Undying Love
Chapter
12 – Confession and Misunderstanding
Disclaimer:
Haruka, Michiru, Sailormoon, and other characters don't belong to me, but the plot is mine. Enjoy the story…
Kyoko was washing the dishes when Michiru came bursting into the kitchen, the door slamming shut behind her. "Michiru-sama, is something wrong?"
"Kyoko-san! Where's the medicine kit? Alex hurt her hand!"
"Wait here! I'll go get it…"
"Okay…" Michiru said as she tried to catch her breath. She felt her heart racing but she knew that it wasn't just because she ran… She was brought out of her daze when she heard someone call out her name.
"Michiru-sama?" She said as she approached Michiru cautiously. "Here it is." Kyoko then handed the medicine kit. She saw Michiru's expression and was confused by it. "Michiru-sama, is there anything wrong? You look flustered."
"I'm fine Kyoko-san."
"Oh my… I think Michiru-sama's in love!" Kyoko giggled but stopped as she saw Michiru's face redden more. "I was just kidding Michiru-sama..."
"Kyoko-san… I don't know why… but whenever I think about Alex and everything she's done for me, I feel… giddy. It may sound stupid but I feel like a high school student all over again…"
Kyoko gave her a knowing smile. "Maybe it's because you're starting to like her."
"What! That couldn't be it! I mean Alex is… wonderful but…"
Michiru started to ran but Kyoko placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Just think about it. Now go." Kyoko said as she pushed Michiru lightly through the door "Alex' hand needs tending to."
Michiru went to the backyard again and saw Alex leaning against the stable wall, in a conversation with Koji. "I'm back…" She placed the medicine kit on one side of a bench that was there. She carefully took Alex' arm, motioned her to sit down. "Sit."
"Hey!"
"It's a little difficult for me to apply the medicine for you if you're standing."
"Humph! It's only a flesh wound…"
Michiru paused briefly and yanked on Alex' arm to get her attention. "Alex, you…"
Koji smacked Alex back playfully. "Alex, be more gentleman to the pretty girl here, will you?" He intended the hit to be weak but it ended up causing Alex to stumble forward. She almost fell, had it not been for Michiru who was holding onto her.
"Okay! Okay!" She withdrew her hand from Michiru, before she stood up. "I am sorry Michi, thank you for your help."
Michiru grabbed Alex wounded hand and then she titled her head to one side, while giving Alex a bemused expression. "Michi?"
Alex blushed as she remembered how she had called Michiru. "Don't think anything of it! It just came out spontaneously!"
"That's alright…" Michiru smiled at Alex. "In fact I like that nickname." She then opened the medicine kit, before she cleaned Alex wound and applied the antiseptic.
Koji let out a mock cough, which caused Michiru to look at him. He then leaned to the side where Michiru sat, before he began to speak. "Michiru, help me to convince this Alex to come to my house. You can come too if you want. My family will be very happy to meet both of you."
"Koji-san… I've told you that we will go back to the city tomorrow."
"Yes, but dinner won't do any harm. I could also drive you two there and then back here so it wouldn't be much of a hassle for you. My house is near your villa so you'll be back early."
"Alex, why can't we go? Koji-san wants to express his gratitude to you and I think you can just accept his invitation."
Alex raised her free hand to acknowledge the request, before she nodded her head in agreement. "Fine, fine... We will go there, but we won't stay long, if that is alright with you, Koji-san."
"Really? You agree? Thank you so much, Alex-sama! Could I make a call on your telephone? I want to tell my wife and ask her to prepare the food for dinner."
"Sure."
With that said, Koji went inside the villa, which left Alex alone with Michiru who was still attending to her wound. After she had applied the medicine, she bandaged Haruka's hand carefully. When she was finished, she looked at her handy-work. "There, all better."
Alex pulled her hand back, before she replied. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Michiru smiled at her as she placed everything in the medicine kit.
"So, you're coming too tonight?"
"Yes, but that's if you're fine with it…"
"I don't mind… You're invited by Koji after all." Alex stood up and walked away from the bench, but she stopped when Michiru called out to her. "What?"
"Um, Alex, about last…"
"Can we talk about it some other time? I want to call Mamoru and discuss something with him now."
"Oh, okay."
Alex continued walking until she reached the villa. She sighed and leaned against the door after she closed it. "Am I being to cruel? Acting like that to her even though I am the one who's at fault..." She rubbed her forehead before she headed up the stairs to her room to make the call.
(At the noon)
Michiru paused at the top of the stairs, so she could check if her hair was in place, before she went downstairs. She was wearing a simple, light green, dress, that hugged her figure well and also complimented her hair and eyes.
Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, she found Alex, mouth agape, sitting on the living room sofa. This caused her to giggle, which in turn caused Alex to blush. She walked passed the stunned blonde, and proceeded to the door. When she noted that Alex still did not move from her previous position, she turned around to grin at her goofy expression. "After you've picked up your jaw from the floor you may want to hurry up so we can get to Koji-san's place in time for dinner." With that, Michiru then opened the door and went outside.
