A/N - I am so so so so so so so so sorry for the month wait between chapters... But my new job affected it, then I got lazy, then I got sidetracked (with my new story and a joint fic with the awesome Kaze No Tsurugi) then I got lazy again... but here I give you Chapter 8...or Part 2 of the Restaurant scene... A huge thank you to all my reviewers of the last chapter - it really made my day! Anway, here we go and I hope you will all enjoy it!
CHAPTER 8 – BLACK MAGIC WOMAN
"Everything okay, Minako-san?"
Kunzite's eyes danced with delight as he watched with eagle eyed intensity as the young blonde sit back down in her chair. Her cheeks were slightly flushed red and her hair was a little messed up, but that was no concern to him. Minako nodded as she sat down. There was a somewhat comfortable silence as the second course dish was brought around but neither of them made a move to it. Kunzite had his eyes focused on the blonde and the food was playing second fiddle tonight.
After about twenty seconds, Rei emerged from the direction of the bathroom with a green haired woman behind her sporting a somewhat amused expression on her features. The dark-haired escort took her seat once more opposite Jadeite as her employer walked on, but stared at her through the peripherals in her vision. Jadeite was staring intently at Rei from the second she emerged from the bathroom. Rei bumped into a blonde odango-haired woman, who was making her way to the bathroom with a pink haired and a dark haired girl, Rei seemed to barely offer an apology before making her way back over to the table.
"Rei-san, are you okay? You seem... flustered."
Rei slowly lifted her head and smiled. "I'm fine, Jadeite-kun... sorry for taking so long. Make-up emergency."
"God, Rei, you have no idea," and with that Minako closed the distance and pounded her own body into the other woman, her lips pressed hard against Rei's.
Rei's breathing became the last of her worries as she didn't dare break from the kiss that she was currently the recipient of. Heaven was Aino Minako. Rei could feel Minako's velvet-like tongue tracing her bottom lip and grinned to herself. As she smiled, the blonde dive her tongue into the dark-haired woman's mouth, instantly receiving a moan for her efforts. Minako pulled back from the kiss and looked at Rei, taking in every single one of her features. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing heavily. Amethyst eyes opened and stared into sapphire.
"We shouldn't do this," Minako's face dropped and she looked away, only to find that Rei gently cupped her chin and brought their gazes back to one another.
Minako stared deep into the dark-haired woman's eyes, trying to figure her out. Rei smirked. "We shouldn't do this here anyway..."
Minako cocked an eyebrow and Rei chuckled gently. "If you're serious, Mina... then we can get together... even if you do send me out some seriously mixed signals."
Minako looked puzzled for a moment before blushing. "Hey, you do that too! ...Guh, I just meant I wasn't ready then, Rei... to… commit."
Minako's lust-filled eyes took in Rei's form, and the dark-haired woman knowingly grinned. "I'm not going to force you, Mina. Ever. But we really should go. This IS a toilet cubicle."
Rei made to move from the cubicle but found her wrist was securely gripped by the blonde – 'oh lord, those eyes and this strength'. Rei knew what that look in Minako's eyes meant.
"Mina... anyone could walk in!" Rei whisper-yelled.
The blonde shrugged and grinned. "Makes it more arousing, ne, Rei? I mean getting caught is quite a turn-on. Don't worry, we'll only kiss no more. I couldn't do more right now."
Rei's mouth fell open in shock at the blonde's candid attitude. Minako wasted no time in taking advantage of Rei's open mouth. Once more, her mouth attached to Rei's and her tongue slipped into the older girl's mouth. A moan came from Rei's mouth. Minako began gliding her hands over Rei; she desired her, she wasn't afraid now, it was all about Rei. Minako's hands found their way under Rei's thighs and the dark-haired woman lifted her leg, helping the blonde to wrap the delectable limb around the younger girl's waist. Rei's hands grabbed Minako's dress and pulled her forward, until their bodies collided and could get no closer. Minako saw how Rei's eyes were closed and she was trying to stifle a moan as they kissed. The blonde smiled deviously into the kiss and let her hand wander up to Rei's shirt. Rei's attention was caught as Minako allowed her hand to slither under the material. Purple eyes snapped open.
"Mi-Minako-" Rei was silenced by Minako's mouth on hers, this time Rei returned the kiss just as forcefully.
Minako saw how Rei was breathing at an irregular pace and her stomach clenched with every movement into the kiss. The blonde took in how Rei seemed to squirm against her, wanting to bring their bodies even closer if that was humanly possible. Minako looked down at Rei's shirt and grinned;
'Thank fuck it's a snaps shirt' Minako thought to herself as she ripped open Rei's top in a fury like a mad woman possessed. Minako had Rei up against the toilet cubicle and the blonde had unleashed her lust. Rei threw her head back and suppressed a moan.
"I thought you said you couldn't do this, Minako?"
A smirk formed on the blonde's lips. She didn't reply. She had no time to talk. Every moment with Rei was a moment where no words could convey her feelings. Her lips were everywhere, Rei's skin was set ablaze with the contact, and she couldn't help but smile. She felt Minako grin against her skin.
"Rei, you're the last person I'd expect to be gentle."
Rei cocked an eyebrow in intrigue, then pulled her hand roughly through blonde tresses and dragged Minako's lips up to meet her own. Minako grinned and pushed Rei back as far as she would go. Minako's right hand traced over Rei's stomach, before she delicately traced over Rei's fire-red lace bra.
Rei gasped as she felt Minako sweep a thumb over her breast, instantly causing her nipple to harden.
