The alarm clock woke Mamoru up with just enough time to say good bye to Haruka, and hurry off to college. Haruka went to college, too--just to a different one.

            The rest of the following three weeks were uneventful ...as for the nights.

            Haruka called Hotaru every day, and spoke to Setsuna often, as well.  She hadn't spoken to Michiru since that one night, but not for lack of trying, you understand.  Michiru avoided her in the hallways, and got caller ID, so that when Haruka called, someone else would have to answer it for her.

            It was on a cold Sunday that Haruka got her break.

            *Beep, beep.  Beep bee--*

            "Hey," Haruka switched on her communicator.  Sailor Venus' face appeared on the screen.  "What's up?"

            "There's a youma at the Plaza," Venus reported. "Draining and the like--just get here as soon as you can."

            Haruka nodded.  "On it."

            "Hahahahaaa!" the youma cackled.  Grabbing one of the many fleeing people, the youma began to drain its captive.

            "Burning Mandala!"  Sailor Mars called, firing the attack at the youma, which appeared to be a huge squirrel with a forked tongue and bird's wings.

            "Foolish mortal," it hissed, stepping aside to let the attack whiz by.  "You dare to challenge me?"

            "I'll do better than that," Sailor Uranus stepped out from behind a bush.  "Space Sword...BLASTER!"

            Laughing and pointing, the yoma whipped out its tongue, wrapping it around Sailor Uranus' ankle.  Hefting the Senshi, the yoma dangled Haruka, shaking her around.

            Suddenly, a rose flew through the air and pierced the youma's tongue.  It let out an inhuman cry, and dropped Sailor Uranus.  Hitting her head on a rock, the wind Senshi's consciousness faded into oblivion.

            When she awoke, Haruka could feel someone stroking her hair lovingly.  She tried to say "Mamoru", but it came out more like a moan.

            "Shhh."  Soothed a very familiar voice.  "Just lie still."

            Cracking open an eye, Haruka stared up into Michiru's oval face, and smiled.  Then she winced.  "Still mad at me?" she asked.

            "A little."  Michiru answered.  "But let's not talk about that now."  She hugged Haruka closer.  "I'm content just to hold you."

            It was the next day, and Haruka was packing. Michiru had asked her to move back in, and although she would have liked to stay with Mamoru, she knew that such an action would cause not only hostility from Michiru, but suspicion from Usagi.

            Sighing, Haruka closed the last suitcase.  Taking a step back, she surveyed the pile of baggage lying in the middle of the living room floor.

            Strong arms encircled her waist, one offering her a red rose.  Mamoru rested his head on her shoulder.  "I'm gonna miss you," he said, his voice low and soothing.

            Accepting the rose, Haruka leaned back into his embrace.  "I'll miss you more." she returned.  Mamoru laughed lightly.

            Bending her head back, Haruka kissed Mamoru lightly. Because of the awkward position, the kiss only lasted a minute or so.

            "I have to go now," Haruka whispered.

            "I know."  Mamoru sighed.

            "We'll still see each other," Haruka said, as much to reassure herself as to reassure him.

            Mamoru nodded, releasing her.  "I would say to call me, but Usagi might get it."

            Haruka winced, looking down.  "I know."

            "Hey," Mamoru put his hands on her shoulders, and used his finger to lift her chin up, forcing her to look him in the eye.  "I love *you.*"  Smiling, he kissed her quickly.  "Well," his voice sounded strained, "You had better be on your way, or Michiru will worry."

            "You're right."  Haruka sucked in her breath, and grabbed her suitcases.  Getting the door for her, Mamoru took one of her suitcases.

            "You have to let me carry something for you," he reminded.

            "But--"

            "Hey," Mamoru winked.  "Don't play down my manhood."

            Laughing, Haruka let him carry her suitcase until they reached the elevator.  "I'd better take that now." Haruka said.  "Who knows what could happen if you put us in an elevator together."

            Grinning, Mamoru handed over her suitcase.  "Ja ne."  He said.

            Haruka nodded.  "Ja."  

            "Haruka-papa, Haruka-papa!"  Hotaru came rushing up to Haruka the second that she arrived back at the beach house.  Throwing her arms about the older woman's waist, Hotaru caught Haruka in a hug.  Soon Setsuna and Michiru joined Hotaru.

            Haruka laughed, "I'm glad to be home, too."

            The words were only partway true.

            That night the Outer Senshi went out to eat at a seafood restaurant.  They were half way through the meal when Haruka felt sick.  They made it home just in time for Haruka to rush to the bathroom and vomit.

            "Are you alright?"  Michiru asked, stroking Haruka's hair.

            Haruka nodded.  "I think that it was a combination of being shaken around by that yoma, and then eating the sea food.  Mix all that and the excitement of returning home."

            "Oh, poor 'Ruka."  Michiru kissed Haruka's cheek. "Here, come to bed..."

            Haruka tried to smile.  *Oh God...*