Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me. Although we're in fanfiction. net so I don't see the point of stating that. (Oh, its just in case I get sued) :P

Warning: This story may contain OoC (Out of Character) actions! This story is cliché and a fluff (kind of cheesy at times), but you can't blame me since I'm romantic at heart. Oh, and this is a yuri fanfic, which means FxF. I wonder if I should even say that because if you clicked my story, then, it should mean that you read the summary. Also, this story is AU. Ok. Enough of my rambling!

Baby, Come Back

After she got out of her 2010 BMW 5 Series,Yukino automatically squinted her eyes because of the bright sun. She took quick steps towards the Emerald Building that was located between 4th and Northern Parkway. She immediately felt the relief from the air conditioning system of the said building.

Yukino recalled the excited voice of Chie, when she called her earlier for her newest cover story. Even though she just got back from an assignment, the idea of a new project was enough to give her petite, but well built body, a strong rush of adrenalin. Her editor pretended to be surprised when she saw Yukino walk in her office.

"You seem to be early? I wasn't expecting you until Friday."

One of Yukino's brows was up, contradicting the small smile from her red lips. "You can drop the surprise look, Chie. After you called me earlier, you knew that I will come here like a mouse to a cheese on a trap." Her editor smiled. "Now then, being the shy female Indiana Jones that you are, I knew that you will have a hard time rejecting my offer."

They had known each other since their college life. Yukino was a freshman, while Chie was a senior. They were in the same editorial staff of the Fuuka University's paper. That was why when Chie was appointed as the editor-in-chief for a travel and lifestyle magazine, the Explorer, she immediately hired Yukino as one of her feature writers.

"So, are you planning on telling me? Or are you going to let me die from the suspense?" Yukino asked.

A folder was placed in front of her, which contained newspaper clippings. "It's new, it's hot, and it's creating a loud noise in the tourism business. I want you to cover it." She took a glance at the photograph of a hotel resort. L' Hotel De Paradis, states the caption at the bottom. "The Paradise Hotel," she translated in her thoughts.

"And which part of United States will I have to go in order to find this paradise?"

"In California," Chie replied. "You'll be leaving next week. I talked to the public relations officer of the hotel and they're more than willing to accommodate you."

Something in Yukino's heart cringe from hearing the place, but she quickly set it aside. First, she needed to make sure.

"Where in California?"

"Uhm... San Diego, I think." It's a little bit farther from here but, we will pay for your plane ticket, and you are allowed to rent a car once you get there. Yukino?" Chie stopped when she noticed that the short-haired girl wasn't paying attention. Yukino shook her head to get rid of the memories, even if her heart was beating loudly. "It's nothing, I just remembered some random thing. D-do you know the owner?"

The editor was suspicious from Yukino's reaction, but she didn't want to force it out of her worker. "All I know is that there's a group of foreign investors behind this new establishment. It's up to you to find out who the top person is and try to interview him or her if you can manage it."

Yukino started to get up to bid her goodbye. "I'll revise some minor things from the article about the Marengo Cave of Indiana. I'll have it ready by Friday." Chie happily nodded. As long as it's a professional job, she can trust the petite girl. "Your check will be ready by then." Yukino smiled. "Thanks.

Yukino still felt like she was floating when she went inside her BMW. The excitement that she felt earlier was replaced by doubt. No, I'm just being paranoid. San Diego is, after all, a big place and even if it is her past lover's hometown, the chance of them meeting is minimal. Also, the last news she heard about Haruka was that she was in Europe, continuing her Master degree of Business Administration.

"Why should I be affected in the first place?" A part of her brain told her. It has been almost five years since they last saw each other. She must be over her by now.

She had better be.

The temperature was warmer than Yukino anticipated, causing her to remove the gray polo jacket. She traveled roughly two hours by plane; patience was tested when the people who will pick her up were more than a few minutes late.

She wiped the sweat the formed on her forehead. Her short brunette hair was a little messy if viewed by other people, but it was always like that. Her glasses are placed securely on her face, and people say that her face is adorable.

Her emerald eyes appears to be shining all the time (yes, even under the glasses), her nose is a perfect angle, and her luscious lips always seems to be ready for a kiss. Include her smooth and unblemished complexion, that appears to be a little bit tan from her frequent exposure to the sun, and one can say that she has the best skin in the world. She has a small body, with all the curves in the right places. It is not a surprise that Yukino is sometimes mistaken for an actress, instead of a journalist. Many of her friends from childhood will never believe that the shy Yukino back then is now a writer for a magazine. This is because writer's are usually bold, talkative. On the other hand, Yukino is shy, almost to the point of never talking. But, when Yukino discovered her love or writing, she knew that she needed to change her personality in order to fit the job. Oh, she was still shy, but she is able to talk and interview people for her articles.

She glanced behind her when she felt someone tap her shoulders, and she was confronted with a guy wearing a uniform made for a hotel driver. A wide smile was plastered on the man's face. "Are you Ms. Yukino Kikukawa of the Explorer Magazine? I am from the hotel, and will be your driver in order to get there." She felt relieved. "I am she, Mr...?"

