Setsuna Meioh and Michiru Kaiou are long time friends. The pair had opened a small company together, the first years of the company were rough but then it grew and is now known as one of the most sought companies all over Tokyo. Because of this, the two young women are always in the spot light, only having just reached their 20s when the business took off. The two remained humble as best as they could, respecting all their employees and trying to have as many employee parties or events as they could. Shortly after the said events, the pair bought a local restaurant with the excess revenue. Neither of them has ever run a restaurant before, but Michiru had managed to find two cousins in Ireland that were said to be the best. But of course there was still stress with opening a new business and some days it got to the women.
Setsuna grumbles as she practically runs through the rear black metal door from the alley, through the new kitchen.
"I can't believe this is insanity! I am busy and they call me down about some stupid...." Setsuna feet fall out from her under into the air, as she steps on the freshly mopped kitchen floor. Feeling like she is falling in slow motion, the woman tries to catch herself but fails. Luckily for her the new, the new chief cook grabs her under the arms, keeping her from hitting the floor. He helps the flustered woman up onto her feet. Setsuna lets out a deep breath putting some dark green hair behind her ear before glaring at the chief. "What are you staring at?! Put up some signs you idiot, someone could break their neck. Hey..." Setsuna whistles the chief lifting his bowed head, fiery red orange hair pulled back in a short ponytail, his eyes still hidden under the shadow of his loose messy bangs. "Can you understand me? You .." Setsuna points at the chief "need to put out signs..." Setsuna motions to the small yellow sign on the ground picking up and shaking at caution wet sign in the chief's face. "You got it?!" The chief nods yes slowly, gaze still down on the grey tile, continuing to hide his bright green eyes. You know he is kind of cute
Setsuna finds herself thinking as she slowly looks over the man who kept her from hitting the floor.
"Yes Lady Meioh...." Setsuna is surprised by the chief's smooth husky voice, but the heavy accent annoys her rather then attracting her as it normally did. Setsuna scoffs, annoyed with the man.
"Now where is Michiru she said she was bringing down the other chief. I have no clue how we going to run this if the damn help does not speak or write Japanese." Setsuna looks up at the alley entrance; the door opens to her partner. Michiru Kaiou a smaller pelite woman with shoulder length aqua hair and blue eyes smiles at her.
"Morning Setsuna, This is our 2nd chief" She is really hot I wonder if he has anyone Michiru casts a sideways glance using Setsuna as a distraction to look the woman next to her over.
"I am not a chief actually remember?"
"What? Why did we hire her for?" Setsuna looking up at tall blonde, staring into the woman's green eyes with her angry crimson. Briefly before relaxing under the calm quiet gaze of the blonde.
"Setsuna!" Michiru says with a large amount of surprise at her business partner lashing out without some kind of provoking.
"Sorry Michiru, I am sorry has just been a bad morning, first I get call about Hotaru and then almost falls on my ass." Setsuna's tone deeper and harsher then normal in her frustration.
"Well it is almost Setsuna, be happy for that." I wouldn't mind falling into her arms....Michiru's cheeks turning a very fair pink as the thought the blonde enters her mind.
"Only 'cause the chief caught me, I swear, that filthy man, it is like he did it on purpose to get a chance to grope me." Michiru raises an eyebrow looking around the kitchen seeing it is spotless, the silent tall man behind Setsuna. His jeans worn horribly, with holes and tears, the knees missing entirely from the pants, they cling loosely to his hips held by a simple black belt. His shirt matching the condition of his jeans, very faded, tattered. It is too short looking like the man out grew it years ago, it revealing about half his muscled stomach, the sleeves ripped off leaving rough fabric.
"Setsuna since your 3rd divorce, you have been 3 times more irritable besides the chief didn't feel you up did he?"
"No he just actually caught me " Though I wouldn't have minded....
"I see you met my cousin and he is a she.." Haruka calmly states pulling Setsuna from her thought.
"Yes, wait..." Setsuna looks over her shoulder at Erin, "He, I mean she is really..." He is a woman...
"She is broad? Big? Intimidating? Towering? " Setsuna takes a moment longer to look over the woman behind her. I was thinking handsome.....but ah she those too "Miss. Meioh , Erin is on a work visa from Ireland, Michiru said you needed a cook" That would explain the accent.... Michiru leans to the side looking at the tall Irishwoman behind Setsuna, smiling softly noticing the dirt and grease on the woman making her look like a dirty street urchin. Michiru smiles giving Erin a small wave, much like you would give a toddler. I still can't keep her off my mind. Setsuna trying to figure out why this woman effected her this way.
"So that is Erin?" Michiru breaking the brief silence noticing that Setsuna seems distracted by Erin. Setsuna looking at her as if Erin was a puzzle she could not solve.
"Yes Lady Kaiou...."
Erin walks over to stand next to Setsuna, towering over the group a good foot taller then her cousin. The chief wipes her hands and arms on a rag as she looks over at Michiru and her cousin. Her movements surprising smooth and gently contrail to her appearance, the movement bring Setsuna back from her thoughts.
"Why is the floor wet? You are the chief not the janitor."
"Gwna mo gweithia mewn baedda cegin" (I don't work in a dirty kitchen...)
"What she say?"
"She does not work in a dirty kitchen, if I may make I suggest Miss Meioh concerning your daughter."
"Yeah sure....." Michiru frowns looking at the stressed woman, seeing the fatigue in her downward crimson gaze.
"Erin still needs to go shopping for ingredients to open tonight why not have her get Hotaru?" Setsuna looks at the blonde for a moment confused, looking briefly over at Erin before back to Haruka.
"Get Ingredients? They are not here already?" Setsuna looks over her shoulder at Michiru.
