The people I discussed this fic with told me that this song was very much so a Haruka song, whatever they meant by that ^^
This fic festered on my hard drive for a while, until I had two days and nights of some sort of inspiration...or something.
Umm....Japanese phrases are used in this fic. I guess I should include a glossary, but right now I don't feel that nice.
I don't own the song nor do I own Haruka and Michiru.
LEADER OF THE PACK
(G. Morton - J. Barry - E. Screenwich)
THE SHANGRI-LAS (Red Bird 10014, 1964)
[spoken]
Is she really going out with hym?
Well, there she is. Let's ask her
Michiru, is that Haruka's ring you're wearing?
Mm-hmm
Gee, it must be great riding with hym
Is he picking you up after school today?
Uh-uh
By the way, where'd you meet hym?
I met hym at the candy store
He turned around and smiled at me
You get the picture? (yes, we see)
That's when I fell for (the leader of the pack)
My folks were always putting him down (down, down)
They said he came from the wrong side of town
(whatcha mean when ya say that he came from the wrong side of town?)
They told me he was bad
But I knew he was sad
That's why I fell for (the leader of the pack)
One day my dad said, find someone new
I had to tell my Ruka we're through
(whatcha mean when ya say that ya better go find somebody new?)
He stood there and asked me why
But all I could do was cry
I'm sorry I hurt you (the leader of the pack)
[spoken]
He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye
The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night
I begged hym to go slow
But whether he heard, I'll never know
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!
I felt so helpless, what could I do?
Remembering all the things we'd been through
In school they all stop and stare
I can't hide the tears, but I don't care
I'll never forget hym (the leader of the pack)
The leader of the pack - now he's gone
The leader of the pack - now he's gone
The leader of the pack - now he's gone
The leader of the pack - now he's gone
Leader of the Pack
by Lex 'Spork' Tenou
"Michiru-san! Michiru-san!"
Michiru slowed her walk to allow Juri to catch up to her. Juri dashed up a moment later, her bright green eyes sparkling with the possibility of gossip.
"Hello, Juri-san." Michiru addressed her in a quiet, polite tone. She really didn't want to talk to her right now...
"How are you, Michiru-san? Does the day find you well?" Juri's eyes greedily took in Michiru's appearance, looking for some sign of something different.
"Indeed it does, Juri-san." Michiru tucked her hair behind her ear and then silently cursed herself. If the gods were merciful, Juri had not seen the ring...
"Is that Haruka-san's ring you're wearing, Michiru-san?"
"Indeed it is, Juri-san." Apparently the gods were not in her favor.
"Are you really going out with Haruka-san?" Michiru mentally sighed.
"Yes, Juri-san, I am."
"Isn't Haruka-san picking you up after school today?"
Michiru sighed audibly this time.
"No, Juri-san."
"By the way, how did you meet Haruka-san?"
"A friend introduced us." Juri was already losing interest. There was another potential target across the street.
"How convenient for you! I must leave you now, Michiru-san. Thank you for speaking to me."
"Goodbye, Juri-san."
Michiru slowly walked through Jyuban Park, the bright sun a stark contrast to the storm in her heart. She could remember...the day they had met...that fateful day...
---
Michiru smiled and laughed as she conversed with the candy store owner.
"You must be joking! They actually make those?"
The candy store owner looked on Michiru with his kind brown eyes.
"It's no joke, Michiru-san. They do indeed."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a large motorcycle outside the front of the store. The rider wore a full face helmet, obscuring his features. He wore a black leather jacket and dark blue jeans, for all the world looking like a latter day James Dean. He cut the engine and dismounted from the large and powerful bike.
Michiru was speechless as she watched him. What a guy!
He strode into the store and directly to the counter, his demeanor oozing confidence and self assurance. As he reached the counter where Michiru stood, he finally removed his helmet.
Haruka!
The tall blonde raked a hand through her hair and turned to Michiru, grinning rakishly down at her, a sparkle in the depths of her eyes. She was trying to pass as a man again, Michiru could tell.
Michiru knew much about the lanky figure before her. She had followed Haruka and her exploits ever since she had first seen the rebellious flame deep within Haruka's eyes. She had never introduced herself to Haruka, being to scared to approach the rebellious and handsome heartbreaker.
"Hey, how you doing, buddy? I need another couple boxes of Pocky." Haruka's request would have been quickly filled had the candy store owner remembered the order. As it was, he would only be able to fill half of Haruka's usual order. "Tough luck. I'll have to try and find someplace that sells as much Pocky as you do, buddy." With a wink and a small salute to Michiru, Haruka strode out of the store.
Michiru's heart pounded in her chest. This was lunacy, she shouldn't even be thinking of this, she was a respectable girl-
"I know where you can get your Pocky."
