-----Bonnie Raitt-----

***

Happy Birthday Michiru! Haruka's Ultimate Gift

By Raphaela

"Happy Birthday!!!", the three united voices woke her out of a sound sleep.

"Me an' Haruka-papa made you breakfast", Hotaru exclaimed proudly.

"You didn't have to do that for me."

"Of course we did.", Haruka argued, "But if I were you, I wouldn't thank us until I saw the mess in the kitchen."

"Haruka-papa, can I give Michiru- mama her present now?"

"Yes Hime-chan *now* you can give her the present.", Haruka turned to Michiru. "She's been so excited about it all week. I'm surprized she kept her mouth shut for so long."

Michiru laughed at this. Hotaru handed her the wrapped box. "This is from me! Haruka-papa helped me buy it, though." Michiru unwrapped a set of Sailor Uranus and Neptune dolls.

"Hotaru only wanted to get you the Neptune, but I told her if only one was bought, the other one would be too lonely, so she got you both."

"Well, we wouldn't want Uranus to be lonely, now, would we? Thank you, Hotaru, they're adorable. So Haruka, what are *you* going to grace me with this year?"

"Uh-uh-uh.", Haruka chided. "My present is last. Open Setsuna's now." Setsuna handed her the gift and she dug in.

"Ara Setsuna, it's gorgeous. Did you make it yourself? Is it real silk?" Michiru held the dress out.

"Yes and yes", said Setsuna, "I hope you like it, it's my own design."

"Setsuna, you really should become a designer like you've always wanted. I don't know why you haven't yet."

"I just don't have the time to..."

"Sailor Pluto doesn't have the time?" Haruka interrupted, "I can't believe that. You have all the time in the world, and anyway, it's not like we have any Senshi business. We have major vacation time." She flopped down on the bed next to Michiru and kissed her cheek. "I'm doing what I want with my free time."

"Speaking of that, where is my present from you, Love?"

"Not in front of them. We have to be alone"

"Really, Haruka." Setsuna scolded, "You give her *that* every night."

"What's *that*?", asked Hotaru.

"Never mind, dear. Let's leave before it gets too hot in here." Setsuna picked up the girl and left to clean the kitchen.

"Haruka, that's not what you're giving me is it? Not that you've ever disappointed me in that department, but for my birthday, I expect something a little more special."

"Oh, it's special." Haruka smiled, but then a more serious expression covered her face. "Read this."

Michiru's eyes widened as she neared the bottom of the page. "Is this true? You can't be serious."

"I wouldn't joke about something like this, especially to you."

"They could really do this?"

"In theory, yes, but I don't want to get your hopes too high. It's never been tested on a human before."

"Then we could, in theory, have a baby? You and I? There really are doctors who can fertilize a female's egg with DNA from another female's egg?"

"They've done some great things with rats. I made us an appointment for this afternoon. I haven't even told Setsuna yet."

"Oh, Haruka, I'll never doubt there's anything you can't do again!" Michiru threw her arms around her partner and kissed her.

***

After three months and three attempts at getting Michiru pregnant, she was in dispair. "It not working, Haruka.", Michiru cried after another round of 'bad news'. "Either this miracle technique of yours is bunk, or there's something wrong with me."

"Maybe you should go to the doctor, Love. I'll take you today if you want." Haruka was tired of the heartache Michiru went through every time she was told the results of her treatment. "I'll call and see if they have time available."

After several failed attempts to remove Haruka from the examining room, the doctor decided it was futile and let her stay. She held Michiru's hand during the tests. Michiru could tell that it made Haruka uncomfortable to be there, but she was glad she was. Haruka had fought to stay and suffer, just to make her feel better.

***

A few days later, the couple sat down in the doctor's office waiting for the news. The doctor assumed they were married. He didn't know Haruka was a girl. "Kaiou-san", he started, "I'm sorry, you have a rare condition that will prevent you from ever having children. There is nothing that can be done for it. Your body will simply reject any attempt to impregnate you."

Michiru began to cry and she buried her face in Haruka's shoulder to hide her tears. "So that's it?", Haruka searched for a ray of hope.

"Yes, I'm afraid. I know how you must feel. I wish there was a way to help you and your wife."

Haruka was going to point out his mistake, but thought better of it. "Let's go Michiru." She put her arm around her lover as they walked to the car.

Michiru continued to cry on and off for the next few days. Any little thing could set her off. Haruka spent her time comforting her and thinking of a way to take away her pain.