As if snapping out from some trance, Alex shook her head to shake the thoughts forming in her head. "Damn, why she is so beautiful?" She then stood up from the chair before exiting the villa.
As they walked to the jeep that was parked on the side of the road, Koji You may know this already but name suffixes are only used in conversation was about to pull a cigarette out, when he saw them approach. He put the box back in his pocket and opened the door for them. "It's about time you guys arrived. Pardon the jeep though. It's old, but it's clean and the engine is still good."
"We're good Koji-san." Alex waited for Michiru to sit at the passenger's seat and closed the door for her before she sat at the front seat. She put on her seatbelt and looked at Koji.
"Ready? Here we go." Koji turned the key to start the engine, and then they were off to Koji's house.
After an hour driving, they finally arrived at Koji's house. It wasn't as 'high-end' as Alex villa, but the two-storey house looked very nice. At the front there was a small flower field and small fish pond. The house made from the wood and was designed in a country style.
"Nice house, Koji-san." Alex went down from the jeep, before she helped Michiru get out from it.
"I like it too Koji-san, it's very beautiful."
"Thank you for the compliments. Let's go inside. My wife is waiting for our arrival. She was really happy when she heard, that you were going to grace us with your Alex-sama." He opened the house's door for them and yelled as he took off his shoes. "Tadaima… Misa, Alex-sama is here…"
There were sounds of feet rushing towards their direction, and suddenly a lady who looked a little younger than Koji appeared. She had on an apron and held a big spatula in her hand. "Welcome, Alex-sama. I have prepared dinner for you and this beautiful, young lady." She smiled at Michiru who extended her hand to her. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"No Aria's in the city right now. She couldn't be here unfortunately. This, however, is Michiru and she's one of the talents from the company where I work."
"Really? But you both make such a lovely couple… Such a shame… I bet though that she …" Misa was not able to continue as Koji cut her off statement with a cough. This caused her to laugh, before she bowed at her two visitors. "Forgive the nonsense ramblings of an old woman. I hope you don't pay any attention to it. If you don't mind, I need to finish cooking."
"Er… Sorry about that Alex-sama. My wife can be peculiar at times. She just…"
"I heard that Koji!"
Koji slapped his head. "Oh no, I will have some troubles tonight." He signaled them to follow him.
Upon reaching the dining area, Michiru turned to their host. "Koji-san, does your wife need any help in the kitchen? I'd be more than willing to extend any if need be."
"No need for you to do that Michiru-sama. You are a guest in this house. Guests should not work at their host's home."
"Please don't call me Michiru-sama. I am by no means your superior Koji-san. Michiru-san would be fine. However, I insist on helping your prepare dinner."
"If you're going to be persistent then I guess I can't stop you…"
"Thank you." Michiru smiled at him before she went to the kitchen.
Koji and Alex both watched Michiru exit the dining area until she was out of their sight. "She is such a nice girl. In fact, I dare say she's 'perfect'. I bet every guy out there would want to have her as his girlfriend. What puzzles me though is how come you're this close to her and you didn't even exert any effort to win her affection?"
"She doesn't like me that way…"
"Really? But I see the opposite in her eyes."
"Koji-san… I'd rather not talk about it. Could we discuss something else?"
"Okay…" Koji assented but grinned. "Alex-sama, why don't you wait here? I need to fix something outside."
"Would you need any help?"
"No need to worry. I can do it myself."
"Alright." Koji then turned around and went outside the house.
Half an hour later, Koji's family had dinner together with Alex and Michiru. Koji had two kids, the 12 year old boy was Akira and the 10 year old girl was Kasumi. After the dinner, Koji stayed behind in the dining room with Alex and Michiru to chat a bit, while Misa went to the children's bedroom with Akira and Kasumi, saying it was time for their children to sleep.
Alex glanced at her watch and stood up. "It's late, Koji-san. I think it's about time we go home."
"Really? Well as they say 'time flies when you're having fun'! Come! Let me drive you both back to the villa." Koji rose from his seat and went to the front door, followed by Alex and Michiru. However when he was near his jeep, he suddenly stopped and pointed at the front tire. "Look! I can't believe this…"
"Flat tire?" Alex ran to the jeep and checked the wheels. "Someone slashed it."
"How could this happen!"
"Do you have a spare?"
"Well, I do but… unfortunately there isn't any air in it and I don't have my own pump… What?" He looked at Alex who was glaring at him.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"May I use your phone so I could call my villa to ask Kyoko pick us up here?"
"Sure." All of them went back inside the house and Koji showed Alex where his phone placed.
"Thank you" Alex picked up the phone and dialed her villa phone number before placed it on her ear "Huh? Koji-san, why is there no dial tone?"
"What? Really?" Koji received the phone and listened to it "You're right. How weird…"
"How about using your cell phone?" Michiru interjected.