Haruka raised her gaze slowly, taking in the soft curves of Michiru's legs, the gentle flare of her hips beneath the skirt she wore, lovingly tracing the lines of her breasts before finally stopping on the captivating depths that were Michiru's eyes.
"Oh, really? I never would have pinned you for a Pocky addict." Haruka's brow quirked up, a half smile curving her lips.
A genteel blush covered Michiru's features. She knows who I am?!
"Do you want your Pocky or not?"
Haruka looked at Michiru for a long, silent moment before thrusting her helmet to Michiru and gesturing to the passenger seat behind her.
"Get on and hold on tight."
Michiru's heart jumped. Here was her chance...the bad boy of Mugen Gakuen was offering her a ride!
Michiru took the helmet and straddled the bike carefully, drawing in her skirt as much as possible. She didn't want it to get caught in the wheel or something.
Haruka started the bike and backed them out of the parking spot.
"Hold on. It's not about sex. It's about not falling off." Haruka grinned over her shoulder as she spoke to Michiru.
Michiru giggled and wrapped her arms tightly around Haruka's waist, her helmeted head resting on Haruka's shoulder.
They sped off down the road, the engine rumbling between their legs.
Haruka grinned as the wind whipped her face and hair. Gods, this felt good. She knew who the girl holding onto her waist so tightly was. Who didn't? She was Kaiou Michiru, daughter of the Dean of Students for Mugen Gakuen, and a brilliant painter. Her paintings had been chosen by a council of teachers, students and parents to be hung in various places in the school building.
Haruka passed by them everyday. There was one, on the third floor, by the kendo dojo...it was amazing. Haruka often found herself just standing there, staring at it. It was almost as if it had been taken out of one of her dreams...
Haruka slowed and stopped at the top of a hill that overlooked Juuban District. She turned in her seat and looked at Michiru, her face hidden behind Haruka's helmet.
Haruka reached over and gently removed the helmet from Michiru's head then rested her elbow against the gas tank of her bike, her gaze resting on Michiru.
"Why did you come with me?" Haruka soft question thrummed in the air between them.
Michiru was startled when Haruka had begun to slow, then had stopped, but she was content to go along. Now that she had removed the helmet, Michiru had nothing to hide behind. She ducked her head as a genteel blush spread across her features.
"I-I wanted to."
Haruka's expression was closed. Had Michiru been looking, she would have seen a flash of pain in Haruka's eyes.
"I see." Her voice was cool. "Looking for something different?" Haruka's question wasn't merely that, it was a challenge as well.
A challenge Michiru didn't understand, but had to meet.
Michiru's head snapped up and she looked into Haruka's face, questioning.
"Something different? No...I just admire you and always wanted to ride with you, even though I'm a girl."
This time, Michiru caught the flash of pain in Haruka's eyes before she turned away to look into the distance.
"What is it?" Michiru leaned forward in her seat, her body coming into contact with the cool leather of Haruka's jacket. Her arms wrapped around Haruka instinctively. "Who hurt you?"
Haruka's face remained turned away.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Haruka meant to put Michiru off with that, but didn't succeed. Michiru heard the broken sadness behind the gruffness in her low tone.
"You're lying. I see the pain. I want to help." Haruka grunted in response, trying to shrug Michiru's arms off. Her head quirked to the side as she caught the hum of a well tuned engine in the distance.
"Ferrari..." She squinted into the broad expanse of the sky as she tried to place the year. "1954...F1 racer. Haven't heard that one in a while." She chuckled to herself and wondered why the owner of one of the rarest cars in the world was driving it on the streets of Tokyo.
Michiru sat back and looked at Haruka, stunned. She had just identified a car by the sound of it's engine?
"How did you do that?" Michiru's voice reflected her awe.
Haruka glanced behind her at Michiru and lifted one leather clad shoulder in a shrug.
"It's not that hard. Ferrari made his cars very distinctively. Especially the F1 racers."
Michiru stared at Haruka, stunned.
"That's amazing!"
Haruka's cheeks flushed at Michiru's praise and she ducked her head, shrugging the praise off.
"It's nothing. Not like your painting."
Michiru shook her head.
"It's a talent you have. You really love cars, don't you?"
Haruka glanced at Michiru, grinning.
"Yeah."
Michiru blushed and looked down. Haruka laughed. She reached her hand over and tilted Michiru's face up.
"There." Haruka smiled lopsidedly at her. "Now I can see that pretty face of yours."
Michiru's face felt as though it was on fire. Pretty? She thinks I'm pretty? Her mind was short circuiting. She dismounted from the motorcycle and walked to the railing, looking over the city below. Her mind was whirling, her thoughts dizzying her.
She thinks I'm pretty?