"Just call me Takeda, Ms Kikukawa." After a couple of minutes, Takeda was done loading her travelling bags in the Mercedes Benz. Inside, the cool temperature and comfortable sit almost lulled her to sleep. Fortunately, her excitement was greater than her fatigue, allowing her to stay awake and enjoy the view outside her window. She couldn't wait to see the said "paradise", and according to the driver, it will take roughly 30 minutes to get to their destination. Yukino thought that there is no better use of time than to get started on her work. She figured that the best opening for her article is an opinion from a local Californian. She grabbed the recorder from her bag and pressed the record button.

"So, Mr. Takeda, how long have you been working for Le' Paradis?And, how does it make you feel about the idea that you are working for one of the hottest tourist spot in America?"

"Oh, Ms. Kikukawa, I was one of the first employees around since the grand opening of the hotel a year ago!" Takeda excitedly began his tale while Yukino gladly listened.

"As you can see, Le Paradis is one of the few five-star hotel in San Diego. Since the city is fast becoming a tourist attraction, the Corporation decided that the bay is a very strategic place for a hotel such as this."

Yukino intently listened and wrote down the words coming out Takumi, the humble manager of the hotel. He came from New York and is now a permanent resident of the city. He is also married to his secretary.

"So what are the facilities of L'Hotel De Paradis that both foreign and local costumers can enjoy?"

"There are actually a lot, given that the hotel is being promoted world-class-" His next words were interrupted by a beep from the intercom, where his secretary's voice can be heard.

"The Singaporean clients you are expecting have arrived."

"Thank you, Akira." I'll meet with them in a while." The manager looked at her with the "I'm so sorry" look.

"I'm afraid that we have to reschedule our interview Ms. Kikukawa."

"Yes, I understand." She immediately stood up and took the man's extended hands. "I would be happy to show you around the hotel. You're staying here for a week, are you not?" She nodded. "I still have to explore the bay to add more information for my article."

He joined her on the way out. "One of the desk officers will inform you of our schedule. I hope that you find our facilities fitting to your needs."

The huge pool that she saw earlier appeared in her thoughts. She smiled towards the kind manager. "I'm sure I would."

It's a good thing that she packed a couple pieces of her bathing suits. She chose to wear her white halter-style swimsuit. She just got done doing a couple of laps and she is now waiting for her drink to come. Feeling relax, she slowly stretch her body on a lounge chair. The sound of bodies splashing into the water is slowly lulling her to sleep. Having her eyes close, she felt a shadow block the rays of sun. She did not bother opening her eyes, thinking that it belongs to the waiter. "Please just put it on the table, thank you."

"That's not the way to greet an old friend."

She was surprised after hearing the strong, female voice. She already knew who it belongs to, and her fast heartbeats are a confirmation.

"Haruka?"

She slowly opened her eyes, and still couldn't believe that standing in front of her is the person who once was a big part of her life. Her eyes quickly checked out her formal attire, confident way of standing and the lop-sided grin from the tall woman.

And Haruka's face definitely changed. Sure, it still contained the magnificent beauty and the confidence, but the innocent expression is gone. Instead, it was replaced with wisdom, a casual smile. A glint of amusement can also be detected from the blonde's eyes.

Yukino gracefully sat down, feeling very conscious with her current state of dress. It did not escape Yukino's attention that the girl examined her body with those violet eyes a few seconds ago. "Hello Yukino!" She said while looking at her face. "It's been a long time."

"Five years." The words came out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Damn, now she will know that I've been counting the years we've been separated!" She scolded herself.

"Really?" Haruka just shrugged, and she checked her watch. "Look, I'm on my way into a meeting this morning..."

"Yeah, sure." She felt herself blush. She couldn't wait to get rid of me? Her heart ached from the idea.

"Do you have any planes for tonight?"

"Plans." Yukino immediately corrected the blonde's words. They both blushed from the incident. I guess old habits die hard "Ha?" Yukino gave Haruka a blanked stare.

Haruka paused for a moment, her eyes focused on Yukino like a detective on a criminal. "Did you come here with someone else?" The accusation that is underlying in her voice caused Yukino to answer without thinking, again. "Of course not!"

"If that's the case, then you wouldn't have a reason to reject my offer of dinner tonight!" Haruka confidently stated. Yukino inwardly smiled from the statement. Yes, some things never change. "No, I don't have a reason." She calmly said. It's just Haruka after all. "Perfect. I'll pick you up at seven!" Again, Haruka skimmed over her body, making her tingle a little. "You look lovely, but I'll expect you to be dressed by then. See you latest!" With that, she turned around and started walking away from her.

"Later." Yukino whispered, she stopped herself from leaving her mouth hanging from the surprise. Was that the same Haruka that she met five years ago?

She seems so different, so changed. She couldn't pin point exactly what the changes are. Even from long time ago, one can tell the confidence and authority that Haruka holds. But earlier, she seemed very casual, almost indifferent.

She was about to get her beach towel when the waiter finally arrived with her drink. She didn't feel like drinking anymore, but she still took the tall glass. "Just add it to my bill, thank you." The waiter shook his head. "Compliments of the hotel, Madame"

There you go! My very first HaruYukino story! Sooo...yeah! There's the first chapter! Please tell me what you think! Should I continue this corny story?Well..I'll continue it anyway even if you guys don't want me to. Hehehe

laterzzz!!~venz07~