Work Text:
There was a somber sort of silence as Michiru stood in front of Haruka. The shorter girl kept her eyes down, focused on Haruka’s tie, as her nimble hands fiddled with the piece of clothing. Slightly adjusting the tie, Michiru would then make a small face of annoyance each time she paused to look at it, before adjusting it again. Haruka stood there, pursing her lips in tired affection, looking down at Michiru. She raised one of her hands, gently treading her figures through Michiru’s hair.
“Michi,” she said softly. Not responding, Michiru tightened Haruka’s tie again before shifting a hare right. “Michiru.” Haruka said a bit sternly. This made Michiru look up. Her expression was hard to gauge. A mixture of petulance and solemness. Although Haruka wasn’t quite sure. “The tie is fine.”
“It’s not.” Michiru’s attention went back to the tie as she began to smooth it out with the back of her hand. “It’s wrinkly and you didn’t put it on properly. Before I adjusted it for you, it was all cock-eyed. You should’ve ironed it this morning before you put it on. Really Haruka, I tell you these things constantly. Even your shirt looks all wrinkly. Look at all these creases!” Michiru let out a sigh, smoothing the shirt down with her hands. “You’re-.”
“I’m going to miss you, too.” Haruka said softly, cupping Michiru’s cheek. Pausing in her movements, Michiru looked up at Haruka. As her wife raised her head, Haruka could see the glassiness in the other woman's eyes. “But you can’t keep delaying me like this, the plane’s going to leave soon.” Caught in her charade to keep Haruka there longer, Michiru looked embarrassed.
“I know, I’m sorry.” With that, Michiru’s arms enveloped Haruka, pressing herself in for a big warm hug. Haruka returned the hug, keeping Michiru as close to her as she could, trying to imprint this feeling of Michiru against her into her brain. “I’m just going to miss you terribly. I don’t want to see you go.”
“Trust me, I’d stay if I could.” Haruka kissed the top of Michiru’s head. She took in the scent of Michiru’s hair. It always smelled like the ocean. Such a rich, beautiful smell. “But you know how important this trip will be for my career. I can’t skip this.”
“I know,” Michiru murmured. “I know.” With a tight squeeze, Michiru tilted her head up. She rested her chin on Haruka’s chest, looking into her wife’s eyes. “Promise to call me everyday.”
Placing a small peck on her temple, Haruka smiled. “Of course, I promise.”
“And call me when you’re settled at the hotel. I don’t care how late it is.”
“As you wish.” Haruka kissed Michiru’s nose. In the distance, she heard her manager calling out to her. She didn’t turn her head away from Michiru though, just giving the woman a sheepish look. “Duty calls.” Leaning in, Haruka pressed her lips against Michiru’s. She sucked on Michiru’s lower lip, savoring the salty taste of the sea. Michiru kissed back slowly, passionately - gripping Haruka’s arm tightly as she did so. They kissed until they had to pull away for breath.
When they pulled away, Haruka took the chance to remove herself from Michiru completely. The loss of Michiru’s warmth made the realization she wouldn’t see Michiru for at least a month and a half sink in fully. A heavy weight settled in her stomach, but Haruka kept a brave face. Michiru was trying her best to keep a brave face as well, her glassy eyes refusing to drop any tears. Haruka gave her the best grin she could muster.
“I’ll see you soon.”
Michiru nodded. “Don’t forget about me over in Europe, okay?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Haruka gave her a small, teasing smile. Turning around and throwing a wave over her shoulder, Haruka made her way through the terminal. Her racing manager was waiting by the gate. The plane she was taking to go to Europe was already outside and waiting. When she reached the gate, before she turned the corner to disappear into the walkaway, she turned her head to blow a final goodbye kiss to Michiru.
Michiru blew her one back.