A soft smile began to grace Michiru's face as she realized the import of that statement.
She thinks I'm pretty.
Michiru turned back to find Haruka standing right behind her. Michiru, startled, jumped back and collided with the railing. She would have begun to tip over backwards had Haruka's arms not shot out and caught her, pulling her into a strong embrace.
Michiru's heart pounded in her ears. She's holding me! Michiru pulled back a little to look up into Haruka's face.
"Are you ok?" Haruka's face was a study in worry as she looked down at Michiru.
"Yes..." Michiru was caught by the worry in Haruka's eyes. Her brain was awhirl from what Haruka had said. She raised her hand from Haruka's shoulder to wrap it around the back of her neck and pull her down until their lips met.
Haruka was obviously not thinking straight. She had been standing too close to Michiru, causing her to jump back and nearly fall over. Then what? She pulled her into a hug. Now she was kissing Michiru. There was something wrong here.
But Haruka didn't care. She was too caught up in the feel of Michiru's soft lips beneath her own, the subtle scent she gave off driving Haruka mad...
Michiru never thought she would be kissed like this. Never thought she'd be swept off her feet with one kiss...
Michiru normally never kissed on the first date. Wait...this wasn't even a date!
Michiru couldn't think. All her brain could say was "mmmmmmm....good....more." When Haruka's tongue sought entrance to Michiru's mouth, all she could do was greet it with her own tongue.
Haruka stood there, next to her bike, on a hill that overlooked Juuban District, kissing the Dean's daughter. Haruka's arms were wrapped around her, holding her close. Her tongue was dancing with Michiru's. The sheer pleasure of kissing her was about to make her head explode.
This felt too good.
Haruka pulled back and looked down at Michiru. Her head was tilted back, her eyes closed. Her lips were slightly swollen and looked well kissed. Her eyes fluttered open and gazed dazedly up at Haruka.
Haruka swallowed. She really didn't need to fall for the Dean's daughter...she had enough problems...she didn't need to lean her head down and steal another kiss from her.
Haruka's lips pressed against Michiru's again, quickly slipping her tongue in past Michiru's lips. She nearly moaned as she felt the softness of Michiru's tongue once more.
What the hell was she doing?
Haruka broke the kiss quickly as her senses abruptly returned to her.
Michiru found herself suddenly bereft of Haruka's skilled tongue and strong arms. She opened her eyes to see Haruka pulling her helmet down over her head, preparing to leave. Michiru did the only thing she could think of to keep Haruka from running. She ran towards the bike and jumped over it, landing on Haruka and tackling her to the ground.
"Ooof!" Haruka's breath was knocked out of her as she landed on her back on the hard concrete. She looked up from behind the dark visor of her helmet into the blazing fury of Michiru's eyes.
Oh, shit. I'm dead.
Michiru leaned down and casually flipped the visor of Haruka's helmet up, belying the raging fury that was threatening to consume her.
"What did you think you were doing?" The question came out calmly.
"You kissed me first," Haruka reminded her.
Michiru waved that away as though it didn't matter.
"Did you think I was about to let you leave? We need to talk."
Haruka looked up at Michiru incredulously. She dismisses the kiss and is pissed because I want to leave?
"What?"
"We need to talk." She got off of Haruka and extended a hand down to her. Haruka grasped it and Michiru helped her off the ground. Haruka dusted her self off as Michiru continued. "You're not running away from me, windchaser."
Haruka brought her head up so quickly that the visor of the helmet snapped closed. Michiru sighed and removed the helmet from Haruka's head.
"There. Now I can see your eyes."
Michiru stood before Haruka and looked at her critically.
"Somehow, I didn't pin you for someone who ran when a girl threw herself at you."
Haruka grunted and averted her head, not wanting to look at those knowing eyes. Michiru's hand came up and gently caressed Haruka's cheek.
"I know you're a lesbian, Haruka. It's fairly obvious." Haruka didn't reply. Michiru sighed. "It should be obvious to you after that kiss that I am too."
Michiru turned away.
"It should be obvious to you that I'm not just playing." Michiru said softly, her finger tracing the lines in the seat of the motorcycle. A long fingered hand came from behind her and stilled her hand by entwining their fingers together. Michiru felt herself be pulled back against Haruka.
"I love you, Haruka. I have since I first saw you." Michiru said softly.
Haruka flinched and closed her eyes, wanting to believe Michiru. She wanted to be able to believe everything she said...
Michiru felt Haruka rest her forehead on her shoulder. Michiru reached a hand up and threaded her fingers through Haruka's soft blond hair. She felt Haruka shudder. Then she felt the growing wetness on her shoulder.
Michiru turned in Haruka's arms, changing their positions so that Michiru was holding Haruka. Haruka's tears flowed into Michiru's hair and shoulder, a cleansing rain that let all past pain finally be released.
