Chapter Eleven

Seiya had made it the intention of dropping off Michiru at her apartment to then, head back to the agency studio to see if she could somehow grab the car keys that Haruka Tennou was keeping hostage. She was utterly exhausted as she strode down the long dimly lit hallway of the building. Today had to been such a long day. Between keeping Michiru out of sight on top of the other amount of work for her debut, she wondered just how much more work had to be completed on top of the already stressful situation... Speaking of the debut…. The manager pondered on just how well or not so well that would go considering the scandal lay upon everything. Seiya didn't like to think of something as minor as sexuality affecting sales or following. Michiru had a young audience, which meant they were incredibly accepting of the things that previous generations still feared or lacked understanding in. However, what concerned Seiya wasn't that. What concerned her was the fact that the scandal had to do with Haruka.

Haruka Tennou was known to be quite the playgirl. Usually this wouldn't be news, if it weren't the fact that the blonde had the worst timing ever by messing with Michiru shortly after she had signed onto the label. Haruka was pretty much their boss. What concerned Seiya was the notion of people gossiping or even truly thinking that Kisaki, Michiru did not get into the music industry on talent. It hurt Seiya to know that her extremely gifted friend would be deemed as a pretty face that was having an affair with Haruka Tennou to get into the industry; thus creating the thought of Michiru being the type of woman to possibly have done that to start her modeling career.

For anyone who knew the situation and the artist's past well; Michiru had never intended to truly become a model to begin with. She had been scouted by Seiya who was a part of an entirely different agency than Haruka's at the time. Seiya had refused to take rejection as an answer and eventually, Michiru gave in.

Michiru had been a painter beforehand, and violinist on top of that title. Anyone who religiously followed the woman's work or delved into her past would know she was a hidden painter for ages, and eventually showed herself at a couple small private violin recitals. The aquamarine haired artist explained to Seiya that she had gotten plastic surgery enough to feel confident in her own skin. She was afraid people would be disappointed with her after being fawned over for her artwork for so long. She eventually had wanted to show she was an artist of many talents and got surgery not only for that reason, but also because Haruka Tennou was the person who deemed her ugly…and it had affected her greatly.

Seiya had seen the hurt in Michiru's eyes the first time she had explained the situation once she and the manager were close enough. She was self-conscious beforehand… Her alias had been to keep her private life separate from her artist life. In all honesty, Michiru had not wanted the attention at all, but her parents and teachers had been insistent to the point where she gave in. From how Seiya remembered it, Michiru said her art is what introduced her to Haruka…which created more pressure for her, because she grew to like her so much. She would always be at her own art shows secretly and always overhearing others' conversations on her piece; hoping she would get constructive criticism. It wasn't the fact that Michiru hadn't known about Haruka Tennou but the fact that she hadn't received such flattery from an equally as talented person. Not only was Haruka into racing of every sort like formula one and track, but the girl at the time, was also a prodigy photographer and pianist in the art world. Haruka was supposedly in love with the beautiful artist's artwork which in turn, had Michiru hoping that Haruka would fall in love with the true her as well.

That clearly wasn't the case and Michiru ended up loathing her appearance. Surgery had given her confidence and had helped her grow into herself more.

It made Seiya angry thinking about the situation. She eventually lectured Michiru in an attempt for her to try bette, and to try for herself rather than appease a woman back in their high school years who was blind and truly the ugly one in personality.

"You're still here Kou-san?" a voice asked down the hallway interrupting her thoughts.

It was just the person the raven haired person wanted to see...

"I came here to pick up Michiru's car keys from you...which you shouldn't have had in your possession in the first place," Seiya answered stalking up to Haruka.

The blonde haired woman smiled knowingly.

"I'm a couple steps ahead of you. I sent them to Miss Kisaki already though my assistant Yaten," she answered.

"I see…"

"About earlier-" Haruka began.

"As much as its tempting for you I'm sure; stay the hell away from her," Seiya interrupted.

Haruka looked taken aback, almost shocked that the woman in front of her would interrupt her.

"I do acknowledge that it would seem like I came onto her too strong and I would like you to forgive me for that," she said back.

