Chapter Twenty-Four
Michiru felt like she was on the brink of exhaustion by the end of the day as she was shuffled from place to place to answer the same question over and over again. Lunch and dinner was eaten in the car even because her schedule was so busy. However, the constant dash to each studio for talk shows or press interviews was nothing compared to the panic and anxiety that had occurred earlier that that.
Apparently, someone had tried to sabotage her first performance. It had been terrifying to think about. The fact that Michiru hadn't even properly performed a debut stage to the point of where she was already hated beforehand was frightening. What did that mean for her future? Would the hate and sabotage continue even further the more she got known?
Haruka had reassured her that she would be as loved as she would be hated; that if she wasn't up to combating such hindrances then maybe she wasn't fit for the industry.
It hadn't even been the fact that Michiru hadn't faced critiques of her or even haters. It was more of the fact that something like this hit closer to home. She wasn't accustomed to her performances becoming compromised. It went too far…
"You've done well considering all that's went on today," Haruka commented with a weary smile as they made their way to the blonde's white Miata.
"It's honestly all thanks to you… I'd hate to think what would have happened if it hadn't been you managing me today," answered Michiru.
"Oh? You have a prodigy musician as your manager. I'm sure Seiya would have managed," assured Haruka, unlocking the passenger door to let the musician into the car.
"It made more sense as a cover up for you to be handling the situation moreso though," Michiru pointed out as she ducked inside and buckled herself in as the door shut in response. Haruka soon entered, sitting down in the driver seat looking deep in thought for a slight second as if she were thinking over Michiru's comment.
"You think so?" she finally asked.
"Think about it, you're already a well known composer and producer who oversees your own industry. Seiya isn't anyone. She's has no desire to be a part of the music industry and I don't think she would have appreciated the unwanted attention. I don't think she would have been able to think as fast as you either… Deciding to take on a song that wasn't yours and play it on stage was quite a bold move. Most people don't even think of doing so, much more having the confidence to do so," explained Michiru.
Haruka grinned, pleased with the explanation the woman beside her had given her, "Some birthday huh?"
The artist burst out laughing shaking her head in disbelief. She hadn't even had time to think of it being her birthday. She had been way too busy and shaken up to really take in the meaning of the day.
"Indeed."
"Well cheer up, because we're finished for today. However, we still do have some final work to do at that studio," Haruka said.
Michiru nodded, silently saying she understood. The day was not over yet. The cramming of everything possible was just beginning and she was aware that there would be many more days and nights like this. There would be a lot of mornings pretending she was bright and wide away when in truth, she'd be exhausted from work related obligations. It came with the territory. Michiru was aware that it would eventually pay off.
The car pulled out of the parking garage where Haruka had left the car to enter the van they had been hiding in. City lights had whirred past as the car accelerated quickly forward. It was ten at night. Now that Michiru was finally able to sit down and relax, it occurred to her that it was only her special day for a couple more hours.
Not that it made any type of difference. It had been better to have a busy schedule. Otherwise, Michiru would have spent it alone or with Seiya. It wasn't that her manager was terrible company-but considering how the raven haired woman was occupied with a certain bun haired blonde recently, Michiru didn't want to be a third wheel or tear Seiya away from Usagi when she was so close to catching the girl's attention after such a harsh break up. Usagi needed the distraction; as did Seiya.
"What's that look on your face hm? Always caught up in your own world… So unfair Michiru," Haruka commented.
Michiru blinked, flinching realizing that she had gotten distracted by her own thoughts that it had grown eerily silent and looking out the window had caused her to go into a trance-like state.
"I'm sorry. I guess it just finally hit me that I have a couple more hours left of my birthday. Though no worries, it was much better for me to be busy today!" assured Michiru.
Haruka raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Why so? Surely you would have had loved ones to spend it with..?"
"Not exactly… To tell you the truth, I probably would have spent it by myself," Michiru replied.
"Why is that?"
"It's been that way ever since I can remember. While my parents really do care about me and do try to support my ambitions and communicate with me; we're actually not of old money at all. Both of my parents work and that's how they had gained their fortunes. I think it's why they wanted me so involved in the arts-it was a good babysitter and I was getting something out of it. They were only home usually in the late evenings. We would have dinners once a week because both would work long hours. Because of that, my birthday-while they did acknowledge it, was often spent by myself. I mean...gifts are nice. I received so many nice gifts from them. Violins...dresses.. But nothing compares to human contact and quality time," Michiru explained solemnly.
Haruka whistled as if impressed, "So you really were some type of confined oujousama… Though being of new money suddenly makes sense. I've never heard of the name Kisaki at all."
'Of course you wouldn't have heard of it. The Kisaki line doesn't exist!' Michiru thought wryly.
"What does your family do?" Haruka continued to pry.
"My mother is a high-end real estate agent. My father is an investor to a couple of start up companies. They're quite modest compared to other people. We have money, but honestly we're not ones to flaunt it. Being low-key has always been something my parents prided themselves on...at least until it came to me," said Michiru.
"Why you?"
"I suppose it's because I'm young…? They've had a past growing up without money but they've always made sure to that I didn't. They've enabled me… I suppose because of that, they wanted me to have the confidence to act like I was someone," Michiru continued.
"And you are someone now. They must be proud," commented Haruka.