When Haruka's tears finally slowed and stopped, she raised her head and wiped at her face sheepishly. Michiru stopped her and wiped her tears with a sweet smelling handkerchief. Haruka looked down at Michiru, her eyes burning with an inner fire.
Michiru looked into Haruka's eyes and blushed, turning back to her task of wiping Haruka's face.
"There," she said, "finished." She smiled up at Haruka, allowing her love to shine through her eyes.
Haruka's hand came up and cupped Michiru's cheek.
"You're amazing." Haruka's husky compliment caused another blush and a thrill to course through Michiru. "You are."
"Thank you." Michiru said, her cheeks burning.
Haruka looked down at Michiru, wondering if she knew how special she was. Haruka could not remember ever crying in front of anyone, except Michiru. She didn't feel ashamed for letting Michiru see the vulnerable side of her. She felt empowered.
Haruka held Michiru in the circle of her arms, took a deep breath and let herself ask the question she'd been wanting to ask since she had first looked into Michiru's eyes.
"Michiru...I'd like to talk to your brother." Michiru's head came up, her eyes asking a million questions. "I'd like to ask for permission to date you."
Michiru's eyes widened and she threw herself more completely into Haruka's arms, her face pressed against Haruka's jacket. Her eyes were tightly closed as she nodded.
"Yes! Yes!"
Haruka smiled and held Michiru. She raised her head and looked out over Juuban District, highlighted in red and gold as the sun set.
---
They pulled up in front of Michiru's house a few moments later, the last of the sun's rays disappearing behind the horizon. They walked up to the door together. Haruka stuffed her hands into her pockets as Michiru unlocked the door.
"Tadaima yo!" Michiru called out as she removed her shoes in the doorway.
"Okaeri!" Michiru's little sister came barreling down the stairs, her feet thumping out a disjointed tempo on the floor. Her little sister ran into Michiru's arms and hugged her fiercely. When she pulled back, she noticed Haruka.
"Ojama shimasu." Haruka said, bowing slightly to Michiru's little sister who cocked her head to one side and returned the bow gravely.
Then she straightened up and grinned, waving and saying, "Konbanwa!"
Haruka grinned rakishly down at her and Michiru sighed, shaking her head and smiling.
"Is our brother home?" Michiru asked.
Michiru's little sister looked up at Haruka with wide eyes.
"You mean-"
"Is he here?"
"What's the ruckus?" The male voice sounded from up stairs and the owner of that voice came down soon after. He was tall, though a bit shorter than Haruka, and well built. His features were refined and he appeared to be a classic example of a bishonen. He immediately noticed Haruka and stopped a the foot of the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Konbanwa, Tenoh-san. Is there a reason you are here?"
"Konbanwa, Kaioh-san. There is. May I speak with you for a moment?"
He tilted his head to the side and looked at Michiru, who was blushing and looking away. A sparkle appeared in his eyes and he nodded.
"Very well. Come with me, Tenoh-san."
"I'll make tea." Michiru said to their backs. Her brother turned and smiled at Michiru, nodding.
He led Haruka to the balcony. They stepped outside and the wind immediately came up and greeted Haruka, threading itself through her hair.
"I'm assuming you're here for a specific reason." Haruka nodded. "I'm also assuming that reason is watching us very carefully through the glass." Haruka laughed shortly and grinned.
"I would like your permission to date Michiru-san, Kaioh-san." There. It was out.
He looked at Haruka carefully.
"You took a big risk coming here. You know that don't you?" Haruka nodded, her expression grave. "For all you knew, we were a family of homophobes." Slightly paler, Haruka nodded again. "Father knows you very well, doesn't he?" Grim, Haruka nodded and turned to look over the city. "You're also the most famous junior racer Japan has seen, aren't you?" His expression was carefully neutral as Haruka pinned him with a hard stare.
"What gave you that idea."
He shrugged. "Easy enough to put two and two together, Tenoh-san. A mysterious racer shows up, beats everyone. He's known only as Windracer. He looks a lot like you and happens to wear the same helmet that I have seen you with, complete with the scratch over the right ear. You suddenly show up at the highly exclusive Mugen Gakuen, obviously a brilliant student, but you are quick to anger and get into many fights. You share nothing of your personal life with anyone, and list your residence originally as "the racetrack", changing it after you are told you cannot attend Mugen Gakuen without a set residence for your uniform to be delivered to. You obviously love motorcycles and cars, but will only ride a chopper that is barely street legal, and refuse to join the shop class. Windracer rides only a superbike and refuses all interviews. You both ride with a certain style that is distinctive. You seem to be a lot alike, and both very mysterious."
Haruka grunted in response.
"Then there's the scar."