Seiya smirked coldly. How could she act so entitled towards wanting her forgiveness?

"Forgiveness is something I could never do for the likes of someone like you. I doubt she could ever truly forgive you for what you did to her as well."

"Us having sex was consensual. I'm sure she can look past our lack of judgment enough to forgive me and my character," Haruka assured.

"Who said this was about you having sex with her? You're truly clueless... As much as I don't like that bit as well, this issue is more than what you know of," Seiya snapped.

Haruka smiled knowingly.

"Perhaps it's you who wants Michiru to yourself?" she pointed out.

Seiya's dark blue eyes widened for a millisecond before dismissing the CEO's suspicion, "Definitely not. I have enough issues on my hands to even think about courting a woman like that. Michiru Kisaki is not my type and never will be."

"Liar. Who could resist some like her?" Haruka shot back.

"I have someone I like already and it's not her. You could even say it's unrequited, but that's none of your business. The point is, it's not Michiru. I am merely being protective of not only my client but my friend. She's more than just a business investment to me, but a dear friend as well. I couldn't afford her career along with her dreams to be swept away from her and tainted by someone like you who would end up hurting her for a second time," explained Seiya.

"Just what the hell do you mean by a second time?" confusedly Haruka asked.

Seiya sighed.

"That's up to you to think on now isn't it? As much as you seemingly are in love with her or think that you are; I advise you to maintain some type of self control. Everyone knows how you are with your lovers and how easily you drop them once you're bored. Even if you were so in love with her enough to change your ways, and see her as more than just a challenge... you don't deserve a woman like her. Michiru is too good for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be going home now. I have to sort some of this press mess that you so kindly dumped on the rest of us Tennou-san," she said bitterly.

"Do you really think I meant to intentionally hurt any of the girls I've dated Kou-san? You don't know anything about me..."

"It's not about your intentions. If she gets herself in a situation or so again, please call me instead of handling the matter on your own," Seiya said before exiting the hallway and climbing onto the elevator which broke the tension with a ping.

That bitch pissed her off so much…

Haruka knew it took everything in her to keep her voice from trembling. Seiya had been so cold, and she knew it was unlike her to suddenly act or feel weak. It occurred to her that in that moment, she truly felt womanly for being so caught up in what Michiru's manager was coldly throwing at her. Hell, she should have expected it.

Seiya had never liked her, even before this whole incident. What bothered Haruka wasn't the issue of Seiya really but what Seiya referenced to.

Had Haruka truly hurt Michiru already? They weren't established or anything, true... Matter of fact, Haruka felt rejected by the girl and that hurt her the most. She knew she was stupid for not taking no as answer but she really did like this girl for some reason.

It wasn't about the challenge. Michiru to Haruka was like a puzzle that she was constantly trying to solve or unlock. There were also so many sides to this woman that it kept her on her toes. It made Haruka not only want to have Michiru let down her barriers but for once, let down her own.

It was a strange feeling for even Haruka because she had never felt that way ever before. She was almost terrified of accidentally hurting Michiru like she had by seducing her. It took one night with her for her to dump Setsuna. One night was more than enough for her to also desire to get to know this woman more. It could take just a little bit more time for Haruka to possibly even get hurt herself. That was something that the blonde rarely ever let happen to herself.

If anything, she had been chasing after Michiru all this time since before her many girlfriends. Her artwork took her breath away. Ever since the first violin concert she ever attended; she had wanted to snatch her up right then and there. The violinist had truly taken her by surprise. She played beautifully as she did her paintings. She was beautiful, alluring, talented….everything. Before Haruka could steal her away, an agency had already got claim of her-not as a musician, but as a model of all things.

Haruka felt like after that point, she would never be able to come close to her again.

It had actually shocked her when Michiru had came to her after her contract with her previous agency was over. She brought along her agency's manager over for the transfer over as the condition. Haruka didn't have to think about it. She accepted her offer right away without any type of formal interview and hesitation. It allowed her to her work right away and independently, to the point where she forgot about the first meeting with her since there were no traditional formalities. The executive was very confident in Michiru being a musician but after hearing the single was worried about the execution. Personally, she loved the song but wondered if the younger crowd that also followed her modeling career would grow to appreciate it. They had no clue about Michiru's previous background work to have a true grasp of it possibly.

