Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or the characters Haruka and Michiru. The basis of the character of Dachi was inspired by the video for Liar by Camilla Cabello.
Michiru slowly walked into the restaurant waiting room, her eyes wandering around the room. Before she could ask directions, the hostess beckoned her to follow, and quickly led her to the table where her fiancé was already ordering for them. She glanced ardently at the outdoor seating, sighing inwardly as she would have preferred to be out in the light breeze. Taking her seat across from the dark haired man, her eyes once again traveled to the blue sky visible from the windows. The blue was a stark contrast to the dark yellow glow inside the restaurant. To her, the unpleasant light gave everything around a sickly glow. But Dachi didn't want to sit outside, as it would mess the perfect coif of his hair, or something like that. He seemed to always dismiss her suggestions.
"I told you that outfit would look striking on you," he seemingly complimented himself. Recalling back to the scene earlier, after she descended the stairs at her parents mansion in the summer dress that she choose. Dachi was waiting, only to direct to change into something more high end before arriving at the restaurant. "We have appearance to maintain my dear, " he reminded her with a smile.
Michiru kept the smile on her face, not listening much to the man across from her. She was introduced to Dachi by her parents mere months ago, obviously their choice for her in marriage. At first glance there was not much wrong with him. He was attractive enough, with his dark hair and eyes easily as dark. He put more than enlightened effort into his appearance s to ensure he wasn't hard on the eyes. Add to that he was about to step up as the new CEO of her fathers company. That likely played a large role becoming engaged in a few months after meeting.
Dachi was still lecturing her on all the things she should keep in mind for the evenings event, a gala to celebrate his official announcement as CEO. He dwelled on, not really noticing that his words being lost between them, she was reminded of all the things wrong. To say he was extremely focused on how people perceived him was an understatement. Unfortunately, he was arrogant and strong willed to force everyone to see him in an agreeable light. Which really just meant that most people who had to deal with him were very put off. Michiru was just his latest accessory to show off, to raise his image. Always lecturing her on the do and don't of being a socialite like a child and not his future wife. This lunch date was no exception, and as his pompous voice carried through the room, she noticed more eyes on her. Some of the staff that look at her sympathetically as they moved about the table. It was obvious to just about everyone she was not pleased to have to listen to him, but little she could do about it.
Dachi snapped his finger at one of the staff demanding his wine glass to be filled. Almost instantaneously, waiter approached by the table to pour the requested wine. Michiru catches the shine in the blonde waiter's eyes as he, no she, winks as her. She watched the waiter curiously, taking note that she is dressed more akin to the male waiters, with a black. Eat over the button down and a tie. Slightly more interesting was the face the blonde made as Dachi gave a dissertation about the wine he selected. Moving to pour the glass, Michiru watched as she oh so casually slips and pours wine straight into Dachi's lap.
He quickly raised from he seat, cursing aloud on how expensive his suit was and how impervious the wine stain will be to remove. The blonde waitress was apologizing, Michiru observing that neither was really making an attempt to really help Dachi as he continued the carry on. Watching the scene unfold, the blonde wipes the wine from the table top, and she noticed the heart shaped wine stain remaining on the otherwise white linen. Next to the heart shape stain, she noticed a folded piece of paper. Michiru quickly grabbed it while Dachi's held his phone to his head, already calling for his driver.
"It's ok, I have a spare in the Bentley. I'll just have the driver bring it around," he proclaimed, sending the wait staff away. Michiru sat in silent observation as the driver brought in a black garment bag and Dachi disappeared subtly to change. She glanced at the paper still in her hands when she was sure no one was looking. A questioning look appeared on her face as she read the cryptic message. Pondering the possible meaning, or even if it was meant for her, she simply spaced out. She didn't dare to let her mind travel to the events that will be waiting for her after they left the restaurant. Glancing around at the decor, she wondered why this was Dachi favorite place. The food was rather ordinary, and it was decorated to look like an old establishment when she knew for certain it was not more than a few years old.
Her thoughts fleeted away as Dachi returned and took his seat at the table. Pretending as if nothing had happened just moments ago, he presented a large velvet box. Opening it for her, and her eyes fell on the sapphire necklace contained within.
"What do you think?" He questioned as he took a bit from his sandwich. Michiru looked at the oversized gold braiding contracting around the comically sized blue jewels, it really was ghastly. Realizing he likely intended for her to wear it this evening, her thoughts suddenly drifted to the gala that evening. It would be the first appearance that Dachi and herself will make together after their engagement. Although they held and official engagement party hosted by her parents, this would be the opportunity to show off for both Dachi and her fathers potential business partners. Dachi was a longtime family friend, and the engagement was planned to occur at the same time he takes over the CEO seat for her fathers company, Michiru was not much more then the perfect accessory.