Haruka refused to look at him.
"Windracer has a small scar behind his left ear in the shape of a sword. I'm betting that if I were to look, I'd find the same scar behind your ear."
Haruka pinned him with a hard stare.
"Your answer and your point, Kaioh-san."
He shrugged and grinned at Haruka.
"You obviously have a means of income, Tenoh-san. You obviously love my sister very much if you're willing to come here, the house of your mortal enemy, to ask for her hand. You are obviously very protective of your privacy. I think that protectiveness will be extended to cover Michiru, will it not, Tenoh-san?"
Haruka nodded, once.
He smiled and extended a hand to Haruka.
"Welcome to the family, Windracer."
Haruka looked at the offered hand, her ears buzzing. Someone knew about her secret double life. Wait...he said welcome to the family?
Haruka took his hand and shook it, a slow grin spreading across her features. She sobered as she took her hand back.
"I must ask a favor of you, Kaioh-san. Please do not tell anyone what you know of me." She looked through the glass and caught Michiru's eyes. "I shall tell Michiru of that part of my life myself."
He nodded, smiling.
"Very well, Tenoh-san, I won't tell her. Nor will I tell anyone else. If I may ask though...Are you ever going to reveal to the world who you are?"
Haruka looked at him, her expression grave.
"Yes. The tabloids are already following me around everywhere. I already have to take extreme precaution to avoid them. It must be soon. I'm being offered large contracts to race and I must decide soon."
He nodded and slapped her on the back.
"I wish you luck Tenoh-san!"
Haruka grinned and followed him back into the house.
Michiru had arranged the tea and sat on the couch with her little sister, fidgeting nervously. When she saw Haruka, she stood, looking into her eyes. Haruka grinned at Michiru and nodded. Michiru broke into a wide smile, a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"I have given Tenou-san permission to date you, Michiru."
Michiru blushed and nodded.
"Tea?"
Haruka grinned and nodded.
"Please." She sat on a chair and tried to relax. She sat back in her chair and engaged in idle chatter with Michiru's brother about the latest races. Michiru sat and watched, her heart overflowing with love for Haruka.
As though she had heard Michiru's thoughts, Haruka turned her head and directed her grin at Michiru. Her green eyes shone with love.
"Tadaima yo!" That voice. A chill slithered down Haruka's spine.
"Okaeri!" They called out. Haruka sat there, dreading what she knew was coming.
"You!"
Haruka stood and bowed to Dean Kaioh.
"Konbanwa, sensei."
He eyed her with distaste and returned her bow halfheartedly.
"What are you doing in my home, Tenoh-san? Don't you have someone else to terrorize?"
Michiru gasped at her father's rudeness. A muscle twitched in Haruka's cheek as she reigned in her temper.
"I came here for honorable purposes, Kaioh-san."
"Oh really? Were you going to repay for the damages you caused to the fifteenth floor bathrooms?"
A twitch of Haruka's eyebrow was the only marker of her growing rage.
"Or maybe you were going to submit your formal apology for the poster of the nude swimsuit models you hung from the fifth floor!"
Haruka stood, calmly. She bowed to Michiru's brother, her little sister and her father. She kissed the back of Michiru's hand and straightened, looking directly at the Dean. She spoke in a controlled, low tone that did more to convey her rage than if she had been shouting and raving.
"I love your daughter, Kaioh-san, and she loves me. I came here to gain permission to date her. I have received it. I did not come here to be insulted and maligned. Ja matta, Kaioh-san."
Haruka strode to the door, put on her shoes, and exited the house. After a moment, the roar of her bike was heard leaving the house.
When the last of the engine's roar had died away, Michiru turned to her father, fury lighting her eyes and flushing her cheeks.
"How dare you! She is good and honorable!"
"She is trouble! I will not have my daughter dating a-a-a rebellious and disrespectful wretch like that! She has no breeding whatsoever!" His expression was stern as he looked at his oldest daughter. "I will not stand for my daughter to date a nameless penniless troublemaker! She is bad news, Michiru, and I will not stand for you to date her!"
Michiru stood there, stunned.
"No!"
Her father looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"If I see you with her, or hear about you two being together, you are no daughter of mine. My daughter would never date an uncouth ruffian such as that!"
Michiru stood and calmly walked to her room. She shut the door, careful not to slam it. She walked to her bed and sat down.
Then the tears came.
---
After a long bout of crying, Michiru decided to go out for a walk, her heart heavy. The rain poured from the sky in a mockery of the tears that flowed down her face. In the distance, she heard the familiar roar of a motorcycle.
Gods, no...please, no...
The motorcycle pulled up next to her and stopped. Michiru stopped walking, her head down.
"Hey, pretty lady. Want a ride?" Michiru closed her eyes as she heard that sweet, sweet voice.