The dark-haired woman bit down on her lip hard and groaned. Minako moved her mouth from Rei's lips and ran them down to her neck; the blonde began to gently nip at the fine, pale skin, each action causing a sharp inhalation of breath to be taken upon contact. Realising the effect she had on the dark-haired woman, the blonde began sucking on the pulse-point of Rei.
"Oh, f-f-fuck!" Rei closed her eyes, unable to look at the woman causing this pleasure from within her.
Minako's mouth was working overtime on Rei's neck, one of her most sensitive spots on her body, while Minako's other hand was still manipulating the tender flesh through her bra.
"Rei, you like that?" Minako whispered at a low tone into Rei's ear, causing the dark-haired woman to shudder involuntarily.
"Oh Rei," Minako continued her assault on Rei's neck, and her left hand dove under the fabric of Rei's bra, skin making contact with skin.
Rei opened her eyes and threw her head back again, enjoying every touch of Minako's. The blonde watched as Rei writhed in pleasure, biting her lip every few seconds and after a moment, Minako took her right hand and stealthily made her way up Rei's leg, brushing past her inner thigh, all the while still biting and sucking on her neck and stroking her breast lovingly. Rei's eyes snapped open as she felt Minako's other hand caressing her through her now very damp underwear. Rei tried to pry herself out from the blonde's grasp but found Minako was intent on holding her there. Rei had no idea how to break this. She wanted this, but not here and not when they were meant to be working. Minako increased the pressure on her centre and Rei whimpered automatically, unable to restrain herself.
The door creaked open.
Both women froze on the spot. Minako looked down and freed one of her hands from Rei – completely unwillingly of course. They remained absolutely still and listened to every single movement of the other person. They walked to the stall next to them, and after a few moments exited after nothing happened then a faucet turned on then off and the door creaked open and closed once more. Minako was the first to let out the breath she had been holding.
"My God, I thought they'd never leave. Now, where we were?" Minako moved in for another kiss and she began moving her hands, eager to take their previous positions up again.
However, a throat being cleared interrupted them both.
Their eyes widened even further as they heard a very familiar voice.
"I don't know where you were... but I know where you're supposed to be," Rei instantly detangled herself from Minako's limbs and the two scurried to exit their stall. As soon as they both stumbled out from the stall, they were met by the figure of Miss M who was leaning against the wall by the door. She was smirking at them.
"Miss M, we – "Setsuna raised her hand, instantly cutting the blonde off.
"Oh no by all means, don't stop on account of me," Setsuna's smile grew even wider. She watched as Rei instantly blushed, somewhat more embarrassed then ashamed whereas Minako giggled gently and smiled widely too. However, as Setsuna watched the two, she looked away before sighing sadly. "When I said to sort it, I meant on your own time. And if you're going to fuck in a toilet, at least try and lock the door. Minako, get out there now. Rei... Come here, we need to cover up that love-bite."
Setsuna began making her way to Rei, whose face was several shades of crimson and Minako remained in her place. Setsuna didn't even turn to the blonde but spoke to her nonetheless. "Minako, I said go."
Minako sighed, looked to Rei and saw she was avoiding eye contact. With a resigned sigh, Minako left the bathroom.
Jadeite nodded understandingly while Rei spared a glace to Minako and found the blonde was smirking; not even discreetly. Kunzite looked from the blonde to the dark-haired woman and smiled himself.
"Well, is everything sorted now?" Rei and Minako both turned to Kunzite and saw he was smiling amusedly.
Minako nodded slowly, "Hai, you know how we girls can be!" Minako began laughing to cover the tension that had blanketed them.
Jadeite grinned as he saw Rei had her head bowed somewhat, and her cheeks were somewhat flushed. He turned to Kunzite and grinned. "Next week is certainly looking up, ne, Kunzite?"
Kunzite nodded slowly before grabbing his wine glass and enjoying a leisurely drink from it.
"So... Mako, tell me... is there another woman in your life?" The brunette sighed.
It had been a long night, she had just been to every table and kissed arse like she had never known, and impressed everyone with her culinary skills... and now? Now, Maya was back on the prowl.
"Another woman? Is that really any of your business, Maya?" The auburn haired woman raised one eyebrow and began laughing, somewhat in disbelief.
"I was only striking a conversation, Mako-chan," Maya leaned forward and spoke at a lower level, "I mean, we have a past but that doesn't mean we can't have a future... right?" Maya grinned and Makoto took a deep breath.
"Of course not. A platonic future, that is."
Maya laughed gently and sat back. Makoto inwardly sighed from relief. Maya turned her head once more to the other side of the restaurant and she looked back to Makoto with a lopsided grin, her eyes glinting with the devilish gleam that Makoto remembered from their old relationship – she was up to something.
For sure.
"So... Haruka's assistant? She's cute... A bit young don't you think? She can't have even have finished high school, don't you agree, Mako?"
Makoto's jaw clenched involuntarily. "I don't know. Excuse me, Maya."
Makoto rose from the table and made her way over to the other side of the restaurant; she was in search of some comfort.
Maya could always read Makoto like an open book.
Maya always seemed to have this inhuman ability to know what was on Makoto's mind, to know what she was thinking, how she was feeling. Makoto didn't like the fact Maya made a comment about Ami's age or any comment on a girl because if it's from Maya, it meant the woman knew Makoto had an interest in Ami. She knew Makoto knew the bluenette better than her just being Haruka's assistant just from the look of Makoto's discomfort at the mere mention of the girl.