"Michiru, honey?" He asked again, and she glanced up noticing he was still waiting her praise for the ugly present. She smiled, but before she could get a word out Michiru felt something stuck in her throat. She tried to elegantly take a sip of water to clear her throat but found her glass empty. She gestured for help from her fiancé, but he just looked at her passively, taking another bite from his sandwich and awaiting her answer. Seemingly oblivious to her distress.
Just as she thought she would succumb to the lack of oxygen and the lack of brain cells in Dachi, there were pair of strong arms around her. She felt slight pressure on her stomach, but the voice in her ear was more predominate. "You need to speak the truth, mermaid." Air rushes into her lungs once again, and she felt the ability to breath return. She looked around to see her slightly concerned fiancé, and the blonde waitress standing just behind her.
"Well, Michiru?" Dachi impatiently asked. Her eyes moved about the room confused as to what happened. Her eyes were finally met by the concerned face of the waitress who began to move away from the couple, but never breaking her stare. "Michru! What do you have to say for yourself?" He berated.
"I... I never liked this restaurant!" she shouted. Dachi just stared, eyes slowly going wide, confusion evident on his face. She looked around as her shouted answer seemed to still be echoing in the room. Michiru glanced over at the blonde standing a few feet away, receiving just a wink in response. Her green eyes seemed brighter, almost glowing in the dim yellow light of the restaurant.
Deciding this was all just too weird for her, Michru stood, turning on her heals and briskly made her way towards the front of the restaurant. Once out the door and the feeling of the fresh air on her face, a smile graced her lips. Suddenly she heard a ear piercing screech and as her eyes began to search for the source, everything was suddenly was overcome by darkness.
Jolting up with a shock just as the abrupt end to her dream pulled her from her slumber much more effectually than the alarm. Reaching over and turning off the annoying contraption, she rubbed her head slightly as she recalled her dream. Such an terse ending to a strange dream. Moving her eyes around the room in her parents home, she groaned lightly as she made her way from under the covers. Still working on shaking the strange dream, she entered the shower hoping it will wash away the lingering feeling. Her mind was unrelenting, replaying the details again as she lathered herself. Dachi's unsurprising haughtiness turning Michiru closer to the doll he wants her to be. Gasping suddenly as the warmth of the green eyes suddenly washed over her memory. Why could she remember in such detail the blonde with green eyes? Knowing she wouldn't find any answer in the suds making their way down the drain, she exited the shower and began to prepare for the day. Glancing at the calendar on her desk as she applied lotion, she was reminded that tonight was the gala. Maybe that was what the dream was trying to tell me. She pushed the dream to the far corner of her mind as she pulled the light blue sundress over her head. She admired the results her reflection, ensuring everything was perfectly in place before she headed down the stairs.
Inwardly pondering if she would be able to mange to convince Dachi to enjoy having lunch outside, she didn't notice the voices flowing from the living room until it was too late. She paused in the doorway of the large gathering room at the sight of Dachi conversing with her father. Neither acknowledged her presence right away, choosing to finish their business discussion before her father turned to greet her.
"Good morning to you too, father." She smiled. Turning her attention to Dachi, she spoke softly as she lowered her gaze, "I apologize for causing you to have to make a trip to the Kaioh residence. My understanding was that we were meeting at the restaurant."
"Dachi stopped by with a gift," her father offered. Dachi nodded to an awaiting maid and a large box was produced for her. She opened the lid and was greeted by a familiar looking twill blazer and skirt set. She scrunched her nose at the suggestion from her dream that this was for her. It screamed old lady wear in the worst way. Her internal fears were confirmed when Dachi approached her.
"Why don't you go try it on," he suggested. Michriu knew there wasn't much if a suggestion behind the statement.
"Thank you for the gift Dachi. I don't want to cause us be late in account of trying it on. I'm sure it fits perfectly, you always have great taste." Trying to slip out of being directed what to wear, she wore the most disarming smile she could. Dachi didn't even blink at the enchanting smile she flashed.
"Michiru, we have appearances to maintain," he blandly replied as he glanced down at her sundress. "Why don't you wear it to the restaurant?" Michiru sighed in compliance and returned up the stairs to change, cursing under her breath the whole time. Once the ugly tweed material adorned her body she again inspected the results in the mirror. The twill set was too hot and heavy for the time of year and it was just cut all wrong. She looked like a box. It even had a matching hat! she cried to herself. She emerged down the stairs a few moments later and the two left for the restaurant.