Gods, I don't want to do this.
"I can't."
Haruka looked at Michiru, puzzled. She looked closer and saw that the wetness on her cheeks didn't come from the rain.
"Michiru? Are you ok?" Haruka dismounted from her bike and stood next to Michiru, trying to look into her face.
"I-" Michiru choked back a sob. "I can't see you anymore!" Michiru broke down into sobbing, her body wracked with each sob.
Haruka looked down at her, frozen where she stood.
"What? Why?" Michiru couldn't respond. "Michiru?"
Haruka lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. A little smile lifted one side of her mouth. Her eyes shone with tears that she dare not shed. Michiru cried harder, her heart breaking at having to hurt Haruka so badly.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, so sorry-" Michiru sobbed. Haruka gathered her into her arms.
"Shhh...it's ok, sweetie." Haruka lifted Michiru's chin and gave her one last sweet kiss. Michiru threw her arms around Haruka's neck, wanting this kiss to last until forever.
Haruka pulled her head back and looked down at Michiru one last time.
Michiru's heart ached as she saw a tear escape from Haruka's eye and make a path down to her smiling mouth. Her tears came even faster as she saw the first indicator of the pain she was causing Haruka.
Haruka turned away from Michiru, her hand dashing away the tear that had escaped her. She pulled her helmet down over her head and adjusted the chin strap. She straddled her bike and kickstarted it.
As Haruka sped off down the street, Michiru found her voice once more.
"Haruka! Be careful, please! Go slow!"
Michiru watched as Haruka approached the intersection and stopped at the stop sign. She started to cross when a station wagon came barreling out of nowhere and hit Haruka's rear tire, causing her to spin out. Michiru watched in horror as Haruka's body was flung away from the bike, it's flight stopped by a concrete wall. She slid down the wall and slumped over, her hand twitching.
"HARUKA!!" Michiru screamed out as she remembered how to use her legs and ran to her. "Oh god, oh god, oh please don't be dead, oh please..."
"Haruka!" Michiru ran right up to her and collapsed next to her, her tears now for fear of Haruka's life. "Haruka!" Michiru knew better than to try and move her. She dug through her purse for the cell phone.
"Hello? I need an ambulance! A motorcycle rider has been hit by a car! Hurry, please, we're at..."
---
Haruka woke up, groggy and disoriented. Where am I? She blinked her eyes a few times to clear them.
She was laying on a hospital bed. She looked down at her arm and saw the IV.
What happened?
Next to her, there was a small vase of flowers. Haruka tried to sit up to reach over to see who sent them and groaned as her body protested.
"Haruka!" Haruka turned her head and saw who had spoken.
Michiru sat next to her, her eyes red and her face blotchy. Haruka frowned and reached her hand out to Michiru. Michiru took it and their fingers entwined.
"Why the tears, pretty lady?"
Michiru's worry turned to a budding happiness when she heard Haruka's voice. She wanted to throw her arms around Haruka, but was scared she would hurt her.
"I was so worried...I thought you were going to die." Michiru's eyes closed and she looked down. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Haruka...I don't ever want to leave you."
Haruka looked at their entwined hands and smiled.
"I couldn't leave you alone, pretty lady...who would show me where to get Pocky?"
Michiru laughed and dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.
"I love you, Haruka. I'm sorry I let my father scare me into hurting you."
Haruka reached her hand over and caressed Michiru's cheek.
"I'm sorry I left you with him, Michiru. I love you."
"Get your hands off my daughter!"
Haruka turned her head to the doorway, where an irate Dean of Students stood.
"What are you doing here, Father?"
"The nurse called me to tell me that one of my students was in the hospital! What happened, Tenoh-san, did you not make the jump from the rooftop?"
"That's enough! I will not stand for your talking to my Haruka that way!"
Her father raised an eyebrow.
"I can talk to her however I please. And since when is she your Haruka?"
Michiru stood and squared her shoulders.
"I love her and she loves me, and there's nothing wrong with that. Haruka was a victim of a hit and run, if you must know. I'm not leaving her. I don't care if you do throw me out and disown me."
"Michiru-" Haruka coughed and looked at her hand, surprise on her face as she saw the blood.
Michiru wiped away the sprinkling of blood from Haruka's hand and pressed the call button for the nurse. Haruka caught her hand.
"Michiru! I have to tell you something!"
"No doubt something contrived and irrelevant to make you pity her." Michiru's father sneered.
Haruka didn't even glance at him, her eyes on Michiru, imploring.
"Michiru...I have a big secret. The only reason I was admitted into Mugen Gakuen was because of what I do on the weekends." Haruka swallowed and forged ahead. "I-I'm Windracer."
A choked sound came from the doorway which both of them ignored.