"Michiru," Haruka whispered as they lay in bed, "You know I'd do anything for you, right?" Haruka drew Michiru in closer. "And you'll always have me, no matter what."

"Of course." Michiru said with tears in her voice. "What are you getting at, Haruka?"

"I was thinking that I'm the answer to your problem. How badly do you want a baby?"

"More than anything, but it's impossible."

"Michiru," Haruka turned her over and looked into her tear-reddened eyes. "Don't cry anymore. I want to have our baby for you."

"What??!!!"

"This is very important to you. I'm willing to do it. It's the only way open to us now. I'm going to give you your birthday present if it kills me."

"It just might. Do you know what you would be getting yourself into?"

"You don't think I can handle it? I'm physically stronger than you."

"It's not the physical I'm worried about, but seriously, you would actually do this? I can't even imagine it."

"I told you I'd do anything for you. Just say yes or no."

"Yes!"

***

Haruka hung up the phone. "Michiru, we're pregnant."

Michiru ran over and hugged her. "We?"

"Of course. I'm doing this for you, remember?"

"Haruka, you are going to do this right. You're going to every doctor appointment, take all precautions, no putting yourself at risk for anything, and above all, no racing."

"What am I going to tell the guys on the team?" The reality of the situation finally hit Haruka.

"You could try the truth."

"Yeah right."

"I'm serious. They'll understand. I want them to know just how much you love me. Maybe they'll stop hitting on me while you're not looking."

"I'll kill them!"

"No fighting!" Michiru patted Haruka's stomach. "Remember?"

"Do those guys really bother you, Michiru?"

"It's nothing I can't handle. None of them wants you mad at them. It's only playful flirting. I'm sure you don't know anything about that."

Haruka knew she was beat. "We have to tell Setsuna and Hotaru."

"Tell us what?", Setsuna came downstairs with Hotaru at her heels. Setstuna knew Michiru was trying to get pregnant, but she didn't know what they were up to now. Hotaru was completely ignorant.

Haruka announced it. "Setsuna, Hotaru, we're pregnant!" Setsuna ran to Michiru. She hugged and congratulated her. Hotaru just looked confused.

"Thank you," Michiru said, "but it's not me." Michiru turned her face to Haruka who was blushing slightly.

Setsuna was stunned. "Haruka...you?" Haruka and Michiru had to explain the situation. Hotaru still looked confused.

"What's wrong Hime-chan?", Haruka asked. "Don't you want a baby sister?"

"You're having a baby, Haruka-papa?"

"Yes."

"How do you know it's a girl?" Hotaru was too young to understand genetics. With the DNA coming from herself and Michiru, there was no way they could have a boy.

"I just do.", Haruka answered. Hotaru was happy enough with the answer. The little girl wrapped her arms around her 'father's' waist. "I'm glad you're okay with it Hime-chan."

"Haruka-papa, what are you going to name the baby?"

Michiru took over this one. "We decided on Kaifuu." It was a name that means seawind.

"That's a pretty name. Can I hold her when she's born?"

"Of course, but that won't be for awhile. Why don't you go play with Setsuna-mama now? I need to talk to Michiru-mama in private." The two left the room and went back upstairs with Hotaru talking a mile a minute and Setsuna trying to answer all her questions. "Okay, where were we?", Haruka went on.

"You were going to tell your teammates the truth about why you have to quit racing for awile."

"Oh yeah. I'll do that tomorrow, but you have to come with me. I'll feel better that way. Right now, I'm starved. Let's go out for dinner."

"That's fine with me, but if you start feeding me that line about eating for two so early in the pregnancy, I'm not listening to you. That baby's about the size of a pinhead. You can't convince me that it needs as much food as you do."

"Is that what you think of me? I have this whole thing under control. It'll be a piece of cake."

***

"WHAT???!!!"

"I wish everyone would stop saying that to me. Is it really that hard to believe?"

"Yes, it is.", the man stared at Haruka, "I would have guessed that any guy on this team stood more of a chance of getting pregnant that you."

"You're a very funny man." Michiru said sarcastically, "She's only asking for permission to take time off."

"I wouldn't let her race like this if she wanted to. As soon as she began to show, I'd pull her and she'd be in so much trouble."

"I'm not that stupid."

"Well, what about the time you decided to tell the whole world you're a girl without even telling us you were going to do it. You're lucky you weren't cut right then, Tenou-kun. I don't want another stunt from you. You have the power to cause me a lot of problems that I don't need."

