A/N - Wow! The final chapter for the restaurant 'arc'... but the plot will be really beginning from here on in! I'd like to give eternal thanks to everyone who reviewed this story so far; it really had exceeded all my expectations. So thank you. And HUGE love should go from everyone to impersonal - she is like the best beta-reader ever. FACT. Also, you may be glad to hear, none of the chapters will be as long either, long but not 15-20 pages like these ones have been.
I'm also going to shamelessly pimp out the joint fic I've been doing with Kaze No Tsurugi. No joke; it's awesome, go and check it out. Anyway - enjoy this chapter!
CHAPTER 9 – I DON'T THINK ABOUT IT
"Mizuno-san… Mizuno-san, wake up!"
Makoto began to panic as she gently shook the shoulders of the currently pass out girl. After a few more moments, the brunette released Ami's shoulders and took a step back from the younger girl's slumped form. Makoto began pacing around the office, a hand at her mouth, allowing her to nervously chew on her nails as she mumbled to herself.
"Oh great going, Mako... 'I need you', what was I thinking?! I've killed her... Oh God, I – "
The sounds of Ami stirring broke Makoto from her self-loathing rant. The brunette rushed without a second thought to the side of Ami, gently holding both her shoulders; ready to support the girl.
"Mizuno-san... Are you okay?"
The bluenette nodded gently as she winced, then closed her eyes for a moment. She raised a hand to her forehead and laughed nervously. "What, er, what happened, Kino-san?"
Makoto smiled in relief at seeing that there appeared to be nothing wrong with the girl aside from a little lack of memory... for now. "Well, er, you're at my restaurant and – "
"I remember that Kino-san... And then you asked to talk to me in your office and you said – " Ami's mouth clamped shut, and she turned her cheeks turned a bright cherry-red.
Makoto furrowed he eyebrows in confusion and scrunched up her nose; she was wondering why it was that Ami suddenly stopped talking. Makoto traced the girl's last sentence before her eyes widened slightly and a blush too took place on her cheeks. "Oh... what I said..." Makoto droped her head a little as she saw her hands were still placed on Ami's shoulders tenderly.
The brunette whipped her hands back to her sides and looked up, seeing that Ami's face was almost entirely crimson. Makoto cleared her throat and scratched the back of her neck nervously. Oh man, what she wouldn't have given for anything to break this somewhat awkward silence. Ami shuffled about in her seat, getting herself comfortable before she gently cleared her throat. Makoto looked over to the younger girl anxiously.
"Y-y-you need me?" Ami's barely managed to get the words out of her mouth but as soon as she did she saw the blush that covered the brunette's face once more.
Makoto licked her now dry lips and tried to regain her composure as nonchalantly as possible.
"Er, well, that is to say, I need you... to work for me. As soon as possible."
Ami's heart sunk. Of course Makoto wouldn't bring her to the back of her office to ask her out once more... no, Ami had screwed that up royally. Still, the bluenette strained to bring a smile to her face.
"Oh... well, what kind of work is it? I'm not very good in the kitchen."
Makoto chuckled at the honesty of Ami before she held her hand up and shook her head; "No, no... it is not a cooking position. I need someone to sort out my administration until I get a new manager in. The person I originally had employed had let me down and as a result I'm left in the lurch until I get a new manager," Makoto paused in her speech to see the reaction from the younger girl. So far, all she could see was Ami frowning in concentration before looking up and locking eyes with Makoto. Ami smiled and Makoto continued to talk, "Well, Haruka told me that you would be perfect with this sort of work... so I guess, all that's left is for me to know your answer. Can you help me? Will you?"
"I will."
Makoto raised her eyebrows in shock. "Not that I'm not happy to hear that you'll help me, but just like that? No worrying about your studies or your other job? You don't want to know what I'll pay you?... And you're okay helping me?"
Ami cocked her head in confusion and thought to each and every question. She crossed her arms but raised one hand to her chin – the perfect pensive pose. "Well... as for work if Haruka-san is the one who recommended me then she must be fine with me juggling both my job with her and to work for you. As for my studies, as long as the work is after 3pm, it should be no problem. As for pay, as long as it's the rate you'd pay any other admin for this job we should be fine... and of course I'm fine helping you. Any friend of Haruka-san's who needs help I would help without question."
For a second Ami couldn't believe she had mustered up the courage to explain herself to Makoto without stuttering, stumbling or whispering her words. However, she was blushing like mad – in fact she thought her face was going to overheat and she'd need to stick her head in one of the industrial freezers she knew this restaurant had to have.
"Well... as long as this won't be awkward for you, then that'd be great... If you could be here for tomorrow, at noon, I can show you what needs to be done and leave you to it. And, thank you, Ami, you don't how much I appreciate this."
Usually, now at this point is where two people would hug; glad that they had managed to overcome an obstacle. However, this is Makoto, the awkward and self-conscious woman, and Ami, the shy and unsure girl. Makoto held out her hand and Ami took the appendage, shaking it gently, thoroughly enjoying every second that her hand was in contact with the brunette opposite her.
"Um, Kino-san, why did you bring me to your office to talk about this? You could have just asked me out there."