"Oh, right." Alex followed Michiru's suggestion but she shook her head when she looked at her cell phone "No signal here."
"This is bad… I think both of you need to stay here for tonight." As he said that, as if on cue heavy rain started to pour. "It seems that nature agrees with me too. Why don't we have a drink? I don't have wine, but I have some bottles of beer."
Alex and Michiru exchanged helpless glances before they plopped on the sofa.
Several rounds of beer later, conversation flowed freely and everyone seemed to have a good time. Everyone had had their share of alcohol except for Michiru who insisted only in drinking water. When she emptied her glass, Misa handed her a glass that had what looked like iced-tea in it. "What's this?"
"It's Long Island Iced-Tea. You don't seem like the type who drinks beer so I made you this."
"Is there alcohol in it?"
"A bit…"
"I'm sorry, but I don't take any alcoholic beverages at all…"
"Then try this. You'd hardly taste any alcohol in it." Misa pushed the glass towards Michiru.
"Alright then…" But not long after she drank the concoction, she started to felt dizzy and leaned towards Alex who sat beside her.
'What's wrong?"
"I… feel… dizzy… and… light… headed…"
"Hmm… I guess she has low alcohol tolerance. However it is late so why don't we all retire? You can use our guest room, but I have to apologize that you have to share it though."
"Oh, I will use this sofa and she can use the room."
"Don't be silly. You'll have a sore back in the morning if you force yourself to sleep on that thing. Besides, I couldn't possibly let our 'esteemed' guest spend the night on an uncomfortable couch."
"But, Koji-san…"
"I insist." Koji stood up and waited for Alex to follow him. After a moment's hesitation, Alex scooped up Michiru in her arms and followed Koji. He then led the way up the stairs to the guest room. He opened the door for Alex and waited for her to enter. When Alex laid Michiru on the bed, he started exited the room. "Good night." He said as he closed the door behind him.
When he had entered his own room, he pulled out a modular cable from his pocket and laughed. His plan had worked out as he wanted it to.
"I thought it was you."
Koji jumped a little when he heard the voice behind him and turned to look at his wife. "You surprised me! Don't sneak up on me like that ever again."
"I'm sorry dear. But I knew it was you when suddenly you went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife from the drawers. Though I'm confused as to why the telephone doesn't work, when I just made a call to my friend this afternoon."
Koji snickered as he settled the modular cable in the bedside table's drawer, and sat down on his bed "You'd make a great detective."
"Possibly, but I'm not interested. Looking after my childish husband and two kids, is a tough enough job. So, why did you do it?"
"Because I think I need to help them. Both of them love each other, but they are too afraid to make a move."
"So you was trying to help them to get together? That was so nice of you."
"Huh?"
Misa sat beside him, then she leaned her head on his shoulder "I knew that was your reason. That's why I gave the 'iced-tea' to Michiru."
Koji's eyes widened when he heard his wife's confession and then turned his to look at her. He found his wife giving him a loving smile, which he returned. "I knew there was a reason I married you." Koji kissed his wife's forehead before he gently laid her on the bed.
(Meanwhile)
Alex stared at Michiru's sleeping figure. She took off Michiru's shoes and covered her with the blanket before going to the balcony. Alex lighted a cigarette and leaned on the railing as she gazed at the sky. The rain had already stopped and all that was left was a clear sky, all of the heavens winking down at him.
When the cigarette finally ran out, she walked back inside the room. She was surprised to find Michiru standing near the balcony door. Michiru slowly walked towards Haruka, a bit of wobbling was noticeable in her steps. "Nice view. The stars are really beautiful tonight."
"Yeah. I agree."
"Koji-san's family is really nice." As she said those words, she faltered in her steps and almost lost her balance, had it not been for Alex who caught her.
"Watch out! Baka! You could have fallen off the balcony!" Alex wanted to continue reprimanding Michiru but she noticed that Michiru's eyes were closed. She thought that Michiru had finally passed out until she hear her mumble something.
"Alex… thank you. For all that you had done for me. You even helped me at the concert by risking your won job. I hope that you don't lose your job because of me…"
"How… how did you know?"
"Someone told… Alex… I think I fell in love with you…"
This shocked Alex beyond words. "She fell in love with me?"
"Alex… kiss me…"
Alex felt her heart beat really fast. Slowly, she leaned forward, almost closing the gap between them, until a hand covered Alex' mouth. "You smell like a cigarette… You smoked… I told you not to smoke…" After she said that, Michiru finally went limp in her arms.
Alex smiled a bit and she laughed at Michiru. "She's such a lousy drunk…" Alex lifted Michiru up and carried her to the bed again. She then went to the other side of the bed and laid down beside Michiru, making sure to maintain a safe distance between them. She then turned to her side to look at the sleeping aqua-haired beauty again. "But some people said that when someone's drunk, they tend to tell the truth. I wonder if it's true." She finally closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Morning finally came. The sun bathed the room in light through the gaps in the curtains. On the bed, two women were slumbering peacefully. It would have gone on that way, had it not been for a random ray of the sun that hit Alex' eye directly.
