Chapter Ten
"So this is it then?" Setsuna asked. Her red eyes were cold and piercing, as her berry vamp lips were pursed as if she were holding back from screaming a bunch of long winded obscenities. Though the woman in front of her didn't blame her at all if she had. She had every right to be upset…
Haruka felt guilty but not one bit nervous. She had let down plenty of girls in the past. Setsuna was no different. If anything, it shocked her more so that she had yet again, made a mistake. Her heart had been wrong….
"Yeah..." was the only thing that came out of her mouth.
Setsuna smirked, "It looks like your got your share of getting your ass handed to you or I might have done so myself." Her head nudged forward referring to Haruka's busted lip that Seiya had so generously gave her. Her back was starting to feel the impact of the hard floor she had been thrown on as well.
"Do you love her?" the designer asked.
Haruka blinked taken a back at the question.
"Don't think I'm dumb, Haruka. You don't put your mouth on things that you don't want to claim. The only question I have is whether or not you've actually fallen for her," Setsuna continued.
"I...I don't know," the blonde admitted.
"I feel like an idiot. The gown I designed... The night at the restaurant.. I should have paid more attention..."
"If it makes you feel any better, as of last night I was yours. This is so sudden and is still becoming a gradual realization. This is something that was completely unexpected that even I am shocked at myself… I truly don't know what to feel Setsuna… I thought I loved you. Truly. I'm so sorry…. Michiru was drunk and I felt the need to take care of her last night. Things happened," Haruka explained.
Setsuna sighed, disappointed and hurt. It had been a long day…
"I think I'll leave now. The sight of you is making me sick…." She got up from the office chair she had placed herself in and headed to the door.
"Setsuna..."
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry… I truly am."
Setsuna turned around at the door slowly, her eyes cast upon the blue hues of Haruka's. Serious as ever, she said, "I've most likely discovered something about you that even you don't know about yourself yet…. One day Haruka Tennou, you're going to lose something important to you and there will be nothing you can do to stop it… It will be your fault too..."
There was nothing more to be said as Haruka stood there rooted as her now-to-be ex-girlfriend walked out of the room.
Setsuna walked down the hallway in hope that she wouldn't be mobbed by more photographers and press on the way out. Tears streamed down her face and she slowed down her pace. She counted her paces gradually for a second; in hopes that Haruka wouldn't leave it like it was. Would she chase after her…? She wished and hoped more than anything….
Unfortunately for her, time was not on her side. She threw on her designer sunglasses to hide her face before stepping out of the building.
Haruka wouldn't chase after something she didn't truly love anymore…
'She'll get what's coming to her…' Setsuna thought, as swarms of interviewers and photographers guarded her from getting to her car. Staff from the building blocked them from invading her space as she made way to her Porsche. She answered no questions and looked straight ahead. There was no questions to be answered because even her own couldn't be answered in her head…
"I'll go with Seiya to pick up something for lunch okay? It's probably not a good idea for you to go out there. Press is all over the place wanting a word with anyone who might have a clue about what just happened," Usagi explained.
Michiru silently nodded.
"Wakame salad and maybe a soup? I know your nerves must be way too wrecked to stomach anything too heavy," Seiya suggested.
"Yeah… Maybe. Please add a coffee or energy drink Seiya. I'm really exhausted. I need to manage to get through the rest of the day without burning out," Michiru said.
Seiya smiled, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"It'll be okay...it will all pass. You do have to explain things to me when I get back though….I don't want to see you hurt," she coaxed.
"It was a mistake. I promise you….bad judgment on my part, but I'll explain in a bit," Michiru assured, hoping Seiya wouldn't think too much on it while running errands.
Usagi smiled, "I know I've said it before...but really, Haruka means no harm… She's just indecisive and that can get a bit frustrating. You're in good hands though. I assure you."