Makoto let go of Ami's hand and smiled despondently; "It's my opening night and the last thing is for people to know I don't even have a manager or anyone to take care of my admin, Mizuno-san."
"Ami," the bluenette blushed as she said her own name.
Where was all this courage coming from?!
Green eyes gently gazed into blue. The brunette chuckled gently and nodded. It felt like déjà vu; surely they had exchanged names before... ah, yes before that car wreck of a moment when Makoto asked out the younger girl.
It was like a new beginning for the two.
"Makoto."
Garnet eyes went from gazing over at the restaurant's 'staff only' office door that Makoto had taken Ami to, to glaring at the man who had taken the now vacant seat opposite her. As soon as she registered who the man was, she sat back in her seat, shaking her head.
"Oh Kami. What did I do to deserve this?"
Blue eyes looked on in confusion at the woman. "What? I just came to talk to you. I saw you were alone... and I was too. I thought we could be alone together," Seiya grinned boyishly as he spoke.
Setsuna cocked one eyebrow. "What is it – night of the innuendo with Haruka-san's friends? Do you have any idea how bad that sounded...? Why are you here? I like being alone... or with intelligent people like Ami, not bishounen baka like you."
Seiya's mouth fell in shock, before he somehow found the energy to laugh heartily. Setsuna looked unimpressed at the man's antics.
"Bishounen huh? See that makes this easier... all you have to do is fall in love with my personality now." Seiya flashed a grin that exuded confidence.
Setsuna thought for a moment that it could have contended with the tomboy blonde she knew.
"I don't fall in love."
Seiya 's eyebrows knitted together, making him appear confused to Setsuna. She sighed heavily, "What's your name again?" The dark-haired man looked at the green-haired goddess in disbelief.
"You don't know who I am?" Upon seeing the woman show no sign of recognising him, his shoulders slumped considerably, "We met in the bank... Friday, remember?"
Setsuna scoffed as she remembered the image of the man before her being completely smothered by an energetic and perky redhead. "How could I forget," Seiya smiled at her words before the inflection of which they were said sunk in.
"Kou Seiya."
Setsuna didn't move a muscle.
Seiya was unsure whether or not she had heard him. He turned his head away from her. This was not going as he had expected – usually women fawned all over the young and popular music producer. He always had confidence with and around women, but this woman? She had made him feel small, not insignificant, but like he wasn't good enough for her or at least that his usual tricks wouldn't work on her. Oh no, the woman before Seiya required more than his charm and good looks.
She was like no other he had encountered.
As that thought entered his mind, Seiya perked up, his mood instantly noticed by the woman opposite him. "So... do you like music, Meioh-san?"
"How do you know my name?"
"That day at the bank... I, er, I heard your accountant call you that. I hope you don't mind." Seiya looked a little ashamed at his rudeness but as he looked up he saw that Setsuna had a slightly surprised expression gracing her elegant and fine features.
"You remembered my name from over a week ago?"
Seiya nodded and a silence took over the table. Seiya drummed his finger on the table – a nervous habit but it didn't seem the bother the woman across from him. But then of course, she had a relatively nonchalant look throughout the entire time Seiya had been at the table.
He coughed, clearing his throat; Seiya dragged his eyes towards the blonde standing at the bar, whom he noticed, was currently being secretly fought over by two women. Setsuna followed his gaze and she sighed.
"Tenoh is oblivious."
Seiya turned his attention back to the woman opposite him. He smiled and said, "So... you see it, too?"
Setsuna smirked and nodded. "You should see them in the office. Haruka-san has no idea why it is Michiru is so compliant to things just for her."
Seiya looked down at the table, he stopped drumming and he took a moment to think. "The second I saw Michiru-san look at Haruka, I could tell, there was more to her relationship, but then I saw Haruka had no idea. It's a shame; Michiru is such a pretty girl. Smart and refined too. I don't get why she's an escort though."
Setsuna took a sip of her wine from the glass opposite her.
"We all have our reasons for doing the things we do. For example, you must have a reason, and I'm sure it's inane, for coming over and talking to me and thinking I would actually talk to you too."
Seiya smirked and lowered his voice to an ardent level.
"But you are talking to me."
Setsuna eyes widened in realization. She opened her mouth to speak but found no words – of all the times for her brain to go into shutdown it chooses now?! Oh, come on! She cleared he throat and looked over to the pony-tailed man opposite her, fully expecting to see him smirking. She was fully shocked when she saw that he wasn't smiling but staring at her, his sky blue eyes intensely concentrating on her own. She took this moment to take in his appearance, nothing was screaming for attention about him. A midnight blue coloured blazer with matching dress pants all co-ordinated with a light lilac shirt and no tie. Laidback but serious clothing. He could have been going out for the night or heading to the office.
Versatile.
Setsuna second guessed herself. This man wasn't exactly how she thought he was. She looked down at her glass once more, before raising her head and clearing her throat.
"I do like music."
"Then how did you not know who I was?"
Setsuna sighed inwardly as she heard the arrogant though shocked tone return to the man's voice.