Michiru's confidence in herself and her willingness to compromise made her attractive. Her talent made her attractive first and foremost. Haruka could almost slap herself for not seeing herself being interested in the model gone musician considering how closely she had followed the woman even before any proper meeting.

Haruka also had to admit that she couldn't blame Seiya's judgment upon her along with Michiru's begrudging hesitation. She had a horrible reputation with her girlfriends and was known as a play girl. She honestly didn't mean to be and felt horribly misunderstood.

Each girl Haruka had dated had something special and unique about her. But there were also off putting things as well. Their jealousy or clingy nature were examples of the things that would turn her away from them. Sometimes it was their lack of direction or how feeble they were. Haruka also hated demanding and aggressive girls who got off on picking fights with her. The worst was when women were sexually confused. It would break Haruka's heart more than anything.

While Haruka Tennou was very confident with her sexuality; it hurt her to know that her partners saw her as a potential boyfriend rather than a woman. There were girls who would be squeamish over sex eventually because while Haruka acted like a gentleman, she was still a woman. The blonde wouldn't have changed it for the world. She loved being androgynous. She loved being a woman who had an appreciation and grasp of both genders' aesthetics. She didn't let her clothes or hobbies dictate who she was and she also couldn't help that she was attracted to feminine women.

It would throw them off when she'd decide to wear a crop top with jeans or a leather skirt and blouse on dates. It disheartened Haruka and immediately would make her fall out of love with them. She was a lesbian woman for a reason. She was proud of that and prided herself on it. She had no desire to have a sex change and play as someone's boyfriend.

Rumors flew so much due to her fast paced dating life, that Haruka felt pressured to play the role of a playgirl. It made her keep her walls up high and left her less likely to get hurt or disappointed by others. The worst of it was feeling as if she had disappointed another person other than herself…

Haruka hadn't found the right girl. That was the true answer. It was the answer that everyone refused to believe. Did people honestly think she wanted to break other people's hearts while she broke her own in the process? It hurt every time she dumped someone. She had good reasons as to why but she never ever let it show. To help the girls move on, (though some like Minako never did) she would be cruel and cold. She rather them hate her than be unrequitedly in love with her when the love was lost. The successful business woman not only played the role of a player out the expectations of other people, but to keep her heart locked away eventually after a couple of tries and misses.

It hurt her that she was not only disappointed in others, but in herself. How could one feel so unfulfilled? Why couldn't she feel like she was enough? Why couldn't someone liker her for who she was?

The blonde haired woman sighed exhausted just thinking about the complexities of her love life. She wondered if she actually could stand a chance at winning Michiru over. Clearly she had to be somewhat attracted to her to have sex with her…

Haruka smiled. Another part of Michiru that she had enjoyed was the fact that she was the one with the honors of being the woman's first. Michiru clearly wasn't experienced. Perhaps she even had a very small past if any at all in comparison to Haruka's long list of lovers. It relieved her. She might not have to overlap past lovers in an attempt to erase them. It felt nice to think about… Clearly Michiru was comfortable with herself. Haruka had even asked her what made her so sure that night in the car.

In attempt to apologize for everything being put out there unintentionally, Haruka had made a slight shopping trip through Yaten. It had infuriated her earlier on in the day to see Minako treat Michiru that way... Seeing Michiru upset enough to walk away barefoot hurt her to the point of it being bothersome to think about.

Money was never an obstacle for the hard working blonde. She just hadn't felt like any girl had ever been worth such extravagant investments. Haruka had really wanted to make Michiru feel worth while and show her she was so much more than Minako's words…

While she knew she could not buy Michiru over, she knew deep in her heart that it wasn't her intention to. It was the message she was trying to convey to the model through her actions.

Haruka pondered if Michiru was flamboyant enough to wear them out or if she'd need an occasion to wear the glittery strasses out. Her mind wandered into fantasy. What she would give to actually be able to accompany the woman to a formal event…. Michiru would probably look beautiful in some floaty white gown embellished with crystals and lace. Haruka would feel so privileged to have an amazing girl like that on her arm and would refuse to let her wander off anywhere for the night.

