(A/N: Disclaimer - I do not own Sailor Moon, just borrowing the characters for a short while.)
The echo of shoes on the tile increased as she quickened her pace down the hallway, not once bothering to check if the heavy office door closed behind her. Her feet quickly carrying her from the building, from that office, that proposition as much as she could. With enough distance between her and the office, only then could she calm her emotions. Only then could she begin to figure out what to do next. Needless to say, the meeting had not gone as she anticipated. Her response was enough to make that quite clear to everyone in the room. She held in any additional sighs of frustration until she was clear of the building, free of critical stares. Kaioh Michiru does not show vulnerability to anyone.
Once she cleared the lobby, her feet continued mindlessly towards the nearby park. The park contained a walking path circumnavigating the lake and had always been her deliverance. As her feet finally stopped at a bench that faced out to the lake, she assumed her seat. Staring out to the water, she ran her hands through her wavy teal hair, finally allowing some deep breaths in an attempt to calm her mind. Looking out to the placid waters in front of her and feeling her breath steady slightly, she felt finally ready to assess the events that unfolded this morning.
She arrived at the office of her editor earlier than requested, unassumingly enjoying the tea with her friend. The guileless banter between the two relaxed her, almost causing her to forget the unexpected phone call this morning to meet at her editors office. Almost, in the sense that when the editor burst in, both women were snapped back into the tense reality. Her editor, Sato Tsubasa was an imperious presence in any setting, yet his abrupt entry caused a sudden nervousness within her. His tall and solid build intimidated anyone who came across him, but his dark grey eyes held a look of impassiveness. This was the default look directed at anyone who tried to garner his attention. She had seen a glimmer of the impassioned look that his dark eyes were capable was available when he reviewed her work and decided to become her editor, so she knew it was possible.
"Ms. Kaioh, I'm happy you're here early. We can get started right away." Without any additional exchanges, Sato took his seat behind the desk facing the two women. "The first volume of your manga has been celebrated among readers, and there is much excitement for the next volume," he paused briefly to take in the pleased smile from both women before him. "However, I have concerns on the continued success a manga can hold if it doesn't have man for the protagonist to try to impress." Michiru stared at the tall man, attempting to hide the shock that surged through her at that moment. Luckily, the other woman in the room easily caught on to Michiru's displeasure with the suggestion. Sharing a reassuring look with Michiru, silently signaling that the apprehension was not misplaced at Sato's castigation. Setsuna was one of Michiru's oldest friends, supporting her early on in her dreams of being an artist and even brought her portfolio to convince Sato to meeting with Michiru.
"Sato-sama, wasn't that initial appeal you appreciated, the heroine's ability to defeat her antagonists with her tenacity alone?" Setsuna interpose into the silence in the room.
"I suppose it was something fresh at first," he concede, before continuing. "Now that we have an an audience that is invested in the story, keeping their interest, as well as to attract newer readers, if you want to keep this going. To be blunt, to add a love interest is the foundation to start adding a little something for everyone into the art. I'm not asking you to change the particularities in the story, just add a secondary storyline to run in the background." He paused, taking in the the teal haired artist expression. Seemingly contemplating the options in her own head and letting an awkward face as she dismissed each one. "The tension this background story will bring in the new readers, as well as give the returning ones an additional layer to enjoy."
Sato leaned back in his chair, continuing to study the expressions of the two woman, watching closely the waves of emotions that continued on the teal hair artist's face. I guess she's not that hardened to take criticism, he thought.
"Look, Ms. Kaioh, your storyboard for the next volume of 'Neptune' is due next week. This is just some guidance to ensure the approval for the next volume. It's in both of our best interests for the volume to be approved, so please consider my opinion. You're released to continue your storyboard." Michiru stood and bowed, thanking Sato for his suggestion. She gave a small smile in response to Setsuna's concerned look, and took her leave from the building.