Okay, he may not have been completely what she thought, but she wasn't far off. Setsuna spared a glance to the bar... Haruka sure did have an interesting mix of friends, she thought to herself.
Michiru had endured nearly five minutes of Haruka's endless flirting with Lara. She rolled her eyes as she downed the rest of her mojito, motioning to the bartender to make her another.
"So... Tenoh-san, what do you do for fun?" Lara's voice had a seductive purr to it as she spoke slowly to the blonde tomboy. Haruka smiled back to the blonde woman who had taken such an interest in her.
"Me? I do anything that gets my adrenaline pumping, Ellis-san."
"Please, I've told you twice now Tenoh-san, call me Lara." Haruka smirked. She had this woman's attention, for sure. It was now a guarantee that Michiru wouldn't be getting bothered.
"Then call me Haruka." A wink accompanied Haruka's words and Lara licked her lips without thinking. Michiru scoffed loudly before taking her mojito that the bartender had made. She walked away from the bar without a word, and instantly Haruka took note, and gently grabbed her arm.
"Michiru-chan, what's the mat- "
The aqua-haired woman squirmed, forcing her arm from Haruka's grip,"I have a job to do, Haruka-san. Excuse me."
Lara watched with interest as she saw Michiru walk away. She turned to Haruka, ready to change the topic but saw the indignant look in teal eyes. It was clear to her there was unresolved issues between the two, but from what she could see neither were sure of the actual relationship they had.
But still... if they had no relationship between each other, that meant the blonde was single. And single was good for Lara.
Lara cleared her throat.
"Haruka-san?" The blonde slowly whipped her face to face that of the woman beside her.
"Yes, Lara-san?" The long haired blonde giggled coyly before sparing a glance to the table she was sharing with a gentleman; who was no glaring at her.
"I have to return to my table... but if you're here later, I'd love to talk to you." Haruka's eyebrows shot up before she smiled nervously.
"I don't see the harm in that."
With a coy giggle, Lara smirked, her gaze lingering over Haruka before she made her way back to her own table, swinging her hips from side to side, knowing that there was a high probability that Haruka would be watching her intently.
Studying intently, may have been the way the blonde put it.
Sure, Lara was gorgeous – okay, she was freaking hot. Only a fool would have denied that. But, that was not the reason she had made herself to be so friendly with Lara. No, it wasn't. The blonde scowled to herself as she thought of the reason she spoke to the young woman who seemed to be bothering Michiru – Oh.
"Michiru."
Haruka spoke softly to herself as she realised that the aqua-haired woman was the reason she had approached Lara.
She had seen Lara taking to Michiru and saw that clearly Lara was wanted in Michiru's presence... so Haruka went over there to...to what? To talk to Michiru? To save her? The blonde snickered to herself as she thought of how bad that sounded. This was real life not some fantasy film.
There is no knight in shining armour.
In this world there are only people. Complex, confusing or contradicting; so many different kinds of people whom each have their own story- their story of obstacles or sunshine, their own happy or sad ending. It's either or. People make their own stories by their actions, and people believe in it by their own thoughts...
So... what was the story behind Haruka's actions?
She had no idea. All she knew was that she didn't like seeing Michiru seeing so upset by this other woman- not even that but seeing her with another woman in general. A woman; Haruka's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. Seeing Michiru with another woman made her... jealous? No, it couldn't be jealousy. No! It was... seeing her friend distressed. Yes, that was it. Without a doubt, it was just seeing Michiru being bothered and as a friend it was her duty to step in and help. Lara was hot and for the blonde, right now that's all that mattered.
"This is bullshit. I'm over analyzing this."
Haruka pushed herself from the bar and made her way back to the table. As she approached, she could see that Seiya had made his way over to Setsuna's table, and was seemingly not doing a bad job of wooing her – well, he was alive wasn't he? Usagi was still despondent but she still kept her fake smile plastered on her face as she listened to Chibiusa and Hotaru talking animatedly about favourite school subjects. Haruka smiled, although Chibiusa wasn't incredibly smart, she still had a keen interest on some subjects and Hotaru seemed devoted to listening to her new friend. Mamoru wasn't even looking at anyone at the table, Haruka followed his gaze and saw him glaring at none other than Beryl.
The blonde finally took her seat, and gained the attention of the last person at the table.
Blue looked coldly into green.
Haruka moved her hand forward and placed her drink on the table. Hotaru smiled at the arrival of her cousin. Haruka grinned back.
"Yo, Haruka!" Seiya bounded back to the table, a little spring in his step.
Haruka looked at her friend quizzically as he took his seat beside Michiru. He grinned at took one last look over to Setsuna, who was now seated with a flustered Ami.
"What are you on, Seiya?" Seiya grinned in response and took his gaze away from Setsuna.
"I have no idea, but I never want it taken away from me! She's just so..." Seiya turned to Michiru and lowered his voice, "I think I stand a chance." He winked and chuckled. Michiru giggled – Seiya was just adorable now he was smitten. Seiya looked over Haruka and smirked to himself. "Speaking of standing a chance..."