A very strange feeling of deja vu washed over her as she passed through the glass receiving room of the restaurant. The same decor flooded her memory again as it was fashioned to make the room seem more seasoned than it was. Following Dachi to a table near the back of the room, everything started to move in slow motion. Until her eyes came upon the sight of a very familiar looking blonde waitress dressed in the male staff uniform, when time stood still for a moment. She spent the morning recalling the blondes striking features. Those splendid green eyes. Those feminine curves. She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat at the last unexpected thought. "I told you that outfit would look striking on you," he seemingly complimented himself as he pulled Michiru from her thoughts. Her heart jumped as she suddenly snapped her head back towards Dachi.
"What did you say?" She cautiously asked, recalling her dream.
"Oh, don't fret my dear. We just have appearances to maintain my dear, " he explained with a practiced smile. Michiru eyes went wide trying to rationalize what was going on. Dachi continued to lecture her on all the things she should keep in mind for the evening gala, which still all went in one ear and out the other. Michiru watched discreetly as the blonde approached with the red wine bottle. I'm loosing my mind... There is no way that I dreamed this last night, not in this detail! Michiru looked up in time to catch the blonde winking as her as she lifted her hand to pour the glass of wine.
As soon as Dachi stood to yell about the wine now covering his lap, Michiru eyes doubled in size and a shocked gasp escaped her. True to her dream, she watched the blonde wipe the wine from the table top, leaving a heart shaped stain on the otherwise white linen. Next to the heart stain sat the folded piece of paper. Michru quickly palmed it, already knowing what was on the inside. Dachi soon returned to the table in his new suit and presented the large velvet box. He didn't have to opened it for her to know it contained the large sapphire necklace.
"What do you think?" he eagerly questioned. Thoughts were running through her head like a mouse trying to find the cheese in a maze. And at that moment, not a single thought had anything to do with the jewelry. "Michiru, honey?" He asked again, and her eyes raised to glimpse at him awaiting her praise for the ugly present. She stood slowly looking deep into Dachi's eyes, a storm swirling within her.
"The necklace is ghastly. And... And your fake tan makes you look like an orange!" She called out. She watched as the shock spread across his smug face with the realization of her words. Not waiting for whatever response he may have, she turned on her heels and made her way quickly towards the restaurant front hall. As she approached the entrance foyer, she suddenly recalled how her dream ended. She stopped a few feet short of the room, glancing around in an attempt to determine what to do next. She suddenly caught sight of a familiar crop of blonde hair near the door leading to the patio. Pondering for a moment how she unsuccessfully tried to convince Dachi to dine on the patio, she continued to look longingly at the outdoor seating. Her decision seemed to be made when the blonde casually opened the patio door, seemingly unaware of the commotion she caused still echoing from the table towards the back. She flashed her a shining smile as Michiru stepped onto the patio. She felt the breeze on her skin as her eyes adjusted to the afternoon sun . She was right, it was a beautiful day to be on the patio. She knew that this was what her dream must have been telling her all along. She then heard the unsettling screech towards the front of the restaurant followed by screams as some ran to see what happened.
Michiru tensed for a moment thinking that maybe she didn't dream the events. The breeze caressed her cheek again, signaling that this was still the time to make her exit. She opened the gate to exit the patio, stepping on the sidewalk towards their car waiting on the side street. As she reached the car, she decided to risk a glance towards the front of the building at what was going on. She moved slightly further out into the street to get a clear view around the crowd. Shock flowed through her system in realization a car has indeed crashed into the front entrance. As she stood looking toward the front, she heard a bell ring behind her followed by shouting.
She turned to see a spandex clad bicyclist heading towards her. And then another. And when quite a few more were heading in her direction, she took action to move out of the way. What only could be described as the Tour de France heading her direction, did she really start to panic. She closed her eyes, but instead of feeling pressure from the crashing the bikes, she felt a sudden force from her side. Feeling her boy slam against the asphalt, she glanced up at the heavy object that landed on top of her. She gasped as she was met with shining green eyes examining her for injuries. She struggled against the pain the shot through her to get up, but the blonde lead her to relax back down. "You need a few more changes than that mermaid, " she heard a husky voice murmur as her heavy eyelids succumb to darkness again.
Jolting straight up in bed, she grimaced at the piercing sound coming from at her alarm on the nightstand. Nervously glancing around her room she realized that she again was at her room in her parents home. Silently relieved at the familiar location, she began to ponder how she ended up here in the first place. Her mind drifted to one of the many times she requested to live on her own while attending classes, and how they always refused. Even now, they really did not want her to move in with Dachi even though there was a guarantee she would have her own room. I'll have my own room even after we are married, she mused. Momentarily shaking her disgust with her current living situation, her dream was brought to the forefront of her mind. She jumped up to look at the calendar confirming tonight was the gala and she was suppose to meet Dachi at the restaurant he loved to frequent. Did she seriously have a dream within a dream about today? Shaking her head once again, she struggled to make sense of what was going on. Without changing or touching her hair, she threw on her robe and ran downstairs to confirm her suspicions that Dachi was waiting for her.