Glancing out over the serene water, she let the frustration of the meeting, just melt from her mind. How could he casually make a demand like that, her mind raged once again. Looking back out to the water, she began to massage her temples. Upsetting herself now will only undo all of the control she held in that room. She signed inwardly, breaking down certainly won't help her now. Taking in more of her surroundings, just now noticing the other inhabitants enjoying the same scenery as her. She watched them, focusing intently on those that appear to be couples. She watched their interactions, how their movements seemingly complimented each other. She began toying in the back of her mind how she could capture the movement and have those feelings come through in her art. She frowned then, realizing she still needed to design with the male lead.
Setsuna watched the teal haired artist sitting on the bench, her posture downcast with the weight of the options playing in her mind. Not to say that she couldn't blame her. When she first found out about Sato's plan, she mulled over the idea of telling Michiru right away. Knowing her friend would react the way she did, it was best not to ignite the unpredictable reaction she would receive. She had hoped her friend would be sensible enough to keep her riposte under control while in Sato's office. True to Michiru's gracefulness, she silently took the criticism given to her and politely took her leave.
Watching her on the bench, Setsuna still was not sure of the reaction she would receive out in the open. Her resolve soften slightly as she watched Michiru slowly lift her head. Following her gaze, she caught sight of the couple walking arm and arm on the path. Michiru never looked at others in a relationship longingly, perhaps Sato's words effected her. Sighing slightly wondering what was going through her friends mind, she decided it best to find out.
Michiru's thoughts were interrupted when she spotted a long swath of dark green hair, and sure enough the tall olive skinned woman was making her way towards her.
"I thought I might find you here," Setsuna smiled as she took a seat next to Michiru. "You shouldn't read into his suggestions too much. He's only trying to help you succeed."
"I question on what he defines as success," Michiru replies as she shook one shoulder. She sighed slightly as she continued, "but I do see that he is just trying to help. I just have no idea what would make a good male suitor, let alone what I'm suppose to do with him once I have him!" She threw her hands in the air at the last line for emphasis. Setsuna only giggled.
"I'm sure you'll think of something. After all you're the creative one." Smirking at Michiru's frustration, she stood from the bench. "I need to head back. I'm on a coffee break, and I figured I'd come check on how desperate you were and didn't pitch yourself into the lake," she indicated to the water with her hand. Ensuring that her friend was reacting better than expected, her smile grew slightly more wicked. "I'll tell you what. If you can find some places in which a premium male specimen could be found, I would be willing to accompany you this weekend while you do your research," her smile growing slightly more as she chucked at her friend before turning to head back to the office.
"Very funny, Setsuna! Yeah sure, we'll head over to the first place the lesbian picks to check out guys," she mumbled to no one particular realizing that her friend was likely out of earshot. She stood, deciding to get herself some food, suddenly realizing that she had skipped out on her morning routine in order to arrive at the meeting early. Deciding she could come up with a plan over a warm brunch, she started off in the direction of her favorite cafe.
The chime of the bell above the cafe door signaled her entrance to the cozy cafe. Looking over the tables in the middle of the room, she followed the line of booths against the wall. A satisfied grin coming to her features as she found one along the back wall available and she walked along the long display case holding all of the delicious looking cakes and cookies. Glancing over the case, she spotted the cafe's owner.
"Hi Makoto!" Michiru called to brunette clad in the double breasted chef jacket as she took her favorite booth in the back. The brunette just smiled and waved as she made her way towards the kitchen. Once the waitress took her order she settled into the booth, taking out her art book. She flipped through the drawings she had already produced in anticipation for her storyboard review for the second volume of 'Neptune' featuring her titular water commanding heroine.
Affliction stuck her once again as she reviewed her drawings. A love interest does nothing to help the empowering story! She groaned as she reconsidered the drawings before her. She let a sigh escape her, It's not like she needed a man to succeed at her dreams, why would Neptune? It was completely absurd.