Michiru gave a weak smile as they walked out of the room. Her shoulders slumped in exhaustion from the previous adrenaline rush. What a day….. She wondered if this scandal would affect her sales or much more, her career. Pristine and perfect Michiru Kisaki was not only supposedly "unattainably taken" but a lesbian to boot. It worried her. She was the type of lady who was reserved and had a fan base that was just as reserved as she was. Despite her image, the inside of her was chaotic and a mess. A front for defense. A front to keep her personal life separate from her life as an artist and model.
Now that something so personal was out, she wondered if her illusion and image had been destroyed all by her feelings and carelessness. What made it worse was that it was a mistake… Never again would she allow herself to get close to someone like Haruka Tennou..
"Well, well, looks like you created quite a crowd outside Kisaki-senpai," a voice called out from the door way.
Michiru's head shot up to find a blonde in a frilly orange idol outfit, her long blonde tresses at her waist were tied with a trademark red ribbon… Minako Aino leaned against the door, her coral lips in a knowing smirk.
"The press would have went after anything," Michiru called in defense.
"Ah but Senpai," Minako said sickeningly sweet as if she was using the title of senpai in the most mocking of ways, "It's your boss whom you messed with."
"As I recall you also had a go with her too. Your boss messes with anyone that moves. I don't like her like that-not in that way," the aquamarine haired woman corrected.
"Why would a prim and proper girl like you mess with her in return? What makes this even more hilarious is the fact that you still play that ladylike role when a picture is worth a thousand words. The shame of last night is all in that picture too. Clothes from Haruka's wardrobe, hair prettily done by her, and the Louboutins are mine to boot! Even if I didn't know her routine with women, I know what's very well mine. It's a shame I left them there for a closet-tramp like you to strut around in," Minako shot back. Her blue hues glittered maliciously as her words stabbed like a knife, "What would Haruka see in a girl like you other than a challenge….? Don't get your hopes up too soon. You were clearly easy."
"Enough of your shit Minako. Why the hell aren't you out with Yaten…? Thought you'd stop in to cause some chaos before your promotional activities hm? Why must you always give people headaches…?" another feminine but deep voice interrupted. It was no other than Tennou, Haruka herself that pushed past Minako, who looked shocked but then sulked at the entrance made.
"Mou Ha-ru-ka," Minako whined, "I was just greeting Kisaki-senpai. We hadn't been properly introduced."
"Oh you introduced yourself alright," Haruka muttered darkly.
"You know what…? Enough of this mess. I came here to work-not to deal with this today," Michiru snapped. She had changed out of Setsuna's gown long ago and back into the clothes and shoes Haruka had lent her. She was so furious that she stepped out of the nude heels, wanting to hock them at the dumb idol bitch before her. Instead, she placed them before her.
"Sorry to impose on what's yours. If you'll excuse me," she said before making her way out of the room barefoot.
"Oi, Oi...god dammit Minako..." Haruka hissed before chasing after Michiru.
"Kisaki-san…," Haruka began formerly dashing after Michiru's fast pace.. She was ignored the first three times he named called and the blonde rolled her eyes in defeat, "Michiru."
Even Haruka could see her eyes widen in shock as the formalities went out the window and finally the blonde haired produced was able to corner Michiru in an attempt to stop her from dashing away upset…
"What?" Michiru hissed quietly enough not to stir attention, as if her stomping out with no shoes already hadn't already...
"I'm extremely sorry about Minako, but don't be ridiculous. Don't let her walk all over you like that," Haruka coaxed.
"That's not even why I'm fed up. I'm extremely angry with you. Did you have it planned for paparazzi to be cornering us in the parking garage? Did you intend to let Minako Aino see me with her Christian Louboutins on my feet?! What am I? A joke to you? I've been a walking circus for you and everyone else who knows better, this entire day today!"
Her voice had a tremor of hurt in it. Haruka didn't know what to say or do, wondering if even if she said the truth-if Michiru would believe her. She had never been so bothered by this all before…. She took a second to compose herself and convey her words properly in hopes of comforting the woman before her.