"They are… They're just too busy with their own life to keep up with mine," Michiru said.
Everything that Michiru had said had been the truth. She didn't have to go into detail and she could be vague as she wanted about her family-but she could at least give Haruka that bit of information. Michiru was actually thankful that Haruka didn't continue to pry in more-asking who exactly her mother and father were. The Kaiou family was relatively well known. Were they liked? No. Were they respected for their hard work? Yes. However, this is exactly why Michiru Kaiou had learned at a young age that she wasn't shit. She wasn't anybody. Not compared to the rich girls who had great grandparents who owned ritzy hotels, billion dollar companies, and had a long family line. She had known this as soon as she had stepped foot into Infinity High School's front gates and experienced the isolation that came as soon as kids started toclique up.
Michiru had been a loner at her school, eventually becoming satisfied with her small little place there as a violinist at her school's orchestra. Her grades were above average, she enjoyed swimming in the massive Olympic-sized swimming pool when it was vacant, and drawing and painting during breaks and lunch hours. She wasn't interested in fitting in with the girls who constantly tried to one-up each other with their Louis Vuitton bags, Cartier jewelry, and the like to accessorize their school uniforms. She also wasn't the type of person who fit in with the kids who were obsessed with their academics (hence earned their place to stay there regardless of their lacking of money) either.
The aquamarine girl had never quite found her place. She had no friends… The closest she had ever came to having one had been indirectly through Haruka Tennou. Such a thought had given Michiru so much hope to the point where the blonde's attentiveness and flattery had eventually made her fall in love…only to be disappointed. Michiru's hopes for finally being accepted despite being a socially awkward outcast and not being a rich-girl clone had been shattered the day she had confessed.. It had haunted her ever since, and reminded her constantly that she wasn't anyone. She wasn't shit.
Yet, here was the same woman-years later, telling Michiru that she was someone… How ironic was that?
The car pulled into the agency parking lot, halting to a stop as Michiru gathered her things in the floor of the car. Her own thoughts had placed her in such an irritated mood that she had decided that she was going to open her own damn door and not have Haruka court her. However, the plan backfired as Michiru swung the door open, hitting Haruka square in the chest, sending her flying straight backwards into the neighboring car.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Michiru asked, panickingsuddenly.
Haruka looked as if the air had been knocked out of her and like she was attempting to catch her breath.
"I'm good. My wreck did worse," the woman choked out with a thumbs up.
Michiru sighed, sitting down in the seat, waiting for Haruka to recover and move so she could exit the car. However, the blonde haired woman didn't move an inch, even as she had fully recovered. Instead of feeling sheepish, Haruka had a twinkle in her eye, leaning against the car staring down at Michiru with a smirk on her face as she trapped her between the doorway and seat.
"If I didn't know better, I would have thought you had done that on purpose…" commented Haruka.
"Not at all," Michiru said, looking down as green eyes burned holes into her.
Suddenly out of nowhere, before Michiru could have protested at all, Haruka had duckedforwards, pushing Michiru against the back of the seat to forcefully kiss her. Her tongue lapped at her lips demanding entrance. Michiru found herself not quite being able to deny her of such a request. Her mouth moved against Haruka's..not sure exactly where that had came from. It took a minute for Haruka to break away, breathing heavily as she rested her forehead against Michiru's before kissing the corner of her mouth, her cheek, moving to her neck..
"W-What are you-" Michiru asked.
"Revenge..." Haruka murmured.
"I told you it was an accident."
"I lied… I've wanted to do this since the first performance of the morning," admitted Haruka.
"Why?" questioned Michiru, confused at the sudden affection.
"Because I felt unstoppable and powerful performing next to you… I felt like I was serving my queen," Haruka said, kissing her yet again heatedly.
Michiru could have melted..she wasn't quite sure if it was over the kiss or the words… She pushed Haruka away gently..
"That doesn't explain why you'd force yourself onto me."
"Are you unwilling? Do you dislike this with me…? I'm sorry I keep pushing my boundaries but it's hard with you… You haven't exactly rejected it either," Haruka commented backwardly. She looked away as if ashamed despite her forehead still resting against Michiru's own.
"I don't dislike it… It was just sudden. I don't know what to feel or thing yet. I feel like you're trying to push an answer out of me before I am ready," Michiru replied.
"I suppose….I'm trying to cherish my time with you. Just in case I am rejected after all of this. I really do respect your decision to prolong your answer until the time is right. But I guess I can't help but to enjoy what I can while I can… Maybe I am dooming myself this way," said Haruka.
Michiru moved forward to gently kiss Haruka's cheek, "I wish you knew me better."
"I want to know you better," Haruka whispered.
Michiru despite her brain telling her that this was Haruka Tennou..the girl who had shallowly broke her damn heart-said to the blonde instead, "Then take me out on a date."
"Mn..would you allow me that?" Haruka asked, a smile forming on her lips.
"I wouldn't mention it if it wasn't allowed," said Michiru.
"March fourteenth… Let me take you somewhere nice..?" offered Haruka.
"White Day...how fitting… Where would you take me hm?" Michiru asked with her own question.
"Somewhere nice," Haruka repeated teasingly before playfully pecking Michiru on the lips.