If Sato wants Neptune to look more sensual, than she could do that. She didn't need a to have a man as her only reason to look good. Maybe Sato would be placated with a more sensual illustration? Michiru pondered, but dismissed the idea. The unwavering man would never abandon his own suggestion that easily. She blew on her tea that now sat in front of her to help cool it, her gaze catching the newspaper sitting on the edge of the table. Giving one last heavy exhale, she reached for the paper, deciding to give a look through the upcoming events. It can't hurt to checkout one or two with Setsuna, it's not like I know where to meet guys. She mused as she sipped her tea.
Removing a pen from her bag, she circled a few ideas for the weekend that would not be to worrisome to attend. After identifying a handful to consider, she placed the current events aside as her food was ready. She smiled thankfully to the waitress as she delectably lifted her fork to the plate in front of her.
Her hunger finally subdued, her mind began to swirl with the drawings an the looming deadline. The need to further distract herself growing stronger, she pulled the crossword section out of the paper. "A light in the... blank. Hmmm" she pondered aloud in her hidden booth. Her face lit up when she recalled a poetry book from her childhood. "Manhattan boulevard known for luxury penthouses," she muttered in her quite corner. Her finger mindless tapped her chin as she concentrated. She had never visited America, and was searching her memory to recall where she may have heard it before.
"Fifth avenue," a husky voice unexpectedly appeared next to her. She glanced up to see a tall blonde man standing facing the booth.
"What?" She meekly replied.
"Fifth avenue. With 'fifth' spelled out. Go on, try it," the blonde once again offered while he continued to stare directly into her eyes. He was obviously talking to Michiru. She released an audible breath with a smirk as she wrote the suggestion into the puzzle. It fit. Lifting her gaze to give the blonde a bemused glance, noticing only then the blonde taking a seat at the booth.
"What are you doing?" She asked incredulously.
"I prefer to eat my meals sitting," was the simple husky response. "Makoto told me to come sit over here," the blonde added with a sided smile. Michiru glanced around the diner and indeed all the other booths were taken. She turned back to the blonde, whom at this point had removed his suit jacked and placed it over the seat back next to him
"I don't like to share my table," Michiru stated getting right to the point.
"But you have to now," was again, the simple response.
"Attitude," was the petulant comment thrown out by the teal haired woman.
"Yours? Yes, it is too much."
"Listen..." Michiru began before the blonde stopped her.
"I haven't had my coffee yet today, so I'm having a little trouble coming up with a colorful way to say 'who gives a crap?' No wait, that was ok," the blonde snapped back, obviously done with Michiru's denial to share her table. Giving an exaggerated eye roll, the blonde began to enjoy the pastry in his hand. "You going to the race this weekend?" The blonde asked raising an eyebrow.
"No," Michiru responded meekly at the sudden change in conversation.
"Then why do you have it circled?" He added. Curiosity evident in his voice as he nod his head towards the newspaper folded in front of the teal haired woman.
Deciding there was no answer that would put an end to the blonde's nosiness, it was obvious to Michiru that her meal was finished. She reached into her bag for her wallet, only to find nothing there. She turned to move her bag into her lap to examine more carefully. Shimatta! I must have left it at home when I rushed to the meeting! Careless Michiru! She cursed to her self as she left out a deep sigh.
"What's wrong?" The blonde asked as once again an eyebrow made its way in interest.
"None of your business," Michru hissed back.
"Okay..." The blonde mumbled, clearly still watching the agitated woman.
Michiru let out a heavy, frustrated moan, "I forgot my wallet!"
"Do you want me to pay for you?" The blonde inquired, amusement evident on his face.
"No!"
"Okay," the blonde once again murmured, but the smirk was still clear on his face.
"Hey Makoto!" Michiru called across the diner when she saw the brunette once again behind the display counter. "Can I pay you later?"
"No credit!" The brunette quickly called back.
"But Makoto, I'm here literally everyday!" Michiru whined, upset that the matter was not yet resolved. "Come on, please?" She begged.
"No," The brunette simply mouthed back as she tuned and walked back into the kitchen.
"Damn," Michru groaned. It was then she looked up to see the blonde still sitting there, coffee cup to his lips in what could only perceived as an attempt to conceal his amusement of the whole situation.