Alex squinted a bit then finally opened her eyes. She tried to sit up, but she felt something weighing her down. She looked downwards, and found Michiru lying across her upper body. She leaned back on the pillow, and stared at the ceiling. "Now this is what I call deja vu." She then brought her hands to either side of the sleeping woman on top of her and shook her gently. "Michiru... Hey… You have to wake-up now…"
Michiru groaned in protest and peered at Haruka through have closed eye-lids. "Whazzit?"
"Would you mind moving?"
"Eh?"
"Do you realize that you're using me as a human bed-pillow?"
Michiru fully opened her eyes, and then realized that she was clinging onto Haruka and that her left hand was on Alex' breast. She blushed profusely and sat up. "Sorry, I didn't realize it…"
Haruka chuckled at Michiru's mortified look. "You do know that our dreams are the bridges of our subconscious to our consciousness? So you holding on to me, in this manner, means that you have feelings for me… Ouch!" She yelped when a pillow, that Michiru threw, hit her face.
"Baka!" Michiru exclaimed, still blushing but looking indignantly at Haruka. However, she smiled when she found a mirthful expression on Alex' face. She decided it was best to bring up the topic that's been plaguing her since yesterday. "Anou… Alex… Are you still mad at me?"
"Why would I be?" Alex said giving her a warm smile. "Ah! I just remembered! How is your foot now?"
"It's better now, though my knees are still sore, because you ignored me yesterday."
"It's not my fault. You're the one who wanted to do that. I didn't ask you to kneel outside my door…"
"But I needed to it!" Michiru replied promptly.
Haruka's eyes softened at the determined look Michiru had on her face. She felt thoroughly moved that Michiru cared for her that much to pull such a stunt. "Why?"
"Because… Because you always help me, to the extent that you even risked your career just to save my first concert. And now, your job's on the line because of me."
Alex leaned closer to Michiru and narrowed her eyes "How did you come to know about that? Did someone tell you?"
"That's not important anymore… But I want you to know that I'll do anything in my power to help you. Just tell me if you need something from me and I'll be glad to do it."
Alex was sincerely touched by Michiru's declaration. Maybe Michiru did fall in love with her. Could she allow herself to believe it? Is it possible for such things to happen? Alex decided to take a risk. "Really?"
"Yes."
"Then you wouldn't mind if I do this then…"
"Huh?"
Alex placed both of her hands on Michiru's shoulder and pushed her on the bed. She saw Michiru's eyes widen shock, but she continued to venture forward. Alex was so close yet to her object of desire. Her lips merely inches away from Michiru's. The girl beneath her wrapped her arms around her neck and she too instinctively leaned towards her. The other was about a breath away… They were so wrapped up in each other that they barely hear the knock.
The person at the door didn't wait for an answer and just waltzed inside the room. "Alex-sama, Michiru-sama, breakfast is rea…" Koji momentarily forgot what he was trying to say when he found his guests in an intimate embrace. "Ah! Sorry… Sorry… I didn't know…" He said shutting his eyes hurriedly rushing away from the room.
When they both realized how their positions were, they reluctantly moved away from each other. A moment of silence was shared between the both of them until Michiru decided to break it.
"Alex, do you mind?"
"Do I mind what?"
"Do you mind getting off me so I can take a shower?"
Alex quickly scrambled off Michiru, her face red as a tomato. "Sorry…"
Michiru giggled. Moments ago, Alex looked like a lion waiting to pounce on its prey, now she was being a scared kitten. She shook her head and got off the bed and headed to the bathroom.
"Michiru…" Alex called out to her before Michiru completely went inside.
"Yes?" Michiru inquired turning around.
"Do you recall saying anything to me last night?"
"No… I suppose I was completely intoxicated. That's the last time I'm accepting a drink that looks like a normal beverage. Why do you ask?"
Alex' felt her heart drop. "No reason."
"Did I say something important?"
"Yeah… You said I was extremely handsome and you'd love for me to corrupt you in every way possible." Alex replied with a smirking hoping that Michiru couldn't see through her candid expression.
Michiru rolled her eyes before she stuck out her tongue at Alex. "Liar!" She replied but kept on smiling at Alex. She then turned around went inside her original destination.
Alex laughed a bit but stopped because it sounded bitter to her. She laid back on the bed behind her with a sigh.
After she finished her shower, Alex went outside the house and found Koji walking out from the garage. His held a tire in his hands. Alex waited until he squatted beside the jeep and started to change the tire, before she made her move. She stealthily walked towards the man, careful not to make a sound. When she was right behind him she started to speak. "I thought your spare tire hasn't been pumped yet?"
Koji jumped a bit and slowly turned to look, afraid at what he may find. What greeted him was Alex looking at him evilly, making him want to sprint away from impending doom. "Uh… You see… I… "
"I also looked at your phone on my way out and I found that the modular cable had been plugged back again."