"Fi arrive 8 horiau 'n fore 2 at glanha 6 at ca bethau ar y cyd na chyfferiau i mewn 'm cegin ydy hychwaneg 'na 3 ddiwrnodau 'n hen."( I arrive 8 hours early 2 to clean 6 to get things together no ingredients in my kitchen are more then 3 days old.)
"God this is going to be a pain, Haruka what did she say?" Setsuna groans the smallest thing starting to annoy the mocha skinned woman.
"She arrives 8 hours early to clean and get ingredients so does not to keep anything older than 3 days in the kitchen." Setsuna and Michiru look over at Erin in shock, never having dealt with a chief. Just business men and women and nothing more.
" 8 hours? Why not set up delivery?" Setsuna giving Michiru a curious look, Michiru looking over to Erin for an answer. Michiru and Setsuna freezing in place when Erin looks up at them with her unnatural piercing green eyes. Her eyes much like her cousin's, looking like the deep green grass covered hills of their home. Erin's gaze changes soft when it lands on Setsuna; returning to an empty space for anyone else.
"Ewyllysia ond arfer chyfferiau Fi 'n bersonol ddethol , hefyd keeps afrada gwastatewch chan yn ergydio ar gerdded da borthiant o achos expiration." (I will only use ingredients I personal choose, I will also keeps waste level of throwing away good food due to expiration.) Setsuna and Michiru look at Haruka for some kind of translation.
"She does not use any ingredients she has not seen and it will also help her from wasting food."
"Oh...well that is good, I knew chiefs come in a few hours early but 8 hours...What kind of food does she do anyway?"
"European.."
"European? Like British?"
"British, Irish, Hungarian, Russian"
"Ok, ok I get the point, That would be a lot of ingredients though."
Erin shakes her head no.
"One appetizer, main and desert per country only 18 dishes." Michiru smiles impressed by the pair's professional demeanor and coverage of all the issues at hand. (too much Gordon Ramsey's kitchen nightmares)
"So you do speak Japanese"
"Very bad...."
"Huh?" Setsuna confused looking over at Michiru or Haruka for some kind of translation through the thick accent.
"Setsuna, Erin speaks very broken japanese, she has problems with kanji and uses Gaelic letter as placement of the roman characters, basically changes the pronunciation some times or even the entire word."
"So they both need to get citizenship?" Setsuna looking the woman over silently, smiling softly to herself. You know she is not bad looking for a woman. Strong, quiet, I bet she hides how smart she is. She is like the guy the woman falls for in a romanic book.........What am I thinking I am no a lesbian
"No just Erin, Haruka's father was Japanese so she is a citizen." Erin looks at the group who has gotten into their own conversation; she walks away over to a large clip board sized computer with a touch screen, looking through the list of ingredients as well as preparations for the coming night.
"Erin come with me..." Erin raises an eyebrow as she looks over at Setsuna. as the woman grabs her right elbow. Erin smiles softly at the woman having no idea what is going on, still holding the 2 inch thick computer.
"Pardon Lady Meioh..."
"You are coming with me, you need to pick up ingredients for opening night and I need to get my daughter." I want to get her alone why? Why her? Why can't get her eyes out of my head?
"But...." Erin looks over at her casually dressed cousin like a lost child.
"I must admit I am confused as well Miss Meioh I thought you where looking for a way to cut out leaving to get your daughter?"
"What can't change my mind? I guess.... I don't care maybe I just want someone to talk to, I don't know...." Setsuna pulls Erin by the elbow, Erin looking pleadingly at Haruka. Haruka just frowns watching as she and Setsuna heads to the back alley where Setsuna parked her car. Why do I have this urge to keep this woman next to me? Arg it has to be stress... Erin stumbles over her feet as Setsuna pulls her sideways. Erin swallows hard as she tried to keep her eyes on the pavement. But her eyes slowly wonder up Setsuna's beautifully curved and tone legs showing from a basic knee length, high business shirt to a sheer white blouse top. Ah bloody hell Erin you horny old goat, she is your boss.....arg I was hoping boss was some cranky old man. Come on Erin think of her as the ugly old hag, You need the money from this job
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"Right..." Haruka lets her gaze linger on the metal door before turning her attention to the smaller woman. Haruka smiles softly taking the woman in her full length foam green dress. The dress outlining her slender perfect curved hips, ample breast and soft shoulders."Is she always...."
"Not normally, she usually screams at one employee in frustration then is fine. You are the operation manager right? What do you do?" Michiru walks slowly with Haruka towards the front of the restaurant. Michiru smirking softly as she watches Haruka's jeans hanging loosely on her hips but clinging to Haruka's thighs and calf's as she walks.
" Wine expert, bartender. I am her Sui chief if she gets behind, but that rarely happens. Well if you have some apprentice chiefs. Just general house manager to keep things going. Do you get stressed like that Miss Kaiou?"
"Hmm..." Michiru looks at Haruka her tee-shirt tight around her forearms. "Me ? No I take personal days off but Setsuna does not, she had horrible husbands and I think she did all of this to stay out of the house."
"Really? Do you have a husband Miss Kaiou?" Michiru looks at the floor blushing slightly, putting some of her aqua hair behind her ear. I hate that question, how can I say it tactfully... "Ah I take it from the silence that is a no and I don't suppose that maybe men aren't your ah....what is the word...taste."
"Yes, thank you I was trying to think of a way to say it with out being blunt." Michiru looks up at Haruka, the athletic woman smiling softly, making Michiru's knees slightly weak.
"I can understand, Erin is very blunt just to warn you. I on the other hand tend to like weave my words around a lady..." Haruka runs her fingers along Michiru's shoulder "much like silk." Michiru blushes deepens leaning into Haruka's body slightly.