"You mean you're the-" Haruka nodded. "And you-" Haruka nodded again.
"Y-you're Windracer?" They turned to look at Michiru's father in the doorway. He was swaying back and forth, obviously shaken to the core at this new turn of events. "Windracer..." He turned and walked away, shaking his head.
Haruka turned her imploring gaze back to Michiru.
"Please, baby, believe me. I wouldn't lie to you."
Michiru nodded.
"I know, Haruka."
Michiru suddenly giggled.
"What?"
"I've watched every race Windracer has ever been in...including the first one." She giggled again. "I even have tickets for next week's race."
Haruka grinned at her as the nurse finally came in.
"Well, well, our patient is awake. Let me call the doctor and we'll take a look at you."
The nurse bustled out of the room and left Haruka and Michiru alone once more.
The brightness of Haruka's eyes caused Michiru to smile.
"You realize that if you're dating one of the racers, you can see the races for free?" Haruka drawled slowly, her thumb tracing a small circle on Michiru's hand. Michiru shivered.
"I do now." She smiled at Haruka and leaned over to kiss her.
"Well, well, lets see how the patient is doing!" The brisk cheerful voice sounded in the small room. "Tenou-san is it? Let's see how you're doing."
The doctor examined Haruka carefully. When she was done, she nodded to herself and made a note on the chart.
"Well, it seems that everything is order. We should be able to release you today." The doctor finished the notes and looked up at them, smiling. "You'll be feeling sore for the next few days, and I want you to take care of your shin-you banged it pretty hard. You might notice some blood when you cough, as well...that's because you bit your tongue during impact. The x-rays and all scans are clear, you have nothing to worry about. Any questions?"
"I think you pretty much covered everything, Doctor. Thank you."
With a final nod and a bow, the doctor left.
"What time is it?" Haruka asked.
"Oh...it's nearly midnight."
Haruka looked at Michiru and grinned.
"Just imagine...if we have this much excitement in one day, what kind of excitement can we have in a lifetime?"
Michiru laughed and kissed Haruka.
"Indeed, my love."
---
Haruka had indeed been released by the hospital that night, as the doctor had said. The police had questioned her and Michiru, and had promised to return Haruka's motorcycle as soon as possible. There was now an APB out for a white station wagon with a black star on the side. The doctor had given Michiru some last minute instructions in caring for Haruka and they left in a cab.
The cab dropped them off at Haruka's apartment. Michiru looked up at the building, awed by the poshness of it. If she hadn't believed Haruka before, this was proof positive of her being the mysterious Windracer. Only someone rich could afford a place such as this one!
Haruka smiled as she saw Michiru standing on the sidewalk, gaping at the apartment building. She walked up behind Michiru and slid her arm around her waist.
"Shall we, my lady?" Haruka grinned down at Michiru, the pain in her body irrelevant as she saw the light in Michiru's eyes and the blush on her cheeks.
They entered the building, Michiru signing in at the desk as a guest. in the elevator, Haruka took out a keycard and slid it through a card reader in the elevator before pressing the button for her floor. She glanced at Michiru and grinned.
"You'll see why in a minute."
The elevator swept them upwards quickly, the floors passing by quickly. Finally, it dinged and the doors slid open...directly into Haruka's front hall.
Michiru gasped as she realized that Haruka didn't just have an apartment in this building, she had an entire floor!
Haruka grinned at Michiru as they entered the lush apartment.
"Ahhh...Tadaima." Haruka glanced at Michiru's awestruck expression. "I don't starve."
Michiru laughed at that.
"I'll determine that after I see what state your kitchen is in." At the guilty look on Haruka's face, Michiru laughed even more. "Let me guess...you have at least four different take out numbers memorized, and at least ten on speed dial." Her answer was in Haruka's face.
"I'll have you know that I only have three memorized." Haruka said haughtily. Or at least, she tried to. The grin detracted from the effect.
"Come on Haruka...you need to go to bed." Michiru glanced up at Haruka from under her eyelashes. "Isn't that right?"
Haruka's eyes widened as her heart sped up. She opened her mouth to say something, but was stopped by the ringing of the telephone that connected to the front desk downstairs.
"Yes?"
"Tenou-san, there is a man named Kaioh here insisting that he needs to speak with you." The security guard sounded harried, as though he had been trying to dissuade the Dean.
Haruka sighed and replied, "Bring him up."
She hung up the phone and turned to Michiru.
"Your father's on his way up." Michiru shook her head and sighed, joining Haruka in the kitchen as she set the water on the stove for tea.
They were waiting in the front hall when the guard arrived with Michiru's father. He was carrying a small suitcase and his eyes widened as he saw Haruka's apartment.
"Ah...oh! Ojama shimasen," he said, bowing to Haruka and Michiru.
