One Wish by Greenbeans Disclaimers: This is: a "What if..." story that fits in no way with anything else that I've written. And it definitely doesn't fit anywhere within the Sailor Moon universe. This is: for mature audiences. I manage to break several natural laws in the process of the story, so if that bugs you, turn back now. This is: a Haruka and Michiru fic. If the thought of them doing something really makes you squirm, sorry. All characters belong to their respective holders. I didn't make them, I just make them move. ********** Evening ********** "What would you ask for if you had just one wish? What is the one thing that your hearts long for the most?" Usagi had gone to Haruka and Michiru's home for the answer to this question. It had been 7 years since they had rediscovered themselves. As time marched on, they had all learned much about themselves and about each other. She had learned about the powers that she had and their uses. While blooming into adulthood, she came to remember many things about her past life. Foods that she had enjoyed, people she had known, and most importantly, duties that she had to fulfill. Tonight she would fulfill one of them. "What nonsense are you talking about, odango? Wishes are for those that don't know how to plan for the future." Haruka was seated comfortably on a couch with her arm behind Michiru. It was a very relaxed scene. Both were dressed casually. A light breeze drifted in from the open windows. This pair had mellowed some from there earlier days, but she wasn't fool enough to believe that they had lost any of their edge. She leaned forward some on the stool that she was seated on. "I'm serious, Haruka-san," she said evenly. "I know you are, but I don't see how you can grant wishes. At least, not the wishes I would ask for." She sipped on her tea. She would have agreed with her a week ago. When the memory first came back, it didn't make any sense to her. Others had followed since then and had filled in the pieces of the puzzle for her. "On the moon, each Senshi was granted a single wish using the ginzuishou. It was a sort of 'thank you' for giving your lives to duty. Each Senshi could wish for whatever she wanted within limits. It was looked at as being the one indulgence for a lifetime dedicated to the safety of the kingdom," she explained. Both considered her words carefully. She could tell that they were both slightly startled by this. "You've placed a great weight upon us, Princess, greater than the burden of guarding you. Wishes are dangerous things. Self-indulgence can be just as deadly." Michiru put a hand under her chin and continued to think it over. "Your offer is appreciated, but I have everything I have always wanted." Haruka included all things around her in a gesture. Then she hugged Michiru closer to her. Their relationship had grown even stronger throughout the years. They no longer bothered trying to deny or hide it. Their love for each other was something that the entire group took joy in. Usagi bowed her head. She knew of one thing this couple wanted that they would never have without the power of the ginzuishou. "What about a child?" Michiru gasped while Haruka sat upright startled. "You can't be serious, odango!" Haruka insisted. She nodded slowly. "You can have your dream." "I always wanted Haruka to be the father of my child, but you can't change the laws of nature," Michiru protested. "For one night, I can," she said softly while smiling. Michiru was startled to the point of speechlessness. She could really have a child by the one she loved? It was the one thing that they had come to accept that they would never be able to share. But now.... "Haruka?" She looked over to her partner. "It has been our dream. If you want to go through with it, I'll support you." She held her hand and squeezed it. "This has to be for both of us, not just me," she replied. It was a major undertaking to have a child and a lot to ask of her. Their lives would forever be changed by it. Haruka kissed her hand. "Silly, anything done for you is always done for me as well. What makes you happy, makes me happy." Michiru snuggled in against her partner. "If I was to be given one wish, it would be for Haruka to father my child," Michiru said to Usagi. She closed her eyes to check on the possibility of the realization of her wish. "It can be done," she answered softly. "Is that what you want?" They looked at each other for several long moments. Michiru let out a contented sigh and nodded. "Yes, that's what I want." She pulled the ginzuishou out. She focused all her energy into it. The crystal within began to glow. Soon, it was too bright for any of them to look at. Suddenly the light ceased. Usagi looked absolutely exhausted from the exercise. She waved off their offers of help. "I'm fine. The ginzuishou can take as much out of a person as it can put in. "Tonight you will be able to fulfill your wish. It is all up to you now." She got up from the stool and walked, somewhat shakily, to the door. Haruka again protested that she was tired and