"You're certainly not a joke to me Michiru, but one of my most valued assets for my agency. None of it was a set up… I know it's hard to believe me right now. My reputation doesn't help me one bit and I understand that. Trust me when I say that I would never ever intentionally throw one of my artists under the bus like that. I especially don't like doing that with my girlfriends….but privacy what I sacrifice to do what I do in terms of my career. I apologize for being so careless with you. Truly… I hope you can forgive me," Haruka said. This was all she could do for her. It was chatty and long-winded even for her, but she knew Michiru was worth it and deserved it. Haruka felt utterly exhausted. It was such a long day and it wasn't even noon yet.
Michiru was slightly shocked. Haruka just had willingly apologized right in front of her with no qualms or hesitation. It pulled at her heartstrings a little as she let it sink in. Her feelings wavered between a fine line of respect and love…
Michiru opened her mouth to respond before Seiya's voice interrupted down the hallway.
"I need to go. She has food for me and I have to explain some things," was all she could say. She about walked off and was pulled back by Haruka.
"Hey..." was all she heard out of her boss.
Michiru raised and eyebrow shocked at the contact. Her arms got goosebumps just from Haruka having contact with her arm...
"Go to the clothing studio and pick out a pair of flats or something. We can't have you running around the offices and studios with bare feet," Haruka said.
"Understood," the violinist answered.
"Michiru...why are you barefoot?" Seiya asked as she entered the hallway with takeout bags in her hands.
"There was an accident with the heels. Do you mind if I stop by the dressing room and pick up a pair of shoes for the time being?" Michiru responded with a smile.
"No problem," Seiya said glancing at Haruka who brushed past her.
"Thanks," said Michiru.
"What a shame too... You love Louboutins about as much as you love make up," Seiya said sadly.
"It's fine. They were just basic pair anyway," Michiru answered as they walked down the hallway.
Haruka smiled slightly. Michiru might have forgiven her just a little bit. However, she wanted to make sure… She immediately called Yaten who in turn was just then, picking up a very bratty Minako Aino.
"Hey Yaten do you mind running another errand for me while Minako records in the sound studio…?"
"It was a mistake that I'll never repeat again," Michiru ended her explanation as she sipped on her miso soup that Seiya had brought her.
"You're never going out alone again," Seiya muttered darkly.
Michiru laughed, "I'll be fine. I might have drank a little too much but I learned my lesson."
"What do you think Tennou will do about the press?" questioned the dark haired manager.
Michiru shrugged, "I have no idea… I want to say it's her problem but it has to do with me so I don't know what to do. I dread leaving the building."
"I have a plan for that actually. We'll hide you in my car with the top up. They're expecting your car and I'm even parked in a place they can't have access to. I made sure of that when I picked up your food. We'll just ease on out in a bit in my car," Seiya explained.
"Ah...but I need to pick up my car and keys from Yaten," Michiru mentioned suddenly remembering that her vehicle wasn't in her possession at home.
"I'll take care of that if anything. I'm going to let Tennou do her damage control of this situation since this is her fault. I don't want you commenting on any questions asked of you until we get the entire thing sorted out. Until this whole scandal dies over, I don't want you going out alone without me or someone else from the agency. Preferably not your boss," Seiya continued to instruct her.
Instruction went on for the entire time she ate and while she knew her friend turned manager had it in for her best interest, she wished she could just let herself process everything alone without being interrupted. It had been such a long day for her.
After a couple of studio activities with a couple of the staff and for once, not Haruka Tennou watching her every move, she recorded the last bit of her single and the violin accompaniments. Before anyone could have any personal contact or private conversation with Michiru, Seiya thanked everyone for their hard work and whisked her away to the private part of the parking garage on the rooftop.
They got in the car and drove off avoiding the crowd of photographers and reporters outside of the agency's large building.