"You are a horrible flirt...."
"Aw, come now we both have the same...taste. Flirting seems the next step." Michiru smiles looking into Haruka's forest green eyes, sliding her hand along Haruka's bare forearm.
"You know if your cousin does not smile or loosen up I am going to start calling her Lurch..." Haruka and Michiru laughs softly the pair slowly edging close to another. Haruka puts a hand on Michiru's cheek.
"Erin maybe as big as an ox but is as meek as a field mouse, now I suppose we should talk about business then, perhaps I can take you out for some coffee later to pick up where we left off." Michiru feels her knees grow weak glad she is leaning against Haruka. Michiru smiles playing with the end of Haruka's tee-shirt sleeve.
"I would love that."
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Erin sits silently in the car, looking at down at her callused hands, multiple burns from years of cooking. Setsuna looking over the large woman, noticing her, tattered, faded jeans with missing the cloth over the knees. A black tee-shirt with a few holes, looking like it is 3 sizes too small, barely cover the woman which unfortunately reveals part of her naked stomach.
"Erin...that is your name right?" Erin nods looking over at Setsuna from the corner of her eye.
"Yes Lady Meioh." Erin shifts nervously remembering she has the clipboard computer. Thankful she has something to distract her from looking over at the imposing woman.
"Why do you call me Lady Meioh anyway? All my other employees call me Setsuna or Miss Meioh if they are new."
"Ah....I...ah..think..."Erin takes her hand and puts it above her head, shaking her hand slightly as she thinks.
"Tall?" Erin shakes her head no, Setsuna brow creases as she thinks. " No....Height...." Setsuna guesses as she looks over at the woman while she drives. Erin shakes her head no "High?"Erin nods yes; Setsuna gives Erin an odd look as she pulls into the high school parking lot. It scattered with seniors and juniors cars, the pavement slightly cracked, but lines freshly painted.
"I think high of you...."
"You think high of me......oh you mean highly. I am glad but Erin you can call me Setsuna." Erin shakes her head no. Setsuna raises an eyebrow as she turns off her car giving Erin an very confused look. "Why?"
"Me...can't only call lover and family by first name." Erin gets out of the car and opens the door before Setsuna can even grab the handle. "Thank can't remember the last time Frank or anyone did that for me." Setsuna sighs looking up at the high school before heading up the set of concrete steps "Well lets go see what Hotaru did now...."
"Who Frank?"
"He was my ex-husband....well my 3rd ex-husband." Erin raises an eyebrow looking at Setsuna with curiosity as she pushes the metal lever to open the fake wood door open for the women. "It is complicated, I married my high school sweetheart, but he turned out to be an abusive jerk, 2nd husband… god...he was great in bed..." Setsuna turns red, looking at the floor the pair walking down the white tile floor, Setsuna coughs clearing her throat. Erin opens the fake pine door a small window with crossed thin wire between the panes of glass. The window in the center is large enough for someone's head to be seen that leads into the office. "You do this all the time?"
"What?" Erin stays in the hall way holding the brushed steel handle.
"Open doors and things...."Setsuna, stopping after a few steps not feeling the woman behind her. "You can come in you know, you are the weirdest woman I have met, do you know that..." Erin steps into the office the room small with a few chairs along the wall a small desk across from them with a young auburn haired woman behind the desk.
"Why weird? I just respect you; a lady should be treated like goddess....." Setsuna stops at the door, growing accustom to Erin opening the door for her which Erin does quickly.
"That is how you treat every woman?" Setsuna walks through yet another fake wood pine door the window taking half up the window. Black letters on the glass indicating it is the principal's office.
"Yes"
"How are you not taken..." Setsuna mumbles but Erin still manages to hear, as she turns her attention to an elderly grey haired man behind a desk. Leaving Erin very confused and disoriented.
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"So anything else.." Haruka smiles letting her hand run along the curve of Michiru's neck " You want me to do?" Michiru turns red pulling away slightly confusing the other woman.
" Could I ask you something? Since you do the job anyway, could you take reservations and be a general manager? It would be just like at your pub nothing strange." Haruka smiles as she laughs softly pushing hair out of Michiru's blue eyes.
"Of course Miss. Kaiou I would be in honored."
"Just Michiru please, it feels awkward when you call me Miss. Kaiou."
"Ah ok, Michiru....."
"Hmm..." Michiru purrs, closing her eyes as Haruka strokes along the curve of her neck with the back of her fingertips. Michiru pulls back in surprise at her comfort level she feels for the woman. Haruka, smiling softly at her then wets her bottom lip with the tip of her tongue, before she tilts up Michiru's chin and kisses her softly. After a few seconds Haruka pulls away from the stunned woman who looks as if she is not even breathing.
"Sorry you can slap me if you want but I could not resist the urge any longer" Michiru stares in shock at Haruka then touches her lips with her fingertips, before smiling softly up into Haruka's eyes.
"No...No Haruka it is ok, you just surprised me, I am not saying that I didn't like it. I am just not used to forward women."
"Really? I would think a woman as beautiful as you would have women fighting to be with you."
"No, actually it is very hard for me to get a date." Haruka rubs the side of Michiru's arm gently subconsciously comforting the woman.
"I know you have to be pulling my leg, which seems impossible to me." Haruka gives Michiru a soft smile,Michiru with her head bowed slightly.
"No they all are intimidated as soon as I tell them my name."
"Intimidated? Why? There is nothing wrong being with a strong business woman?" Haruka smiles softly raising her hand to stroke the side of Michiru's cheek. She also brings Michiru's bowed head up with her fingertips under Michiru's chin.