The brunette looked up as she approached a table filled with familiar faces. Makoto smiled weakly as she was greeted by the beaming face of Usagi, the concerned look from Haruka, the nonchalant look from Mamoru and the generally confused face of Seiya. Before Mako could say a thing, Seiya spoke up.
"My God, Mako! Maya's here!"
The brunette clenched her jaw once more; did Seiya think she hadn't noticed? She exhaled slowly "I had noticed, Seiya."
Makoto motioned over to a waiter to bring her another chair over to the table. As Makoto took her seat on the chair that was brought to her, she looked up and saw concerned teal eyes staring at her.
"You okay, Mako?" Haruka's voice travelled to her ears.
The brunette nodded slowly and said, "yeah... it's just... the past, you know? Hard to get over... and she still is so – "and Makoto was cut off by Seiya.
"Ridiculously hot! I mean, wow. She's a – "He stopped as he saw the glare he was getting from his short haired blonde friend, " She's a complete bitch still..." Seiya grinned sheepishly and looked down.
"Anyways now I've kissed arse to the reviewers, I gotta go talk to my patrons and investors in a minute." Mako looked over to a tall white haired man who was sitting at a table with a woman and a younger girl; clearly his family. The brunette sighed, "I'll talk to Artemis-kun first... he is actually a nice guy, it's make a nice change from these vultures."
Haruka looked over to the auburn haired woman, who spared a glance over to the group at the same time. Haruka scoffed in disgust. She couldn't stand the sight of Maya; she was a liar and a cheater. And above all, she manipulated Makoto something terrible. She couldn't bear to see Makoto go down that route... not again. Haruka turned her attention away from Maya. And before she turned back to her table, she saw Ami staring at them intently... no, not them...
Just, Makoto.
Haruka grinned and she caught Ami's attention. With one blonde eyebrow raised, the younger bluenette blushed bright red. Ami turned her attention to Setsuna and began talking to her. Haruka smirked. The blonde tomboy turned back to the group and saw that Michiru was staring questioningly at her. The blonde grinned and nodded her head in the direction of the younger blue haired girl. Michiru smiled gently and looked at the tomboy with warmth in her eyes once more. Haruka cleared her throat and got Makoto's attention almost instantaneously.
"Yo, Mako, you remember Ami, right?"
Makoto looked over to the younger girl sitting beside Setsuna and gulped before nodded slowly.
"Yeah, course I do."
Makoto nervously darted her eyes around the room but found they were drawn to the young blue haired girl each time. Haruka nudged her brunette friend in the ribs and spoke in a whisper.
"I think you should ask her out again, Mako-chan!"
Makoto knotted her brows in confusion then scoffed, "no chance and no thanks, I don't need to be rejected twice in one week by the same woman."
Makoto began her trek around to thank her patrons, making her way to the man Haruka only knew as Artemis-kun. As she turned her attention back to the table, she saw Michiru gesturing to Ami. Haruka turned and saw Ami was hiding her face in her hands.
"Aw fuck, she heard." Haruka slumped back.
The food was amazing, but the night was turning out to be a disaster. As if reading her mind, Seiya grinned as he took a bite from his food.
"Oh man, at least the food is great!" Haruka sent a glare to Seiya and sat back in her chair. Less than a minute later, a waiter approached the table and he addressed Haruka.
"Excuse me, sir." Everyone at the table snickered before the waiter continued talking, "Kino-san, has told me to tell you that your drinks bill is on the house and the bar is at your disposal."
Instantly, the five adults face's lit up.
Seiya grinned,"Free drinks, you say?" The black haired man sat back and took the drinks menu in his hand, greedily eyeing everything up.
Michiru smiled gently, "excuse me, Seiya-kun, but I'm going to see if there is a cocktail menu."
Seiya smiled then spoke gently to her, "Michiru-chan, I hope you realise you can do as you wish. If you want to go to the bar, then you can... honestly, just have fun."
Michiru smiled warmly at his genuine statement. She turned to excuse herself but found two teal eyes staring intensely at her – Haruka seemed upset, but why? Michiru excused herself and made her way to the bar. Why did Haruka look so sad? God, now was not the time to worry about that... it was probably nothing.
Michiru took a seat at the bar, her legs crossed at the ankles – the perfect posture once more, and she ordered her drink with the grace of a lady of high class.
"Can I get a mojito, please? Thanks, I'm with Kino-san's party."
The bartender nodded his head and made his way around his workstation; mixing the ice, mint leaves and Barcadi to create the perfect drink, leaving Michiru watched the expert with some interest. She hadn't even noticed the woman who had taken a seat beside her. The woman sent a sideways glance at Michiru just as the barman handed over her cocktail.
"Hmm, I would not have pegged you as a mojito girl."
Michiru snapped her attention to the woman sitting beside her. It was her. Dirty blonde hair and cobalt eyes. Michiru smiled politely and turned her attention to her drink, taking a small sip. The other woman laughed before getting the bartender's attention,
"A Margarita."
As soon as she placed her order, the woman turned her attention to Michiru again. "So... is that your boyfriend?"
Michiru nearly spat her mojito back into her glass at the forward question. She wiped her mouth with a nearby serviette and turned to the woman.
"Excuse me?! Who do you think you are? That is such a personal question!"
The strange woman held her hand out, showing perfectly manicured nails and well-kept cuticles. "Lara Ellis. And you are?"
Michiru stared at the offered hand incredulously. She didn't take it but instead looked this Lara woman directly in the eyes.
"Kaioh Michiru."
"So, the blonde... is he with you?" Michiru inwardly smirked; clearly this was a woman who thought Haruka was a man. 'She would probably be so disappointed when she found out Haruka was a woman, not to mention embarrassed.'