"You know...we were caught kissing in this same parking lot before," Michiru pointed out.
"I'm falling for you…You're the one who would have to explain why you were kissing back now wouldn't you?" teased Haruka.
"You're the one on top of me," retorted Michiru.
"Indeed I am.. Isuppose you have a point," Haruka said before kissing her again without a care in the world. Michiru felt the woman go from leaning sideways to sliding into her lap, straddling Michiru as she kissed her and reached to slam the door shut at the same time. Clearly, Haruka was intending for them to stay there awhile...not that the musician was beginning to mind it at all…
Michiru felt Haruka's teeth bite into her lower lip playfully, as if daring to take anything further. Considering how far it was already going that night, Michiru decided to hell with it and ran her fingers up into Haruka's hair and pulled hard-which in turn emitted a yelp from the blonde between their kiss.
Haruka's hands also had taken to suddenly wandering down to her hips, stroking playfully as they movedlower against her thigh's making Michiru shudder as her nails scrapped lightly against her inner leg, silently demanding forher legs to fall apart and spread. Haruka moved to where she was on her knees in the seat, hovering above Michiru's lap rather than sitting on her. Her fingers wrapped around Michiru's elegant floral print bodycon dress, pulling it past her thighs and onwards past her hips making the aquamarine haired woman gasp in shock as she felt the cool leather of the car seats chill the backs of her legs.
The blonde has the most intense gaze-taking in the view as Michiru sat in her car shyly looking away, her dress hiked up past her waist, legs spread revealing light blue panties even in the dimly lit lights of the parking garage.
"They match your dress," Haruka teased as her fingers trailed to the front of Michiru's underwear. It took a couple of trial and area strokes before Haruka found exactly what she was looking for, which in turn made Michiru bite back a moan as Haruka hit her clit through her panties.
"You're going to ruin them," Michiru protested.
"Then we'll just have to take them off now won't we?" mutteredHaruka. Before Michiru could even open her mouth toprotest Haruka taking her underwear off, the blonde had curled her fingers around the waistband roughly pulling them off in one go, moving to not only pull them past her thighs. Michiru gasped as she felt her panties fall past her knees, and around her ankles.
"I'm taking them completely off," Haruka demanded gently, moving backwards off of Michiru for a slight second, so her arm would reach far enough to pull the garment further off until they were laying on the floorboard of the car.
Michiru felt her face heat up in embarrassment. It was one thing for this to happen in the privacy of their own homes, but this was in public...in Haruka's car… Though knowing she was this way in Haruka's old high school ride almost thrilled her, making her wonder if she had one-upped any ofgirls who had also been in the passenger seat of this damn car… Regardless, Michiru found her hands go in between her legs to cover herself in an attempt at modesty…
"We're in public Haruka," she pointed out.
The blonde chuckled, moving to where she was closer to Michiru again but still far enough to expose her in order tosee everything. Her hands held Michiru'sto remove them from in between her thighs, "That's the thrill of it isn't it?"
"You're horrible," Michiru cried as Haruka played against her pussy again.
"Feel free to tell me that after I make you come all over the seat of my car," Haruka growled.
Michiru moaned as Haruka's fingers moved against the same point again and again-she felt her thighs and the material of the seat grow slippery, making her further embarrassed over how wet she was becoming over just being fingered…
Haruka kissed down her neck, biting gently.
"Don't make marks," Michiru protested.
"I won't...promise," Haruka whispered, apologetically licking at the bites she had created, "Though the thought of everyone knowing what we've done would be a bit thrilling as well.."
"What are you, some type of exhibitionist?" moaned Michiru as Haruka's fingers crept further near her entrance.
"Not an exhibitionist. Perhaps an S…?" Haruka offered with a grin.
Michiru laughed, throwing her head back in pleasure as the first finger slipped in, "Mn..I won't even deny that you are.."
"You like that hm?" Haruka whispered before pecking the woman on the lips.
"I-It's nice..."
"No longer embarrassed that I'm doing this to you in my car...where anyone could find us?" the blonde continued.
"I'm still terrified…." Michiru admitted.
"You're cute like this...I really wish I could take your dress off… I want to see your pretty breasts too… I've only gotten to play with..," Haruka began before adding a second finger in making Michiru cry out in response, "This..the last two times we've played. I want to make you feel good all over..."
"C-Can I play with you?" Michiru inquired.
Haruka smiled, "What would you play with Michi..?"
"Yours…." Michiru murmured shyly.
"My..?" Haruka pressed.
"I want to take your shirt off… You looked good in your bra..the one time when I got hurt," Michiru hesitantly said.
"You'd only want me in my bra?" Haruka teased.
"No..I want that off too.."
Michiru cried out as Haruka's fingers slipped out of her, moving then to her black button down which she began to quickly unbutton.
"All you had to do was ask," Haruka said, as she slid the dress shirt past her elbows…
Michiru couldn't take her eyes off the woman, her eyes trailing down to her bare torso and flat stomach...the sharp collarbones she wanted to bite…
There was a shrill muffled sound that came from somewhere in the car;both flinched at the interrupting sound of a cell phone ringing nearby. Michiru could have cried in agony as Haruka slid her top back onto her shoulders and answered her phone that had so cruelly hindered them. She wanted nothing more to grab the damn phone and throw it out the window so they could continue doing what they were doing…
"Hello?" Haruka answered, looking just as annoyed as she did. However, instead of looking away in distraction of the call, her eyes moved down Michiru's half-naked body...a satisfied grin on her faced as she noticed the hint of a glimmer of wetness in the black leather of the car seat between Michiru's still spread legs…
"We will be there soon. There was a bit of a hold up on the way," the blonde continued.