"That wasn't stupid. That was past-due information that needed to be shared. I'm not hiding what I am anymore."

"Then why aren't you sharing this particular info with those guys?", He indicated to the team. They were leaning on cars, talking, and generally not doing anything. "It's past-due Tenou-kun, go for it!"

Haruka walked over to the group of guys. "Hey guys!"

She was met with their always mature greetings. "Haruka-kun, where ya been?"

"Bet you been busy, how many girls gave you their numbers after the last race?"

"Maybe I should say I'm gay so girls will want to go out with me, too."

"Idiot, then guys'll wanna go out with you."

"You know Haruka doesn't go out with anyone but her girlfriend, anyway."

"Haruka-kun, you lucky S.O.B. I couldn't get a girl like Michiru-san to step on my face."

"Even if she did, you'd just look up her dress and Haruka would have to kill you right, Haruka-kun?"

Haruka finally got a chance to speak. "That's true, but I have something to tell you guys now that I have your attention. I'm pregnant." Half a dozen mouths dropped wide open. "Please don't scream 'What???!!!'. I don't think I can take it anymore."

"That's uh... great Haruka-kun, but if you don't mind me asking, who's the father?"

"Well, if you don't mind wondering how, Michiru is."

"You're so full of crap."

"Haruka-kun, can we rub you're belly for luck?"

"Yeah, can we all have a turn?"

Haruka was disgusted. "You bunch of perverts. You guys are gonna need all the luck you can get while I'm gone. I'll still come to watch you, but none of you are laying a hand on me. I'll probably be out for about a year." She walked away arm-in-arm with Michiru. There was only one more group of people they had to share the news with, the Inner Senshi.

***

The younger girls had been just as surprised as everyone else to hear the story. Haruka was hit with another round of 'WHAT!!!???' which she was pretty much used to. It probably wouldn't have been so surprising if it had been Michiru getting pregnant. It would take some explaining, but not as much. Usagi hugged Haruka and started babbling about how cute babies were. Ami was very interested in the technique they had used to create this miracle. Rei offered to sell Haruka prayers at the temple for half-price. Makoto promised to make Haruka any food she might have a craving for, no matter how strange. Minako just started bouncing off the walls and screaming. Sometimes it seemed that she belonged in a mental institution. They were all very happy for Haruka and Michiru.

"That went well." Haruka said to Michiru as they drove home from the meeting with the Inners.

"Those girls are so sweet, how could you doubt that they would support us in this?"

"I didn't doubt, I just feel uncomfortable sharing this with people. It doesn't matter who they are. I'm just glad I don't have to tell my parents."

"Well, the Inner Senshi were the last on the list. Now all you have to do is relax and enjoy the wonders of pregnancy."

***

Haruka was where she spent all her mornings lately. She knelt on the bathroom floor, throwing up in the toilet. "I think I'm empty." she sighed as Michiru rubbed her back, "Please, remind me why I'm doing his. I keep forgetting."

"Because you love me with all your heart, Haruka."

"I must love you with all my stomach, too." Morning sickness had hit Haruka hard. She had spent nearly every morning for the last three months in this position. The doctor said it was normal. Michiru spent a lot of time reading books on pregancy so she would know what to expect.

"It hasn't been as bad lately, Love. Morning sickness usually clears up after three or four months."

"Aren't you a well of knowledge?", Haruka leaned back into her lover's open arms and was gently embraced. Michiru's hands could tell how soft Haruka's body felt, especially compared to it's usual muscular hardness. Her hands moved downward and rested on the small swell of Haruka's abdomen. Haruka's hands came up and enveloped Michiru's smaller ones. Michiru kissed Haruka on the cheek.

"I wouldn't have to read so much if you took the time to read those books yourself. Do you want to try breakfast again, or just wait until lunch?"

"I'll wait, my stomach feels terrible."

"Maybe I can help." Michiru led Haruka to the bed. She kissed Haruka's tummy and began to sing softly to the baby. Haruka relaxed and had soon fallen asleep again. Michiru gazed at her sweet, sleeping Haruka. "Oh, how I would do this for you if I could.", she whispered. "I am the luckiest girl alive."

***

The bathroom door slammed loudly and the sounds of sobbing were heard thoughout the house. No one was really surprised. Haruka broke down at least several time a week these days. It must have been all her pent up emotions coupled with her crazy hormones. She was a constant ticking time-bomb. Pregnant women were supposed to be emotional, but Haruka was ridiculous.

Michiru ran to the door and knocked softly. "Haruka, are you all right?"