Michiru was never more relieved that she would finally get to go home and fall asleep in her own bed…
Usagi was exhausted. It had been such a long day. Especially with the Michiru Kisaki scandal being the top subject of the gossip headlines. Even certain press staff knew who she was were aware that she was relevant enough to attempt to urge for details. However, Usagi was smart enough to keep quiet.
She had almost made her way down to the subway that would by no doubt, be crowded with rush hour commuters just wanting to go home.
"Usako!" a familiar voice called out. Usagi's heart skipped in joy. She almost swore she about had a heart attack in shock of who it was she saw.
Mamoru Chiba was parked on the side of the road on his motorbike, his helmet was on covering most of his face, but the blonde haired blue eyed girl knew his demeanor anywhere.
"Mamo-chan…."
"Need a ride home? Looks like you had a long day," Mamoru offered holding out his spare helmet.
Usagi smiled ear to ear, not hesitating for a moment longer to hop on top the back placing her arms around her boyfriend. It felt so warm and familiar to her, she honestly couldn't believe it. It had felt like it had been forever since she had physically seen Mamoru, much less held him.
"Needy? I think that's normal for people in love don't you think? Both people, if they are in love, shouldn't ever want to separate. They should always miss their partner and try their best in their own way."
Seiya Kou's voice rang in her head out of all times… Usagi blushed. Why was she thinking of Seiya?! By no doubt, the woman's words came off loving and wise. She had even said Mamoru should be lucky to have Usagi as a partner, but suddenly thinking on it….whoever Seiya's girlfriend would be in the future would be incredibly lucky as well. The woman was playful but mature and seemingly selfless towards people… It had impressed Usagi slightly. It was a side to Seiya that she hadn't expected.
"Hold on tight," Mamoru warned,
Usagi nodded tightening her grip. She was happy. Elated even. She then decided when she got home that she would make a big dinner for the two of them and offer for Mamoru to spend the night at her place. She would give almost anything to see him the next morning…
Michiru groggily opened her eyes as she woke up out of her sleep. Her cell phone was ringing as much as her door bell was…
Surely the press hadn't made way to her home…
She reached for her phone and carelessly answered it without a thought of who the ID-less number was. Anyone important would know or have her number.
"Moshi moshi?"
"Kisaki-san, it's Yaten. I've came with your car keys," a feminine but boyish voice chimed on the line.
"Ah.. Thank you so much. Let me open the door for you," Michiru replied. She moved herself up into a sitting position and attempted to shake the blurry dizziness away that came from pushing away sleep. She felt lightheaded as she padded across the cool floor of her room to grab a robe to hide her lingerie clad body in.
She brushed and messily tied up her hair before moving into the living to answer the door.
There stood Yaten at the doorway entrance, car keys in one hand and a brown shopping bag in the other.
"I can't thank you enough to bringing me my car and keys. I do hope you have a ride back," said Michiru as her keys were handed over to her.
"It's no problem. It's a part of my job to assist anything that Tennou-san needs. I have a car awaiting me in the lot," the silver haired assistant assured warmly.
"That's a relief. Can I offer you any tea before you head out?" Michiru offered politely.
"That won't be necessary Kisaki-san. I have other errands to run. However, this is also for you," Yaten said handing over the brown bag to Michiru.
"Oh? For work?" the aqua-marine haired musician asked.
"No. Tennou-san gives you her regards and utmost apologies. These are to make up for what all occurred today. They are yours. She told me to tell you the are a present and you should be aware of their no return policy," Yaten said.
Michiru was shocked, just then realizing the what the label read on the bag…. She should have noticed it just by the style of shopping bag it was.
"There's no way I can accept these," she answered dazed.
"She's pretty insistent on it. Do forgive me for cutting this short, but I do have other appointments and deadlines to make myself," Yaten said excusing herself.
"Thank you so much… Tell Tennou-san that I am thankful then, and also tell her she need not to anymore," Michiru said.
