Notes: Episode 100, "Retire from the Sailor Senshi! Minako's Concerns". Or: "The one with Minako's volleyball-themed identity crisis".

Episode 100

It was only after several prolonged seconds that the tapping sound registered with Mako. She shook her head to free her brain from the near meditative state cleaning always brought (Rei had her fire, Mako had dusting) and tried to identify the source.

The window.

Something at the window?

SomeONE.

With an "oh!" of surprise, Mako rushed to the window and pushed it open. Artemis nimbly leapt over the wall of potted plants that lined the sill and landed quietly on the futon.

"Thanks. I was beginning to think I'd have to try yowling. That never does good things for my self-image."

Mako hadn't said anything. She looked from Artemis to the open window and back again. "I'm on the sixth floor," she said with some amazement.

"Cat," Artemis replied, saying the word as if it was all the explanation necessary.

Which it was, as Mako seemed to accept this. "So what brings you here? Everything okay?"

"Sort of. This isn't Senshi business though, it's more personal." He padding after Mako as she went to the kitchen. "You know lately how Mina's been…" He trailed off. Mako had stopped and was looking at him with an odd expression. "What is it?"

Mako smiled sheepishly. "I want to offer you a drink but I have no idea how to give it to you."

"I'm fine. Thanks though." Artemis leapt effortlessly onto the counter so they could be at something approaching eyelevel. "You know how Mina's been a little strange lately." He considered this a moment. "For Mina."

Mako chuckled and leaned her shoulder against the refrigerator. "I was gonna say. She seemed better after the fight though?"

"Much. I want to keep it that way." Artemis's tail swished of its own accord. "I need your help."

"You got it," Mako said without hesitation, and Artemis smiled.

"I need a dozen roses."

Mako scratched the back of her head and looked at her indoor garden. It was notably rose-free. "I think you're talking to the wrong person on that one. Mamoru could probably help?"

Artemis shook his head. "No, she'd know they were his. I'll buy them, I just need—"

"Don't use Juuban Blooms." Mako said immediately, condemning the very thought. "They're local, but their flowers wilt within a day. Oh!" She pushed back from the refrigerator and took an excited step toward the cat. "You know who's great? Nip it in the Bud, on 8th. They use their own blend of plant food it's fantastic."

"Sure, but—"

"I've been trying to get them to tell me what's in it, but they're so secretive!" She favoured Artemis with a sly wink. "I think I'll get Nayanami-san to break soon though. Now I know cherry pie is her weakness, it's only a matter of time."

"That's—"

"For the absolute best though, you've got to go with Hanarama. It's all the way in Fujimidai, but it's worth the trip. They have their own greenhouses, and a hydroponic system that's to die for. The petals are the fullest, richest colours you can find, and—"

It occurred to Mako that her name was being said, repeatedly and at increasing volume. She fell silent and blinked at Artemis.

Artemis favoured Mako with an apologetic smile. "Talking cat. Retail isn't exactly my thing."

"Ha ha ha, right!" The laugh almost covered her embarrassment. "Leave it to me, I'll get them for you."

"Thanks, Makoto. Here's some money." Sure enough, Artemis was pushing a small wad of notes toward her.

She took them and was fishing out her wallet when she stopped. "Wait, where were you carrying this?"

Artemis hopped down from the counter and made his way back to the window. His tail swished mysteriously. "I have my ways."

Mako followed, the bills still in her hand and her frown deepening. "How do you even HAVE money?"

"Don't worry about that," Artemis replied as he leapt onto the windowsill.

Too late. Now the questions were swirling in Mako's mind, demanding answers. "What do you guys DO all day when we're in school?"

"I'll be back around three?" Artemis asked, but then disappeared out the window without waiting for a response. Mako hurried and peered outside, but could see no sign of him.

"Cats are weird," she decided, closing the window and latching it. "Sweet, but weird."

... ... ...

(Credit to Idesofnovember for Juuban Bloom, Nip it in the Bud, and florist locations, which I completely and shamelessly stole, but it's what she gets for writing my story at me before I get the chance to do it.)