"Go away!", came a deep, sobbing voice from behind the door, "I'm ugly and fat and no one loves me!"

"Love, you know that's not true. I love you and you are beautiful and no one expects you to have a perfect figure when you're six months pregnant. Please open the door."

Setsuna approached Michiru. "Here's the Key."

"I'm not going to barge in on her. She can open the door when she's ready." She turned back to the door, "Are you ready Haruka? Can I come in?" They could hear the mechanism click as Haruka unlocked it. Michiru opened the door slowly and went inside. She shut the door behind her. Before her was the all too familiar sight of Haruka kneeling on the floor in her underwear. Her eyes were red and swollen and her voice choked with sobs.

"How can you love me, Michiru? I'm fat and ugly."

"Haruka, weren't you listening to me before? We go through this all the time. Your body is beautiful. How could I think otherwise? Your carrying *my* baby, too." Michiru kissed away Haruka's tears and put her cheek to Haruka's bare, swollen belly. She kissed Haruka's bellybutton. Haruka hicupped. "See? Now you've gotten yourself all upset. Why don't you rest for awhile. I'll get you a drink of water." The baby inside Haruka began hicupping, too. "I guess I'll have to get you two drinks of water. Haruka, it's not good for Kaifuu for you to get so upset."

"I know, but I don't have any control over it." Haruka laid on the couch and Michiru made her comfortable. "I'm glad I have you to calm me down. Sometimes I feel so helpless and I hate that."

"You've always protected me before. Now it's my turn to protect you."

Haruka caressed her own stomach, trying to soothe the little one inside her. "I know you'll protect both of us."

***

"So, how goes it?" Setsuna inquired when Michiru and Haruka came home from yet another doctor's appointment. They had been to so many in the last eight months that it seemed routine.

Michiru smiled. "The doctor says that they're both doing great. Look at these ultra-sound photos."

"That's wonderful... Hey! What's she eating? I just made dinner. I don't want her spoiling her appetite."

"Oh Setsuna, you know she's a bottomless pit lately. The only thing she's spoiling is her chance of ever fitting into a race car again." Michiru said that last part loud enough that Haruka could hear it.

"Hey, leave me alone. What's for dinner Setsuna?"

"Does it matter?"

"Not really, I'm starved!"

"Well, I'm not much of a cook so I ordered out for pizza."

"Whatever"

After gorging herself at dinner, Haruka lay on the couch moaning in pain. Michiru came to her with a bottle of antacid. She gave Haruka a double-dose then scolded her for eating so much. She also carried a bottle of lotion.

"Haruka, can you stand up for just a second? I'll make it worth your while." She helped Haruka up and then sat down herself. "Now Love, lay back down."

Haruka stretched her long body across the couch with her back arched over Michiru's lap. Michiru drew back Haruka's shirt and exposed her ever-growing abdomen. Michiru rubbed lotion onto the tight skin of Haruka's belly. As she did this, she sang. It made Haruka feel good. Her body was tired and it hurt. She was sick of doctors putting their hands in various places and taking samples of everything and of everyone always asking if she was okay. Haruka only wanted the nine months to end. It wouldn't be too long now.

***

The couple lay in bed. Haruka was completely relaxed from Michiru giving her a full-body massage. She had started with her shoulders and worked her way down to her feet. Now her lover was lying beside her asleep. Michiru was pulled so close that the two were nearly one body. Michiru often pressed her own abdomen up against Haruka's while they lay together. Kaifuu was a vicious kicker and moved around constantly. Michiru liked to imagine what it would feel like to carry her own baby. She still cried about it sometimes.

Just today, Michiru had had Haruka posing nude for a drawing. Michiru had drawn Haruka in all stages of her pregnancy, but the bigger she got, the more Michiru enjoyed drawing her. Michiru made the pregnancy seem like something more beautiful than Haruka could feel by herself. Michiru was so much more maternal than Haruka. As she drew, tears ran down her face. By the time she was done, she had broken down completely. Michiru went to Haruka and hugged her stomach. It made her feel better to be near the baby. Throughout the whole ordeal, she had only left Haruka's side to bring her something she needed or some kind of strange food she craved. Michiru fought to be strong.

Suddenly, Haruka felt a strange feeling. Her belly felt hard and there was a tight squeezing. It went away and she blew it off because she was still not due for two more weeks. A while later it happened again. Haruka looked at the clock. There had been about fifteen minutes between them. When another hit her fifteen minutes later, she woke Michiru.