should spend the night there. She continued to assure her that she was fine. Tonight was not going to be a good night to spend over if she had her guess. Before they could say anymore, she went out the door. Her car wasn't far away. The drive to the apartment she and Mamo-chan shared was, thankfully, a short one. ***** "Tonight...." Michiru whispered. "I can't believe it myself, but she's always managed to pull through in the past...." Haruka added in awe. "Tonight, we get our dream." Michiru leaned into Harukas side. She was both excited and scared at the prospect. Many times before, ever since they raised Hotaru, they had discussed having children. They knew that it was something that they would require outside help for. They had considered everything from having a sperm implanted to asking Mamoru to do the honors. But the Princess had given them the one thing they could never have: a child by the both of them. It was a dream, but also a nightmare. It raised a lot of the questions that were abundant when a family considered children. Financially, having a child would be no burden. But it would interfere with her duties as Neptune. How would the other Senshi react to them? She was certain that they would be happy for them. But what about Setsuna and Hotaru? Would they mind another addition to their family? There wasn't time to consider the answers. Right now they only had time for action if they were going to take up Usagi's gift to them. She rose off the couch. Haruka looked up to her. "I'll be waiting for you when you're ready," she said simply and went to their bedroom. ***** Michiru left Haruka to think by herself. It was quite a bit to consider. Michiru had always wanted a child, and she did too. Raising Hotaru had stirred some of her maternal instincts, but not nearly as strongly as it had for Michiru. Michiru was the ideal parent in her mind. She was kind, understanding, and patient. They had done pretty well with Hotaru, but she had also been a sweet tempered tot. This one wouldn't grow nearly as fast and may not be as easy to raise. It would be a challenge. She didn't back down from challenges. She got off the couch and walked to their bedroom door. With her hand on the knob she stopped. Why was she so hesitant? She had been sleeping with Michiru for years now, why should tonight be any different? 'Because tonight you expect results, baka,' she chided herself. Yes, tonight would be different. She licked her dry lips. She was nervous. Who wouldn't be under this type of pressure? She still didn't understand how they were going to manage it, but.... She shook herself mentally then went into the room. The only illumination was from the bright moonlight streaming in from the open window. It was enough light to see that Michiru was awake on the bed. She didn't say anything as she stripped out of her clothes and put them into the hamper in the bathroom. Returning to the room, she laid down on her side of the bed. She rolled onto her side to look at Michiru. By the moonlight, she could see the expression on her face. Michiru stretched out a hand and combed it through her soft hair. "Nervous?" She asked in a whisper. "Yes," she admitted. "Don't be." Michiru pulled herself closer to her. At first, her touch was hesitant. Normally she would have taken charge, but tonight was Michiru's night. She allowed herself to be led in a slow dance that quickly picked up tempo. Tonight was going to be different. ***** Haruka turned on the shower. Cold water streamed onto her, cooling her down. They wouldn't know anything for a while. But if they failed, it wouldn't be for lack of trying. Michiru was sound asleep. Not that she blamed her. She did hope that Usagi was right about this. Michiru had wanted this for so very long. The disappointment of not getting it would be crushing to her. If this didn't work, they should go speak to Mamoru. He was a nice fellow that they both approved of. Of course, that might throw the royal line off a little, but it was worth it to see Michiru happy. Taking hold of the bar of soap she scrubbed herself clean. ***** Later on ***** Haruka sat on the bed waiting. Michiru was in the bathroom. She was performing the pregnancy test. So far she hadn't shown any signs or morning sickness. But that didn't tell them anything. Being Neptune helped to keep her in good health. The door opened slowly. Michiru walked out with an expressionless look on her face. This startled her. Michiru sat next to her on the bed and took hold of her hand. She closed her eyes and waited for the bad news. "Haruka, what do you think we should name our child?" "What?!" Her eyes flew open. She had a huge smile on her face. Her eyes were lit with a joy that only she had been able to capture in them. "I'm pregnant, Haruka!" She hugged her fiercely. Tears of joy spilled onto her shoulder. She joined her in her happiness. She was surprised to find that tears were in her eyes also. "Michiru, I'm so proud..." ***** The other Senshi took the news of Michiru's pregnancy well. Most were quite stunned by