"The blonde? Yes... she is here with me. And her friends."
At the mention of the word she, Lara raised her eyebrows and turned her head towards Haruka, who was still seated at the table with her friends. "She?"
Michiru smirked and nodded as Lara brought her attention back to Michiru.
"Oh."
"Yes... sorry," but Michiru was in fact anything but sorry. However appearances really are everything nowadays.
"Sorry? Why are you sorry? She's hot. She is your girlfriend then?" Michiru's face drained of colour for a split second before she regained her composure.
"My girlfriend? No, she's not."
As much as it killed Michiru to say that sentence, she couldn't lie, what if Haruka found out she had implied or said such a thing? She couldn't handle a talk like that.
"She's not?" Lara's attention was once more drawn to the blonde, "So she's fair game?"
"Game? She's not some game... Miss Ellis."
Lara turned back to Michiru, her face showing shock. Michiru's formality got to her...clearly. "Well... she seems like a player... Miss Kaioh."
Michiru's jaw clenched slightly at the statement. Lara was right. Haruka did have that reputation not to mention that air. She was a player.
"Haruka, Michiru-chan is really a lovely girl."
The blonde nodded to her friend's statement. A silence ensued and Seiya cleared his throat, "I never really knew that a girl like that could be so talented."
"A girl like what, Seiya?" Haruka's words were loaded and made Seiya backtrack in his mind somewhat.
"You know what I meant Haruka... and, hey, weren't you the one who said they were – "
"Forget it, Sei... I'm just on edge."
Seiya looked as though he was about to speak, but thought better against it, and instead opted to smile before looking over his friend's shoulder and grinning.
"Yo, Haru-chan, there's a hottie at the bar. She keeps checking you out."
Seiya nodded into Lara's direction and Haruka looked at her, instantly recognising her from earlier. Haruka grinned before noticing that Michiru was next to her at the bar. The blonde instantly dropped her smile and turned back to Seiya. He noticed the angry and sad look she had in her eyes.
"Haruka? You cool?"
The blonde nodded and turned her head slightly, only to see Michiru and Lara staring into each others' eyes. Suddenly Haruka had a feeling take over her. It seemed to the blonde that Michiru didn't want this woman near her, but the woman was still near her. Too close.
"Seiya... you think that's Michiru's type?"
Seiya brought his attention to the woman at the bar and he instantly shook his head. "Nah, man. Michiru-chan strikes me as someone who'd rather want someone more honest with themselves, not a girl who dresses to please everyone but herself. No, Michiru-chan strikes me as the sort of woman who needs an honest woman. Someone not afraid to be themselves."
"And you all know all that from one hour with her?"
Seiya smirked. "It's not been about what she's said but what I've seen."
Before Haruka could question her friend, a familiar woman approached their table, and instantly both faces darkened; Haruka's more so.
"Good evening, Seiya-kun, Haruka-chan."
"Kobayashi-san," Seiya's words were curt yet had an air of politeness.
Maya laughed heartily before taking the seat that Makoto had vacated previously. Mamoru looked between Seiya and Haruka and decided to speak up. "Kobayashi-san, how are you?"
Haruka threw her friend a glare – how dare he speak to her as though she were a friend?!
"I'm fine, Ma-Chiba-san. And yourself?"
Mamoru simply nodded in response. Haruka could no longer contain herself.
"What the fuck do you want, Maya?" Somehow the blonde managed to speak at a hushed tone. Maya cocked her head to one side.
"I'm just here reviewing for the paper... and I thought I'd drop by and see some old faces... it all adds to the atmosphere that I'll write in my review."
Haruka scoffed, "the least you could do is write a fucking amazing review... you owe her that much."
Maya held Haruka's gaze and smirked. "I am going to write a fucking amazing review, make no mistake... I owe Mako-chan a lot, and I – "
"Don't call her that" Haruka spoke with only venom in her voice.
Maya continued to talk, "I owe her a lot. And I intend to repay her... I miss her, Haruka-chan, and I – "
Haruka shook her head and leaned towards Maya, her eyes burning with a ferocity she had never known. "No! You do not have the right to miss her. You fucked up, now face the consequences... anyway, Mako's moving on. You held her back long enough, why don't you do the right thing for once and leave her and us the fuck alone?"
Maya's face turned stone cold as she looked to Seiya who had the same expression as Haruka, then she turned to Mamoru who just seemed tired. "Mako's moving on? I know Mako better than she knows herself... I saw the look she was giving your 'assistant', Haruka-chan," Haruka could feel her jaw clench at Maya's statement, "And I can say right now... they would never last. Mako's too old for her for starters, and second? Mako's still in love with me. She always was and she always will be."
Haruka shook her head and was about to retort when Mamoru stood up, his eyes fixed firmly onto Maya's.
"Kobayashi-san, please... leave the table. Now."
His voice was gentle but authoritative. Maya waited for a moment but decided to avoid making a scene. She stood up and smiled gently. "Have a good evening, gentlemen... Haruka." Maya walked off and Haruka glared at her from afar.
"She's such a bitch."
Seiya nodded. An uneasy silence fell over the group. Haruka turned to Mamoru, "I don't know how you do it but I'm glad you got rid of her, Mamoru."
"It was no problem, anything for a friend, Haruka-san. In fact, I – " The dark haired man stopped mid sentence.
