Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Seven--

Michiru watched as Ami brought Hotaru into the office. Once she closed the door behind her, Serenity kneeled down to Hotaru, smiling softly. She placed her hands on Hotaru's shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"Hotaru-chan, I have good news. We found a home for you."

Lavender eyes lit up and Hotaru threw her arms around Serenity's neck, hugging her tight.

"Really?! Hotaru gets to have a home?"

"Yes. You're going home with Michiru-san."

Hotaru pulled back, in shock. She looked up to Michiru who nodded, smiling bright. It didn't take her long to run over to Michiru. Michiru picked the little girl up and hugged her tight. Hotaru turned her attention back to Serenity for a moment.

"Thank you, Serenity-san. I'll be a good girl. I promise. Can I come visit when I want though?"

Both women nodded, smiling. Michiru tapped Hotaru's nose playfully.

"I'm still going to be performing for the other children so you'll still see everyone."

Hotaru held onto Michiru tight, smiling happily. Serenity stood, smiling softly. She took the papers from her desk and handed Michiru her copies.

"Now if you find someone who wants to joint adopt Hotaru, just come back here and I'll help you file it."

Michiru nodded and smiled. Hotaru waved for Serenity to walk over, which she did. Hotaru gave her a big kiss on the cheek, thanking her for taking such good care of her. Serenity smiled and showed the two out of the office. Michiru set Hotaru down and took her hand, leading her back to the group, looking for Haruka. Once she spotted her, she waved for them to leave. Haruka got up and promised the kids she would come back and play when she got the chance. Haruka walked over, smiling. Michiru laughed softly.

"I see they got you to promise to come back."

Haruka nodded, then looked down to Hotaru.

"How'd it go?"

Hotaru couldn't contain her excitement. She was smiling as bright as ever.

"Hotaru has a mama! Michiru-san is Hotaru's mama now!"

All the other children and the girls overheard. They all cheered for Hotaru. They knew she was going to a good home and she deserved it. She had been there long enough. Hotaru waved to everyone. The three exited the orphanage and walked back to the library, where Haruka left her car. On the way, Hotaru looked up to Haruka, then up at Michiru.

"Mama? Is Haruka-san Hotaru's papa?"

Both Haruka and Michiru blinked a few times then looked at each other, blushing crimson. Haruka smirked a bit and looked down at Hotaru.

"Not yet, Hotaru-chan. But maybe one day."

Michiru's oceanic eyes widened as the blush on her cheeks darkened. Hotaru smiled bright, oblivious.

"I hope so. I like you Haruka-san."

Haruka chuckled and lifted Hotaru onto her shoulder, much to Hotaru's delight. Michiru smiled at the two, taking a step closer to them. As they approached the library, Haruka told silly jokes, making the two of the laugh. People who passed them, made comments about what a cute little family they were. Michiru blushed a bit, as did Haruka. It did seem like a perfect match. The three of them seemed like a perfect little family. As they approached the car, Haruka put Hotaru in the back seat, smiling down at her. Michiru bent down a bit and smiled at Hotaru.

"Hotaru, your favorite color is purple, right?"

It didn't take Hotaru long to nod rapidly. Michiru knew Hotaru well. She kissed her new daughter on the forehead before standing once more. She then looked to Haruka, who was staring at her happily. Michiru blinked a bit and blushed a light shade of pink.

"Haruka-san would you like to come shopping with us? My car is in the shop and I need to get Hotaru's things for her bedroom. If you don't mind driving us around and shopping with two girls..."

Haruka chuckled, smiling softly.

"For you two, anything."

Both Hotaru and Michiru looked at each other and blushed a bit. Michiru smiled at Haruka and hopped in the back with Hotaru. Haruka drove to one of the best children's stores. The three shopped till about three in the afternoon. They then went back to the apartment building. Due to the fact that Hotaru's new bed was in the back, she sat on Michiru's lap on the ride home. As they pulled up, Michiru spotted Setsuna walking out of her apartment. Michiru hopped out, and helped Hotaru out. They walked up to Setsuna, who kneeled down to Hotaru, smiling, but she spoke to Michiru.

"I take it we're adding someone onto the lease."

Michiru nodded smiling. Setsuna smiled up at Michiru then at Hotaru.

"I'm so happy for you, Michi-chan. Hello, Hotaru-chan. I am Setsuna-san."

Hotaru bowed respectfully.

"It's nice to meet you, Setsuna-san."

Setsuna smiled and stood, talking the details over with Michiru. Hotaru looked over to Haruka, who smiled. Haruka held up her keys and pointed to Michiru. Hotaru nodded and tugged on Michiru's skirt. Michiru looked down, smiling softly.

"What's the matter, sweetie?"

"Haruka-san needs the key."

Michiru blinked a few times then nodded, handing her keys to Hotaru. She then turned her attention back to Setsuna. Hotaru skipped happily over to Haruka and handed her the keys. Haruka patted her on the head and looked at all the things for Hotaru. She was about to start pulling the box with the pieces to the bed out of the back when she felt a tug on her pants. She looked down to see Hotaru looking up at her with hopeful lavender eyes.

"Can Hotaru help?"

Haruka smiled and nodded. She grabbed a few of the smaller bags from the trunk and handed them to Hotaru.

"Now be careful while going up the stairs and wait for me at the door."

Hotaru nodded. Haruka showed her which apartment it was and Hotaru walked carefully toward the stairs. Once Michiru was done talking with Setsuna, she walked over to Haruka's car. She grabbed the rest of the bags, which was a lot. Haruka blinked at Michiru, who just laughed.

"Mall trips were worse than this in high school."

Michiru also grabbed the last lamp that sat in the back seat. Haruka let Michiru lead her, carrying the bed behind. As they walked up the stairs, Michiru talked with Haruka.

"Thank you, Haruka-san for coming. I can tell it meant a lot to Hotaru. It also meant a lot to me."

Haruka smiled as the two reached the top of the stairs.

"No problem, Michiru-san. Anything you need, just ask me."

Haruka fiddled with Michiru's keys and unlocked the door. They let Hotaru go in first, to check her new home out. Haruka then leaned over and gave Michiru a kiss on the cheek before bringing the bed box inside. Michiru's eyes widened, and she blushed crimson as she walked inside the apartment, closing the door behind her.