He immidiately threw himself down at Alex' feet and dared not look up."I'm sorry! But I..."
Alex sighed made Koji look at her. "Stop that… You're embarrassing yourself."
At Alex' word he rose to his feet and gave her a sheepish expression. "Sorry…"
"Would you quit apologizing? Anyway, there's need to ask for my forgiveness."
"Eh?"
"I figured that you wanted to give me some time alone with Michiru, That's why I went along with your plan."
"You knew?"
"You weren't exactly subtle, plus I did need that alone time with Michiru. So thank you." Alex said giving him a warm smile.
"I take it something happened last night?" Koji said moving his eyebrows up and down.
"Let's just stick to changing this tire. Your wife has been calling us to breakfast for quite some time now."
After breakfast, Koji drove Alex and Michiru back to the villa. On the way he tried his best to explain to Michiru how he finally managed to fix the tires. Alex ignored the pleading glances from him that asked for her help and just grinned at his explanations.
"Thank you for driving us Koji-san." Alex said as she got out of the car.
"Yes, your house was truly beautiful and you family is really friendly." Michiru extended her hand him to shake it, but he kissed her hand instead.
"My pleasure, Michiru-chan. Alex-sama, if you let go this girl I won't forgive you."
"Stupid, mind your own business." Alex waved her hand and went inside the villa.
Michiru wanted to follow her too but stopped when she felt a hand held her hand "Michiru-chan. Please watch over Alex-sama. He looked so tough but I think he hold some burdens inside. I think you're the one who can help him."
"Okay, Koji-san. Don't worry." She patted his hand to assure him before went inside the villa.
Koji smiled at her, he went inside his jeep and drove away. "I am counting on you for that."
It was late in the afternoon, when Alex, Michiru and Kyoko arrived at the mansion. At the foyer of the house, the maids came out and helped them to carry the luggage. Kyoko made a bee-line for Michiru's belonging and followed the others, who were headed to Michiru's room.
When all the other maids were out from Michiru's room, Kyoko closed the door behind her, before she sat beside Michiru. "Why did you and Alex-sama return only this morning? I was so worried about the two of you! I thought something went wrong! I almost called the authorities." Kyoko said in a hysterical manner.
Michiru laughed at Kyoko's frantic outburst. She stopped, however, when she saw the dark circles "Kyoko-san, you look like a panda"
Kyoko was pouted. "I am serious here! You both could have died then what was I to do!"
"Relax. Nothing serious happened. However my memory's a bit fuzzy at the moment. I could only recall passing out."
"Passed out! What happened!"
Michiru giggled at Kyoko. She's only known the older woman for a short time but it seems that she endeared herself to her. "Like I said, nothing serious happened. Alex and I were drinking last night with Koji and his wife. Then Misa, Koji's wife, gave me a drink that seemed like iced-tea. She said it was harmless but after a couple of sip I felt like the room was spinning in circles. Alex said I passed out after a couple of minutes and I vaguely recalled being up for a while then nothing else. I probably talked to Alex but I'm not too sure…"
"Oh my…"
"I'm fine though. Alex assured me I didn't embarrass myself at all. She did joke about me telling her that I find her extremely handsome and I'd love for her to corrupt me in every way possible,' but I doubt that."
"Really? But I thought you did?"
"Kyoko-san!"
"Just kidding! Anyway, shall we unpack your luggage?"
"Yes, thank you."
Meanwhile, Alex went straight to attending to her business affairs. She immediately turned on her notebook and browsed through the news on the internet. She found an item that immediately caught her attention. It was about a grand opening of a luxurious hotel. She read through it and was pleasantly surprised to find, that the owner was the father of her best friend in high school.
Without looking away from her book, Alex for her cellphone and dialed her friend's number. He picked up at the first ring. "Nida? It's me. Yeah… Wow, you still recognize my voice. I know it's been a long time. I'm fine… Good to hear that… I called because I need your help."
Half an hour passed by before she finally hung up the phone and stretched her hands. "Now all that's left to do is tell Michiru about her gig." Alex stood up and headed to Michiru's room. She knocked on the door, signifying that she was there. "Michiru, can I come in?"
"Sure."
As she entered, she saw Michiru polishing her violin before she looked up at her. "Anything wrong?"
"I was wondering if you're free tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow? Yes. Why do you ask?" Michiru placed her violin on the chair and approached Alex. Once in front of her, Michiru loosely placed one arm on top of Alex' shoulder while the other hand pulled on Alex' tie. "Do you want to ask me out on a date?"
"Baka." Alex said creating more space between them. "I'm asking you if you're free because I want you to perform for an inauguration of a hotel. The owner is the father of my friend in high school. I called in a favor from him so you could get this gig." "Ah, I see."
"So will you?"
"Of course! But why me?"
"Because most of the people attending that ceremony are from the elite who would most likely patronize your music."
"And you think I'm worthy of them?"