Yaten smiled before turning around holding a hand up in a wave goodbye before pausing, "Kisaki-san, consider yourself a lucky lady. I don't think I have ever seen Tennou-san invest so much on a woman before… Not even her girlfriends."
Michiru blinked confused but was unable to say anything as Yaten rounded the hallway corner. She shut the door behind her still in awe…
Haruka had gifted her with Christian Louboutins. Which pair…? Michiru was almost afraid to figure out.
Why was her boss being so nice? Was it for their night before? Was it over Minako? Her head raced trying to come up with some type or theory or motive for such kindness. It wasn't the fact that they were Louboutins that were leaving her stunned. Michiru was perfectly capable of buying her own sets of heels with in reason. They weren't unattainable with her model status, and she had a modest collection of basic Louboutins that went with a variety of her outfits. Nudes, whites, blacks..kitten heels to strappy sandals to stilettos. She almost had felt empowered knowing she had slowly earned them on her own with her modeling and art career.
Michiru opened the brown embalmed box, noting the card in the box addressed to her. It was most likely from Haruka herself. She removed the wrapping paper from the box and slowly removed the sparkly shoes from the red dust-bags, her heart skipped a beat at such an intricate pair of shoes.
"Holy..." she murmured not being able to process what pair she had in her possession. These weren't just any Christian Louboutins. These were a six-thousand dollar Daffodile Strasses. The entire shoe was covered in swavorski crystals and Michiru had fawned over these enough in person to know what a hole these would be on a wallet. It was most likely pocket change for Haruka but….was that what Yaten meant by Haruka investing so much…? But why? Why weren't these for Setsuna?
They were beautiful, but Michiru had no idea where she'd wear these… They were something that she'd never want to ruin by walking carelessly. They were much too beautiful...even for Michiru.
She reached for the card wondering what the hell Haruka would even say to explain the reasoning behind such an extravagant gift.
'To make up for this morning's events. Please enjoy them. They're yours to keep. Think of it as an apology on my behalf and to also make up for Aino-san's behavior. Now you have a prettier pair of your own that suit you much better.
-Haruka'
(A/N: Finally! It took me a little bit to write up this chapter so I apologize for the wait. This was a little easier to write up than the last one. I had a bit of a sudden plot bunny with the Loubies. X'D I don't really think materialism is a good way to someone's heart but honestly Haruka was bothered that Minako rubbed it in Michiru's face that those shoes were originally hers. So Haruka in an attempt to court her/woo her and apologize at the same time bought her a prettier pair in spite. To Haruka it would translate as her being serious about her apology/being bothered about her being walked over by an ex/really investing things into her because she thinks that she genuinely likes her-plus she overheard Seiya saying to Michiru that it was a shame a pair got ruined because she had a modest collection of them. I thought I would kind of explain this since it won't be explained in the upcoming chapters too much. It's not really the price but more of the thought put into it. As Yaten said, Haruka while she's probably full of pretty gifts and words, she's never went all out for a girl before so if anything it's Haruka's attempt to say "you are different from them." despite Michiru rejecting her advances. LOL Michiru however can't be bought as you'll figure out. It'll take a lot more than pretty shoes to really lure her completely despite her feelings. Lol she can't let go clearly and for good reason while Haruka's cruelty in high school bettered her as a person-Michiru is pretty convinced that Haruka only likes her because she's pretty. Little does she know for Haruka it's a bit more than that and I'm not exactly sure how I'll translate that in future chapters but we'll see! Stay tuned guys! Thank you all so much for sticking around for so long! Random note; I listened to BoA's Mamoritai-White Wishes while writing the last portion of this chapter. I thought it suited the mood. If it listen to it for the Usagi scene up to the end-it fits pretty well I think. :) It's a little crazy I kind of have a planned out soundtrack/playlist that fits this entire story like most of my lame old writing does )
Revised: 7/23/2016