Michiru was curious as to whom she was talking to...realizing they had gotten immensely sidetracked. They actually had work to do and here they were literally fucking around… She had moved to close her legs only to have Haruka's fingers trail down her abdomen and stroke the outside skin of her vagina. The motion seemingly wasn't an action to continue where they had left off..but it was as if Haruka was silently admiring Michiru's body by touching her to remind her that she hadn't forgotten about her.
"Give us ten minutes..." Haruka said before she hung up.
"Haruka we should.."
"Don't move… Keep them spread," Haruka insisted, implying for Michiru's legs to remain open.
Michiru looked confused as Haruka buttoned up her shirt, "But.."
"Ten minutes...I can do enough in ten minutes," Haruka claimed with a smirk, "Lift your dress more and move down a little?"
Michiru did as she was told, her eyes widening, perplexed as Haruka slid down until she was on her knees in the floorboard of the car, suddenly knowing what the blonde was about to do…and in such a tight space.
"Arrogant!" Michiru exclaimed with a part laugh and groan in pleasure.
Haruka didn't even bother to reply to her and instead, moved her tongue onto Michiru… The feeling was strange but in a strangely nice way.. Michiru being inexperienced in the act of sex,had never experienced such an act… It was pleasurable but she was also worried that she might taste bad… Haruka's hands gripped her legs, pulling her further down until her ass was half way off the seat and Haruka had her mouth full of her…
Michiru moaned in response, feeling a hum from the blonde as she moaned around her..and then suddenly fingers moved once again into her opening driving the musician crazy as both her clit and insides were being played with at the same time.. It hadn't occurred to her that she could feel two things at the same time...and before she knew it she cried out in her body trembling in spasms...knowing full well that Haruka finished her before even ten minutes…
Michiru glanced down at the blonde knelt in between her legs… Her green eyes looking dark and predatory..it was like nothing she ever see before out Haruka as the woman wiped her mouth clean…
"H-How many girls have you done that to here…?" the artist mustered to ask as she attempted to calm down her frantically beating heart.
"Only you..."
"Liar.."
"I'm dead fucking serious… I've never ever ate out a girl in my car...in either of them," Haruka answered, sounding as if she was trying to catch her breath.
"Why me and now…?" Michiru asked.
"Call it a sick fantasy of mine… I've always wanted to make a mess of you-my car just happens to be one of the many places I've wanted to do so..ever since the time I kissed you in the parking lot," Haruka admitted.
Michiru blushed furiously realizing Haruka had done more than just ponder about her…. She was pretty much admitted to Michiru's face that she had fantasized plenty about her…
"We should get going," Haruka said as she straightened out her appearance.
Michiru nodded, pulling down her skirt as Haruka opened the door of the car to step out..
"Ah...Haruka where are my…?"
The blonde haired racer smirked dangling the pair of light blue panties in her hands, "These?"
"Yes..." Michiru said, motioning to take them only to have Haruka back away taunting her, "Haruka..." she blushed furiously releasing her panties were being flaunted out in the open...
"Another sick fantasy of mine is for you not to have anything on under all your pretty clothes…"
"This skirt is too short...what if….?" Michiru began. She stood up getting out of the car, feeling a cool breeze in between her legs from the wetness of her privates and the weather outside.
Haruka pulled Michiru close, tucking her long wavy hair behind her ear as she whispered, "Maybe if you're really good I'll give them back to you later?"
Michiru pouted, "You're just trying to keep me around you more even after work.."
Haruka laughed as she kissed down Michiru's neck, her hands sneaking up to cup at her breasts, "Weren't you the one who wanted to see mine?"
"Mn yes..."
"Then be a good girl and you'll get that and your precious lingerie back," the blonde coaxed with a squeeze before she pulled away, tucking Michiru's panties into her bag.
The musician felt her face heat up not believing what the hell was going on. Haruka was really doing this...right now… This was going to be a game continuing on in between them for the rest of the night.
"If it makes you feel a little less anxious, my true intention was to be assured more time with you after tonight's stuff here. Before you ask; no, I've never done this with anyone else and don't intend to unless it's you. Don't worry..just be extra careful sitting down or anything. I'll take care of you...this might even be fun?" Haruka assured before grabbing a hold of Michiru's hand, leading them down the parking lot of the garage and inside the building.
As soon as they got inside Michiru quickly snatched her hand away, "Nobody needs to know..."
"Shy?" teased Haruka.
"More like it's nobody's business. We don't need anyone knowing what we were up to. As much as it would be a thrill for you-I'm not ready for that yet," Michiru quietly hissed in explanation.
The producer snickered herself as they both got in the elevator, "Ah..well. It was worth a try."
"I give you an inch and you take a mile," muttered Michiru.
"You enjoyed every mile I took," Haruka retorted with a grin.
"I'm still paying for it," Michiru said darkly.