"Why wouldn't you be? You are a gifted violin player Michiru. I would go as far as saying that you are a virtuoso. Never doubt your talent. Okay?"
"Hai Alex-sama."
"Baka. Anyway, I shall leave you to prepare for your 'grand performance.'"
"Okay, leave it to me."
Alex lifted her hand to Michiru's cheek and caressed it as she said to Michiru, "You'll be great." Alex said in a soft tone, before she turned around to leave. Before she could exit the room, she was stopped when she hear Michiru call out to her.
"Alex."
"Yes?" She replied, as she turned to face Michiru.
"Will you call me with the nickname again?"
"Nickname?"
"The one you called me by when I treated your wound yesterday…"
"Michi?"
"Yes, that one."
"If you want me to… How come?"
"I just like the way you say it."
"Silly girl." Alex stated as she turned around to leave. "Practice well Michi." She called over her shoulder as went outside the room and closed the door behind her.
(The next day)
Alex fixed her tie as she walked to Michiru's bedroom. Alex wore a black tuxedo with white dress shirt and complimenting black vest. She knocked when she was right in front of the doorway and entered after a voice from the other side assented. She opened door and saw Michiru sitting, in front of the vanity table with Kyoko doing her hair.
"Are you done Kyoko?"
"Just about to Alex-sama." Kyoko replied as she made the finishing touches. "There. I'm finished." Kyoko proclaimed as she stood back to admire her work.
Michiru got up from the chair and presented herself to Alex. "How do I look?" Michiru asked as she twirled around, to give Alex a complete overview of her appearance.
"You look gorgeous." Alex complimented the vision of beauty before her. Michiru was wearing a white gown that was made of gauzy material in multiple layers. The dress was cut low at the front and back but not too much to make Michiru feel that she's revealing more than she would care to. "Ready?"
"Yeah."
"You're going to wear that for the performance?" Alex pointed at the chain that hung from Michiru's neck, which held Haruka's ring.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"You can't wear that for this performance." She took out a velvet case from inside her suit and handed it to Michiru. "I think this would be much more suiting for the occasion.
When Michiru opened the case, she found a pearl and diamond necklace with matching studs. "Alex, this is so… so extravagant… and expensive! I can't accept this…"
"Please accept it… Consider this as my form of saying congratulations on your album."
"Thank you."
Seeing that Michiru was too overwhelmed by her gesture, took the initiative to place the necklace on Michiru's neck. She started to help Michiru with her earrings but she stopped her, and proceeded to put in on herself.
When Michiru was done she faced Alex with a bright smile playing on her lips. "Does it look okay on me?"
"You look perfect."
Kyoko coughed but then averted her eyes when Alex and Michiru directed their attention at her. "Both of you seems forgetting about me being here…"
Alex clasped Kyoko's hands in hers and gave her a pitiful look. "Sorry Kyoko, didn't mean to do that."
"Oh stop it! But you both need to hurry or you'll be late."
"Oh my God she's right!" Alex exclaimed as she look at her watch. She then grabbed Michiru and ushered her out of the room. "If we leave now we might be able to make it.
"Good luck with the performance!" Kyoko shouted at the rushing pair.
About an hour later, they finally arrived at the hotel. Many people and reporters were gathered in front of the hotel and at the lobby. "Wow, this hotel is really famous."
"It is." Alex then fixed her tie one last time, before went out from her car. The driver held the door for them, as she went out, and then offered her hand to help Michiru. Finally, they entered the establishment together.
At the lobby, Michiru observed many people, obviously from the upper class, mingling with one another, while Alex asked for directions to the area where the celebration was to be held. When Alex obtained the information she required, she gestured to Michiru and they headed of to the direction of the place.
"Oh my God!" Michiru commented as she tugged on the Alex' sleeve. If she saw a lot of people gathered at the lobby, she saw twice the number socializing with one another in the ballroom.
"Overwhelmed?" Alex inquired as she patted Michiru's hand in an effort to reassure her.
"Definitely." Michiru responded letting Alex lead her.
Alex scanned the room and found who she was looking for. "Nida!" She said bringing them both to her friend's direction.
Nida looked up from the conversation he was having, to find Alex and a beautiful woman approaching him. He smiled in greeting and gestured them to come closer. "Ah, there you are Alex-san. Let me introduce you to my father and his friends; this is my father Hatori Hajime, who was very enthusiastic about your offer; this is Futagawa Mikami-san, he is a representative from a recording company, an artist from the company also going to perform tonight; and this is…" Nida was not able to finish his statement as the woman addressed the newly arrived pair.
"Alex? What are you doing here?"
Nida got confused when he that Aria and Alex knew one another. "You two know each other?"
"Yes, Alex is my boyfriend. He works at my father's company."
"Oh… I see now." Nida turned his attention to Michiru and offered his hand to her. "And we haven't been introduced yet, I am Hatori Nida. Alex was my best friend at the high school. I heard how talented you are from him and you are indeed as beautiful as he said."
