” Yori picked up her bag and took hold of her grandchild's hand. “Yeah!” Hotaru was excited, she loved helping no matter what it was. The two made there way to the kitchen and got ready to start cooking dinner for the four of them.

Michiru heard the excitement in her daughters voice so she made her way to the kitchen were she figured her mother and daughter would be.

Yori looked to the door way and saw her daughter standing there, “hello dear.”

“Hi mom,” she made her way into the kitchen and over to the table were she could watch the two make dinner.

“How is your new music coming?” Yori placed some cans in the cupboard.

“Good so far…I only have five or six more song felt and it should be done.” Michiru was excited to have another CD of hers coming out soon.

“Mom…” Michiru looked into her mother eyes.

“Michiru…” the look in her daughter's eyes made a shiver go up her spine. Yori stopped what she was doing and came over to her daughter, “Is everything alright?” Michiru handed her mother a white envelope. Yori looked at it for a second then opened it; inside was a rather thick letter from the adoption agency. Yori read it; Michiru and Hotaru were to be in court two weeks from tomorrow. Yori's eyes grew wide as she continued to read.

“This means Hotaru is going to be officially your child!” Michiru smiled at her mother who was just as excited as she was.

“Here I thought something bad happened,” Yori sighed in relief.

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Kei, Yori, Michiru and Hotaru stood in the hall way of the court room; soon they would be asked to see the judge. Michiru stomach was in knots, she didn't have a very good sleep worrying about this day. She was glad her parents were with her and Hotaru.

Before she knew it she sat in the court room -while it wasn't really a court room but a large room with long desks around- Hotaru sat right beside her. Michiru's parents sat right behind her giving her strength to do this; even though she had become such a confident adult she still needed her parents.

The judge who didn't wear his normal attire sat behind the large desk, “Shall we begin?”

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Standing by the balcony doors of their apartment was a silhouette of a woman; she held a cup of steaming tea in her hand. She watched the snow flakes fall to the earth; it just started snowing two hours ago. The apartment was very quiet; there usually was the sound of pans clanging and the sound of Makoto cutting on her cutting board. But not today even though the brunette had the day off she was no where near the kitchen. She was under the covers of her bed sound asleep; the past two days she didn't feel the best and today she felt even worse. She wanted to be as far away to food as possible.

Ami went into the kitchen and put her empty cup into the sink then went into the living room and sat on the couch. She wanted to finish reading her book she started to read a few months ago and now would be the perfect opportunity.

Before she got a chance to open the book someone knocked on the door. Ami stood and went to the door and opened it, standing in the hallway was Michiru and Hotaru. “Hello you two,” Ami smiled at her friends.

“I hope we aren't interrupting you…” Michiru saw the book in her friend's hand.

Ami looked at her book then back to Michiru, “Nope…I was just going to read.”

Hotaru looked past the blue haired woman and into the apartment, she looked for the brunette. “Hotaru wants to show you guys something,” the little girl held a purple binder in her hands. Hotaru liked Ami a lot; she was so smart and kind to her.

“Is Makoto here? I want to show her too.”

A sad expression came over Ami, “Sorry sweetheart but Makoto isn't feeling very well.” The little girl tightened her grip on the binder. “You still can show Ami sweetheart,” Michiru looked at her daughter; Hotaru smiled once again once she released she still could show Ami. The four year old handed the binder to the taller woman, “The last page.”

Ami opened the binder and flipped to the last pages, she quickly read over it. A huge smile formed as she read the last part; she looked down to Hotaru who was still smiling. “That is awesome Hotaru…” she knelt down and hugged the girl; she was so happy for the little one. “I'm sure Makoto would be happy if you told her,” Ami stood up and looked over to the brunette's closed door. “I'll be right back…”

She left the two girls standing in the entrance way of there apartment, she made her way to Makoto's door and gently opened it. The room was very dark; once her eyes adjusted to the darkness she made her way to the bed were a rather large pile of blankets were on top. “Mako?” Ami put her hand on one of the blankets and moved it so she'd be able to find the brunette. “Mako…” she found her eventually; a soft groan answered her. “Makoto…”

“Yeah,” it was no more then a whisper but Ami heard it. “Hotaru is here and she wants to tell you something…something very important.” Ami knew Makoto should rest but she knew Makoto would have wanted to hear what the little girl had to say even though she was sick. “Okay…” Makoto moved some of her blankets so she could drape her legs over the edge of her bed and get up, she stood but soon regretted it as the room started to spin; she grabbed for Ami who stood near her. “Makoto!” Ami held onto the brunette with all her strength, “Maybe you should seat here and I'll go get her.” Ami looked into the brunette's green eyes which looked feverish, `Maybe this was a bad idea…' she thought as she helped her sit back on the bed. She left her there and went back into the main room were she'd left the two girls, “She is awake but you will have to make it quick…she isn't feeling her best at all.” Michiru noticed the worry in Ami's blue eyes, “Maybe we should tell her later Hotaru…”

“But I want to tell her now…” before Michiru could say anything else Hotaru walked off to Makoto's bedroom ignoring her mother's calls. Hotaru stood in the doorway of the brunette's room not sure of what to do.