"Michiiiru", she shook her, "Michiiiiiiru."

"What is it?"

"I think the baby's coming."

"But, you still have two weeks."

"Tell that to her"

Michiru put her hand on Haruka's stomach. "Oh my, your tummy's so hard."

"I'm know I've been having contractions for the last half-hour."

"Why didn't you wake me sooner?"

"I wanted to be sure."

"Well get up and get in the car. I'll wake Setsuna and she can deal with Hotaru and calling the other girls with the news." Michiru started to rush out of the room.

"Michiru, one thing." Haruka called to her, "Could you help me up?"

Michiru hoisted Haruka off the bed. "I'm sorry, I forgot." Michiru leaned down and whispered to Haruka's belly, "You make life so hard for your papa little one."

They had already decided that the baby would be raised with Haruka as her father figure so that things wouldn't become even more confusing around the house. After all, Haruka was having the baby for Michiru in order to satisfy Michiru's maternal instincts. Not even now did Haruka feel very maternal in her own right. This was all for Michiru. Michiru ran out of the room. She woke Setsuna then found Haruka carrying her own bags to the car.

"What do you think you're doing? Give me those." Michiru took the bags from Haruka. "Let me help you into the car. Do you feel alright? Setsuna will be right behind us. Let's go."

Michiru drove fast, but safely. Setsuna had called the hospital to tell them they were coming so there was a wheelchair waiting for Haruka when they got there. "Haruka, I'll get you checked in and I'll be with you in a minute." Michiru called as an intern pushed Haruka down the hall. Michiru rushed into Haruka's room. "I'm here, Love." She took Haruka's hand and brushed her other hand through Haruka's long, golden bangs. "How are you doing?"

A doctor came in and examined Haruka. "She's at seven centimeters... Who in the world are you? You can't be in here."

Michiru didn't hesitate with her answer. "I'm her lamaz coach and the mother of her child. I'm not leaving."

"Weird. Okay, Whatever. Just don't get in the way." He turned his attention to some interns in the room, "I need her moved to the delivery room STAT!" Haruka was moving along at an impressive speed which didn't surprise Michiru. Haruka had never done anything slowly in her life, why should childbirth be any different? The doctor was impressed, though. "She's already at ten centimeters." He looked down at Haruka who was covered with sweat. "The next time you feel a contraction, I want you to push."

It didn't take long for another contraction to shake Haruka. Michiru coached her breathing and tried to comfort her trembling body. "You're doing great. Just one more push, Love." Haruka put her whole self into it and a few seconds later they heard crying. Michiru hugged Haruka fiercely and kissed her all over her sweat-soaked face. Haruka smiled, but she was exhausted.

A nurse handed Haruka the little bundle. "This came out of me?"

"Of course, silly. She's beautiful, she looks like you."

"But she has your hair, Michiru." The baby's head was covered with a soft down of sea green peach fuzz.

"She's perfect."

"Michiru", Haruka smiled softly and handed Michiru the baby, "Happy Birthday. I'm sorry it took so long to get your present. I had to make it myself."

Michiru laughed and suddenly realized that it actually was her birthday. In all the excitement, she had completely forgotten. "Haruka, you've always had excellent timing."

***

Haruka was released two days later and they were met at home with a surprise welcoming party/baby shower. Setsuna had invited all their friends. The Inner Senshi were there and the guys from Haruka's team. She handed Kaifuu over to Michiru.

"She's all yours, Love."

Michiru was immediately swamped with girls. "Haruka's not really into this 'mother' thing is she?"

"It's okay, she's an excellent father. This is the way we wanted it."

Haruka was joking with her friends. As much as she hated to admit it, she had missed those guys. After everyone went home and the mess was cleaned, Haruka and Michiru were relaxing in their bedroom. Michiru was giving Kaifuu her bottle. Haruka had decided against breast-feeding because she wanted to get the swelling down as fast as possible. Anyway, she wanted Michiru to be able to do it.

"Haruka, I'm so happy. This is just what I wanted." She finished burping Kaifuu and laid her down in the crib.

"We should have a few hours before she needs us again. Come here Michiru. I feel so light now. We can fly."

"Shhhh, we can't make any noises."

"I'll be quiet, just let me hold you." Michiru snuggled up to Haruka and laid her head on her chest. "Ouch! Michiru, they're tender."

"I'm sorry!", Michiru apologized. They cuddled close. "Haruka?"

"Huh?"

"What do you want to name our next baby?"

*** OWARI ***

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