"I guess they feel like they can't live up to my standards or it is an ego thing… I don't know… I never had a relationship that lasted longer then 4 months." Haruka frowns briefly as she gazes at the woman continuing to stroke Michiru's cheek softly.
"Someone should hit those women, they are fools, I would kill to be in their place without a second thought...." Haruka pauses then turns red looking at the bar realizing what she has said. Her hand falls idly but still remaining on Michiru's cheek "Ah....not that...ah man..."Michiru smiles slowly sliding her hands up Haruka's arms. She wraps her arms around Haruka's neck, crossing her wrist behind Haruka's neck.
"No, Haruka that is the sweetest thing anyone has said to me." Haruka gives Michiru a nervous chuckle, feeling like her skin is burning where Michiru's fingertips brush the back of her neck.
"I am sorry, I may as well said I want to screw you, not that I well really just.....I want to be your lover. I am so sorry that is so condescending of me."
"Haruka, enough please, it was not condescending ok? We will start with coffee and see where it goes ok?" Haruka lets out a long deep exhale from the breath she held, closing her eyes placing her forehead on Michiru's.
"You don't hate me?" Michiru laughs softly at the blonde closing her eyes leaving her forehead against Haruka's
"No of course not."
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"Come in Miss Meioh....." Erin arches an eyebrow as she looks over at the tall thin young woman with short cropped raven hair and breathtaking purple eyes.
"Erin get in here..." Erin looks away from the young woman entering the room closing the door behind her, staying by the door.
"Mom, who is this? Your new boyfriend, please tell me it is your new boyfriend."
"Why do you hate your father so much Hotaru?"
"Because he is a gold digging horny jackass..." and I don't want him near you
"Hotaru!!" Erin snickers falling silent with a death glare from Setsuna. "Hotaru, I was expecting you to have issues. Never thought I would worry about you, hating your own father of all people."
"What? I never liked him, you are cool though, way way too good for him." Setsuna closes her eyes pinching the bridge of her nose, as she stands in front of the principal. Setsuna staring at the girl annoyed, she closes her eyes with a deep breath.
"We will talk about this later, No Hotaru, that is not my new boyfriend that is my chief" Setsuna informs Hotaru before turning her attention to the principal
"The one from Ireland?" Erin glances over at Hotaru with confusion and interest. How do all these people know about me and Haruka?
"Yes, her name is Erin, she does not speak very good Japanese, but we can communicate. Good thing her cousin is here though."
"Cool ....she really looks like a man..." Hotaru stands up from her uncomfortable cheap wood, red fabric chair walking over to Erin.
"Hotaru!"
"No ok," Setsuna raises an eyebrow curiosity looking at Erin for a moment
"You are not offended?"
"No, I try to look like man so why insult?"
"O.......k..." Setsuna puts a few second pause between the letters then turns her attention back yet again ,to the principal the black haired man sitting calmly at his desk.
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"Haruka why are you so jumpy?"
"I am not jumpy I just have a bad track record with lovers, I am aggressive" Michiru hugs the blonde laying her head on Haruka's left shoulder.
"Well then we will be perfectly fine I need someone one aggressive and you want a powerful woman."
"You are not freaked out? Lot of women act like it is a odd request."
"Well they are idiots...." Haruka smiles at Michiru stroking Michiru's bare back as she holds the woman.
"How about we open some wine rather then some coffee? Sit back and relax place does not open for hours."
"Now now Michiru, are you trying to get me drunk to take advantage of me?" Michiru laughs softly at the blonde as she pulls out two glasses, from the dark cherry bar cabinet behind her.
"Maybe, why, will it work?"
"Maybe, but you can save the wine if that is your intent" Haruka opens a bottle filling their glasses half way Michiru gives Haruka's shoulder a light playful shove.
"You are an unbelievable flirt."
"Hey I have to stick out some way." Haruka leans back against the bar elbows resting on the bar edge before she goes on. " Michiru how did you find me and Erin anyway? Ireland is a good way from Japan."
"Oh well Setsuna and me wanted a place that offered food no one else did. So we thought if we found someone to do English food, something that you always wanted to have but could never travel to get there type of dishes." Michiru using the question as a chance to face the woman and lean against her.
"Ah, ok that explains why you went the direction you did" Haruka lift her head up slightly leisurely in understanding, "still does not explain how you found us. We live in a small town outside Limerick."
"Word of mouth really. Last year me and Setsuna asked all our clients from the law firms. Want to know of anywhere they had some great European food. They always named a small place outside of Limerick." Haruka raises an eyebrow at both Michiru's answer as well wrap an arm over's Michiru's shoulders pulling her close.
"Nicolas? But that is just our little pub."
"I know I was there remember..."Haruka makes a face at Michiru not taking her question rhetorically.
"You know what I mean,Your clients not get out much?"
"Haruka look Japanese, French, Italian, British and Americans, they all named that place. They all say they go out of their way to eat there if they can." Haruka raises an eyebrow, her eyes looking into Michiru's soft blue, mumbling under her breath.
"Well I knew we were steady and they did not look like locals..."
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"Well Miss Meioh, Hotaru got in another fight with Ryoko."
"Hotaru, why are you always fighting with that girl? What does she do or say that is so bad?"
"You would think it was stupid, I want to tell you, it is an insult to you and aunt Michiru." Erin arches an eyebrow looking at Hotaru for a moment, the girl coming from the gym. Is wearing the school's gym uniform of neon green shorts and a white and green tee shirt with the schools name and logo across her chest. She is not fighting to protect her own pride, but why protect that person's honor?
"What? How does Michiru have to do with this?"
"Not important Mom."