"So?" He asked causally, as he took a sip from the coffee perched at his lips.
"So what?"
"Want my help?" He propositioned as he placed the cup back on the table.
"No," Michiru growled as she glanced around, trying to think of another way to get out of this situation.
"Okay," he added once again as he stood from the table. Michiru watched in horror as he took a few steps towards the door.
"Ahh, ok! Please help me," Michiru called out to him. "I'll pay you back tomorrow," she added with her eyes not meeting his.
"No problem," he smiled, and reach over the table to pick up her check. She chanced a look at the blonde, noticing the warmth in his teal blue eyes for the first time since he sat down. He took both bills to the front and proceeded to pay.
"Hey," he said as he took a few steps back towards the back booth. Michiru stiffened, bracing herself for whatever weird request he bound to provide. She slowly brought her eyes to meet his. "You forgot something," he simply added while tossing something towards her. She caught it right on, and glanced down at the object in he hand, finding her wallet in her hands. He was already heading back towards the door, but she was certain that he could feel the daggers she was shooting with her glare. "Fell out when you were looking for a pen," he casually added, shaking one shoulder. "See you tomorrow!" He called out as walked out the door.
She just sat there dumbfounded staring at the space that the blonde once occupied. Shaking her head to gain some focus, she slowly began to place her belonging back into her bag. Her mind still wandering senselessly through the exchange the just occurred. Taking the final sip of her tea and tasing the cold liquid, she realized how much time has passed since the blonde exited. As she placed the cup back down, she just stared at the table for a moment, trying to understand the luring, sardonic, and highly arrogant guy she just met. Sure that after all this time there was no way the mystery man was waiting for her, she headed out the door.
"Michiru! Over here!" She looked in the direction her name floated from and spotted Setsuna gingerly waving her hand. She plopped, rather inelegantly, into the booth across from the green haired woman. "I take it that it did not get much better after you left the office?" Michiru released a long exhale as the garnet eyes studied her form closely, easily reading the tension in her body.
"I did not expect Sato to throw that one at me. I know that he's trying to help, especially if I am close to securing a third volume so soon. It's my dream." Michiru let loose another deep sigh. "I just don't think he realizes what he's asking me to do?"
Setsuna studied her friend, trying to determine a way to console her. She agreed with her boss since no one, not even those with unnatural power can make it alone. She just never expected Michiru to take the criticism like this.
"I've had the idea in my head for a while, so it's just the pressure to get it on paper. I like to work when the inspiration strikes me, not under a deadline." She added, much to Setsuna's relief. Apparently this was not a distant concept for her friend as she originally feared.
"So you're happy with adding a male character?" Sestuna cautiously asked, relived that was not the heart of the problem.
"Well, no. Like I said, I had already thought about it. The inspiration just never came," Michiru finished with an growl. "I guess I'll have to go chase it now."
"That will sure be entertaining," an amused smile spreading across her face. "Michiru chasing a man."
"Well, you can always tag along, Sets. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two," a teasing smile appearing on Michiru's face. "At the very least, at least meet one."
"I meet plenty on my own, thank you very much," the green haired beauty snapped back. Flicking a few strands of the long hair off her shoulder, she calmed herself. She was not going to let the teal haired artist take out her frustrations on her. "I'm just busy with the designs for my clothing line right now, you know that. Besides I really don't need to chase anyone, there are plenty that fall right into my hands."
Michiru raised an eyebrow at the vague comment, only to be rewarded with a mysterious smile as Setsuna raised her drink to someone behind her. Michiru glanced over her shoulder to see a shorter man at the bar returning the gesture. "This round is on him," Setsuna concluded with a smile. Michiru just rolled her eyes at her antics.
"Ara, he seems a little short for you," Michiru concluded with a giggle.
"He just tall enough to reach the bar and send over the drinks. Close enough for now." The two woman shared a laugh as they toasted each other.