'What the hell am I? I sound like some teenager!' the blonde thought to herself in disgust.

Great, she was even making her own self sick over how in love and caught up in someone who had clearly rejected her…. What had she gotten herself into?

Usagi woke up that morning with high hopes that Mamoru would be awake beside her in the morning. Her heart leaped out of her chest in surprise when she saw that her wish had came true. Smiling, she snuggled up into him more. There was no way he would up and leave after their night in.

She had made sure to finally keep him where he belonged..

The blonde haired girl stretched feeling sore… It had been such a long time since they had last had sex that Usagi had wondered if she had gotten to the point where she didn't need it. Sex felt so foreign to her now… She wasn't a very sexual person to begin with but if it would remind Mamoru what he was missing out on while he was away, she did not mind one bit.

"Good morning Usako," his voice murmured sleepily.

Usagi giggling poking him playfully, "I'm so glad you're still here. I thought you might possibly would have ran off before I could get awake."

Mamoru opened his eyes raised a dark eye brow.

"Now why would I do that?"

"You've been away and busy for so long… I wasn't sure," Usagi admitted.

Concern washed over her boyfriend's face, "I'm so sorry that I've been away recently..."

"You can't help that Mamo-chan. You're an incredibly independent person, and maybe I am much too needy… I felt like I was pestering you," Usagi said disheartened. It was true. She felt like every time she had called him, it was always when he was in the middle of something. Perhaps it was why he had been avoiding her so much. She's would have liked to think that her boyfriend wasn't purposefully avoiding her, however the thought had no doubt crossed her mind.

"Do you want breakfast?" she asked.

Mamoru sat up and checked his phone, scrolling through his messages not even bothering to answer, realizing what time it was.

'Where are you?

-R'

Was the message Usagi saw on the glowing florescent screen of his phone by merely glancing in curiosity at what was distracting her boyfriend from answering her question.

"R?" she asked.

"A classmate. We're working on a project. I kind of bailed out on them to check on you yesterday," assured Mamoru with a laugh.

"Ah… I'm so sorry. I even kept you here without thinking," Usagi murmured dejectedly. She suddenly felt guilty and selfish.

A hand landed on her head ruffling her long tresses.

"I didn't regret one bit of it… Seeing you happy is worth every moment I've sacrificed. You mean so much to be Usagi… Please don't forget that," Mamoru reassured before kissing her forehead, "As for breakfast-I have to head out and change at my place before I head to class. My sleepover was unexpected. But be sure to have a good breakfast yourself okay? I know how you habitually procrastinate!"

Usagi sighed and smiled, "I won't forget."

Mamoru strode over to the bathroom to fix himself up before his departure and Usagi made movement to wrap herself up into her fluffy pink blankets as her made way over to her small kitchenette in her studio apartment. She threw a pair of bagels into the toaster before start up the kettle for tea.

She had a long day at work and she knew it. Yesterday's events proved this well. Usagi knew that she would need to be energized for the day ahead of her.

Mamoru exited the bathroom fully groomed and dressed. He grabbed his bag, pausing behind Usagi as she pulled the bagels out of the toaster. She placed strawberry cream filling on one and pecked Mamoru on the lips before placing the bagel in his mouth.

"For the road. I have to make sure you eat well too," Usagi said.

The raven haired man took the piece of food out of his mouth and placed his forehead upon hers.

"I love you Usagi Tsukino..."

"I love you too..."

"I'm going to get going now. So be a good girl and work hard okay?" Mamoru said as he made his way over to the door.

Usagi rolled her eyes.

"I always work hard Chiba, Mamoru," she snapped.

Mamoru smiled waving, as he made his way down the stairs of the outside porch area. Usagi lived in a small little apartment on the top floor.

Usagi called out to him from the balcony, "Mamoru!"

The man turned around and looked up in response as he finished off the last of the food given to him, "Yeah?"

"I miss you…. Don't be such a stranger," Usagi said.