"You are impossible....Hotaru go outside with Erin and wait in the hall while I talk to your principal." Hotaru rolls her eyes at the flustered Setsuna, grabs her book bag and Erin's left hand going out into the hallway. Erin quietly follows the young woman out side, Erin looking like an over grown toddler. Both Hotaru and Erin lean back against the near by wall with Hotaru's with a foot on the wall.
"You...."
"Don't you start grilling me too." Hotaru snaps at Erin out of frustration.
"No...I was say you seem like you fight for honor? Lady Meioh and Lady Kaiou?" Hotaru's eyebrows shoot up as she pushes off the wall to look up at the woman, standing toe to toe with her.
"Why do you think that?" Who is this woman? That she can read me so easily
"Honor is strong, important, deal with respect. You have lot for Lady Meioh and Kaiou so you get upset when they insulted. But you no tell Lady Meioh because insult very personal to one of two and you not want her to get upset." Hotaru stares at Erin for a moment before digging in her pocket pulling out a crumbled piece of paper holding it out to Erin. "Wha.." She understands why....
"Take it and look at it...." Erin takes the piece of paper opening it, she tilts her head in confusion when there are two crudely drawn stick figures. With quickly drawn hair and small circles for cruel breast, one appearing to be giving oral sex to the other.
"I can't read..."
"Oh yeah....." Hotaru takes the paper back leaning over so Erin can look over her shoulder, pointing to the words as she reads it. " Here they cum to save the day,......Dyke Duo!."Hotaru sighs, Erin takes the image from the small girl looking at it confused.
"Dyke Duo? Lady Meioh has married." Yeah to my ass I call dad, I am glad she had won the custody
"I know, but they keep saying mom works late to fuck Michiru."
"So insult to both Lady Meioh and Kaiou honor because they're just friend. That ah...." Erin pauses for a moment trying the think of the word. "Just because they are.." Erin shakes her hands in frustration as she tries to think of the word. Erin holds her hands out fingers extended and with a slight bend, as if Erin holding a ball."
"Ball?" Hotaru gives Erin a look of surprise that could match her being told she really one of a group of women that save the world in short skirts. Erin shakes her head no, pulling both her hands together, letting her fingertips touch. " ...you took your hands and brought them,....oh together." Erin nods was a slight blush at having to play charades to communicate.
"They together so they....ah love.....lovers."
"Yes basically, just because Michiru is a lesbian does not make my mom one. So what if my mom is a little more masculine then Michiru and enjoys her company, does not make her a lesbian. They are a little different but still they attack them like animals." Both Erin and Hotaru look up as Setsuna comes back out of the school office. There is something odd about this woman,
"Ok come on you two, we are going home, you will not get expelled you but you are suspended for 1 month."
"Oh come on she started it..."Setsuna glares down at Hotaru, Erin follows the pair until the school bell rings. Setsuna and Hotaru keep walking, Erin stands in the hallway confused watching all the young men and women flood out of class rooms like salmon heading up stream.
"Hey everyone look it is one of the Duo..."Setsuna grabs Hotaru's arm shaking her head slowly at the younger woman."That's right go home you little bitch, on your back just like your mom."
"Excuse me...." Setsuna stops turning to face the hallway full of students trying to find the culprit.
Huh bell not alarm... Erin looks around for a moment before heading the 30 feet towards Setsuna, pushing through the crowd. Erin literally knocks over people who do not move including Ryoko's boyfriend, Luther the star QB.
"You fucking idiot I am going to....." Luther looks up turning white as Erin's shadow falls over him. His brown eyes widening as Erin seems to block the sun from the sky. "What the fucking hell are you?"
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"So why did you live in Ireland with your cousin anyway?"
"Ah well she lives with me really, her parents used to own a farm, dad accidentally fell in combiner, her mother could not handle the debt or raising Erin by herself." Michiru frowns closing her eyes, Haruka seeing the upset woman kisses her on the forehead.
"I didn't know I am sorry."
"It is ok don't worry about it, that reminds me. " Haruka's mind momentarily quieting from the thoughts of the woman next to her. "Do you now where any good apartments are? Me and Erin came straight from the plane here, have not looked yet." Haruka sips on her red wine as she watches Michiru for a reply.
"What? You guys don't have a place to stay right now?" Haruka arches an eyebrow setting her wine down on the bar, the glass with a light purple haze from where wine was before.
"No, it will be ok; we have money, got to convert from Euro to Yen. If we don't get one today, there are soup kitchens in Japan right? We can stay at one for a few days till we find an apartment."
"What?! Are you insane? I can't let you do that." Haruka 's other eyebrow shoots up as she looks at Michiru confused as to why it is a problem.
"Michiru my beautiful angel, it is not your responsibility to take care of me and Erin." Haruka leaning on the bar with her right forearm, look over at Michiru.
"Yes it is, you two are my employees, I am the one that flew you two over here." Haruka still looking at Michiru, pushes herself off the bar and puts her fingertips on Michiru's left arm.
"I understand but we will be fine, we are used to surviving on little to nothing."
"Haruka I can't let you do that I really can't, the guilt would kill me. No matter how many times you tell me it is ok. I should have thought of it ahead of time." Haruka getting a slight amount of annoyance in her voice wishing she had not brought up the question. But understanding why, Erin exactly the same way, blindly help with out questioning.
"Michiru don't blame yourself, Me and Erin needs to get our own place on our own, it is not your job."
"Live with me..." Haruka fumbles almost knocking her wine on the floor.
"What!" Haruka barks in surprise at the aqua haired woman.
"Live with me, you and Erin. It is a huge mansion even with Setsuna and Hotaru There is an endless amount of rooms; you could have a wing to yourself." Michiru explains as she stands upright taking a semi-aggressive stance.