it. When they found out who the father was, they were even more so. But Usagi hadn't finished making her rounds yet. Those who had already been visited knew what was going on. The Prince had congratulated both of them and probably gave a sigh of relief. They had previously discussed needing his services. He had been willing to help tentatively, but he didn't like the idea of sleeping with another woman. Even if it was for a friend. Hotaru and Setsuna were fully supportive of them. Setsuna had once commented on how she had always enjoyed raising children. It was something that she got to do back on the moon with the younger Senshi. Hotaru was thrilled with the idea of having a younger sibling. She still hadn't decided on whether she wanted Michiru-mama to have a boy or a girl. Haruka smiled at her indecision then picked her up and swung her around. "Hime-chan, how about we let Michiru-mama decide?" She spun the squealing girl some more. "Okay, Haruka-papa! Michiru-mama can choose." Once she put the girl down, she ran to Michiru and hugged her tummy. "I don't care if you're a boy or a girl, I love you," she said to the life growing inside of Michiru. The three parents smiled in pride at their daughter's easy acceptance of a new family member. ********** It was 6:20am. Michiru had been in the bathroom for the last hour bowing to the porcelain god. Haruka was at her side the entire time. 'This isn't going well,' Haruka thought to herself as Michiru finished another set of dry heaves. 'She is Sailor Neptune, she is stronger than most. She shouldn't be sick like this.' "I'm -- I'm alright now," Michiru said weakly after leaning back from the bowl. Haruka stood up and went over to draw a bath for her. 'Today, we're going to the doctor whether she wants to or not,' she thought with resolve. Once the bath was ready, she returned to Michiru's side. All she needed was a hand up. Haruka instead picked her up and carried her over to the tub. Gently she lowered her into the steaming waters. She 'Ahh-ed' as the hot waters began to loosen tight muscles. Haruka washed her back with a sponge. She massaged her knotted shoulders until she was totally relaxed in the cooling waters. Haruka left her side to drain off some of the water and replaced it again with hot. "You're so kind to me," Michiru sighed appreciatively. "Why wouldn't I be? You're the one I love above all else," she replied after returning to her side. "Too kind by half," she continued. "Never," Haruka denied. Michiru pulled her forward so that she could plant a soft kiss on her cheek. ***** Setsuna and Haruka had accompanied Michiru to the doctor's office despite her protests that she was just fine. She wasn't fine because she collapsed right inside the door. Haruka carried her to the bed a nurse had pointed to. She began to demand that the doctor take a look at Michiru, but she didn't need to. A young fellow came rushing into the room to examine her. He was going to order her out, but thought otherwise when she struck him with her piercing glare. He took several samples from places she didn't even want to think about. Michiru had come around again. She clung onto her hand as the doctor continued his prodding. "Haruka," she said weakly. "Michiru," she replied in a thickened timbre. Michiru was in pain and there was nothing that she could do about it. The feeling of helplessness made her angry. She would do anything to relieve Michiru of some of this burden, but there was nothing that she could do. "Ten'ou-san, I'm afraid that you really must leave now," the doctor insisted gently. Haruka was going to protest. But Michiru squeezed her hand, "It's alright, Haruka. I'll be fine." She watched as they took her into another room where she could not follow. The feeling of helplessness returned. ***** The next day ***** Michiru woke up slowly from her nap on the couch. The afternoon sun had baked her in a warmth that made her long to go back to sleep. They had taken her to the doctor yesterday. The young practitioner was unsure as to why she was having difficulties, but was determined to help her in any way possible. Setsuna had left them to go research some on her own. Ami was going to be by this afternoon to take readings with her computer. The young medical student kept full records on all of them in case something went wrong. Her case was the type of thing she had been preparing for. Haruka came into the room with a laden tray. "I thought that you might be awake by now. Are you hungry?" She set the tray onto the end table. It had on it two bowls of soup, a tea kettle, and service for two. She inhaled deeply the aroma of the soup. Chicken. "A little," she replied with a smile. Her appetite had been an up and down thing for the past month. Haruka carefully set a bowl besides her on the table. She took a spoon from the tray. Gracefully, she ladled a spoonful of the hot liquid up to her lips. Her stomach rumbled some in impatience for the break from her slight hunger. Haruka nodded once after she was satisfied that she was alright. Likewise