Haruka and Seiya furrowed their eyebrows in confusion. Mamoru turned his eyes away from where he was looking and looked down into his lap. After a few seconds of silence, Mamoru lifted his head to speak again, but said nothing. A blonde odangoed woman was staring at him, coming from the same direction Mamoru's previous distraction had. Seiya looked over to Mamoru and spoke gently.
"Yo, Mamo... wasn't that Beryl?"
Mamoru stayed in silence as he watched his wife walk towards him. Her cheery disposition was being faked, he could tell. He could see the tears in her eyes. Usagi made her way to the table and sat down, in utter silence. The unusual behaviour of the 'ever chipper Usagi' was not lost on their friends either.
"Kitten, are you okay?" Usagi lifted her head up and forced the biggest grin of her life to her friend.
"Hai, Haruka! Hehe, why wouldn't I be?" Haruka and Seiya decided to remain quiet and instead took the focus from Usagi.
"Um, Haruka, you see the game last night?" Seiya took the attention away from Usagi with ease and Haruka and Seiya pretended to talk about a game that didn't exist, they decided to give the two a moment.
Usagi was taking a moment to breathe. She was sure that Beryl had just said all that to antagonize her, she was notorious for it, and her lifelong quest for Mamoru was somewhat renowned to anyone who knew them.
"Usako?" Mamoru's gentle voice brought Usagi from her thoughts. She took a gulp of her own saliva before bringing her gaze to her husband's, "Are you, okay, Usako?"
"I didn't know Beryl worked at the company with you, Mamo-chan." Mamoru couldn't ignore how his wife's small voice faltered at the nickname she had for him.
"It only happened a few months ago, Usako."
"A few months and you didn't think to tell me?" Mamoru turned his head away in shame.
"She wasn't in the same department as me. I can't quit my job just because she's there... it's strictly professional, she even gave me the great recommendation for that promotion, Usa."
"That promotion? The one from April? It's December, Mamoru!" Usagi covered her mouth with her hand at her outburst.
Mamoru went to hold her hand but she moved it away from him, her eyes glistening.
"Please, Mamoru, it's not important. I love you and that's all that matters. I know you love me, too."
There was an uneasy silence. Mamoru said nothing. Usagi bit her lip in unease. She knew they had a history, more than had ever been said – sometimes these things didn't need to be vocalized. The
first time she had ever seen Beryl, Usagi was in awe of the woman... she was, well, she was practically perfect.
"Sugoi... Mamo-chan, this is where your family lives?"
Mamoru blushed a little at the reverence his girlfriend seemed to show at his family estate; a magnificent mansion in one of the suburbs of Tokyo.
"Um... hai... well, most of the time anyway but this is our Tokyo home. I'm sorry it's taken so long till I've brought you to my family home, Usa. But I much prefer my apartment."
"Hai, me too, Mamo-chan... we can be alone there," Usagi blushed at her own statement.
Mamoru cleared his throat, laughing a little. "Well, when I left high school and went to college, I thought it'd be easier to have my apartment, to come and go as I pleased. Well, that's what I told them, I just wanted to get away."
Usagi laughed at her boyfriend.
Tsukino Usagi and Chiba Mamoru had gotten together purely through a twist of fate. They were two school years apart and neither had known about each other anymore than passing comments in the hallway. It was only when Kou Seiya was worried about a certain blonde haired tomboy taking his reputation as the most sought after boy in school did Seiya dragged his good friend Mamoru to find this offensive 'Tenoh' that Seiya and Mamoru first caught sight of the odangoed blonde. Both men instantly were in awe of her beauty and at the same time, her innocence and maturity.
Seiya thought that the blonde was with Tenoh, until he heard a brunette tomboy nearby telling Haruka off for flirting that Seiya thought that the brunette was in fact Tenoh's girl – oh how wrong he was.
The second that Mamoru saw Usagi, he could not draw his eyes away from her, he naturally smiled, the very sight of her filled him with a warmth like he had never felt before.
Usagi in that same moment saw Chiba Mamoru – her secret crush since her freshman year – was staring at her! AT HER! She thought she was imagining it. Without thinking she turned to talk to Haruka and instead fell flat on her face. The tomboy blonde instantly came to her friend's aid, only to find she was not the only one to rush to Usagi's side. One glance up revealed Chiba Mamoru, helping to get Tsukino Usagi back on her feet.
So, that was how they met – the klutz and the prince of Juuban.
And they had now been dating two years and finally Mamoru thought it was time for his family to meet the girl he intended to spend the rest of his life with.
"Well, this house is amazing..." Usagi looked up to her boyfriend and worry filled her eyes, "What if they don't like me, Mamo-chan?"
The dark haired man took Usagi into his arms and kissed her forehead lovingly before letting his lips linger on her skin as he spoke softly, tickling her with every syllable he uttered.
"Usako, I love you and you make me happy... and for that my family will have no option other than to fall in love with you too. Look, Usa, you're not here to win me over, you've already got me... this is just a formality. Just enjoy tonight. And remember, I love you, nothing will change that."
Usagi began beaming with her trademark smile at her boyfriend's words."Hai, Mamo-chan, you're right, let's just go in there and have fun. I love you, Mamo-chan!"
Mamoru smiled as he took out his keys to the stately home and lead his girlfriend into the house. After passing nearly five empty rooms, Mamoru lead them to a large reception room where a man with graying hair and deep blue eyes sat. He stood at the sight of Mamoru,
"Son, you made it!" Mamoru was engulfed in a hug from his father. "And who is this gorgeous young thing."
Mamoru and Usagi both blushed at the attention lavished upon the young blonde.
"Otou-san, this is Tsukino Usagi. My girlfriend. Usagi, this is my father; Chiba Isamu."