He nodded his head in the direction of Lara and smirked as he saw Haruka smile gently and Michiru scowl as soon as she realised who the woman they were looking at actually was.
"Wow... she's hot, Haru-chan!" Seiya gave the blonde two thumbs up and Haruka found herself grinning, looking at the woman who apparently could not keep her eyes off of her. Haruka popped her collar a little, her ego seeping out and she smirked.
"She's okay. If you go for that sort of girl, I mean."
Haruka's train of thoughts came to a grinding halt with Michiru's comment; a comment which earned her everyone's attention at the table. "What do you mean, Michiru-chan?"
Haruka felt a little defensive. What was Michiru trying to get at? Either way the blonde did not appreciate her tone or behaviour, especially around her friends and her family.
"I'm just saying she's cute... but she's plain cute. That's all Haruka-san."
Haruka scoffed and turned her head away. She looked over at the girl. She was smoking hot, not just cute! And a woman that fine is Haruka's type. The tomboy was having problems letting Michiru's comment get past her though. Haruka crossed her arms and frowned. "She's not plain. She's a beautiful girl, Michiru."
Michiru raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth to speak but Hotaru spoke quietly. However due to the silence Michiru caused, everyone heard her perfectly.
"She's cute Haruka-san, that's for sure, but she's not beautiful... not like Michiru-chan."
Chibiusa stopped talking with Usagi and looked over to Hotaru for a moment, before returning to her previous conversation, allowing Usagi to take the lead and talk her pretty little head off. The blonde was still caught up on Michiru's comment.
'If you go for that sort of girl?'
Was she implying Haruka went for a certain type of girl? And if that was the case, that sentence was loaded with shitloads of other implications.
Implications, that Haruka did not have time for right now.
She could barely lift hear head without blushing now. Every time she lifted her head she knew the girl would be looking at her, or talking or doing something else that would mean that Hotaru would have to look back at her. Back into her eyes, and if she looked into her eyes, she was frightened the girl could see into Hotaru. Hotaru was afraid that she would figure out everything about her. She couldn't handle anymore of that right now, she couldn't handle someone else giving her 'the' look.
"Hotaru-chan? Did you hear me?" Hotaru snapped her head up and instantly felt the blush overtake her face. Chibiusa saw the somewhat bewildered look on the other girls face and laughed gently, "I'll take that as a no. Never mind."
Chibiusa took her attention to the food in front of her and sighed before digging into it. Hotaru didn't hear what she said, but she could have sworn she heard the words, class... maybe even school was mentioned. The dark-haired girl took a deep sigh of relief. School. She was so glad that she would not see the girl there. Thank the Gods. It was another thing on her 'last thing she needed' list; having a new friend come to her school and find out everything about her from the rumour mill.
No.
She couldn't have that. She was going to fight it. She chanced a quick look to Chibiusa and then she sighed. The pink-haired girl was clearly and painfully straight, or so it seemed to Hotaru.
A moment passed and Hotaru gulped down some water.
No matter how, she might not be able to think of Chibiusa in that way, but she could certainly have the pink-haired girl as her friend. Yes, being friends with Chibiusa meant Hotaru had to be a clean slate. A time for a new first impression. Hotaru smiled and lifted her head up, ready to immerse herself into the conversation Haruka was having with Usagi.
"As I was saying Haruka, we enrolled Chibiusa-chan into Mugen just like you recommended. She went this week but officially starts Monday. Isn't that great?" Usagi turned to a horrified Hotaru, whom tried her best to hide her horrified shocked face, "So, now you and Chibiusa can go to the same school! You'll be such good friends, Hotaru-chan. I can tell!"
Hotaru nodded dumbly though at that particular moment in time only one thought was flying through her mind – Oh fuck.
"Enough about school! Hotaru-chan, on Sunday I think we should have a movie day, what kind of films do you like?"
"I, er... I... what?"
A small yet detectable blush erupted over the dark-haired girl's pale face. And Chibiusa instantly laughed; Hotaru grinned back in natural response. She wasn't laughing at her how everyone else does, but laughing like how a friend would laugh at another friend's antics. Hotaru opened her mouth to speak, but the waiter arrived at their table with the ice cream extravaganza Usagi and Chibiusa had ordered – one each. Chibiusa's eyes doubled in size as she saw the dairy treat paced in front of her.
"Oooh, ice cream! Score! Hota-chan want to share?" The pink haired girl dug her spoon in and took a huge spoonful of mint chocolate chip in her mouth, " Ohmigod! This is so good! Kino-san is a genius! Hotaru, get a spoon!"
Hotaru blushed as she realised her name was said without any honorific.
She had a friend.
But she wanted more than that... but she barely knew this girl! Hormones are a bitch.
Setsuna stayed absolutely calm as the waiter placed a plate of satsumaimo jelly in front of Ami and a plate of daigakuimo in front of herself. The waiter left after a moment and Setsuna kept her eyes focused on Ami in front of her.
"I thought you ordered the pineapple fritters, Ami?" The bluenette nodded then looked down at her plate, as though she was only now aware of its existence. She blushed.
