Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Six--

As Michiru approached Haruka, a soft breeze blew past, catching her sea green hair and tossing it about. Michiru smiled softly as she reached Haruka, violin case in hand. A soft laugh escaped Michiru's lips as she saw Haruka admiring her.

"Like what you see, Haruka-san?"

Michiru burst into laughter as Haruka rubbed the back of her neck and blushed. Michiru did a little turn for Haruka, teasing her.

"You can look all you want but it doesn't mean I'll let you touch."

Michiru burst into laughter once more, seeing Haruka's blush only intensify. She wiped a tear away, and smiled brightly.

"Sorry. I haven't laughed like this in so long."

Haruka smiled at Michiru softly, happy that the young woman before her was happy. Haruka opened the car door for Michiru, who got in. Haruka then ran around and hopped into the car. As they backed out of the parking lot, Michiru directed Haruka to their destination, being careful not to reveal the surprise. After about ten minutes, they pulled into the parking lot of Tokyo Library. Michiru hopped out and waited, impatiently, as Haruka got out, still puzzled. As the two entered the library, Haruka spotted a beautiful piano off to the side. Without thinking, she ran over and adored it, tracing her fingers along the keys. A soft smile found its way to Michiru's lips as she followed. After a moment, Michiru set her violin case atop the piano and opened it. Haruka looked to Michiru, baffled.

"Is this why we came here?"

Michiru smiled and nodded. She motioned for Haruka to sit. Haruka did so and traced her fingers along the keys. After a moment, a group of about thirty children, ranging in ages four to fifteen, approached the two and sat on little rugs they brought with. It was the reading group for the children of the orphanage down the street. In unison, the group spoke.

"Good morning, Michiru-san!"

"Good morning, everyone! I've brought a special guest with me today. Can you all say 'Good morning' to Haruka-san?"

The group turned their attention to Haruka, a bright smile on each of their faces. Haruka smiled softly and bowed her head.

"Good morning, Haruka-san!"

"Good morning, everyone."

Michiru took a step forward and looked around.

"Alright... Who has the piece for today?"

After a moment, a very shy little four-year-old girl walked up, music in hand. She hid her face behind her pitch-black hair. As she approached, rays of sunlight revealed a violet hue to her hair. Once she reached Michiru, lavender eyes looked up to the young violinist, shyly. Michiru smiled at her softly, causing the little girl to blush. Shaky little hands held the papers up which Michiru took. Michiru took a glance at the title, knowing it instantly, then handed them to Haruka to use. Michiru then smiled down at the little girl before speaking.

"Thank you, Hotaru-chan. You picked my favorite piece."

Michiru kneeled down and gave the little girl a one armed hug and a kiss on the cheek. Little Hotaru smiled bright, gave Michiru a return kiss on the cheek, and ran back to her carpet square. Michiru took a look at Haruka, who nodded, ready. Michiru turned her attention back to the group, smiling softly. She closed her eyes and began the piece, which started with a violin solo. The piece started off slow and peaceful. At the proper moment, Haruka joined in and the piece picked up. The two placed the piece, perfectly together. After a little while, Michiru's voice called out softly.

"How about we pick up the pace?"

The children cheered and Haruka nodded. The two quickened the piece in perfect unison. Without a word to each other, the two threw in some notes that made the piece more fun. As the two drew closer to the end, Haruka smirked.

"How about an echo, Michiru-san?"

"Alright."

Haruka stopped playing, letting Michiru play. When she finished, Haruka copied the melody. The two did this three or four times, much to the children's delight. After the last one, the two joined once more to finish the piece. Once the piece finished, the children burst into applause. Haruka stood, Michiru put her violin back in its case, and the two bowed to the group. Michiru then turned the close the case. A voice called out over the group of children.

"Thank you, Michiru-san. Alright children, time to put the carpet squares away and head back."

The children happily did so. After a moment, Haruka leaned against the piano, looking to Michiru, amazed.

"Who are those children?"

Michiru snapped the last clasp on her case, then turned to face Haruka, a hand motioning to the children.

"They're the children from the orphanage down the street. I play for them whenever I have the chance. We all meet here because the sound is better."

"So this is where you disappear to some mornings."

Haruka smiled softly at the violinist beside her. The two spoke for a little while about how great the two played together. After a moment, one of the orphanage attendants approached them, looking to Michiru. Michiru turned and smiled softly.

"Good morning, Mako-chan. Is something wrong?"

The young brunette shook her head.

"No. Serenity-san asked that I give you a message once the performance was over. She wants to see you right away. I think it's about Hotaru-chan."

"I'll walk back with you guys. The children would love that."

Makoto nodded, then left to gather the group with the other attendants. Michiru seemed happy and yet nervous. Haruka blinked a few times.

"Are you alright, Michiru-san?"

"Yes. I'm just a bit nervous. You see, I put in an application last week to adopt little Hotaru-chan. Her mother died in birth and her father died in a lab accident when she was barely four months old. She's been in the orphanage since. Other kids have come and gone but she's been there this whole time."

Haruka smiled at Michiru and nodded. The two joined with the children, much to their delight. When Hotaru saw Michiru join the group, she found her way through the group. Michiru smiled down at little Hotaru and took her hand. Two of the kids grabbed Haruka's hands as they walked, causing Haruka to smile. As the group approached the orphanage, they spotted a woman standing atop the steps. Even though she was quite young, her hair was white, done up in odangos, much like one of the attendants. It was Serenity-san. Michiru smiled bright up at her. Serenity's daughter, Usagi-chan, took Hotaru's hand to lead her in. The other children filed in. Michiru followed Serenity into her office, while Haruka stayed with the children and played with them. After a few moments, Haruka noticed the blue haired attendant, Ami-chan, lead Hotaru out of the room and into the office. She hoped for the best for Michiru.