Mamoru's father bowed deeply before Usagi and she did likewise, even though she was shaking from her overwhelming nerves. Mamoru looked around the room, seeing it was empty.
"Otou-san, where is okaa-san?" Mamoru's father smiled gently to Mamoru before clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Oh er... she's in the kitchen with – "
"Oh, come Usa, you'll love her!" Mamoru took Usagi's hand and lead her to the kitchen. "Okaa-san, are you – " Mamoru fell silent as he entered the kitchen and took note of the two figures standing in the kitchen.
Usagi looked at Mamoru, not quite knowing why he suddenly stopped talking.
"Oh, there's my boy, come and give your mother a hug, Mamoru!" Mamoru was still as stiff as a statue as his mother hugged him, she stepped back, nothing her son's odd behaviour. "Oh, Mamoru, you remember Beryl, right?"
Mamoru finally spoke, after he cleared his throat. "Of course I do... Beryl, how are you?"
The woman known as Beryl stepped forward; she was gorgeous. She was as tall as Mamoru with fair skin and an elegant face, deep brown eyes and gorgeous red hair that flowed down to the small of her back.
"Mamoru... you look great... oh, who is this?" The sneer cross Beryl's face did not go unnoticed by Mamoru but it did by Usagi who was still in awe at the girl, no this woman, yes this woman's very appearance and the way in which she carried herself.
"I'm Tsukino Usagi. Mamoru's girlfriend."
Beryl's face flickered with amusement before she smiled calmly. "Well, aren't you sweet? Anyway, I had better go, my parents are waiting for me at some restaurant downtown. Take care Mamo."
Beryl kissed Mamoru's mother on the cheek as her form of goodbye before the mysterious woman sauntered out of the kitchen and out of the house. Mamoru let out a breath he did not know he had been holding.
"Wow... who was that Mamo-chan?"
Mamoru found his mouth was suddenly dry. However, his mother's mouth was in perfect working condition.
"That was Beryl-san, Tsukino-san... Mamoru's last girlfriend."
Usagi's eyes widened slightly. That was Mamoru's last girlfriend? As Mamoru changed the subject, causing his mother to suddenly start ranting about the weather and how the government was responsible for it.
For the rest of that night, all Usagi could think of, was how Beryl was everything she wasn't. 'She was clearly a woman, whereas I'm still just a girl! Is that the sort of woman I should be? Mamoru must be mad if he doesn't want me to turn into the same elegant and mature woman. Oh God, Mamo-chan, I hope what you said is true. That I have you already.'
Usagi thought back to the events after that meeting and soon she stopped – for fear of breaking down, knowing was not the time; she was in public after all. Usagi forced a smile onto her features and looked up to her friends, before taking a forkful of the salmon dish before her. "The food is wonderful, ne?"
Three sets of eyes looked at her with deep concern. Seiya looked over to Mamoru and their eyes locked. Seiya could see in that moment that Mamoru did not want or need to talk about it. Clearing his throat, Seiya looked at the two empty seats at the other end of the table.
"Hey, where are the girls?"
"Is Usagi going to be alright, Chibiusa-chan?" The pink haired girl pulled a lip gloss out from her small bag, but then paused, seeming to think deeply.
"Hai... but that women seemed to know her and she didn't seem that nice... however Usagi always bounces back... that's a fact, Hotaru-chan!" Chibiusa grinned before leaning forward slightly, and applying the lip-gloss to her pouted mouth.
Hotaru instantly turned away. She had found that in the space of ten minutes, this pink-haired girl had completely captured Hotaru's attention; the way she spoke, her every mannerism and her purity in every action and word she spoke – it unnerved Hotaru. Never before had Hotaru found herself so drawn to someone. She had crushes before, but this was one of those 'one glance and you know you've got it bad' feelings that was stirring deep within her. Should she be bold? Hotaru was fighting with herself to decide on whether or not she should take the biggest step in her life and see what Chibiusa really thought of her.
"Um... are you free tomorrow, Chibiusa-chan?"
The pink-haired girl turned her head to Hotaru and smiled sadly. "Not really, Hotaru-chan... I've got some stuff to sort out in the morning at Usagi's then I'm going out with this cute guy in the evening!"
Chibiusa's eyes lit up at the thought of her guy, whereas Hotaru slumped back against the sink she was resting against. 'Baka Hotaru... of course she has a date with a guy, look at her, who wouldn't want her?' Regret flooded through Hotaru, she should have done what she usually does and kept her mouth shut. But her, this girl, she brought something out in Hotaru... something like confidence, though of course Hotaru wasn't sure because she had never experienced confidence before. But, she thought it was nice to have experienced it – if only for a moment.
"But we can hang out Sunday Hotaru-chan, I'd love that!"
"Wha-what? You would? To hang out with me?!" Hotaru could not contain the disbelief in her voice and it seemed to shock the other girl too.
"Hai, Hotaru-chan. I see it this way, I don't know anyone here but you seem like a really nice person... and well... I'd like to get to know you better... wait... you don't mind, do you?"
Hotaru gulped before dumbly asking. "Mind what?"
Chibiusa giggled at Hotaru's denseness. "You don't mind that I want to be your friend?"
Hotaru's eye lit up and she instantly shook her head. "N-no, I don't mind at all!"
'Smooth Tomoe, you sounded like some desperate loser! Oh, wait, you are one'. Hotaru really could learn to hate her subconscious. She shook her head, forcing that thought to leave her mind. Chibiusa turned to face the peculiar dark-haired girl.