"Pleasure to meet you Makoto-san... Well, how about I come by here tomorrow at noon and start on all the work?" Ami's eyes met the jade of Makoto's.
"I'll ensure I'm here, Mizuno-san. Would you like me to pay for a cab for you? If you give me your address, I can – "
Ami shook her head and Makoto stopped mid-sentence.
"No, it's okay, Kino-san, I won't be at my home," Makoto raised both her eyebrows and Ami quickly continued talking, "I'll be at my morning university lecture until eleven in the morning Kino-san, so – "
"So, I'll pick you up, it's the least I could do for all your help... and I can't afford for you to be late or to be running behind schedule. You go to Tokyo U, right?"
Ami opened her mouth then closed it before she nodded. "Hongo campus."
"I'll be there at quarter past eleven then, Ami-san."
Makoto smiled and was about to open the door for Ami to leave when she heard a slight stumble and saw Ami supporting herself on the desk, looking embarrassed.
"Gomen, Makoto-san, I'm just a little light-headed."
"From when you fainted?"
Ami nodded slowly. Makoto made her way over to her phone and dialled in a number.
"Kitchen? It's Kino-san. I want a portion of satsumaimo jelly prepared for Meioh-san's table." Makoto hung up the phone and turned to Ami.
"The jelly has a lot of sugar, it will give you more energy that you need after you fainted. Give yourself a few moments and when you're ready then you can go. Don't over exert yourself. You'll do more harm."
Makoto avoided all eye contact with Ami as she sat down in her chair. Ami took in a deep breath – she was feeling better already.
"I did order them... but Kino-san thought this would be better for me and would give me the energy I lost in the office."
"... What exactly did you get up to in that office, Ami-san?"
Cheeks flushed a furious cerise as Ami realised how that all sounded, she could hear Miss M chuckling already.
"Miss M! Please! It was strictly business."
Setsuna raised an eyebrow and watched Ami carefully, trying to find any reaction. "I believe you... but remember what my business is Ami. Energy levels always need topping up."
Ami began digging into her food, ignoring the smirking woman opposite her. Setsuna sighed,
"Ah, you're no fun Ami-san." Setsuna glanced around the restaurant and noticed that a lot of people had already left. She looked down at her watch. It was 10:45pm.
"Seems like Makoto had a good opening night." Ami's head shot right up. Did Miss M just call Kino-san by her first name? In the open? Where anyone could hear? Without honorifics?! Setsuna giggled at Ami's reaction, but seemingly ignored it.
"I assume it closes as soon as the last reserved party leaves, which at this rate will be us." Ami looked around the restaurant and saw that in fact it was now three quarters empty. But everyone was leaving with a smile and saying kind words.
The only people left were some reviewers, a few people at the bar and about six tables left; Haruka and her friends took up two, Rei and Mina had two tables, another young woman at a table a few tables over and of course Ami was with Miss M.
"I think we will be last out, Miss M. But you're right, I think Makoto-san, had a good night. We all did right?"
"Hai... mine was very...productive. But I wonder who that woman is. She seems to be aggravating not only Makoto but Haruka and Kou-san." Ami turned around and copied Setsuna's gaze, her eyes instantly landing on a woman, she had seen earlier.
Makoto looked proudly around her restaurant. Only five tables were now left; the woman Seiya told her had been leering at Haruka was currently with her gentleman friend, at the front of the house, gracing the host with compliments. The only people left were her friends, and the escorts... oh, and Maya.
Sighing loudly, Makoto made her way over to the bar and gave the bartender the signal to close the bar. The bartender turned to the clientele at the bar and smiled charmingly. "Gomen, ladies and gentlemen, but the bar is now closed."
The bartender nodded to Makoto indicating his task was now done. Makoto swiftly made her way back to her friends, as she approached, she took note of the two men accompanied by the blonde escort and her dark haired cohort were standing from their table ready to leave. The brunette restauranteur decided to wait a moment before speaking openly with her friends.
"Spying on girls, Mako? That's not like you."
The sultry tones of her old love caused Makoto's mouth to go dry before. Makoto coughed to clear her throat. "No. I'm waiting to talk to my friends." The brunette turned around to face Maya, "We're closing, it's probably best that you go."
Makoto kept her face as expressionless as she could manage. Maya grinned, and kept quiet as two man walked casually past the two and out of the restaurant.
"Well, Mako-chan, before I go I wanted you to know tonight was wonderful. I'd eat out at Makoto's again."
The brunette's voice hitched in her throat before she looked away and brought her attention to her friends. As if sensing her trouble, Haruka walked over to Mako, accompanied slowly by the rest of their party. Not all of them were standing beside Haruka but they gave the impression of solidarity. Next to Haruka was Seiya, Mamoru was on her other side. Usagi was standing behind them with Ami, Usagi and Hotaru. Rei, Minako and Michiru were trailing there and Miss M had casually stood up and watched it all with a bemused expression.
Maya looked at the group and scoffed before her eyes landed on Ami. She had seen Makoto lead the girl away to her office earlier and she had nearly forgotten about it. Maya smirked and took a few steps towards Ami, garnering everyone's attention. Haruka went to step forward and wanted to give this auburn haired female a piece of her mind but Makoto held her hand out.