"Mn..I'm certainly not complaining about it… If I had it my way, I would have taken you straight back to my place after finishing you off right there," the blonde said.
"We have work to do," Michiru said.
"I'm sure we would have worked regardless of the type of work it was."
"Oh for Christ's sake get off your high horse Haruka Tennou! You got a birthday present on my birthday!" the musician snapped as the elevator pinged open.
Haruka looked as if she were about to open her mouth for one moment, but decided to know better as soon as they exited the elevator. Whatever sly comment she would have shot back with was immediately kept to herself.
Michiru suddenly realized as they walked down the hallway that all the lights were off in the offices. There was no Seiya coming to greet them even at the least… This was suspicious..
"Where is everyone?" asked Michiru.
"Maybe they're going over some arrangements in one of the meeting rooms?' suggested Haruka, walking ahead of her down the hallway suddenly.
Michiru immediately followed, feeling off in some sort of way that it was so quiet in the building. It had never been this eerily quiet before-even when Michiru was there working late. She checked her phone for a slight second-wondering if she had missed any messages from Seiya-in which she figured out she hadn't received any at all from her. She hadn't heard from her manager all day today…
"Haruka where-" Michiru began as she followed the blonde into one of the dark rooms.
Suddenly in front of her, was a crowd of people...some that she knew, some she didn't know at all that were from the Tennou Entertainment company...but in the very front was Seiya Kou holding an elaborately crafted cake that was lit with probably a dozen candles. She and her brother did the beginnings of a very beautifully harmonized 'Happy Birthday'-which was then taken over by a cute four piece girl idol group that was apparently known as the Amazoness Quartet that was signed under Haruka's label. Usagi sat on one side of the darkly lit room next to Kakyuu and Taki. Beside them was a variety of different secretaries, dancers, musicians...stylists for other people...instructors..tech people. All of them were there for the last bits of Michiru's birthday regardless of how well they knew her or not.
Haruka turned on the lights in order to maneuver Michiru around the crowd of people and lead her to her cake.
"Make a wish your majesty," Haruka whispered gently into her ear behind her, making the aquamarine haired woman feel positively squeamish as long pianist fingers squeezed at her small hips teasingly as Michiru bent ever so slightly to blow out the candles on her cake.
"Did you all plan this?" Michiru asked Seiya dubiously.
"I only helped as did Usagi and the others. This was fully Tennou's idea, though," Seiya shrugged.
"And here I thought we had work to do," Michiru said to Haruka with a suspicious squint.
"Ahhh! I can't believe we're seeing Kisaki-sama in the flesh! Happy birthday! This is from us! We're huge fans! You were so amazing performing today with Tennou-san!" a pink haired girl squealed holding out a decorated gift bag. She was one of the girls from the idol unit that had sang earlier.
"Thank you so much," Michiru answered accepting the gift. She had received many gifts from admirers...but this was a much more intimate setting than some shop or venue that was being controlled by staff. This almost made her feel shy...
"This is all from us at the office. I have to agree Kisaki-san, that was a beautiful debut!" one of the office men commented also holding out a wrapped gift for Michiru to take.
"Michiru-san, this is from me especially for you. I saw what you were wearing today, I just had to get you another piece from 109 since clothing is my forte. Sorry if it's not wrapped properly, I was so busy getting everything set up this morning that I ran straight there during lunch," Usagi said. She was holding out a white bag labeled DaTuRa with a decorated red rose at the top. Michiru was suspicious that the stylist definitely purchased one of the most popular pieces of the season-the strapless floral print maxi dress which certainly suited Michiru's image.
"You know me so well," Michiru answered accepting the gift.
There was a variety of gifts that she received throughout the room from different people. It was strange receiving things from people that she didn't know-but she knew that she'd treasure the ones from the people she happened to know or was closer to.
Seiya also handed her a bouquet of teal flowers, perfectly suited for her.. There were even glittering little sea shells decorated within the bouquet.
"Gather around everyone. I'm going to take a group shot for the social media accounts," the raven haired manager said holding out her cellphone.
The crowd in the room gathered around the unsliced cake and gifts that sat at the table around Michiru-who was immediately pulled down into Haruka's lap into the chair she had decided to sit down in. Once again, long fingers ghosted at the outside of her upper thigh as Seiya took the picture from the phone.
"Michiru, may I take a single shot with just you and your stuff? Consider it also an outfit shot at this rate," the raven haired manager suggested as if she knew Haruka was taking everything too far and had maybe noticed even.
"Will do," Michiru answered moving to stand up, partially grateful that Seiya had made the suggestion.
Everyone moved out of the shot, including Haruka who stood near the door of the room, her arms crossed at she spectated. Seiya even went as far to re-light the candles on the cake just for the photo op. Michiru's eyes met Haruka's for a slight second knowing she was being watched-it made her feel flustered and vulnerable knowing that the blonde probably hadn't taken her eyes off of her all night.
Michiru decided to cast eye head and eyes downwards in an elegant hairsmile* pose with her cake and gifts as she stood. Seiya then handed her the phone to caption the photos as a message to her fans.
'Today was not only my first live debut performance, but also my birthday! Thank you guys for all your kind messages, wishes, and overall support. Did you all enjoy Love Addict? -M '
She handed the phone back over to Seiya, who scanned the message, and nodded in approval before hitting the post button.