"Will do," Mamoru replied. With that, he was on his motorbike off towards the direction of the main road most like back to his apartment to change up for his classes for the day.

Usagi sighed. She had just seen her boyfriend and she already missed him so much….

She placed the twinning bagel into her mouth before placing tea into a cup to drink… Just who the heck was 'R' anyway? Why would anyone sign their text message signature with an initial?

It almost made Usagi nervous for some reason, but she shook off the thought as she proceeded to shower and get ready for the morning. There was no need to think about things that would make her tense. She saw Mamoru and that's what was important. She didn't want to be accusatory or over think…

The blonde haired woman placed her regular odango-style twin tails in her hair and decided to wear a fluffy cream and baby blue ensemble while she could. It would be spring time soon.. It had dawned on her that her sister would be entering high school after the spring time… Usagi could recall her own high school days where she felt so lost and aimless. She hadn't planned on attending university and she wasn't interested in anything really other than being a good wife to someone one day. Usagi found herself living for love and now that she had it…it felt a bit off. She felt grateful that her little sister Chibiusa had a lot more direction than she had at her age.

Infinity Gakuen was a great school. It was said that Tennou, Haruka had graduated there. It also helped that Hotaru Tomoe, who was Chibiusa's best friend, was also attending there in the spring. It was an elite high school with an intense entrance exam. Usagi felt proud knowing her sister and her friend were studying extremely hard. Matter of fact, Hotaru was so well off that she could easily have her news publisher father buy her a place into the school. However, because Chibiusa was studying hard to get in, Hotaru also wanted to study alongside her. Usagi found it very sweet and admirable.

Hotaru and ChibiUsa's friendship was incredibly strong. Usagi was relieved that her sister would not go through her hardships and struggles alone. It wasn't that Usagi had at all back in her high school years as well…

She grabbed her Samantha Vega handbag, made sure all the items she needed were in it, placed her shoes on at the entrance way, and made her way outside.

Usagi made her way downstairs running into her neighbor who was just getting off of her work shift. Speaking of her high school friends, she lived near them. Ami Mizuno was a well renown doctor. Makoto Kino was was her roommate and a fellow high school friend of Usagi and Ami's. They lived down below Usagi's tiny little studio apartment. Usually, all of them had odd schedules and it was rare that Usagi would see them but regardless, she was grateful to know they were nearby.

Makoto was wrapped in a jacket with her long green and pink kyabakura gown peeking with all its glittery glamor beneath it as she walked down the sidewalk. She was a culinary student but worked at a hostess club at night to fund her tuition and rent. Ami wasn't too happy with her part time job choice but Makoto insisted that she was a tough girl and could handle herself.

Despite her "tough" demeanor and claims, Makoto was actually quite a soft-hearted girl on the inside. She was trying her best to be feminine because much like Usagi, she dreamed of having a husband she could please and maybe one day open up a small bakery as a dream career. She wanted to be a decent wife over being in love with love. She didn't want to live alone and knew one day Ami would have a life of her own.

"Did you just get off of your shift?" Usagi asked.

"Yeah… It was a really long night. I'm actually shocked I'm not stumbling. There's a bunch of alcohol in me. My tolerance must be amazing now… I can't wait to clean up and go to sleep. Being tipsy is making me tired," Makoto answered with a yawn.

"Is Ami home?"

"Most likely… She worked the night shift at the hospital tonight. Poor girl is probably exhausted," said Makoto.

"I'm about to head to work too. You guys don't work too hard okay? We should catch up soon!" insisted Usagi.

"Hey Usagi..." Makoto began.

"Hm?"

"Was that Mamoru that just left on his bike?" the brunette hostess asked.

"Yeah. He spent the night. Why?" answered Usagi with her own question.

"He hasn't been around in a while…. I'm shocked," Makoto began hesitantly.

"Honestly, I was a bit too. I'm sure it's because things have gotten crazy my end at work," Usagi explained.

"Ah the Michiru Kisaki and Haruka Tennou scandal hm?"

"Yeah…. Though I don't think it's exactly true. I'm pretty sure the public knows how Haruka is," assured Usagi.

Makoto nodded, "And Michiru?"