she consumed her lunch. With their meal finished, she laid back down on the couch to rest. For some reason she was weary today. Haruka smiled softly at her before returning the tray to the kitchen. It was with this image in mind that she fell asleep. "You've gotten plenty of readings to mull over for now. You can perform your final tests tomorrow." Haruka's voice was quiet, but held an edge to it. The person she spoke to let out a small sigh. She recognized the voice as Aim's when the girl spoke. "The results would be far more accurate if I could get all the readings now." "She's asleep and I want her to stay that way." Michiru smiled to herself sleepily as her mind's eye painted a picture for her of Haruka with her arms crossed acting big. "It's okay," she mumbled softly before opening her eyes. She did smile when she saw that her imagination had been accurate in its portrayal of her partner. Haruka grimaced as she pushed herself to a sitting position. "You should be asleep." "I have plenty of time for that. After Ami's finished, I'd like to move to the bedroom." A slight smile played upon her lips as Haruka blushed some. Ami turned a fiery red. She still had, as of yet, to grow out of her tendency for becoming easily embarrassed. While all of the Senshi accepted their relationship, she still felt awkward when presented with this side of their lives. "Um, yes, well," she stammered. "She wants some readings of you as Neptune," Haruka supplied helpfully when it didn't seem like Ami was going to manage to get it out. She pulled out her scepter and transformed back and forth at Ami's direction several times before she was satisfied. During transformations to and from Neptune, she discovered that the relatively easy change had become exhausting. Haruka saw how much it drained from her. She moved quickly to her side before she slumped back to the couch. "Ami." With a single word Haruka had the girl in motion to help get her to their room. Haruka laid her down gently onto the bed. She closed her eyes as the desire to rest overcame her. It was rude to fall asleep with them standing there, but she really couldn't help herself. She'd have to remember to apologize for her ill manners tomorrow. "Ami, work quickly...." ***** A few days later ***** Setsuna had returned today. She had been reluctant to answer any of their questions until they were seated conformably in the study. Little Hotaru had been sent outside to play while they discussed the situation. Haruka poured tea for the three of them. There was a false sense of ease in the room. True, the three of them were the best of friends, and it normally would have been a comfortable scene, but this conversation was different. They could tell that by the slight changes in Setsuna's demeanor when she had walked in the door. Her normally gentle red eyes now were laden with unspoken concern. "Please, Setsuna, tell us what you have discovered," Michiru asked simply. Neither of them would ask where she gained her knowledge, but they would trust in its validity. She bowed her head slightly before raising it again to meet their eyes. "I have learned some important information, actually, a tendril from a memory that I wanted to confirm before sharing it. "Michiru, you are not the first Senshi to be with child, you are the second. For the significance to sink in, it must be understood that we, under normal circumstances, cannot have children. We are born sterile. I can't tell you exactly why this is. It could have to do with our powers, our transformations, or that children may get in the way of duty, and nature had taken care of that. I don't know for sure." "You said that she was the second." Haruka put her arm behind her in an unconscious protective gesture. "What happened to the first?" Setsuna looked from one pair of eyes to the other. "She died." "What?!" Haruka sat forward. "How did it happen? I won't let Michiru die!" Michiru pulled Haruka back against her again. "I know you won't, love. Setsuna?" She spoke with a calm voice to cover her being startled at the news. "It was also her wish to have a child by a young man she had fallen in love with. The wish was granted. Her body had fought with itself and the foreign lifeform in it. I remember her. We had tried to abort the child, but it was too late." She stopped but did not cry. In all her years of life she had had hundreds, thousands, of friends die. She had been like any other person that had been a shining point in her life, but it was a brief moment when compared to the overall length of time. "When you have a child, it is like giving another a piece of your lifeforce. The two are linked and are a part of each other. An abortion is out of the question because it would kill Michiru as well." Setsuna reached a hand out to place it onto Michiru's. "So what can we do?" Haruka's anger had subsided and she was now trying to reason her way through this problem. "What CAN we do?" Setsuna empathized. "I think that Michiru is going to have a lovely child, and we are going to be a happy family." "Yeah," Haruka