"Shall we eat cake and call it a night then? We all have to get quite an early start in the morning, and I'm sure all of us need to be well rested," Haruka suggested.
Seiya nodded, "Yeah. Hand over the knife and I'll start cutting this pretty thing up."
All of the staff made way to sit at chairs surrounding the meeting table and Michiru took her space quickly back up at the front near her cake-taking the seat before Haruka could take it for herself. Usagi sat beside her instead while Haruka decided to sit far at the other end of the table with Taki and Kakyuu. While the blonde haired producer's face didn't look dejected or disappointed, Michiru wondered if Haruka was secretly sulking to herself inside.
"Michiru-san, you really thought on your feet today," commented Usagi in admiration.
Michiru shook her head in protest, "If it weren't for Tennou-san, I wouldn't have been able to perform possibly. She was the one who saved the show."
She heard a laugh from beside her and Seiya handed her the first slice of cake-ensuring that her cut was the prettiest and biggest, "It's Tennou-san again now is it?"
"Formalities are necessary at times like these," remarked Michiru.
"Right..." Seiya teased with a grin.
Usagi even giggled beside her as if amused with the short banter between them.
"Honestly..." Michiru murmured.
Usagi leaned closer to the musician whispering in her ear to where nobody else could hear, "She hasn't taken her eyes off of you all night. You must be amazing Michiru-san."
"I just performed well, that's all," assured Michiru.
Usagi smiled, as if something was on her mind...as if she were even sad, "You must have had a long day.."
"Perhaps it is you who has had along day… You look troubled all of the sudden… What's on your mind?" Michiru asked. She was eager to take the conversation away from her regardless if it was her birthday or not. She had no qualms about hearing about someone else for a change…
"Not here," Usagi insisted quietly.
"Then we'll excuse ourselves elsewhere. I'm sure our party guests won't miss us for a few minutes alone," suggested Michiru.
She glanced at everyone in the room. Haruka was finally distracted with something other than Michiru, and was having a deep conversation with Kakyuu, Taki, and a couple other music engineers about some type of technical stuff no doubt. Other party goers were caught up in their own talks with each other...save for Seiya who was passing out cake to numerous people still.
Michiru carefully stood up, still aware of what position she was in (no thanks to fucking Haruka Tennou), grabbing her plate of cake as well as Usagi's to coax her to join. Seiya blinked confused as they departed from the long meeting table.
"Seiya, we'll be right back," Michiru announced gently to the manager.
"Is something wrong?" the raven haired woman asked glancing between the two women concerned.
Usagi shook her head no, "I just need advice from a fellow lady. I just thought Michiru-sanwould be the best candidate."
Seiya smiled as if relieved suddenly that Usagi would turn to not only her client but her closest friend for personal issues.
"I'll keep everyone entertained then. Take your time," Seiya said.
"Thanks."
Michiru quickly walked past Haruka and her group sitting at the end of the table, not bothering to even bother to givean explanation at Usagi followed quickly behind her. She did catch a quick glance of Haruka's head averting from everyone towards the two of them; but Michiru was determined to pay no mind and not cause even more of a scene than there needed to be. She was attempting to be discreet despite being the main subject of the party...
Michiru pushed open one of the music studio room doors, turning on the lights as she sat down in one of the chairs, motioning for the blonde bunned haired stylist to join her.
"So...what's all going on?" Michiru began.
"Michiru-san….have you ever noticed anything different about Seiya..? Anything out of place than normal?" asked Usagi, hesitantly-as if something was weighing her mind down.
"Other than her lack of social life and outrageous fashion choices?" Michiru suggested jokingly.
Usagi cracked a smile at the humor, "How much do you really know about Seiya…?"
"What do you need to know…? Be specific on what you need Usagi-chan," coaxed Michiru.
"Kakyuu-san and I talked today...and-"
"Look, Usagi, she's married. You have nothing to worry about. If you have any insecurities at all, rest assured-I know for a fact that Seiya Kou is completely smitten with you. I know she's really awkward and probably has difficulties expressing her feelings towards you; but she's only considering the fact that you just got dumped recently. She doesn't want to push anything that you don't want onto you… Honestly, you'd be her second love. She's not very experienced with these sorts of things," Michiru interrupted.
"That's not exactly what I'm worried about..." Usagi stated.
"Then...is it you? Is it your sexuality?" inquired Michiru.
"Yes...and no… Kakyuu-san implied that maybe Seiya is…..not a woman…and maybe that makes sense. I mean, I've never been attracted to a woman before. I mean, save for Haruka-san, but we know how she is. She's notorious for turning straight girls gay… But I know Seiya is different. Haruka-san occasionally embraces her femininity in a wild type of way," Usagi began to explain, "But Seiya...Seiya almost seems like a boy. She makes me feel how I felt with Mamoru..."
It had never once occurred to Michiru that Seiya Kou might be struggling with some type of gender issue. She had always assumed that Seiya just didn't feel like girly clothing suited her. She was an unusually tall woman with a broad stature. Michiru was aware that she didn't know Seiya very well. Seiya wasn't one to really talk about herself at all. Especially about things like this. Even mentioning Kakyuu was a big step…and implied to Michiru that she was a would be possibilitythat Kakyuu knew Seiya better than even Michiru did…
"Are you feeling confused?" Michiru asked.