“Aren't you going to come in my little baker?” the voice was really weak, weaker then she had ever heard it before. Hotaru walked into the dark room, a light was turned on by Makoto so she could see where she was going. Hotaru now stood by her bed, “So…what do you have to tell me?” Hotaru handed her binder to her friend; Makoto opened it revealing the contents. There were pictures of her when she was a lot younger; there were different documents and some other stuff she couldn't really see. “Could you just tell me sweetheart…I can't really see that good at the moment,” her head was pounding very painfully. Hotaru helped Makoto flip to the last page and pointed to it, “Can you see what my last name is?” the brunette tried to focus on the print, to her it looked like a blur.

“It says Hotaru Kaioh…” the young girl liked the way it sounded.

Makoto's eyes grew wide in surprise, “Does that mean you are officially Michiru's daughter now?” Hotaru nodded her head and the smile on her face was priceless. “That is awesome news sweetheart!” she engulfed the little girl in a hug.

Michiru and Ami stood in the doorway and watched the two; they both had happy smiles on there faces. After a few minutes Michiru suggested that they should leave Makoto to rest so the three of them left the brunette's room and went into the living room.

An hour later and the two Kaioh's left to go home leaving Ami alone once more. Instead of reading her book she went into Makoto's room were the light was still on, she tapped lightly on the semi closed door then entered. Makoto half laid on her covers and half laid under them, her face looked flush. “Mako…?” Ami whispered as she neared her bed; Ami raised her hand and felt the brunette's forehead. “Oh Mako…your forehead is very hot…” two green eyes looked into two blue ones, “Sorry.” Ami looked at her puzzled, “For what?”

The two green eyes shut, “Everything…” Ami heart skipped a beat, “You don't need to apologize…I'm the one who should be apologizing to you.” Makoto opened her tired eyes and looked into blue eyes; Ami lowered her head and looked at the brunette's hand. “Why would you need…?” Makoto stopped mid sentence as Ami touched her hand. “Because I…I was mad at you over such a stupid thing and…” she turned slightly and sat on the bed next to Makoto with her head still down, “For someone who is an adult I surely acted childish.” The brunette looked very puzzled to where this conversation was headed. “I went to visit you at work…there was this beautiful girl…” Ami removed her hand from the brunette's, “she was sitting on your lap…I was…” she couldn't finish telling her it was just too hard, she didn't know how Makoto would react if she just right out told her.

“You were what?' Makoto put her hand over her friend's, “You should know me by now Ami you can tell me anything…I don't bite…unless I am hungry.”

Ami took a deep breath, “I was jealous of…of that girl…I wanted to be the one sitting on your lap with a happy smile on my face.” Ami held her breath and waited for Makoto to pull her hand away, to kick her out of her bedroom, to tell her that she never wanted to be friend's again. The only reply given was silence; Ami looked to the brunette and to her surprise she was smiling.

“Mako?”

“Why didn't you tell me that earlier…when I didn't feel like crap,” she intertwined her and Ami's hands. “Sorry…” a reddish tinge came to Ami's face. Makoto moved over on her bed and patted the spot next to her, Ami looked to the brunette uncertain but the look in Makoto's eyes convinced her to lie next to her.

“No need to be sorry…I knew you were mad at me and I couldn't think of why you would be…but now I know,” she closed her eyes and leaned her head closer to Ami's. Ami had the biggest smile on her face; the weight on her shoulders that had been there for such a long time was now lifted. Makoto yawned, she was really tired.

“You should sleep Mako…” Ami tightened her grip on Makoto's hand, she never wanted to let go of that hand. “Sweet dreams Mako.”

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Summer had come and gone and now fall was in full bloom again; during the summer Michiru and Hotaru went to the beach with there friends, they all had a blast even though they all got sun burnt.

Hotaru turned five nine months ago and would start going to kindergarten today which she was a little nervous about. Michiru had taken her out to get her the supplies she would need and a few new outfits too. Hotaru sat at the kitchen table waiting for her mother to make breakfast. Michiru stood at the stove and waited for the eggs to cook; she was just as nervous as her daughter was about the whole school thing. “It's almost ready sweetheart,” she looked to her daughter who patiently waited.

