Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Ten--

The sound of hundreds of voices filled the air. Haruka zipped up her riding suit before walking her bike out onto the track. This race was the last of the season, thus determined the best until next season. Haruka wished Michiru was there. Haruka always pushed herself even harder when Michiru was watching. As Haruka approached the starting line, she heard a small voice call out.

"Haruka-san!! Leave them in the dust!!"

Haruka whipped her head around to see Hotaru standing front row right in line with the starting line. She was waving at her, that bright smile beaming. Haruka waved and winked at Hotaru. Then she saw a beautiful teal skirt wave up next to Hotaru's face. Haruka's gaze rose as she drank in the sight of Michiru standing beside Hotaru. She was wearing that beautiful white wrap shirt that Haruka loved. It always amplified Michiru's hair color. Azure eyes met oceanic ones. Michiru smiled down at Haruka softly. Then her soft laughter filled the air, ringing in Haruka's ears.

"You didn't think we would miss this race, did you?"

Haruka smirked up at Michiru.

"Maybe. I thought with you having Hotaru, you'd be at home."

Hotaru shook her head, locks of jet black hair bouncing against her cheeks, causing Haruka to smile.

"Mama told me you were racing. I wanted to come see. She said you're the best racer!"

A very soft blush rose in Michiru's cheeks. Haruka smiled up at her. She blew a kiss to the two girls and winked.

"She's right. You just watch. I'll win it for you two."

Hotaru's eyes lit up. She smiled bright and giggled.

"If you win, I'll give you a big kiss! Mama will too!"

Michiru's eyes widened and her blushing intensified. She was about to half scold Hotaru when Haruka's voice rang through.

"Well with that kind of a prize waiting me, I'm just going to have to really win. What kind of kiss do I get?"

Michiru was flabbergasted. She was going to say something when Hotaru bursted out once more.

"I'll give you a big kiss on the cheek and Mama will kiss you on the lips!"

Michiru's cheeks couldn't get any redder. She finally found her voice, stammering.

"H-Hotaru."

Haruka smirked and winked at Hotaru.

"First place is mine."

Michiru turned to look at Haruka, locks of her teal hair bouncing against her cheeks, eyes wide. Haruka chuckled. Before another word could be said, the announcer told the racers to start their engines. Haruka put on her helmet, blew one more kiss to Michiru and Hotaru and started the engine. Hotaru blew a big kiss right back. The flagman held up the flag and waited. When signaled, he waved the flag wildly and the racers took off. After a few laps, Haruka had the lead by a long shot. She was pushing herself harder than she ever had. She couldn't explain why. It was something about Michiru and Hotaru watching her. She wanted to make them proud. As she rounded the first turn on the last lap, she sped up as fast she she knew her bike could handle. She crossed the finish line, as some of the racers just started their final lap. Michiru and Hotaru screamed with delight. Hotaru jumped up and smiled brightly at her mother.

"She did it!! Come on Mama!!"

Hotaru took Michiru's hand and almost dragged her to the winner's area. Haruka pulled her helmet off and smiled as Hotaru pulled Michiru over. Haruka got off her bike and crouched down. Hotaru released Michiru's hand and ran, jumping into Haruka's arms.

"You did it!"

As she promised, Hotaru gave Haruka a big kiss on the cheek. Michiru walked up, smiling softly. Haruka grinned at Hotaru's kiss and then set her down. She then stood and watched Michiru walk closer. Haruka was about to take Michiru into her arms and kiss her when the cameras came up. Haruka didn't want their first kiss to be in front of the world, so she smiled and wrapped an arm around Michiru's shoulders. Michiru smiled up at her. Hotaru tugged on Haruka's riding suit. She wanted up. Haruka released Michiru's shoulders, picked Hotaru up, held her on her hip, and placed her other arm back around Michiru. Michiru couldn't have been more proud. Lost in the excitement, she dropped the honorific from Haruka's name.

"You did it, Haruka. You are the best in all of Japan."

Haruka smiled down at her.

"I did it for you and Hotaru."

A soft blush rose in Michiru's cheeks. Hotaru smiled bright, proud of Haruka. Haruka pulled Michiru closer as the officials walked up. The head official chuckled at the sight before him.

"Your hands seem to be full, Tenou-san. Which of these lovely ladies would you like to hold the trophy?"

Haruka smirked and tilted her head in reference to Hotaru.

"Let's let the little one hold it."

Hotaru's face lit up as the official handed her the trophy. Hotaru held onto it tight, not wanting to drop it. Haruka turned her head and kissed Hotaru on the cheek. Before Haruka knew what was happening, words slipped from her lips as she smiled first at Hotaru, then at Michiru.

"I am the luckiest woman in the world."