"Slightly," admitted Usagi as she took a big spoonful of cake into her mouth.
"If Seiya remains woman, do you think you could feel as you do now?"
Usagi pondered on it for a slight second.. It was strange seeing such a bright girl so serious on such a decision-but eventually she slowly nodded, "I would like to try.."
"And if Seiya was a man..?" Michiru continued.
"I think that would be more of an adjustment and struggle for her. And I would have to be there to support her….him...every step of the way," answered Usagi.
Michiru smiled taking a small bite of her own birthday cake noting the small acknowledgment made, "Then it's settled. You love Seiya Kou for whom Seiya is…. Not for the gender. I don't think it would matter. What you felt for your previous boyfriend was probably love..and maybe a false sense of security-but regardless it was security. I'm sure when you both were first dating, you felt very safe and loved. If you are feeling this way with Seiya, then it is still love. And from what you're telling me, it sounds unconditional."
"Do you think Kakyuu-san is correct?" Usagi asked, "She makes it sound like Seiya is so unaware of this..."
"I personally think it's an assumption. We will never know until Seiya is ready to confirm any of this and tell us. I would not assume and I would not press on the matter. Love Seiya for Seiya," encouraged Michiru.
Usagi let out a huge sigh, and Michiru could only tell just by looking at the younger girl thatshe felt so much more relieved now that she had gotten the concern off of her chest.
"I felt so bad… I felt even bad for Seiya because I thought maybe she had been struggling with all of this the entire time. I also felt like….maybe Seiya wouldn't be Seiya anymore if she changed genders. It worried me because I was really beginning to like her even though she is a woman… It's not something I'm experienced with to know..."
"Seiya's soul will remain the same no matter what form she takes. There's no need to worry. If you feel good around her and want to help her, then it's love," Michiru pointed out.
"Michiru-san..."
"Hm?"
"What do you feel when you're around Haruka…?" Usagi asked.
Michiru almost choked on her cake as she felt her heart leap out of her chest at the mention of Haruka Tennou. That was exactly how she felt….
"What does it matter?" she challenged.
"Are you in love with her…?" pressed Usagi.
"I don't know..." Michiru admitted quietly.
"She's in love with you," answered Usagi.
"She thinks she's in love with me," the musician corrected quickly.
"No...Michiru-san, I don't think you understand. Haruka is in love with you. I've never ever seen Haruka Tennou look at a woman the way she looks at you. The way she looks out for you..the effort she's put in..not only for your career here, but just also for your overall well being-she's went all out. One-hundred percent full on all out. I know she has a past with women, but you need to understand that none of those girls loved her. They loved her public persona. They wanted her for her money...her talent..hell, most of them wanted her to be a boyfriend. At one point, I'm sure Haruka did truly love the girls she dated too….but not like you. Not like this…. She doesn't think she's in love with you Michiru-san, she knows she's in love. This whole party was even her idea because she heard from Seiya that you had never once had a proper birthday party, and she was determined to make it happen. That's why everyone-even people you didn't know were invited. She wanted to show that you were loved and admired and she wanted to express how much she also loves you as well," Usagi explained.
Michiru blinked stunned. How did such a bubbly girl who usually came off as ditzy and teenage-like, suddenly come up with such things? She concluded right then and there, that she had truly underestimated this Usagi's air headed act and fashion obsessed mind….she was actually quite perceptive.
"How do you know all of this for sure?" Michiru asked.
"You were in the parking lot the entire time before coming here," Usagi stated innocently.
Michiru paled, "W-what? Did you….?"
Usagi grinned, "No, but you just now admitted to it. I was only taking a stab at it because Haruka wouldn't normally ever be late. There's no such thing as traffic with her."
"Oh my god…." Michiru murmured mortified. Her face was heating up at a rapid pace…. This girl was not someone to be taken lightly. She had just been tricked into admitting just all what she and Haruka had done…
"It's not Haruka who thinksthat she's in love with you. You are the one who thinks you're in love with Haruka. So Michiru-san, I ask of you to please make up your mind soon, before both of you end up breaking each others' hearts," remarked Usagi as she stood up with her empty plate.
Michiru sat rooted to the chair...not sure as to what information she should reveal to Usagi… She knew enough through Michiru's carelessness..but she also didn't want the stylist to get the wrong idea either. She wasn't intentionally playing Haruka. She was confused. A part of her did want to play her...because if Usagi truly knew what Haruka had put her through….then maybe it would make more sense.
"I told her that I would give give her an answer by the time the music awards rolled around," is what ended up spilling out of Michiru's mouth.
"That's a sufficient amount of time. What do you intend to do until then…?" Usagi inquired.
"Continue to focus on my work," answered Michiru, not wanting to get into further details.
Whatever she and Haruka had was confusing. Usagi pointing out that Michiru didn't know what she wanted, didn't help at all either.
"Please don't hurt her," the stylist said gently.
"At this point, she's hurting herself. I'm not initiating anything. I'm not exactly pushing away either, I realize this. She isn't the only victim here...trust me, if only you knew..."
"If I knew what? That you went to high school together?" Usagi asked.