"Konbanwa, Kaioh-san. Would you care for some tea?"
"Please!" He seemed flustered as they went to the living room. He fidgeted and looked nervous as Haruka brought in the tea and poured.
They sat sipping the tea for a moment before Haruka got to the point.
"How may we help you, Kaioh-san?" Haruka's tone was cool, but polite.
He flushed and held his cup in his hands, trying not to fidget.
"Well, actually...I came to apologize." He looked at Haruka directly. "I have been very hard on you, Tenoh-san. I sensed a greater ability within you and I didn't know how to get you to use it. I apologize for my actions both from today and in the past."
Haruka nodded.
"I can understand your frustration, Kaioh-san. The suitcase?"
He nearly spilled his tea over himself as he turned to look at the suitcase next to him.
"Oh! I, ah, I brought some of Michiru's clothes...so she can stay and take care of you." He flushed and looked away.
"I see." Haruka tried to keep the smile out of her voice.
Michiru broke out into a wide smile and walked over to her father, placing a hand upon his shoulder.
"Father..." He looked up at her. "Thank you." He smiled, flushed, and looked down at his tea cup once more.
Haruka cleared her throat.
"It is late, Kaioh-san. Why don't you return tomorrow after we have all slept, and we can discuss preparations for a press conference to disclose the identity of Windracer? I believe it would be best for you to be involved in the process, since your daughter will be affected."
He nodded and stood, setting his cup down on the table before him.
"Indeed! I'll-I'll come back tomorrow." He bowed deeply to Haruka. "Ojama shimashita, Tenoh-san."
Haruka waved her hand dismissively in the air and extended a hand to him.
"I would appreciate it if you could find it in yourself to call me Haruka, Kaioh-san."
His face broke into a smile and he bowed again. "Arigato, Haruka-san."
After he left, Haruka walked back to Michiru and extended a hand down to her.
"Come on, love...I'm about to fall over from exhaustion."
They went to the bedroom, hands clasped. Haruka changed into some old pajama's and Michiru changed into one of Haruka's old t-shirts. It came down to mid-thigh on her, making her look...rather cute.
Haruka grinned as she saw Michiru walk out of the bathroom.
"You look amazing no matter what you're in, love."
Michiru blushed and shot back, "So do you."
Haruka flushed bright red at that and cleared her throat.
"Umm...If you want, you could sleep in the guest bedroom-"
Haruka was cut off by Michiru's slender finger pressing against her lips.
"I don't want to be apart from you, Haruka. All I would do is toss and turn, wishing I could be holding you."
Haruka smiled down at Michiru and raised a hand to caress her cheek.
"I love you, Michiru."
Michiru smiled up at Haruka.
"I love you too, Haruka."
They slid into bed, Haruka biting off her groans as her body complained about it's punishment.
"Lay on your back, honey." Haruka nodded, the pain overpowering her vocal abilities.
Michiru fussed around, making Haruka comfortable. Finally, she was content with Haruka's condition. Haruka smiled at her fussing and lay back, relaxing her much abused muscles.
Anata ga ireba, Michiru...
Haruka slid off into sleep. Michiru cuddled up to her side and fell off into sleep as well.
---
Michiru broke out of her reverie as the rumble of a motorcycle's engine came up behind her. She smiled demurely as she recognized the low rumble.
"Hey, pretty lady, wanna ride?"
Michiru stopped and turned her head to look at the rider who had pulled up next to her. A sparkle resided in the depths of her eyes as she took in the appearance of the lanky frame perched before her. White t-shirt, dark blue jeans, black leather jacket...just like a latter day James Dean.
The rider removed the dark visored helmet and grinned at Michiru.
"Hello, love. Didja miss me?" Haruka asked, her voice teasing lightly.
"Miss you? Why would I do that when I have such a fanclub?" Michiru teased back as she stepped up to Haruka. Haruka's arm circled around Michiru's waist, pulling her into Haruka.
Haruka grinned up at Michiru.
"Your fanclub will just have to be content with worshipping you from afar, love, because there's only one person who could ever love you enough, and that's me."
Michiru smiled down at Haruka and leaned in for a kiss. Across the street, Juri saw the exchange and her eyes bugged out. Wait til everyone heard about this!
"Ready for your ride, love?" Haruka asked, reaching behind herself and pulling out a helmet that matched her own.
"A ride? With the Windracer? Who could resist?" Michiru teased, taking the helmet and pulling it down over her head. She straddled the bike behind Haruka, careful to tuck in her dress.
Haruka pulled her own helmet back on and kickstarted the bike. Gunning the engine, Haruka and Michiru sped off down the road, disappearing into the distance until there was nothing but the faint echo of the engine's roar.
----
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