"Over her."

"Over her?"

"Secret information," Usagi teased as her slender finger went to her lips.

"Ahhh. No fair. You always get to know and get the cool stuff," Makoto said with a pout.

"Well it's news enough that I didn't shoot down the fact that Michiru Kisaki swings that way right?" the bun haired girl implied.

The hostess laughed rolling her eyes, "Oh! So you'll tell me that then?"

"That will get out sooner or later. I don't think Kisaki-san would deny it. She's quite the proper lady and wouldn't lie to her audience. It's something she can't exactly avoid," Usagi explained knowingly.

"So many people will be disappointed. She's even a topic between men at my bar. It's really frustrating. I'm always scolding them 'she wouldn't like a man who lingers at a hostess bar but you do have me to entertain you and aren't I close enough?' Ugh I'm totally not interested though. Most are old skeezes avoiding going home to their wife and kids," the brunette said disgustedly.

"Oh? Even Nephrite?" Usagi teased.

Makoto's cheeks turned pink, "N-No of course not! He's an exception!"

"He's still going to the hostess bar?" asked Usagi shocked.

"Supposedly he has really long nights designing suits and doing fabric selections. It's a way for him to wind down. Especially since Fashion Week has been a priority in terms of his work lately. Nephrite has been requesting me a lot though," Makoto said with a small smile, "So I am happy…."

"Oh what a cute crush you have! I remember being in that phase with Mamo-chan!" the blonde exclaimed.

"It's not a crush!" Makoto insisted with a hiccup.

"You're blushing and all happy. What do you call it then Kino, Makoto? You're more in love than I've ever seen you!"

"I-It's just nice to have someone closer to my age there for a change. That's all," said Makoto in defense.

"Sure, sure…. Oh crap!" Usagi shrieked as she looked at her cell phone, "I'm going to be so late! I'LL SEE YOU LATER MAKO!"

And with that, the blonde haired stylist raced off without even a proper goodbye to her high school friend.

Makoto sighed and unlocked the apartment door tiredly trudging inside taking off her high heels at the dimly lit entrance way.

"Long night?" a soft voice asked from the kitchen.

Ami Mizuno leaned against the small tiled kitchen counter waiting for water to boil on the stove. She had probably shortly gotten in herself, and was making tea to wind down. Her hair was damp from taking a shower and her long light blue t-shirt told Makoto that she would want to be ready for bed soon.

"Yeah. I drank too much," Makoto answered as she stumbled past the girl.

"Your tolerance has grown high… You really do need to be careful drinking though Makoto. It's incredibly bad for you health. I really wish you would think about getting a different profession," insisted the bluenette quietly.

"You know I can't do classes with a proper day job Ami. I would love to work at a flower shop or even do retail but it doesn't pay enough," insisted Makoto as she flopped down on the worn couch. She was much too tired to up and change just yet. Her stomach was burning from lack of food and too much alcohol.

"You know I could pay for-" Ami began.

"Nonsense! You work way too hard for your money despite it being good money. I would never be able to pay you back and I would feel horrible. My salary would be being housewife or opening a tiny cafe in the end. As long as I work at the club, then I'll be able to pay for expenses for school and here. I do appreciate your concern," Makoto cut off. She hated when Ami mothered her. As much as she cared about her best friend, sometimes her mother-hen habits suffocated her.

"More like an excuse to see that guy..." Ami murmured as the kettle whistled.

"What do you have against Nephrite anyway?"

"Any decent guy doesn't go hanging around hostess bars. You should know that considering that you work there," the doctor insisted.

"He's single."

"He's a famous designer under ShiTennou's line too. As quiet as he is-last I checked, he's known for being a major womanizer."

Makoto sighed defeatedly, "You don't know him like I do."

"And he doesn't know you like I do," Ami added as she poured the hot water into the two matching but different colored tea cups. Ami's was white and blue snowflakes, while Makoto's happened to be pink and green roses.

"I appreciate you looking out for me. I truly do," Makoto assured in an attempt to comfort her friend. She wasn't so sure why Ami hated Nephrite so much but it left Makoto unsettled every time. Even more so than her disapproving of her career choice.