It was the third timethat night that Usagi Tsukino had shocked the hell out of Michiru. How did she know? The teal haired woman immediately felt sick to her stomach as the anxiety kicked in about anyone knowing…
"How did you…." her voice trailed off, as she stood abruptly. She was ready to flee and escape...to never come back and show her face at this place again.
"Seiya told me recently… Your secret is safe with me though. I have no intention of outing you," assured Usagi.
"Fucking Seiya...I'll kill her…." Michiru muttered as she attempted to swallow.
"She told me that Haruka knew Michiru Kisaki very well, but did not know Michiru Kaiou… Kaiou is your family name right?"
"It is…"
Michiru couldn't get over the adrenaline rush. This was her biggest kept secret...and suddenly someone from the outside other than Seiya knew. It was terrifying.. What if Usagi accidentally let it slip out? What if she was exposed to the media? What if it was used as blackmail against her…?
"Why wouldn't you out me?" Michiru asked suspiciously.
"Because it's not my business, nor is it up to me to do. I assume your name change is to keep your private life separate from your other life here," answered Usagi.
"When I was younger...I was satisfied with just being able to get through school unnoticed. I didn't want the unwanted attention. I suffered from immense anxiety. Art and music was my escape… However, my parents eventually had different plans for me-as did my instructors and mentors that taught me privately. They wanted to put their investment to use and display my artwork at exhibitions and the like. I wasn't comfortable being praised. I didn't take compliments well-not because of the praise but more so because I didn't know how to properly respond back to them… So, I decided to create a pseudonym for myself in order to work on my art without any interruption and with the privacy I needed," disclosed Michiru.
"Then why would you sing and model?" Usagi asked.
"As I grew older, I became more confident with myself…"
"Why not tell Haruka…? You went to high school together...she's admired your work for so long..."
"Because Michiru Kaiou confessed to her, and it wasn't good enough. Michiru Kisaki was everything Haruka imagined wanting. The illusion I created was ideal for her, but the real me back then….it wasn't enough. This is exactly why I am confused. This is why I have trouble easily returning her love back. When I was a teenager, I really did love her. I would watch her in secret. Some of my paintings were even dedicated to her...the stories behind the paintings or the titles almost being in code for her to decipher. I was always around, but she didn't ever notice. Not that I expected her to…. But the day she called me mediocre and ugly to my face…. Usagi-chan, it broke my heart so much. Every type of insecurity I feared of...came true. I was terrified being Michiru Kaiou and not being able to live up to everyone's expectations. Even before Haruka; she had just validated it more so. However, as Michiru Kisaki….I was everything that everyone wanted me to be. Even for Haruka," Michiru said solemnly.
"Oh my god…. Michiru-san….this means...everything you've done…all of it, has been technically done because and maybe even for Haruka," Usagi murmured quietly. There were tears in her big blue eyes as if she was in shock...and she wasn't even the one enduring it all.
"It started out because of her and for her… As I grew older, it was for me. I wanted to better myself as a person. I wanted to prove to myself I could be anything if I set my mind to it," Michiru replied.
"One day...you have to tell her… Please...for both of your sakes..."
Michiru smiled grimly, throwing away her plate in the nearby garbage can as she walked towards the exit of the studio, "That was the plan Usagi-chan… To have her fall in love with me and have her world crumble apart before her as I rejected her, just like she did to me..."
And with that, Michiru left the studio-the door shutting behind her as she walked down the hallway towards the meeting room. She sighed, relieved to be out of the situation. Funny how the conversation had shifted to Usagi's love life and Seiya's past...to Michiru's own. It wasn't something she was comfortable with…
Michiru suddenly felt a hand encircle her wrist quickly before she could even make a sound, she was pulledby the arm forcefully and lead down a different hallway opposite of the meeting room that everyone else was inby none other than Haruka Tennou herself...
(A/N: I'm always screaming in my author's notes, so I'm going to refrain from screaming and just say; HELLO! I live. LOL. I hope this chapter was worth the extremely long wait. In the middle of writing this, not only had school on my plate but when I didn't have school on my plate-I had not worked on this in so long that I became uninspired and stuck. Mainly with the sex scene… I kind of wanted to make it erotic but wasn't quite sure how to get there….. I think I managed though?
This chapter is super intense no? I thought it was only fitting for Michiru's birthday of course! She's finally debuted as an artist too-so we are progressing in this story slowly but surely. There's so much more to write though, and this story is far from over yet.
I'd like to also announce-this story is now at the 500 page mark! Omg! This is definitely the longest thing I've ever written. I hope this has shown how much love I've placed into this story. It's a shame that this wasn't on something more productive like...you know..not a fic. But at least this shows myself that I am capable of such things! Anyway, hopefully the wait for the next chapter won't be as long ;) Give me some inspiration. That always helps!
Also, I got a question from a reader on the significance of Yaten's character in this fic. I REALLY wish I could tell you because she plays a very important role-especially at the end of this story so please stay tuned. She had a purpose and all will be explained soon. ;)
Until next time guys!
*Hairsmile- Kind of a popular pose on instagram/social media in Japan. Often used by gyaru because it makes girls look more feminine. A lot of girls do it for the sake of showing off the hair (hence why it's called hair smile) but I've seen girls also use this pose to show off their eye make up/eye lashes-which is what Michiru has used it for! )