"You flatter me Nida-san." Michiru commented as she shook his hand.
"Will you excuse me for a moment? I need to have some again please do not use the word 'some' as an adjective unless really, really, really appropriate… talk with Alex." He addressed their small group.
"Get back here soon son. I still need to introduce you to my other friends." Hajime said as he took a sip of his drink, and resumed talking to his companions.
Alex reluctantly left Michiru and Aria together as one looked ready to kill while the other awkwardly joined in the conversation of Hajime and Mikami. However, she nevertheless followed Nida.
When Nida noted that they were in safe distance from the group, he began to talk to his companion. "So talk. Why did change your name Alex? I can help you if you are in trouble."
"Thank you for your concern Nida, but I can handle my personal affairs myself. "
"Okay, but if you need my help, let me know."
"Sure." They smiled each other and went back to their group.
After a few minutes, a man approached Nida and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and looked at Michiru. "Michiru-san, it's about time for you to perform, and Mikami-san you're next after her."
"Good luck, Michi." Alex patted Michiru's back before she left.
"Thanks." She smiled and went with the stage assistant.
"Michi?" Aria asked Alex pointedly.
"She asked me to call her by that name."
"And you agreed to that? In case you're forgetting Alex, you are my boyfriend!"
"Please Aria, don't make a scene here… Besides, it doesn't mean anything." With that, Alex grabbed a drink from a waiter passing by, and consumed it in one swig.
(At the backstage)
Michiru held her violin nervously as she waited for the crew to signal her that the stage was ready. She was too preoccupied that she didn't notice that there a man who was walking in a fast pace towards her. The said man stumbled due to the cables and grabbed unto the nearest thing for support which was Michiru.
"Are you alright miss?" He asked Michiru as he stood up first and then helped her up. "I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going and I was-"
"It's okay." Michiru addressed the rambling guy. "Uhm, could you let go of me?" She said when she noticed that the guy did not let go of her yet. "I'm about to go on stage now…" She pointed at the crew who was motioning to her to get on stage.
"Sorry!" He abruptly let go of Michiru, he bent down and picked up her violin for her. "Here."
"Thank you…"
"It's Sho, Toshizo Sho. And you are?"
"Kaioh Michiru. Nice to meet you." She smiled at him before went off to the stage.
Once on stage, Michiru bowed to the audience and introduced herself, before started to play. At the beginning of her first piece, people didn't take any notice of her. However, as the song progressed, the audience started to earnestly listen to the talented enchantress playing on her violin. By the second piece, she had the audience completely spellbound. Since the sonata was slow-paced, the lights were dimmed to compliment the theme of the piece. Encouraged with the change of atmosphere, a few couples ventured out to the dance floor.
Aria felt herself overcome with envy as she watched her rival perform on stage, and to make matters worse Alex was completely ignoring her as she seemed preoccupied with watching Michiru. She found herself huffing for the nth time that night, as another attempt to capture Alex' attention was a failure. She looked away from the sight of Alex practically drooling all over what's her name and directed her interest to the dance floor. As she watched the couples, an idea came to Aria's mind.
She approached Alex, then without waiting for her consent she dragged her to the middle of the mass of dancing people. At first, Alex tried her best to resist and pull away from Aria, but she later on relented and let Aria lead her. This of course made Aria pleased and didn't waste time setting her plan in action. She made sure that the both of them were somewhere in Michiru's line of sight, before she latched herself on to Alex. After she saw that Michiru spotted the both of them, she felt blissful topped off the insult with a venom laden smile. She felt her excitement double tenfold when she Michiru looked dejected. 'That's what you get when you try to steal something that's mine.'
After the second song ended, Alex pulled away from Aria and headed to the bar. Aria tried to stop her, but she was ignored.
"Wait! Where are you going?" Aria called out to Alex as she tried to catch up with her.
"To have a drink. You had your dance."
"But there are still some songs to go… And there's the singer from Futagawa-san's company…" Aria said and tried to grab Alex' hand to stop her, but she lost her balance and crashed into a waiter serving drinks. This resulted in Alex and Aria's clothing being drenched in red wine.
"What happened?" Nida asked he made his was through the small crowd gathered around the three. "I am really sorry Alex, Aria…" He then turned his attention the server. "Things are not looking good for you."
"No need to do that. It is not his fault. Aria tripped and knocked into him unknowingly. He was really caught off-guard." She explained as she helped Aria stand up.
"Then I'd lend you a room so you could use it to clean yourselves. I will send a maid to take care of your clothes."
"But…" Alex started to protest but Nida cut her off.
"Please. It's the least I could…Follow me."
Nida ushered them to one of the luxury suits. "Here we are. I hope this meets your standards."
Alex patted his back and smiled. "I'm sure you've given us more than what's necessary. Thank you for your kindness."
"Only the best for my guests of honor. I will send a maid later to pick up your soiled clothes."
"Sure."
After he left, Alex turned her attention to Aria. "You can take a shower first."