"Oh no no no, Erin will not like that and I feel weird, like it is charity." Haruka puts her hands up chest level palms out as she shakes her head no quickly.
"It is not, if I let you and Erin take care of some choirs like laundry, cooking things like that will you feel better?" Michiru 's voice starting to get more aggressive but stay the same volume, when she puts her arms over her chest.
"Ah...yeah I guess but Erin still, will not agree." Haruka frowns she looks down and rubs the back of her neck.
"Why?" Michiru lets her arms drop from her chest looking at Haruka befuddled.
"I think she is in love with your partner..." Haruka mumbles barely loud enough for Michiru to hear.
"What? How do you know that?" Michiru gives Haruka an odd look not sure how she knows that, confusion and curiosity in her voice.
"I known my cousin my whole life, obviously, never seen her look at anyone the way she does with Setsuna. Erin only shows any kind of emotion, when she is angry or in love, since Setsuna still is in one piece." Haruka trails off rubbing her shoulder with her left hand.
"So what?" Haruka downs the last half of her glass of wine, trying to think of how to explain it to Michiru.
"Michiru, Setsuna has been married and if these ex husbands of hers are asses like you say, Erin is going to beat them into the ground."Michiru smiles softly at the idea of having someone beat the annoying men.
"Again I say so?...." Haruka sighs and runs a hand through her her dirty blonde hair exhaling slowly.
"Michiru, look I am very flattered but I don't think it is a good idea." Haruka starting to get frustrated, but almost at the point of giving it up as well.
"No you two will live with us, no argument. I am your boss so I am taking care of your living conditions. You guys travel half way around the world least I could do." She is determined I have to give her that, she does not let herself get pushed around.
"I tell you what, if you can get Erin to agree you have a deal." Haruka closes her eyes burying her hands in her hair, head tilted down, Michiru leaning forward slightly to look at the blonde. "But she is a pure Irishwoman you would have better luck getting blood from a turnip."
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"Erin leave the boy alone...." Erin looks down at Luther one more time before pushing forward leaving the annoyed man in her stretching shadow. Setsuna gives Erin an odd look as she holds out the piece of paper Hotaru had given her earlier. Setsuna drops the paper in shock after quickly glancing at it, Erin squats down to pick up the paper. Setsuna looks over at Hotaru, shuddering slightly as she tries to talk. "Hotaru" Setsuna licks her lips taking a few moments to collect her growing anger. "This...." Setsuna takes the paper from Erin and holds it out to Hotaru. "This is why you been fighting?" Hotaru nods yes slowly her hands together behind her back the young girl looking at the floor. "Hotaru sweetheart, I am sorry, I am really sorry this isn't a normal bullies teasing. This is a horrible slander...." Setsuna smiles putting her hand down on Hotaru's shoulder. "I am sorry..."
"Aw cute now we have a duo in training." Setsuna looks at Hotaru, the young girl clenching and unclenching her fist. Maybe I should move Hotaru to another school, I don't know she is already stressed enough Erin snarls eyes narrowing, Setsuna head jerking over to look at the other woman. Thats it Erin.....
"Erin?"
"Yes Lady Setsuna?" I shouldn't use her like some mobster but...
"I know I did not hire you for this but..." Erin cast a quick downward glance at Hotaru, silently asking for the younger woman's approval. Hotaru smiles at Erin who turns slowly muttering a barely audible reply.
"Yes Lady Setsuna..." Hotaru watches in slight shock that her mother and this other woman could communicate so well even though the two have just met. The pair is acting more like long time lovers or friends then total strangers.
Hotaru and Setsuna watch as Erin moves through the tightly packed hallway to stop in front of the young cheerleader. Hotaru looks over at Setsuna who has places her arms across her chest, hand on opposite biceps. Hotaru swallowing hard as she continues to watch the Irishwoman tower over Ryoko. Hotaru having a good idea of what Setsuna wishes Erin to do. But she had never seen this aggressive side to her mother before and was concerned how far it may go.
"Oh what's this...." Ryoko looks Erin up and down in a vain attempt to determine her gender. "What are you anyway?" Erin reaches out gently cradling the woman's jaw, Ryoko melting into her warm soft touch.
"What me?" Erin smirks her eyes reflecting mischief as she looks into the other girl's eyes. " Karma...." Ryoko looks utterly confused by the answer but soon understand when Erin flicks her wrist dislocating her jaw. Erin does more then a simple dislocation though, she pulls downwards once her wrist was turned completely. Ryoko tries to scream as she feels and hears bones crunch. Ryoko could swear she felt the muscles rip from the bone and flesh, she starts to tear as Erin releases her jaw. The action of course happening in one fluid moment in a matter of seconds. Erin had released the woman and was half way back down towards Setsuna before anyone reacted.
" So....ah.. where am I suppose to take you?" Setsuna asks calmly, as she walks out of the school. Erin of course holding the door open for her. Hotaru looks in shock at the actions of the docile woman. But even more surprised by the relax demeanor of her mother. The pair walking towards Setsuna's car as if nothing had happened, "Hotaru?" Hotaru shakes her head pulling herself from her daze then jogs over to the other two women. Erin pats down her pocket, pulling out a battered black cell phone cased in hard plastic, opening it before she searches the small device.
"Have friend know where local market is."
"Local market?" Erin smiles softly at Setsuna as she pulls up the text message from her friend, Hotaru can't help by smile watching her mother lightly flirt with the woman. I don't think mom even realizes she is flirting with Erin. I have not seen her so relaxed
"Fresher, less money, meat comes from animal 24 hours of death." Both Hotaru and Setsuna raise their eyebrows when they hear the time frame.
"That is fresh, but why so fresh?"