Michiru pulled her car into an empty parking spot at the school and turned off the engine, she looked at her daughter in the back seat, “Are you ready sweetheart?” Hotaru shook her head no, Michiru smiled and got out of the car and opened the back door. “I know you don't want too sweetheart but you have too…” Michiru could remember not wanting to go to school from the first day of kindergarten. She helped her daughter out of the car and they both made there way to the front entrance of Hotaru's new school; Hotaru held onto her mother's hand for dear life. The sound of many children laughing met them as they stepped into the building, this made Hotaru very curious about what was going on.

The two stood in the doorway and looked at all the different children in the room; in amongst them stood a woman with medium length brown hair and was a little shorter then Michiru. The woman noticed the two standing at the door, she smiled at them and walked over to the door, “Welcome…” her green eyes shined with kindness, “I am Anjera Nakamura.”

“Nice to meet you… I am Michiru Kaioh and this is my daughter Hotaru,” Michiru looked to her daughter who almost stood behind her. Anjera smiled at the shy child clinging to her mother's leg, she seen many children cling to there parents when they drop them off the first couple of days. Anjera knelt down so she'd be eye level with the child, “Hello Hotaru…it's very nice to meet you.” Hotaru smiled shyly at her new teacher.

“Did I see a smile?” her smile deepened. Hotaru shook her head no. The teacher stood still with a smile on her face, “I hope you join our little class Hotaru, we are going to have a blast.” With that said she left the two standing there and went back over to the other children.

Michiru knelt down beside her daughter, “She seems very nice…” They watched as the children settled down and sat on the carpet in front of the teacher. Hotaru watched as her new teacher handed out some paper and crayons. “Are you coming and joining us Hotaru?” Anjera held out a piece of paper and crayon for her new student. Hotaru looked to her mother then back to the front of the class where everyone was drawing on there paper. “Go head sweetheart…” Michiru watched as her daughter let go of her hand and slowly walked over to the group of children and sat down. Michiru stood with a smile on her face; she knew Hotaru would be fine and that she would make lots of friend. She released the breath she was holding and slowly made her way out of the classroom; it was really hard to let go of her daughter even though it was just for the morning.

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The smell of baking cookies drifted through the apartment. Two Kaioh's wore matching aprons with flour on them; Michiru helped Hotaru make cookies for her classmates for the following week. “Can I add the chocolate chips yet?” Hotaru watched as her mother stirred the batter of cookie dough.

“Yup go right ahead.”

Hotaru poured the cup and a half of chocolate chips in the bowl and watched as Michiru incorporated it in the batter. The timer beeped that sat on the counter indicating the cookies were ready to be taken out of the oven; Michiru carefully took the tray out of the oven and sat it on top of the stove. Soon the next batch was ready to be baked.

“Can we save some for Makoto and Ami?” Hotaru looked into the oven through the window and watched the cookies slowly turn golden brown. “Of course,” Michiru smiled at her daughter, she had become quite the baker.

The ringing of the phone echoed through the apartment, Michiru put down her oven mitt and answered the phone.

“Hello……hi dad……good u…..we're baking cookies……yeah she is becoming a good baker……no we aren't……why?” Michiru made her way into the living room and turned on the television just like her father asked and changed it to channel 315. The news was on; it looked like the sports were just about to be talked about. The sight before her on the TV made her heart sink into her stomach, “Oh my god,” she whispered into the phone.

The news anchor was reporting on a nasty crash that happened during Indy 500. A red and white Porsche with the number 56 on the hood sped down the race way. The race looked to be in its favor but suddenly the car in front of them lost control taking the Porsche with it; the driver tried to get out of the way of the other car but failed. The Porsche nicked the back off the car causing the car to spin uncontrollably; it soon hit the grass around the track and flipped over and over about twenty times before it landed on its roof. The car was a total write-off; the roof was crushed in completely, pieces of the car littered the track. The audience stood in silence as the ambulance and fire trucks rushed over to the car. The firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to get the driver out who looked like they were injured badly. The picture on the television went back to the news anchor and a picture of the drive was in the corner of the screen.

Michiru stared at the picture for the longest time; those intense green eyes stared back at her, those eyes she tried to forget but kept painting them on her canvases. The news anchor stated what conditions the driver was in and then continued with the rest of his sport highlights. Michiru still stared at the television not even noticing Hotaru standing in front of her, “Mama?”

Michiru blinked as Hotaru poked her in the stomach, “Yes sweetheart…”

“What's the matter mama?” Hotaru noticed her mother's sad and worried expression on her face. Michiru smiled at her, “Something terrible just happened.”

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AN: Some how I forgot to update this story on this website. I am very sorry to all my readers.