"You know... you're funny, Hotaru-chan. I like you. I hope we can hang out more. Now, come on, let's go back out before Usagi eats all our food!"
In a flash of pink, Hotaru found herself being taken by the hand and dragged her from the restroom and back into the restaurant – the entire time, Hotaru was only aware of the tingling sensation she felt from the area that Chibiusa was holding.
Without realising it Hotaru began to smile, for no-one else other than the pink-haired girl holding her hand at that moment in time.
Luckily for Hotaru and her pink-haired companion, Usagi had not eaten their meals. In fact, she seemed preoccupied and was talking about how great the salmon was. Hotaru shook her head, looking around at everyone, her eyes settling on her cousin who has her eyebrows furrowed.
"Are you okay, Haruka-chan?"
The blonde whipped her head around to Hotaru and plastered a fake smile on her face.
"Hai, Hota-chan... I'm just... I'm going to the bar, anyone want anything?"
Without hesitating Seiya shot his head up and spoke. "A Long Island Iced Tea, hold the ice!"
Haruka shook her head and headed for the bar after receiving no response from Mamoru or Usagi. She had to remember – keep your cool, Tenoh.
"I'd like to offer you some advice, Miss Ellis."
Michiru's voice had taken on that cold characteristic that only her foes and strangers to her knew. Lara raised an eyebrow inquisitively, dragging her eyes away from the delectable short haired blonde that was at the centre of their conversation.
"Go ahead, Miss Kaioh."
Michiru was shocked to hear Lara be as formal as she was – but the aqua-haired beauty didn't show it one bit. Instead, Michiru smiled gently before continuing.
"The blonde is off-limits, so don't even try and attempt anything. It would all be in vain."
Lara cocked an eyebrow and looked confused, before saying "I thought you said she wasn't your girlfriend." Lara's furrowed her eyebrows in confusion before they contorted to concentration and continued, "unless of course you wish she was but you just haven't quite built up the courage... what's standing in the way?"
Lara paused and looked at Michiru, who avoided her gaze, not wanting to look at the other woman.
"Is she your best friend?"
Nothing but silence once more as Michiru shifted in her seat a little.
Michiru noted how Lara sighed; she knew she was clearly going to get no answer from her. Michiru watched her - she didn't seem malicious, just ridiculously curious. Lara, at this moment in time reminded herself an awful lot of Minako, in the way she, like Minako, needed to know gossip; any and all kinds. After a moment, Lara took another sip of her drink before shrugging.
"Either way, that sucks. Miss Kaioh," Michiru noted the clear intonation of honesty in Lara's voice. The blonde took a sip of her drink and then she looked to Michiru, "But still, she's fair game."
Those five words knocked the air out of Michiru but before she had time to bite back at Lara, the distinct fragrance of musky cologne mixed with a natural sweet smell. Without a doubt, Haruka was standing behind her. Then, as if on cue, the short-haired blonde spoke.
"A Long Island Iced Tea, hold the ice, and a... Pina Colada. And we're with Kino-san."
Haruka turned to her right and immediately saw Michiru looking at her, her eyes were alight with what seemed to be anger... but from what Haruka could gather, not at her.
"Hey, Michiru-chan... who's your friend?"
Haruka's joking question was met with an instant coldness flashing over Michiru's eyes.
"Haruka-san, this is – "
"Ellis... Lara Ellis. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you."
Haruka took Lara's hand as the woman opted for the more Western greeting, and kissed the back of her hand gently.
Michiru sat in shock.
Lara had practically greeted Haruka with an orgasmic voice – she had dragged out every syllable and made each sound like a moan of wanting... and Haruka took her hand and kissed it!
What the hell?
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you to, Ellis-san," Haruka turned her attention to Michiru, but this time she saw the anger was directed evenly at her. Haruka thought she was wrong, did Michiru like this woman, or was she angry because Haruka just kissed her hand? No, Michiru seemed to dislike this 'Lara' already.
"Are you okay, Michiru-chan?"
Michiru's eyes turned to her drink as she lifted the cool glass and brought it to her lips, emptying the drinks contents.
"Hai, I'm fine, Tenoh-san."
Haruka instantly shook her head. She couldn't stand another 'Tenoh-san' from Michiru. Haruka opened her mouth to speak but was distracted as she saw her friend Makoto walk over to her, seeming somewhat stressed. Haruka sent a look to Michiru, this was something she was going to talk to her about later. Right now, Makoto needed her. Clearly.
"Mako, you okay?"
The brunette flashed a look that said 'Do I look o-fucking-kay?'
" I'll take that as a no. What's wrong?" Makoto took a seat at the bar and looked at her friend.
"Tonight's going great."
Haruka instantly began chuckling at her friend. "Ever the pessimist, aren't we, Mako?" The brunette shook her head at her friend.
"My manager phoned me earlier, told me he would be running late. He called a few minutes ago, in fact I just got off the phone with him... he's not coming. Ever. He's not even in the country. Asshole. And do you have any idea how much freaking paperwork he left? How much there'll be after tonight? I need to find someone in the next twenty four hours who can pick up the slack and organise the fucking mess upstairs and sort out every single paper... I'm not going to be able to and I'm going to be so overwhelmed, Haru-chan. I thought this was supposed to be easy!"
Mako looked into her friend's teal eyes, hoping to find the comfort she always had over the years. And Mako did indeed see that, and this time it was coupled with a mischievous glint.
"Mako, don't fret, I got your back! I know the perfect person who can help you out!"