"Fresher vegetables have more taste fresher meat absorb flavor more." Hotaru adjust her t-shirt and shorts as she continues to watch to two. Finding it very amusing the pair flirting unknowingly with another. She not even this relaxed around Michiru and she know her for years. What is it with this woman....
"Ok....but I don't think for one second I am putting it in my trunk" Erin chuckles confusing Setsuna before she scrolls down to address on her phone, holding it out to the other woman,
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Michiru places hand onto of one of Haruka's, Haruka looks up feeling the warmth of Michiru's hand.
"Michiru" Michiru smiles softly up at tired woman
"Haruka look I know you have a lot on your mind. Your head must be spinning; you just got off from a 14 hour flight from Dublin to Tokyo. Then your cousin can't explain herself and you are the only one who can understand her. There is also something you are not telling me, not that you can't have your secrets. It is just that I know what it is to have 300 things to do and only time to do 50 of them. Mind you mine was mostly paperwork, different from your problems. But there is still the same amount of stress. Haruka, the reason I choose Setsuna as a business partner is the woman is very calm no matter what is happening around her. She is not exactly the most social woman, but we balance each other out."
"Wait you said Setsuna does not get upset what about earlier?" Michiru's description of her partner confuses Haruka considering earlier events.
"Well she gets stressed very easily when it has anything to do with Hotaru or her ex husbands. Again she is not the most social person, I suppose she is more scared and confused then stressed with that. Haruka the point is you and Erin are going to be here a while, I have no idea how long, maybe permanent I don't know. As odd as it maybe, we are your friends and will help you."
"Michiru I am really honored and grateful for the offer but..." Michiru frowns softly knowing Haruka is no longer talking about their living situation, Haruka closes her eyes for a moment or two sitting in silence for about 10 minutes before Haruka looks over at Michiru. Michiru taken back by the look of fatigue, pain, sorrow and humility staring at her through Haruka's green eyes. "You promise me you will not mention this to Erin?"
"Yes of course."
"No Michiru this is not a little secret about a crush I really need you to promise." Michiru's brow creases in concern and puzzlement.
"Haruka of course I promise I promise on father's grave, my business anything and everything I will not say a thing Haruka" Haruka swallows hard searching Michiru's eyes looking for any kind of mischief or playful look in her eyes.
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"Erin...."
"Aye..."
"This is amazing there has to be a couple of thousand people here."
"Aye suppose, they all local. Rather buy from farmer then truck..." Erin smiles as she picks up a pomegranate from the next stand, she grabs a survival knife she has strapped to her left calf.
"Christ Erin how many weapons you have ?" Erin cuts the pomegranate in half offering half to Setsuna. "What no.....I am fine...." Erin rolls her eyes and looks at woman.
"You trust me to cook?"
"Yes of course, I just not really an exotic food person...." Erin grunts, cutting the pomegranate half into quarters.
"Open..." Erin holds out a smaller piece for Setsuna who laughs softly.
"No I am fine really...." Erin pops the 1/8 into her mouth, quickly digging the sweet seeds from the pomegranate. Erin grabs Setsuna by her wrist pulling Setsuna into her own body. Erin then presses her lips to Setsuna's, Setsuna gasping in surprise, Erin quickly and easily sliding the seeds into Setsuna's mouth before pulling away a few seconds later. Erin licks her bottom lip, and then turns back to the vendor, finishing the last of the pomegranate.
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"Erin is going to kill me, you remember how hard it is in trying to get over here to cook. Erin refuses to go?" Michiru looks at Haruka quietly making sure she is finished to reply.
"Yeah of course you sat down and talked to her for about an hour and got her to agree."
"Well." Haruka pauses slowly running her right hand through the left side of her hair. "She well we need to pay off some debt."
"Debt..." Michiru mimics confusion in both her words and glance.
"Remember how I told you Erin's mother could not handle the farm and she after her dad died?" Michiru frowns not liking the direction this story is heading.
"Yes Haruka, she is an elderly woman I am sure she can't do the work." Haruka shakes her head no, causing farther confusion.
"She had Erin at 16 she is only 41, she could handle the work. She freaked out and left Erin on my parent's doorstep." Haruka stares at the bar hand still buried slightly in her hair.
"Ok but how does that have to do with the debt?" Michiru asks hesitantly.
"One year they had a bad plague that killed all their crops. They used their house to finance a loan."
"Haruka are you trying to tell me Erin left only to get away from that farm?" Michiru frowns hating that they had to take out a loan. But not sure how house payments matter.
"No she only came here to work to make the payments for the house" Haruka mutters not looking up head still bowed her bangs covering her eyes.
"How can Erin live here and make the payments?" They payments can't be that big right? it is just a farm house... Michiru ponders watching t he blonde woman in silence.
"That is why I am here, my money pays for us and Erin's money goes to make the payments," Michiru is stunned and stands motionless as Haruka puts her forehead on the bar with a groan,
"Haruka living in Tokyo is expensive." Haruka raises her head slightly placing her right bent elbow on the bar.
"I know Michiru but it is at least 5 times more then we make at the pub. There is still ¾ a million dollars left on that loan." Haruka frowns putting her head in the crook of her right arm, Michiru just staring at the woman.
"3/4 a million dollars? How much was it for to begin with" That must be one hell of a house.
"1.5 million" Michiru looks at Haruka the blonde's head still in her bent arm
"How long ago was that?" Michiru places a hand on Haruka's back softly, trying to figure out the interest but gives up shortly knowing it does not matter.
" 17 years"
"It took 17 years to pay ¾ million?"Michiru continues to rub Haruka's back the blonde slowly rising to look over at the petite woman.