"I can handle this Haruka." Haruka wasn't sure if anyone heard Makoto because she had spoken so softly, no, weakly.
Maya looked Ami up and down, scrutinizing everything about her. Who was she? Who was she to Mako? And more importantly, how old was this kid?!
"Mako-chan, introduce me to your... friend."
The intonation with which Maya said the word 'friend' sent a feeling of shame running through Ami. It was clear Makoto had relations with this woman, and here was Ami hoping to make up for her mistake the other day. She felt like an idiot. Ami bowed slightly and smiled politely. Makoto cleared her throat and watched the blue-haired girl with interest.
"Maya, this is Mizuno Ami. Haruka's assistant. Mizuno-san, this is Kobayashi Maya." Makoto took a slight pause, breathing and seemingly struggling to say something. After a moment she smiled feebly before speaking again, "An old friend."
"Oh Mako-chan, don't be so nervous. Pleasure to meet you, Mizuno-san."
Maya's eyes twinkled deviously as she took Ami's hand in her own. Ami saw this and was reluctant to let her hand linger in the handshake. Ami put her hand back at her side and stood awkwardly for a moment, she was waiting for Haruka to give her a ride. Makoto noticed the awkward silence and looked away from the two women.
"Mako-chan, we should catch up... are you free tomorrow?" The brunette whipped her head around and stared at Maya.
"C-catch up?"
Maya laughed heartily at Makoto's deer-caught-in-headlights look. She took a cheek and pinched it lightly.
"You are still as cute as ever, aren't you, Mako?" Maya grinned and caressed Mako's cheek.
The brunette shivered involuntarily, and Ami couldn't bring herself to look at the two. For some reason it hurt her to. Ami closed her eyes but snapped them open as she heard the brunette talking.
"Maya, no."
She was firm, resolute – well, she sounded like it. Maya cocked an eyebrow.
"No?"
Makoto nodded. "Exactly. No. I say no to catching up. I have business tomorrow with my manager." Makoto glanced over to Ami quickly and this was not lost on Maya who scoffed loudly, "And it could take all day and to be perfectly honest... Just no. I –I don't want to see you."
Maya opened her mouth but closed it and instead she grinned maliciously. "Fine, Mako. You would have been a waste of my time anyway. Just like always."
"Get out. Now. You're not welcome here again."
Haruka beamed with pride as she heard the unaffected and hard voice of her friend telling her ex to leave. Maya said nothing and sauntered out from the restaurant. The brunette tomboy instantly let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding and sat down on the nearest chair. She looked up to her best friend; "Haru, tonight went well right? Not too much drama."
Everyone instantly sweated. Haruka scratched the back of her neck. "Yeah... it could have gone way worse."
Makoto smiled in relief, she looked down at her watch and sighed. "Well, we open again in 14 hours... so you ain't gotta go home, but you've all gotta get the hell outta here." Haruka giggled and Makoto looked up at her, "I'm not kidding, go." The blonde shook her head despairingly.
"We should go; it's been an eventful night for all of us. How is everyone getting home?"
Setsuna finally spoke as she ambled her way to the front of the group. "I'm taking Ami, Minako and Rei home. And we should probably go now; Ami fainted earlier so she's tired." Haruka scrunched her eyebrows in confusion but Miss M sighed, "I'll explain another day. Let's get going girls; I want to catch the valet off-guard."
Rei, Minako and Ami said their goodbyes to the group and hurried over to an agitated Setsuna. Seiya licked his lips as he watched the green-haired woman intently.
"We, er, should probably all go and get our cars back... I mean, Mako's got stuff she needs to do and some fresh air would not go amiss!" He grinned goofily and Haruka rolled her eyes.
"Baka... but we'll go Mako, you look like you need the space. And a bottle of the good stuff."
The night air wasn't as vicious as it should be in December; instead tonight, it was a more than welcome breeze. There's a bite to it, for sure, but welcoming nonetheless. Setsuna had given her keys to the valet and was waiting for the car to be brought from its underground parking. As she hugged her arms for warmth, she turned to the girls to see if they were okay – thought if anyone asked if she was seeing to make sure they were as cold as she was. But Setsuna was instantly concerned at Ami; she looked as though she was going to pass out at any given moment. "Ami-san, are you okay?"
Ami nodded, unable to reply, for fear any extra strength sued could knock her out again.
Setsuna turned as she heard the restaurant door open and was greeted with Seiya's face grinning as he approached her, the rest of their party in tow. Haruka, Mamoru and Seiya threw their keys to the waiting valets, watching the three men rush off in search of the three cars.
Everyone was silent as they waited.
Seiya took a step towards Setsuna. She sighed dramatically and he laughed gently before allowing an arrogant smirk to reside on his face. "You don't like me, do you?"
Seiya grinned wider as Setsuna avoided his gaze; this was becoming a regular occurrence, but he loved it. Was he masochistic? He didn't know but he did know this woman had intrigued far more than any other human ever had. "You state the obvious far too much, Kou-san."
