Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Eleven--

Michiru set down the paper. The headlines read "Tenou Haruka's Family: Who Is This Mystery Woman?" with a picture of Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru holding the trophy below. It had been a few days since the race. The news had been taking about this since that day. Michiru was getting stopped on the street by fans asking if it was true. Michiru wasn't sure what exactly to tell them. She didn't want to admit that she was starting to have strong feelings for Haruka but she didn't want to give Haruka the wrong impression either. Haruka had spent much of the past few days apologizing profusely about the press. As much as Michiru told her that it wasn't her fault, Haruka still felt bad. Her comment about being the luckiest woman in the world was in every paper. Michiru turned to Hotaru, who was just finishing up her afternoon snack. After a moment, Hotaru smiled up at her mother.

"I'm finished, Mama."

"Alright, my little one."

Michiru walked over and took what little dishes there were from the table. Hotaru hopped down and went to get dressed. They had slept in that morning. Michiru took the dishes into the kitchen and washed them. After a moment, she heard a knock at the door. She dried her hands and went to the door. She opened it to find Haruka standing there, holding a dozen lilies. Oceanic eyes blinked as Haruka held the lilies out to her. Haruka's voice was soft, and a bit sad.

"To make up for the press."

Michiru smiled softly and took the lilies. She inhaled their sweet scent and let Haruka in. Once she closed the door, Michiru went into the kitchen to get a vase for the flowers. Haruka walked into the living room. After a short moment, she heard a very excited voice.

"Haruka!"

Thanks to her quick reflexes, Haruka knelt and held her arms open as Hotaru came running toward her. Haruka chuckled as she caught the little girl and hugged her. She set Hotaru back down and looked her over. She looked adorable in her lavender dress. Haruka's face changed from a smile to a look of deep thought.

"Something is missing."

Hotaru blinked at Haruka, wondering what she was talking about. After a moment, Haruka reached into her pocket and pulled out a beautiful deep purple hair clasp. Hotaru's face lit up. It was in the shape of a butterfly. Haruka smiled, opened the clasp and put it in Hotaru's hair, holding a few locks of it back from her face. Michiru walked out from the kitchen just in time to see. She smiled softly as she set the vase of lilies in the center of the table. She admired the little scene from afar. Haruka stood up as Michiru approached. Hotaru smiled up at the two of them, excited about her butterfly clasp. Michiru smiled down at her.

"It's perfect for you. Did you thank Haruka?"

Hotaru's eyes went wide. She bowed quite a few times to Haruka, thanking her repeatedly. Both Haruka and Michiru laughed softly at her. Haruka winked at the little girl once she stood.

"Anything for you, little Hotaru."

Haruka turned to Michiru, smiling a bit. She lifted a hand, ran her fingers through her sandy blond locks, and rubbed the back of her neck a bit. Michiru blinked a few times, never having seen Haruka like this before. She seemed nervous. Haruka took a slightly deep breath, before she spoke. Her tone was soft and even shy.

"M-Michiru... I was wondering... Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?"

Michiru's eyes widened a bit. Was this possible? Was Haruka asking her on a date? It took her a moment to find her voice.

"Just... Just the two of us?"

Haruka nodded and looked down a bit. She had never been nervous in her life. There was just something about Michiru that made Haruka weak in the knees. Michiru smiled softly, seeing Haruka like that. She took a step forward and kissed Haruka's cheek gently. Haruka looked over and her eyes met Michiru's. Michiru nodded slowly once.

"I would love to."

Haruka's confidence came roaring back. She smirked and wrapped an arm around Michiru's waste, giving Michiru a gentle squeeze. This caused a soft giggle to escape Michiru's lips. She leaned into Haruka and smiled. Suddenly the two of them heard the phone dialing. Both blinked and looked over to find Hotaru on the phone. Before they could ask what she was doing, the other end picked up. Hotaru's bright voice spoke.

"Hi, Setsuna-san. It's Hotaru. Could you baby-sit me? Mama's got a hot date tonight!"

Both Michiru's and Haruka's eyes widened. Of course Setsuna said yes, causing Hotaru to thank her and say farewell. She hung up and smiled innocently at the two people she viewed as her parents. She hopped off the chair and went into her room without a word. Haruka and Michiru just stood there, in shock. Hotaru walked back out with a little knapsack. She walked over, bowed and smiled.

"I'll be at Setsuna-san's! Love you guys!"

The two of them regained themselves to hug the little girl and wish her fun, before she walked out the door. They looked at each other for a moment, then laughed. That little girl definitely had a mind of her own. Haruka bowed to Michiru and smirked.

"Do you think you could be ready, in formal attire, in an hour?"

Michiru nodded and smiled. Haruka took her hand and kissed the back of it gently, sending chills down Michiru's spine. Haruka bid her farewell and left to get ready. Michiru stood there for a moment before going into her bedroom and selecting a dress. Once the dress was selected she showered and got ready. She checked herself over in the mirror once, grabbed her small teal purse and walked into the living room. She was dressed in a floor length, pale sea green, satin dress. It was strapless, causing Michiru to drape a lighter sea green lace shawl over her shoulders. Michiru walked over to the table and bent over to write a note to Hotaru, incase she came home to check on her mother. Her hair was done up in a bun, with a few wavy locks dangling down against her cheeks. At that moment Haruka's knock sounded. Michiru called from where she was.

"It's open, Haruka."

Haruka opened the door and stepped in. She watched as Michiru stood, awed by the sight of her in that dress. She had never seen Michiru wear it. She was breathtaking. Michiru smiled softly at the sight of Haruka in a tux. The look most definitely fit her better than any dress. She walked over and touched Haruka's shoulder gently and spoke in a flirtatious tone she learned from Haruka.

"I am ready... If you can take your eyes off me."

Haruka snapped her senses back and chuckled. She offered Michiru her arm and escorted her out of the apartment. Michiru locked the door behind her, knowing Setsuna had a key of her own. The two descended the stairs and were about to walk to the car when a soft gasp stopped them. They looked over to find Setsuna and Hotaru standing in the doorway to Setsuna's apartment, watching them. The gasp had been Hotaru. She smiled at her mother and called over.

"You look beautiful, Mama! Haruka you take good care of my Mama, alright?"

The two of them nodded at Hotaru. Michiru looked to Setsuna, who was snapping photos of them. When Michiru blinked in confusion, Setsuna laughed.

"Your little one asked that I take pictures."

Michiru rolled her eyes and blew her daughter a kiss.

"Don't stay up too late, my little one."

Haruka winked and led Michiru to the car. Hotaru waved excitedly as they drove off. Once they were out of sight, Setsuna led her into her apartment, for a night filled with games and movies.