Ami sat down the tea cup in front of Makoto on the glass coffee table before sitting beside the girl.

"Was that Usagi outside?" she asked.

Makoto's pink glossy lips formed into a fond smile.

"She wasn't loud enough for you to know already?"

Ami let out a laugh.

"Typical Usagi..."

"She looked really happy..." Makoto murmured sadly.

Ami gasped, "You didn't tell her? Not even a hint Makoto?"

Makoto shook her head, "Mamoru stayed over last night. I saw him pass by on his motorbike as I was walking back. I didn't have the heart to tell her when she looked that happy and relieved to see him after so long."

"But you saw him down near your club. You know the only roads down that way aren't the train stations or cafes," said Ami.

Makoto felt sick to her stomach just thinking about it. She also felt incredibly guilty knowing she had seen Rei and Mamoru holding hands in the red light district. It placed both her and Ami in a horrible position. They were good friends with both Rei and Usagi. While Rei didn't go to school with the rest of the girls, she was immensely close to them within their circle of friends. What stunned them more was how the best friend of Usagi could do that to her….

"I know. I want to confront him myself almost if I see him down that way again," Makoto said.

"They had to have went to a love hotel… That's all that's down that way. I don't want to accusatory of him and Rei but it looks bad. They were holding hands and in that area of all places," said Ami unsettled by even the thought. She sipped on her lavender tea worriedly. Her brows and forehead creased like it was when she was under great stressed.

Makoto hugged her, "Hey…"

Ami flushed pink and flinched at the contact her for a split second. Makoto assumed it's was because her roommate was never used to affection or close contact. Her friend had incredibly strict parents while Makoto's had been more liberal and loving.

"I will handle it. You just worry about you patients. You are mentoring and taking care of too many people enough as is," Makoto assured.

"Okay… You better tell her soon. She will get hurt otherwise if this isn't resolved."

"I promise I will. Just don't let it be that way right now when she's that happy over him…"

(A/N: I FINALLY FINISHED THIS CHAPTER. This was a really long and grueling chapter and kind of uneventful. I hope you guys don't mind too much. I hope the length, Haruka's realizations, and Ami and Makoto's introductions (with hints of other characters too) made up for it. I guess a lot of you are wondering if all the senshi will be featured in this and yes! They will be. I know a lot of you are waiting for more Haru/Michi interaction and it WILL happen. It's just taking awhile because I have to set everything up. Ami and Makoto play very important roles later on as does Minako and Setsuna. Don't underestimate the "minor characters" in this because they all are going to have their own backgrounds and own stories that tie into roles with either Seiya and Usagi or Michiru and Haruka. Eventually it will feel less separated and more full circle and together. It has just taken awhile so thank you guys for your patience. Someone asked me what the theme of this story was and without giving too much away I will say it's about "facing different aspects and challenges of love". You'll see what I mean later on and when I finally finish this I will explain more clearly. There are going to be many different types of love and formats of love in this story. You'll also understand eventually why Haru/Michi is the main pairing as well. I've had this story idea in my head for years now and it never ever left. It just grew and explained itself further; so it's just a matter of it translating well when I type it out and being motivated to finish/add in the missing pieces that lead up to the main plot bunnies in my head. Basically I have had all the big major stuff but not fully the stuff that leads up to that or ways to have people interact in the way I want. This can be especially challenging for Haruka and Michiru because in the Sailor Moon series they're such sleek and cool characters while here they're strangers to each other and one-sidedly in love/hostile so it's been a challenge to figure out how to keep them somewhat in character while still bringing what I want out of them. I know Michiru might have been a bit OOC but I think her 'fight or flight' would kick in with Haruka. Even in the Sailor Moon series Michiru while you think because of her nature that she's the lady-like submissive one-with people she likes (and even with Seiya in StarS) there are times she's unexpected dominant to the point of sadistic. Especially towards Haruka so keep that in mind when it comes to Haruka and Michiru. It's a side we see hints of in the series but escalated into an AU. Anyways until next time guys! Thank you guys so much for your feedback and patience. It's super motivating me!)

Revised: 7/30/2016