smiled and hugged Michiru to her. ***** "Haruka-san, please, let me see Michiru-san," Usagi had come to there home upon learning of Michiru's condition. Haruka closed her eyes and nodded slowly. She didn't want to admit that Michiru might die, and she didn't want the Princess worried that it was her fault. "Usagi-chan," Michiru greeted from the couch she was lounged on. Usagi walked quickly up to her and knelt. She took her hand in her own. "Michiru-san, I am so sorry. I would have never suggested that wish if I had known that you might die because of it." Tears streamed down her face. They were not the floods that marked her earlier years. Michiru stroked her free hand through Usagi's hair. "You have given me the one thing that I have always wanted, but been denied. Even if we had known, I would have chosen the same." "Michiru-san!" Usagi embraced her in a tight hug. "I don't want to lose you." Michiru chuckled. Usagi pulled back to look at her. "You sound as though I have already died. I have no intention of leaving you." "Or me," Haruka added with a grin from behind them. "I won't let her leave me behind." While she was still smiling, there was a hint of seriousness that gave the jest the ring of truth. "It's a nice day, odango. Where's Mamoru-san? He should take you out to ice cream or something," Haruka smiled even more as the girl unconsciously licked her lips. Old habits died hard. "Please don't worry, Princess, everything will be fine," Michiru smiled at the young woman. Her concern touched her, but this was her decision, her wish. She wouldn't stop now, even if it was an option. ********** Haruka woke up from a light sleep when Michiru moaned slightly in hers. Michiru snuggled against her, sighed, and fell back to sleep peacefully. She considered her current position. Her face was leaned up against Michiru's head. Sometime during the night she had wrapped her arms protectively around the slightly smaller woman. She grimaced slightly. For these past months she had been very protective of Michiru. Yes, she had pissed everyone off a time or two when they only wanted to help, but she wouldn't allow anything to happen that would cause Michiru problems. She was having a difficult enough time as it was. Haruka hugged her partner. Oh God, she'd give anything to relieve Michiru of her pain. Michiru would try and put a brave face on for her, but she could read her like the winds. She was a part of her. Michiru had stopped giving public performances three months ago. It had been over a month since they had gone out anywhere. Now they spent all of their time at home. Haruka wouldn't be anywhere but at her side. She had protested that she should go out an enjoy herself, but she had flat out refused to leave her side. Michiru needed her. Not once had she winced away when Michiru could no longer hold down her food. Nor had she minded staying up late to hold her hand. She ran the household these days with help from Setsuna and Hime-chan. Some days, it was a trial, but she would do anything she could to help her. Anything. ********** February 19 ********** Michiru only had to say her name once before she was wide awake and ready to go. It was coming to be near time for the birth. Like any expecting father, the bag was packed and the route to the hospital well planned. Setsuna was in the driver's seat with Hime-chan buckled into the passenger's. Haruka helped the well-rounded Michiru to the backseat of the van. Haruka helped her with her breathing while Setsuna sped them to the hospital. The medical personnel took Michiru to one room with Haruka being led to another. "I want to be with her!" She protested. "You're the father? We have to get you scrubbed." A nurse led the way to a small room. She followed the directions given quickly. Once the nurse was satisfied, she was led into the room with Michiru. "Haruka," Michiru reached her hand out. Then she gritted her teeth when a contraction hit. She was by her side in a heartbeat. "I'm here Michiru. I'm here," she crooned reassuringly. "You're always here for me," she smiled at her. She returned the smile. Michiru took hold of her hand. When the contraction hit again, she squeezed without meaning to. "Gomen." Her face was covered in sweat. "For what?" She kissed her on the forehead. The nurse had been in and out several times already to check her progress. Setsuna was to call everyone and let them know that it was time. With the contractions being as close as they were, there wasn't much time left before the birth. "I've been a bother these last months and you've always been there. Thank you." She blushed slightly at the thanks. It was really nothing since she would have done it no matter what. "I love you, Michiru. I don't tell you that often enough, but I do." She kissed her hand. It was Michiru's turn to color. "I love you too, Haruka." Another contraction hit her. The nurse charged into the room with several practitioners on her tail. "It's time," she said as they moved Michiru to the delivery room. They allowed her to follow