Just as her foot left the last step, the voices could clearly be heard coming from the living room. She froze as she could make out the voices of both her father and Dachi clearly. Panic stuck her whole body as the struggled to determine what could possibly be happening. Her heavy breathing apparently catching her fathers attention as she hears his voice much closer to her now.
"Your up early Michiru... And your not dressed," she heard in her fathers disapproving tone as he eyed her appearance. "Are you feeling ok?" She could only managed a slow nod in reply.
"I thought I heard Dachi here and was excited to see him." She shyly added. Dachi moved from his spot in the living room, unconcerned with the possibility that his fiancé could be ill.
"Well, I guess it is better this way, I brought you a gift. You can take it upstairs with you and get ready." He nodded to a nearby maid and a large box was produced for her. She opened the lid to be greeted by a familiar looking twill blazer and skirt set. "Hurry along now Michiru, we have appearances to maintain," he said as he dismissed her urgently.
"I'll wear it if we can sit on the patio today," Michiru suddenly found her voice, startling both men. Not sure how to perceive her bargaining with him, Dachi mindlessly nodded in agreement as Michiru made her way back to her room.
Silently she followed Dachi though the restraint foyer hall, smiling slightly that he requested patio seating when the hostess started towards the dark corner of the restaurant. She even held her eye roll when he added in that the table must be under an umbrella to help block the wind. That makes no sense! But at least I can enjoy the beautiful weather durning the dreadful lunch. Taking in the feel of the soft breeze offering familiar caress on her cheeks from her dreams, she couldn't hold in the smile that beamed across her face. They took their seat on the patio and Michiru glanced around. She didn't catch sight of the blonde waitress, and she sighed. She was slightly disappointed but perhaps relieved the she was not in a living version of her dream.
"Are you sure you're feeling well, darling?"Dachi asked finally appearing slightly concerned for his fiancé's health. More precisely he was worried Michiru's odd behavior would carry over to tonight's gala.
"I'm just going to powder my nose," Michiru hesitantly replied as she stood from the table. She may not be completely certain what what going on, she needed a moment to compose herself.
"I told you that outfit would look fabulous on you," he seemingly complimented himself as she began to walk away. Michiru looked back at him trying to hide the shock on her face. Something bizarre was still happening. She made her way inside the restaurant and towards the powder room. Just as she made it to the door, she spotted the familiar blonde waitress carrying a try to a table.
Without hesitation, she grabbed the blonde by the wrist and pulled her into the powder room with her, locking the door behind them. Turning to look at the blonde she saw she was trying her best to conceal her amusement. She livid that the blonde not only knew what she was going through but was enjoying it.
"What is going on here?" Michiru demanded. The blonde just raised an eyebrow as her and shrugged a shoulder.
"I tend not to ask too many questions when a beautiful woman pulls me into a room with her. But I do think that is one you should ask yourself." The blonde offered. Michiru felt the wave of defeat coming over her.
"I am not sure what is going on, but I felt somehow talking to you would give me the answers I was looking for," Michru was on the verge of tears. The blonde approached her cautiously, unsure of the smaller woman's turmoil. She placed an arm gently around the teal haired woman.
"Hey," she said as she placed a finger under Michiru chin causing her to look up at her. "I'm not sure what happened to you to cause those tears, but I am sure you don't deserve them. If you think there is someway I can help you, I will," the blonde offered with a smile. She gave a husky chuckle as she knocked the matching tweed hat off Michiru's head. "First thing would be to get rid of that hat, " the blonde smirked, earning a smile from the smaller woman. Michiru launched herself into the blondes embraced, her arms cautiously closing around the smaller girl. Once Michiru calmed down, the blonde excused herself to return to work giving Michiru a few moments to freshen herself up. She exited the bathroom leaving the ugly hat behind on the floor.
Upon her return to the table, Dachi was waiting with a velvet box already placed in front of her seat. "What happened to your hat?" Dachi accusingly questioned as Michiru sat down.
"I don't like it," she simply stated.
Dachi gave her a suddenly puzzled look before trying to take her hand. He firmly added, "we have appearances to maintain..."
"No, you have an appearance to maintain!" Michiru suddenly interrupted, standing again. "I will be your accessory no longer. I don't want the necklace and I don't want you picking out my clothes." Enjoying the stunned face starting back at her, Michiru continued. "I have been able to dress myself since I was 8 and you're not going to change that. And I don't like your suits either! I will take a walk!" Michiru turned away from Dachi concealing the smile on her face. As she made her way to the patio exit, she heard Dachi call out "my limo will pick you up at 7!" He had to get the last word in, didn't he? she thought as she exited, ensuring to stay on the sidewalk this time as the Tour de France passed by the street.