Seiya did a victory dance in his mind. He grinned widely and Setsuna looked at him, she seemed bored with his very presence. "Do you have anything else obvious you'd like to share with the group, Kou-san?"
Seiya nodded his head and winked in Haruka's direction, earning a confused reaction from the tomboy. "You're very pretty, Meioh-san."
Setsuna's eyes widened and she spluttered ungracefully for a moment, earning a giggle from Hotaru, Chibiusa and Minako. Setsuna gulped nervously but couldn't find anything to say. Seiya laughed gently. "Maybe that's not obvious to you, Meioh-san, but it is to me."
Seiya smiled gently and Setsuna looked into his eyes, at first ready to seethe with hate but she found his sincerity, although foreign was more than welcome.
Tyres screeched to a halt in front of Setsuna and she hurried to the drivers' side, intent on escaping Seiya and everyone else. Seiya stepped towards the car as Minako, Rei and Ami entered their respective seats in the car.
"I'll see you around, Meioh-san."
"Don't count on it, baka."
Setsuna was about to leave when suddenly Ami sat up in car, "Excuse me Miss M, I need the restroom! Please don't go!" Ami rushed from the car as Setsuna sighed heavily. Setsuna slowly got out of the car too, waiting for the bluenette impatiently.
Haruka laughed loudly as Seiya glared at her.
"What's so funny, Tenoh?"
Haruka wiped her eyes, clearly from laughing to hard. "Dude, she called you a baka in front of all of us! It's so obvious you're wasting your time!"
Seiya shook his head before seeing Setsuna out of the corner of his eye, no expression evident on her features. He sighed once more and then saw Michiru out of the corner of his eye. Seiya grinned deviously. "Hey, Haruka, just because someone acts like they don't like you in front of everyone else, doesn't mean they don't like you. I bet if we were alone, she'd act differently around me... seems to me she's just got a reputation to keep up."
Haruka still laughed. "Man, if you even got Setsuna-san in a room with you... willingly... I'd die from shock, let alone see Setsuna-san treat you as though she liked you! Hell, she treated Makoto a thousand times nicer than you the first time she met her."
Seiya cocked an eyebrow and looked at Setsuna who shrugged nonchalantly.
"Be that as it may," The valet pulled up with Seiya's car and the dark-haired man took the keys from the valet, "There's more to any one person than meets the eye."
"Tenoh-san?"
Michiru instantly stiffened as she heard the voice of Lara Ellis, she looked over to the source of the voice and scoffed. Haruka turned to find Lara with her gentlemen friend standing by a cab, the door already open. As soon as Lara saw that she had the blonde's attention she smiled. The gentleman entered the cab but left the door open. Haruka looked at the other woman quizzically.
"Hai, Ellis-san?"
Lara swiftly walked over to the blonde, ignoring everyone else in the immediate area. She had her sights set on one person and one person only. "You said we could talk if you were around after... I didn't know you'd take that long to leave though," Lara winked at Haruka and the blonde smirked at Lara's open flirting, "But I'm strapped for time, so here... take my number."
Lara opened her clutch-bag and took out a small notepad and pen and scribbled down a number on it. She put the pen and notepad back in the bag and placed it higher up on her shoulder. "So, give me a call sometime... Tenoh-san."
Lara seductively folded the piece of paper with her number on it and ran her hands down to Haruka's pants, slowly placing it into the front pocket. Haruka's eyebrows had risen in shock; this girl sure was forward. Lara smiled coyly and looked at the pocket she had just deposited her number into.
"I like to make sure it's kept somewhere safe, Tenoh-san. Ja ne."
Lara walked off, and from what Haruka could tell, she sure could swing her hips. The blonde tomboy unconsciously licked her lips and barely two seconds later, Seiya swung his arm over her shoulder and exhaled out loud. "Holy crap, I thought I was going to faint and she wasn't even touching me!"
Haruka laughed gently and threw him off of her and straightened out her clothes. She heard someone clear their throat and looked up to see Setsuna, seemingly amused by the night's events, grinning. "Maybe we should all go home and cool off, Tenoh-san?"
Setsuna's mocking of Lara's seduction technique seemed to get a giggle from everyone except for Hotaru. She was stood there, still, looking out at a figure that retreated with every step. "Hota-chan, who are you looking at?"
Haruka looked up and squinted at the figure but she couldn't quite make them out. Hotaru sighed deeply before speaking quietly.
"Michiru-chan."
"Michiru-chan? She left? How the hell is she going to get home?!" Seiya put a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll catch up and give her a ride. I promise, Haru-chan."
Haruka couldn't even respond.
Seiya jumped into his car and began driving down the road.
All Haruka could think was how odd it was for Michiru to just walk off like that. Tonight, she was not acting her normal self; the next time Haruka saw her she was going to find out what was eating at the aqua-haired woman. Two other cars pulled up by the side; Mamoru smiled gently to Usagi as they wordlessly made their way to the car. Haruka knew better than to question this; this was a couple thing. The tomboy sent a reassuring smile to Mamoru which was meekly returned. The restaurant door opened and Ami reappeared, looking slightly better than before.
