Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Three--

Michiru continued her piece, oblivious to the fact that Haruka was standing there. It had been another sleepless night that drove her out to the ocean waters once more. She played the same piece as the previous night, putting even more emotion into her playing. She slowed to a stop once more, reaching the climax. She played with all her heart and speed, releasing her heart. Once she was finished, oceanic eyes opened once more, staring, tear-filled, at the ocean before her. Before her tears could fall, a soft, yet deep voice broke through the rhythm of the ocean waves.

"Michiru-san?"

Michiru's hair bounce against her cheeks quickly as she turned to see who it was. Much to her surprise, she saw the new tenant, Tenou Haruka, standing there. Michiru quickly tried to hide her tears. She tried to find her voice, but being that she was caught off-guard, her tone was shaky.

"Sorry. I was unaware anyone else was out here."

The young violinist turned and placed her violin and bow back in their case. As she picked the case up, Haruka's voice spoke up.

"No. You don't have to leave. I was just out for a walk. I fell asleep once the unpacking was done."

Michiru looked up to see Haruka smiling at her softly. Maybe it was the way the sea breeze tossed Haruka's blond locks about, but Michiru couldn't take her eyes off the young blond. She watched Haruka's azure eyes avert to the violin case in Michiru's arms.

"That was a beautiful piece. Did you write it?"

Michiru's oceanic eyes blinked. She had been absorbed in those azure eyes and had lost herself. She regained herself and nodded, causing locks of her sea green hair to bounce against her cheeks.

"It's my newest one. I'm perfecting it before I perform it. I only seem to be able to play it at night, so I come out here to practice."

Michiru watched Haruka's smile grow. Haruka took a step forward and offered her hand.

"Would you like to have tea back at my place? I'd like to hear more about you, Michiru-san. Seeing as how neither of us seem to be able to sleep, we might as well. No?"

Michiru blinked a once more, then smiled and took Haruka's hand in her own, nodding. She felt a soft smile find its way to her lips. There was something about Haruka. Michiru couldn't place what it was but she wanted to know her more. The two walked back to their building. As they walked Haruka turned her head to look at Michiru.

"So how long have you been playing?"

Michiru looked to the stars, trying to calculate how many years she had been playing her beloved violin. After a moment she looked to Haruka, a blank look upon her face.

"I don't know."

Haruka's azure eyes blinked. After a moment of silence, a soft chuckle escaped Haruka's lips.

"Liar..."

"I'm serious. I've been playing since I was little. I've lost track of the years."

The two of them shared a laugh and continued their walk. Michiru felt Haruka tug her a little closer. Michiru smiled up at Haruka softly.

"What do you do, Haruka-san? Do you work? Do you have a hobby, or are you some boring woman?"

A soft, teasing laugh escaped Michiru's lips. She averted her oceanic eyes away for a moment, feigning innocence. When she looked back at Haruka, she found a sly smirk upon the young blonde’s lips. She could tell Haruka was enjoying her little game. After a moment, Haruka answered.

"I am a motor sports driver. I mostly race my bike though. I am also a pianist."

"A tomboy with class. I think I'm going to like you, Haruka-san."

Once more the two shared a laugh. As they approached the building, their friendship blossomed. They continued to talk and learn about each other as they went into Haruka's apartment. Haruka started to make the tea. Michiru followed her into the kitchen and smiled softly at the young blond. As Haruka filled the pot, Michiru leaned against one of the counters, watching her. The two continued to talk as they waited for the water to boil. They learned new things by the minute. Michiru noticed little things about Haruka. She noticed the way Haruka closed her eyes when she laughed. She noticed how, when she spoke of something remotely embarrassing, Haruka would run her fingers through her hair then rub the back of her neck. These little things made Michiru smile. Once the tea was finished, the two of them moved to the living room. They talked the night away, learning everything they could about each other.