"Yes but that was with crops, horses and the pub." Michiru puts her hand up palm out as if telling Haruka to stop. Before she closes her eyes shaking her head slightly, thinking she heard the other woman wrong.
"So you are telling me you came over here to pay off a ¾ million loan on a family farm. You are going to live in total poverty to be able to pay the money back." Haruka gives Michiru a small exhausted smile.
"In 10 years..." Michiru's head whips around so quickly one would worry her neck would snap off as she stares at the blonde.
"10 years? Haruka there is no way you can do that!"
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Hotaru smiles and giggles at her mother who is frozen in places with her fingers on her lips, staring off into space. Erin just kissed me...... Setsuna swallows slowly, a small smile on her lips as softly chews the pomegranate. She is right this is good real sweet.... Setsuna watches Erin's back the woman flirting with the booth owner, setting up delivers for various items. After 15 minutes or so Hotaru puts her hand on her mother's shoulder. Setsuna looking over slowly at the slightly younger woman.
"Mom you ok?"
"Yes I just....." Hotaru smiles playfully elbowing Setsuna in the ribs.
"Aw she make your hair stand on end? Think that was like just a little peck, imagine if she really kissed you...." Setsuna turns red then coughs glaring down at Hotaru.
"Stop that, it was a surprise, she knows I am not interested in women. Besides why do you even think she is..." Hotaru rolls her eyes in disbelief at her step mother.
"Mom look at her she may as well have a sign that screams I am lesbian hear me roar..." Setsuna coughs again looking at the floor.
"Whatever it maybe I am not interested in women." Hotaru groans and rolls her eyes annoyed with the repetitive excuse.
"When was the last time you got any?" Hotaru look up at the older woman hand on her hips.
"Excuse me?!" Setsuna squeaks slightly in surprise and embarrassment at Hotaru's blunt question.
"I am serious we been living with you and Michiru for years I have barely seen you with anyone."
"I am busy that is all...."
"Busy? Mom you work-o-holic for kami sake slow down for once."
"Hotaru you know it is not that easy..." Hotaru glares defiantly at Setsuna, knowing the woman is using any excuse she can to avoid the subject.
"Mom you can do anything you want, you argued in the US supreme court to traffic court. You are just afraid to admit you may have finally found someone that understands you. Someone does not think you are some S&M bondage dominatrix under that suit." Setsuna stares at Hotaru eye wide mouth moving up and down wordlessly.
"I...." Is all Setsuna manages to force from her throat as she is stared down by her daughter.
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"Me and Erin are going to get 2nd jobs." Michiru shakes her head slowly at the blonde.
"No Haruka, you two already work 10 hours a day here. Getting a second job will kill you."
"Michiru we don't have a choice, we don't want to loose it. It is where we grew up, you know first kiss, personal memories like that. I can't stand the idea of developers coming in and turning it into housing developments." Michiru looks down at the blonde Haruka's head on the bar again, with what looks like tears of frustration and sorrow on the edge of her eyelids. "I feel like a corny movie, "oh no we going to loose the farm pa"..." Haruka closes her eyes and frowns "Not so funny when it is your family and farm though. No this is not right they don't deserve this, Setsuna will understand
"Haruka you said ¾ a million right?" Michiru asks her voice determined but Haruka to out of it to notice.
"Yeah, that or I marry that cougar Rosy..." Haruka shutters "I can't stand being in a room with that woman." Michiru looks at Haruka blankly for a moment Rosy...as in Rosy Ducan? I did not think she was a lesbian
"Rosy? Haruka you are loosing me again." Haruka glances over at Michiru noticing the determination in her eyes for the first time.
"Rosy Ducan" Haruka sits herself up all the way looking Michiru in the eyes.
"Rosy Ducan, the heir to the Ducan computer fortune?"Haruka groans opening her eyes digging in the liquor cabinet pulling out some whiskey.
"Yeah if I marry her she will pay off the loan. Look please don't tell Erin I told you, she will skin me alive." Haruka glances over at Michiru hoping the pathetic plea will make her drop the subject.
"Why? Wait isn't Rosy Ducan like 40 something?" Haruka mentally groans when Michiru does not even skip a beat.
"Yeah I am 24 that's what makes her a cougar. Michiru, Erin never asks for help, makes her feel weak I think. I am not sure, damn woman only has 3 pairs of jeans and 4 t-shirts." Haruka rubs her temples trying to clear her head,
"Haruka why didn't you say anything earlier before we flew you over here?" Haruka looks over at Michiru after downing half of her whiskey.
"Michiru please forget I said anything, think of it as any old sob story to get money, forget it." Michiru frowns looking at the blonde, not wanting to push but knows they can't do it with out help.
"Haruka are you insane? There is no way I can do that." Michiru almost screams at the woman in frustration.
"Please just forget it, we live here we will not miss the farm. If we work 18 hours a day, no time to miss it." Michiru frowns at Haruka as she closes her eyes downing the rest of her drink "I am grateful though that I could at least talk to someone about it. Makes dealing with it easier Erin never wants to talk about she just works I don't blame her. I think Erin feels like it is her fault, because she was the reason he died." Haruka get it together Haruka coughs , putting the glasses away collecting herself. "Well Michiru are their any specials I need to be aware of? Martinis 2 for 5 things like that?" Haruka smiles leaning against the bar on her left forearm. Haruka's right hand playing with Michiru's left hand's fingertips. Michiru stares at Haruka silently for a few minutes before speaking shocked at 180 from such a tragic event.
"Haruka..." Haruka smiles softly leaning forward to brush some hair from Michiru's face.
"Just forget it; I really just needed to tell someone I don't want any help." Michiru frown looking into Haruka's hurt eyes, knowing Haruka is trying to hide but is too tired to do it.