"I'm fine now, Miss M. I'm sorry for the delay."
Setsuna smiled in secret relief, making it look more like a smirk. "It's fine Ami. Let's just go, it's been a long day."
The bluenette bade her goodbyes to Haruka and Hotaru as she got back into the car with Setsuna and the car swiftly drove off. Haruka placed her hand gently on Hotaru's shoulder. "Let's go home and rest, cuz."
Hotaru nodded emphatically and the two got into Haruka's car. Mamoru's car whizzed past them and Haruka watched it with great interest.
"I hope they're okay," she muttered to herself.
"Do you love me, Mamo-chan?" The blonde looked up into her husband's eyes as they entered their car. Chibiusa was sitting in the back, headphones in, arms flailing about as she danced to her music.
"Course I do, odango-atama."
Usagi watched her husband's face but saw he had the same look of fatigue that he had had for months. She looked straight ahead as he began to drive.
"I didn't know you and Beryl-san were on such good terms... again."
Mamoru blinked a few times before he cleared his throat.
"Yeah, she got promoted to head of the department last month... didn't I tell you?" Usagi shook her head in response and Mamoru forced out a small smile, "She's my boss, that's all, Usako."
"I know, Mamo-chan, I know. I love you."
Mamoru turned to his wife and smiled, before returning his attention back to the road. Usagi slumped in her seat, and fought the tears that threatened to come from her eyes. She was always called a cry-baby but right now she didn't want to cry. Mamoru would see them. And he would know that she knew. Beryl had spoken to her in the bathroom. Neither Chibiusa nor her new friend could understand what was going on, but to Usagi it was clear that there was more to Beryl's relationship with her husband than met the eye.
Their relationship at work was not just professional. And it broke her heart to know that and have no-one to talk to about it.
Rei looked at her employer in the front of the car and saw the green-haired woman was thinking deeply about something, her eyes fixated on the road more than usual. Beside her Ami had fallen asleep, clearly whatever happened earlier had exhausted her.
Fainting apparently.
Rei sighed and brought her attention to the blonde haired woman beside her; she was grinning at Rei.
"Hey, Rei." Her voice was soft and gentle but her eyes had a more lustful flame in them.
Ah yes, the lust. The lust Rei had experienced less than two hours ago. But now, she had doubted if it was just for her. Of course both her and Minako were escorts and sex was their pay-check, but lust is something you can't really fake. Real lust; Rei thought she had that back in the restrooms. But after that and seeing Minako with the male clients, Rei began to doubt the sincerity of Minako's feelings. Minako was well known in After Dark for always having a good time with the clients. But tonight, it seemed as though the lust Rei thought was just for her, was available for anyone Minako had a liking for tonight.
"Hey yourself."
Minako cocked both eyebrows in shock at Rei's response. "You looked like you were having fun tonight, Minako." The blonde furrowed her eyebrows in confusion – she really didn't see where Rei was going with this. "What are you talking about Rei? I did have a good time. Good food, good drink... clean restrooms." Minako winked and was disheartened when she saw Rei didn't even react to the flirtatious gesture.
"Yeah... and those clients... were you having a fun time with them too?"
"I...guess I was. I mean, they were fun and didn't try anything with us... Rei, what's gotten into you?"
Rei looked over at Setsuna and Ami and saw the two were not paying a wink of attention due to their incapacitated states. Rei snapped her head back to Minako and scoffed in disgust before whispering at a low level. "Those two men were all over you and you didn't care!"
Minako rolled her eyes – she really didn't need this now. "Why should I? Everyone was here to keep an eye on us, Rei. It's not like a little bit of flirting harmed anyone?"
Rei looked down, turning her head way from Minako and staring out of the car window. "Harmless flirting? What next, Mina? Harmless kissing? Touching? Fucking...? Is that all I am to you? Some harmless fun. Nothing serious?"
"What? Rei, no! Look can we do this another time? It's late and now is not the time," Minako pleaded with the hot-headed woman but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.
"I swear to God, Mina, I am sick and tired of these fucking games. I feel stupid enough! So, if you want me then take me, but if you don't then leave me the fuck alone."
A moment of silence ensued, where Minako's jaw went slack and Rei watched the younger girl; looking for any reaction that could be seen as swaying into the direction she wanted. That particular direction being 'Yes, Rei, god damned it, be mine!'
But there was silence.
The sound of the crackling radio as Setsuna fiddled with the reception while trying to keep the car on the road was enough to ensure that Rei and Minako could not be heard. The car stopped at a red light and the raven-haired woman brushed dark hair out of her face. She stepped back, shaking her head and laughing bitterly.
"I should have known. It was always going to be no, wasn't it?"
A hand slipped gently into Rei's and violet yes snapped up to meet sapphire. Minako placed the index finger from her other hand onto Rei's mouth and stared intensely into her eyes.
"Rei... believe it or not, you don't always know everything. And you don't know everything about me."
Rei was silent as the light went green and the car began to move again.
A/N – Soooooooooooooo kiddies, there you have chapter 9. I hope you enjoyed it. Feedback, thoughts, reviews, it's all welcome. Ja ne - VR