"I think I can take the shower later. You need to go first since you're more soaked than I am, but before you go in do you mind if I use it?"
"Okay."
Aria went inside the bathroom, then after she closed the door she proceeded to take off her clothes and put on a bathrobe. When she came out of the bathroom, she noted that Alex was stripping down until her undergarments. "Not taking everything off?"
"No need to. It wasn't affected. Now will you excuse me? I need to use the bathroom."
"Okay…" Aria stepped aside to allow Alex to enter the bathroom.
(Meanwhile)
When Michiru took a bow after her third song, she was met with a standing ovation from the audience. Some members of the crowd even called out for an encore which caused her to deepen her bow. After she took the bouquet from the stage hand, she waved one last time to the audience then exited the stage. Once she was in the backstage area, she was shocked to find that instead of Alex, Sho was there to greet her instead.
"Great performance Michiru."
"Thank you. Uhm, what are you doing here?"
"I'm up next."
"I don't get it… You're the…"
"Yep. I'm the new artist from the company which Futagawa-san's worked to. Wish me luck." With that, he ran to the stage, leaving behind a stunned Michiru.
She snapped out from her daze as she heard his voice over the sound system. "He's got nice voice."
"Yes, indeed."
Michiru jumped a little when she heard a voice behind her and turned around "Hatori-san. You surprised me."
"Just call me Nida, Michiru. Anyway, I got some people who want to meet you. They're interested in your album."
"But I don't have any CDs with me. They could get it at any record bar or music stores…"
Nida chuckled a bit, then resumed a serious tone. "They weren't talking about getting one right now. They're interested in marketing it internationally."
"Huh?"
Michiru ran off to fetch Alex for them to meet the business men. She followed Nida's instructions to the suit .When she arrived she knocked and waited to be ushered in. The door opened and to her surprise it revealed Aria, clad in only bathrobe. "Aria-san! Where is Alex? I need to talk to her."
"She is in the bathroom. Just wait for her in the lounging area." She pointed to one side of the room.
"Thank you." She started to walk inside but abruptly stopped when she noticed the articles of clothing piled on the floor.
Aria noticed the horrified look on Michiru's face and another scheme formulated in her mind. "Is anything wrong?"
"Why… why…"
"Are the clothes on the floor? We were in a hurry to take them off; we didn't mind where they landed."
"You guys had…"
"What else would have happened here?"
"I… I need to go now." Michiru said turned around and exited the room. "I'll just come back later…"
"Okay." Aria cooed as she closed the door behind Michiru.
Right after Aria locked the door, Alex stepped out of the bathroom, drying her hair in the process. "Who was it?"
"Just someone who forget their room number."
"I see."
"Alex, we need to talk."
"What is it?" Alex asked as she sat on the bed while continued to dry her hair.
"I told my father that you asked me to marry you…"
After she heard the door close, Michiru broke into a sprint, tears streaming down her face as she did so. Too pre-occupied with herself, she didn't notice the other person in the hallway. She only realized that there was someone there when she conveniently crashed into said person. She looked up, and felt surprised. "Toshizo-san?"
"Michiru. It seems that you've taken bumping into me as a new hobby… Wait… You're crying…"
"No I'm not…"
"Hey, it's going to be okay…" He said as he brushed away the tears with his thumb. "Why don't we go to the rooftop? Nida-san told me that the view there is good." He encircled his arm around her waist and lead her back the elevator. When they arrived at the roof-deck, they paused to observe the night sky.
"I must be blessed. It's the second time I've seen the night this beautiful…"
"It is." Sho then maneuvered her to face him. "Michiru, I don't know what's troubling you but I do know that is you keep it looked up, sooner or later you're going to explode. Am I making sense? God.. I think I'm just embarrassing myself…" He wanted to go on but then Michiru buried her face in his chest and cried. He then hugged her to him and patted her hair. "It's going to be okay… I'll be here for you…"
TBC
Author Notes:
Hi everyone, back to for a while to post this story. After this, I will be gone for a few months sighs. I need to do well on my last semester, after that MAYBE I will be back to write again. Who knows? I am not sure about it myself, it depends on how busy I am after I graduated (work, play the games that I had bought but not played yet, the pile of DVD's etc:p). And also on how well my stories are for the readers.
Anyway, thank you to my editor again (Soleil Lune – Panda-chan) for editing this extra long chapter; I guess I am breaking my own record for writing 19 pages long chapter, haha. I hope its worth waiting. As always, thank you for reading and don't forget to review.
Reviews Responses:
(Well, this review response is shorter coz I have replied the ones that logged in first before reviewing with the review reply. I replied the others with this review response, I hope its okay for all of you)
tsubasa: Yeah, honestly, I always had images of stubborn Haruka in my mind.
papapuffy: Hi, thank you for always reads and reviews my story. Anyway, here's the update.
Haru-chan: Yep, I am a meanie for certain person, hahaha. Kidding, thank you for the teasing permission, lol. Hope this chapter isn't too long for you.