them in. She quickly reclaimed Michiru's hand and smiled at her. Another contraction shook her. This one was more violent than the last. She held tightly onto her hand. "It's okay, Michiru, you'll be fine," Haruka encouraged. She closed her eyes and screamed as another shockwave of pain hit her. The scream brought on memories of the fight with Eudial and her crossing the bridge to save her. Both were death cries. "Michiru! Hang in there," Haruka nudged her to get some response. "Haruka," she whispered softly. Her face scrunched up in pain. "I'm afraid that you have to leave," the nurse pulled her away from her side. "NO! Michiru!" She fought back. Two male interns grabbed hold of her arms and forced her from the room. "Michiru! Michiru!" She pounded on the door with total disregard for those around her. "Haruka," Setsuna placed a hand on her shoulder. Haruka looked at her to have her gaze met with the frightened look in her eyes. "Shimatta!" She slammed her fist into the door before finally collapsing to the floor crying. "I won't let her go. I won't let her die, not without me," she sobbed. Everyone gathered around her speechless. There was nothing that they could say that would make her feel any better. Setsuna gathered the sobbing woman in her arms and hugged her. Hotaru knelt down to her level. She had never seen Haruka-papa cry before. She held onto her hand. "Haruka-papa, is Michiru-mama going to be okay?" She whispered. Haruka looked at her through tear blurred eyes. "I hope so, Hime-chan. If it hadn't been for that wish -" She stopped to think. Her eyes when wide with a sudden realization. "Usagi-chan!" Usagi pushed her way through to kneel next to her. "What is it Haruka-san. Do you have an idea?" "That wish, whose wish was it? Michiru's? It wasn't mine, was it?" "What are you talking about, Haruka-san? You didn't want a child -" "Usagi-chan!" She cut her off abruptly, but smiled slightly to take the sting from her words. "Whose wish did you grant that night?" "I - Michiru-san's," her eyes also went wide when she realized the meaning of that. "You still have your wish, Haruka-san." "Can you save her, odango?" She closed her eyes and pulled out the ginzuishou. "Yes," she whispered after consulting it. "But I'm not strong enough to save the child too." Haruka bowed her head and cursed softly. She didn't want to have to choose between Michiru and their child. She closed her eyes for a brief moment. "Princess, I wish for you to save Michiru," she said softly. ********** "I don't believe it!" A girl of roughly 12 crossed her arms and shook her head. The person behind her, her eldest sister at 16, tugged lightly on her pleated sea green hair. "Believe it, Rica." Rica turned around to face her sister. "She wished for Michiru to live over her child?" The elder nodded and shrugged. "You've heard this story before. Why are you doubting it now?" The youngest of those to hear the story piped up quietly. "I haven't heard this before. How does it end?" She was an adorable 6-year old with soft golden locks that tumbled every which way when they weren't confined to a braid. The storyteller, the 3 girls' father, picked the youngest up off of the floor to place her in his lap. "How do you think it ends?" Rica patted her sister on the head. "Michiru lives, the child lives." "There was a bit more to it than that," the eldest pointed out. "I thought the Princess couldn't save them both," she looked up to her father for the answer. He chuckled some. "The Princess didn't think that she could. It goes back to what Setsuna had told them about lifeforces being linked. The child was an extension of Michiru's life." Rica snickered. "Yeah, but they hadn't realized that Michiru was carrying twins. I would have loved to have seen the look on Haruka's face, ne, Megumi?" She nudged her older sister. She nodded. "She's told me how surprised she was when Grandpa Kenji followed Grandma Hirono out," she chuckled. "Ask her yourself." "I will!" The girl brushed her hair back. "Ask me what?" A deep voice questioned from behind the group. The girls stood up and turned around to face the two women that had just arrived to the family picnic. "Haruka - er," the eldest bowed respectively to the two women. "Great grandmother," she corrected. She walked up to the blushing girl and gave her a hug. "Haruka is fine, Megumi." "Michiru!" The youngest left her father's lap to hug her great grandmother. "Daddy was telling us about your wish," she said happily. "Was he?" She smiled and picked the girl up. "Uh huh," she nodded then nuzzled against her neck. "You don't look a day past twenty," their father greeted his grandmothers. "Nakai, you're just as mischievous as ever, filling these poor girls' heads with boring stories." Haruka hugged him also. "A story involving either of you is never boring. Now come on out back. Every one else has arrived already. You will be amazed when you see how much Aya has grown....." ******************************************* A big thank you to: Jackie Chiang Tim Nolan Chris Parsons Lord Charon