Title: New Tenant

Author: Umi Kane

E-mail: ecchimichiru@yahoo.com

Rating: Pg-13

--Chapter Eight--

"Wow!"

Hotaru's happy exclamation could be heard anywhere in Michiru's apartment. It had taken two hours, but Hotaru's new bedroom was in order. Haruka had built the bed, seeing that Michiru wasn't what you would call a builder. Michiru brought one of her nightstands from storage for Hotaru's bedside lamp. Michiru had already brought a little white dresser and some toys. While Haruka built the bed, Michiru painted little purple butterflies on the dresser, much to Hotaru's delight. Hotaru's bed was a pale lavender canopy bed. They had walked around the bed store for a half an hour before she found it. Haruka looked around for a moment.

"It's missing something... I know. I'll be right back."

With that Haruka ran over to her apartment. She returned a little while later with a little white desk. She put it against the last bare wall and put the last lamp on it. She then put a little rolling chair down in front of it. Once she was satisfied, she kneeled down to Hotaru.

"My papa made this desk and chair for me when I was little. I'm giving it to you. Take good care of it, alright Hotaru?"

Hotaru nodded and hugged her tight. Michiru smiled down at the two of them. Hotaru hopped into the chair and smiled. Haruka looked it over.

"It's a perfect fit for you. But it seems bare. Maybe your mama could paint something pretty on the top."

Haruka stood and, without thinking, wrapped an arm around Michiru's shoulders. Michiru rested her head on Haruka's shoulder. Hotaru smiled up at the two of them.

"Could you paint a picture of fireflies playing around a pond, mama?"

Michiru nodded. It was at that moment that Haruka and Michiru realized what was happening. The two separated quickly, blushing crimson, causing Hotaru to giggle. Michiru quickly saved them both.

"How about some dinner? I think we're all hungry."

Both Haruka and Hotaru agreed and the three went into the kitchen. While Haruka and Michiru made dinner, Hotaru sat on one of the counters, away from anything dangerous. They let her help with little things, like flouring the chicken. While they cooked, Michiru looked to Hotaru.

"I just have a few rules, my little Hotaru."

Hotaru cocked her head to the side, blinking her lavender eyes, curious.

"What are they, mama?"

"You have to keep your room clean. But if you forget to make your bed, don't worry. I'll take care of it. Just don't leave me a big mess."

Hotaru giggled and nodded. Michiru continued.

"You also can't be too loud. We live in an apartment so we don't want to bother Haruka-san or Setsuna-san. And when I say you can't do something or have something, no means no."

Hotaru nodded, smiling bright.

"I'll be a good little girl. I don't want anything else right now. I have everything. I have the best mama."

Michiru hugged her little girl and continued to cook. Michiru tended to the chicken as Haruka watched over her shoulder. Hotaru smiled at the two of them. She hoped Haruka would be around more. Michiru cut a corner off one of the chicken breasts. She picked it up and blew on it a bit. She turned slightly to find Haruka's face closer than she thought. She laughed softly and held the small piece in front of her lips. Haruka smiled and opened her mouth, letting Michiru feed it to her. She chewed for a bit, pondering as Michiru watched her curiously. After a moment, Haruka turned to Hotaru.

"Hotaru, sweetie, toss me that bottle of spices, please."

Hotaru nodded and tossed it, a little low. Haruka caught it though. She turned her attention back to Michiru.

"It's good but it needs just a bit more spices."

Haruka scooted behind Michiru, reaching her arms around her. She opened the spices and sprinkled spices on the chicken, resting her chin on Michiru's shoulder. Michiru laughed softly. She gave Haruka a sly smirk, being playful.

"Oy oy, Haruka-san."

"What? Am I doing something wrong?"

Michiru rolled her eyes and laughed softly. After Haruka was satisfied with the amount of spices, she set the bottle down on the counter next to her. She then placed her hands on Michiru's shoulders gently, without thinking. Michiru remained calm on the outside, while her heart skipped a beat inside. After another moment, Haruka turned to Hotaru and smiled. She removed her hands from Michiru's shoulders and gathered the settings for the table. She winked at Hotaru, smirking.

"Want to help, little Hotaru?"

Hotaru nodded rapidly. Haruka chuckled and helped her off the counter. She handed the napkins and silverware to Hotaru. She then grabbed the plates and glasses. She stood stiffly for a moment, her voice sounding stern yet soft.

"Lead the way."

Hotaru giggled and led Haruka out to the table. Michiru smiled softly as she finished the chicken. She could hear Haruka and Hotaru giggling about something while they set the table. She put the food in serving dishes. She was ready to take them all out but then realized how many there were. She blinked a few times, then called into the dining area softly.

"Haruka-san, could you come help me?"

Haruka blinked a few times, then smiled at Hotaru. She helped the little one into her chair.

"You wait right here while I help your mama."

Hotaru nodded, then tugged on Haruka's shirt. She motioned for Haruka to come closer. Haruka bent down so that Hotaru could whisper in her ear. After a moment, Haruka chuckled, nodded and winked at Hotaru. She walked into the kitchen and saw Michiru's problem. She chuckled softly. The two carried the food out and set it on the table. As Michiru set the last dish down, Haruka was right behind her. Michiru took a step backwards, slipping in Haruka's foot. As Michiru started to fall, Haruka caught her, chuckling softly.

"Sorry, Michiru-san. I was trying to get passed."

Michiru laughed softly and nodded. As Haruka helped Michiru to stand, she kissed Michiru on the cheek gently. Michiru's cheeks turned a deep crimson. After a moment, Haruka pulled her lips away, smirking at her.

"I was dared."

Michiru turned to look at Hotaru, with wide eyes. Hotaru just sat there, smiling innocently. Michiru walked over to Hotaru and tickled her sides just a bit.

"You little sneak."

Hotaru giggled and smiled bright. The three sat down and ate their meal; just like the little family they were shaping out to be. Hotaru noticed glances between Haruka and Michiru throughout the meal. This made her smile. She wanted Haruka to be her papa. She could tell they liked each other. She would just have to help them get together.