Mako looked at her long time friend with hope in her eyes, watching the blonde intently as she grinned. Haruka leaned towards Mako and wrapped an arm around hers as she steered the brunette's attention over to a short-haired bluenette both of them knew. Instantly Makoto shook her head.
"Hell no, Ruka. No, I'm good – "
"Listen to me Mako, I'm not shitting around. Ami's great at stuff like that, she can have you sorted until you find someone to take over full-time."
Makoto winced and groaned like a small child, Haruka sighed, "Look, Kino, you can either waste your time putting an add out, interviewing people and losing a good few days and fall behind on your precious paper work, or... you can take my word and get Ami-chan to do it. For a decent wage, of course."
Makoto scoffed, "Of course..."
Haruka cocked an eyebrow at her friend's sarcastic remark. Makoto moaned once more, "What if she says no?"
Haruka laughed. "I thought we already had this conversation about her?" Makoto scowled at her friend but Haruka simply smiled once more, "Look, Mako, this is business... besides, I heard she kinda has a thing for you."
Makoto stood up, dusting herself down. "Women who have a thing for someone tend to not straight up reject them, Haru-chan. I want you to know though Haruka... I hate you for being able to make me do things without making me do things... oh, you know what I mean. You're devious, Tenoh."
Haruka laughed heartily and patted the brunette on her back.
"Hai, hai, I know... you hate me... go and get your girl, Mako. Ah! I mean, your manager. Go and get your manager!"
The brunette chef shook her head despairingly – what was she going to do with Haruka some days?
"Don't look now, Ami-chan, but Kino-san is headed this way," Ami instantly darted her head around and sure enough, there was the statuesque brunette Ami had come to think about without stopping since they had met all those days ago.
Ami's head snapped back around to its original position and Setsuna sighed loudly.
"I told you not to look, so what do you do? You look? I swear you can be awfully stupid sometimes for someone so smart."
Ami looked up to her employer and she licked her lips, finding them suddenly dry. She managed to whisper to the green haired woman; "I thought you were teasing me, Miss M!"
Setsuna shook her head but then stayed still, before letting her gaze linger above Ami's head.
"Konbanwa, Kino-san."
Ami closed her eyes, wishing that she could magically escape to another world, a world that allowed her to catch her breath, stop blushing and let her at all cool and calm. Of course, wishes are just that.
"Konbanwa, Meioh-san, I hope you are enjoying your evening here and that the food is pleasant."
Ami's eyes snapped open as soon as she heard the thick and smooth voice of Kino Makoto. Ami looked up to Miss M and saw an amused smirk lingering across her features.
"Hai, Kino-san, the food is sure the highlight of my evening... though on a side note, you might want to have someone on duty in your bathrooms at all time. I find it to be more reassuring," Setsuna dropped her gaze to Ami, smirk still in place.
Setsuna nodded her head upwards and Ami took the gesture. She took one last deep breath before lifting her head to look behind her and see Makoto looking at her, smiling gently.
"Konbanwa... Mizuno-san," Ami smiled gently and she nodded to the gorgeous brunette.
"Kino-san, tonight has been wonderful, how are you?" Makoto had to hide a smile at the simple compliment given to her by Ami.
Makoto cleared her throat. "I'm glad you're enjoying the night, Mizuno-san... though, my night could be much better... could I talk to you in my office, please?"
Makoto inwardly cringed at how bad that entire sentence must have sounded. Come to my office? What was she thinking?! Makoto opened her mouth to correct herself when she heard the delightfully sweet voice of the bluenette respond in kind.
"Of course, Kino-san. What is this regarding though?" Ami began to rise from her seat as Setsuna took a sip of her wine.
Makoto smiled as she pulled Ami's chair from behind her. "I have a position I want you to do."
Setsuna instantly spat her drink ungraciously across the table and Ami blushed madly. Makoto instantly began stuttering to rectify herself.
"I –I mean that I h-h-have a job for you! If-if you're interested! God I did not mean to say that, well, not like that... I... sorry!" Makoto bowed her head in embarrassment.
A moment of silence passed before anyone said anything. Much to Makoto's relief it was not Ami.
"Well... uh, it just sounded... compromising, Kino-san. But can you bring her back soon? And in one piece? I get so bored having no-one intelligent to talk to in Ami's absence."
"Miss M!" Makoto blushed as Ami squeaked out her protest.
Makoto cleared her throat, "Could we please go to my office? Before we attract any attention?" Ami nodded and Makoto smiled broadly, "Follow me."
It would be fair to say that Makoto was not too keen on technology, but she did have everything at her disposal (as untouched as it was). A state of the art desktop replacement notebook sat at her desk and the desk opposite hers has the exact same computer – that was meant to be her manager's workstation. Currently, a stack of papers, roughly a foot tall, stood at one end of the desk waiting to be processed by a work hungry mind.
Makoto closed the door behind Ami before offering her a seat in between the two desks. Makoto leaned against the manager's desk and sighed.
"I want you to know I feel really awkward and stupid asking you this but Haruka said I may as well ask you."
Ami's heart began to beat harder in her chest. She said nothing but stared Makoto deep in the eyes as she spoke. Makoto sighed and rubbed her eyes – it had been a tiring day and this predicament was doing nothing to alleviate her stress.
"I'll be straightforward, Mizuno-san."
Ami nodded attentively as the next words caught her breath.
"I need you."
A/N2 - I'm going to work really hard to get chapter 9 here soon and end the restaurant crap, just so as we can move onto the goood stuff. Anyhow, immense love for my beta - impersonal. I'm gonna smexx her as a reward... and if you made it this far R&R please. Ja ne - VR