Returning to her studio after a long detour to the ocean front, she let herself sink into the love seat. Leaning her head against the back of her seat, she reminisced the frustration of the day. By this point in her musing, she had moved past the galling meeting with her editor and instead focused on the blonde man from the cafe. He occupied her thoughts long after her anger subsided. Making the detour to the remote oceanfront to attempt to focus on anything else but him. How could this stranger demand so much of her concentration? He sustained her focus regardless of her efforts to distract her mind. The more she attempted to relax her mind, there was an invisible thread that pulled her thoughts back to the stranger she met.
As she replayed his words that infuriated her so, she found herself focusing on his face and the features. She wasn't able to take in how the angular and soft aspects of his visage appears together in a beautiful concert.
Now that she has time the fully appreciate the memory, it electrified all her senses. She recalled not just his face, but the husky edge to his voice when she first heard it. The soft texture of his skin, and just now recalling his light scent when he first sat at the booth. He was beautiful, not handsome but beautiful. With all her senses in a frenzy at the retrospection, she felt compelled to start sketching while she still had the feelings to guide her. She continued defining the image on her sketch pad, realizing how easily she can recall not only the features of his face, but his posture and his tall figure that at first appears lean but was easily surmised to be strong as it was purposeful in his movements. Soon she had a handful of sketches splayed around her desk, each depicting the blonde from various angles. The more she looked through the sketches, it became clear that it was the answer she needed. The pretty face and intimidating but graceful looking figure should placate her editor. She draws up a few panels to show to Sato featuring the beautiful and strong blonde.
Stepping through the door as the chime ran above, she quickly slinked into the back booth to enjoy some breakfast. Determined not to make the same mistake to meet her editor on an empty stomach, she waved at the waitress for her usual. Glancing to the portfolio bag containing the panels, she realized was in a much better position to start with this time. Her smile widened when she saw a familiar brunette delivering her usual order to the table.
"Good morning Makoto," she smiled as the chef took a seat.
"Good morning, Michiru. I see we're in a much better disposition today," she smiled. She then paused, brining her hand to rub the back of her neck in a apologetic manner. "Hey, I'm sorry about yesterday. I got really busy all of a sudden and really wasn't able to focus on anything." She paused catching Michiru's slightly confused look. "The girls filled me in on what happened with your meeting. I have no excuse, I apologize for not being able to help you."
A smile appeared on her face, "There's no need for you to apologize. I guess we all were just having a testing morning. And that was kind of the girls the suggest you make amends with me. But I assure you, there is nothing for you to apologize." Michiru reassured the relived brunette. Only that egotistical man knew about the missing wallet... I didn't even tell Setsuna... How did Makoto find out? Michiru inwardly pondered. Deciding best not to mention the blonde to Makoto, she wiped her mouth with her napkin indicating she was done eating. "Now that I'm filled up with some proper fuel, I am going to deliver my next masterpiece to my editor," Michiru pointed to her portfolio with a nod of her head.
"I'm sure it will be brilliant if's your creation!" Makoto winked as she made her way back to the kitchen. A satiated smile crept onto Michiru face as she picked up her portfolio to headed out, realization flowing through her that this day was going to be the redemption she needed.
Sitting across from Sato, she studied his face carefully as he flipped through the panels. Chewing nervously on the inside of her cheek, she watched those dark grey eyes continue to conceal any indication of their owners thoughts. Finally he decided to put and end to her agony and smiled at Michiru.
"Ms. Kaioh, I enjoy this design and thrilled that you write able to come back with a strong suggestion so quickly. Shall I assume you had this design in mind all along?" Sato questioned her.
"There are inspirations around once we allow ourselves to be open to them," Michiru responded, camouflaging her shock at his imputation. "Taking a trip to the ocean front certainly helped," she added with a polite smile to dispel any more of his curiosity. Certainly she did not want to discuss the specific source of her inspiration.
"Ahhh, that makes perfect sense, especially the colors you chose. The light hair will contrast beautifully with the coloring of the heroine and the backdrops established in volume one. Based on what you gave me, the addition will not only be artistically beautiful, but playful as well. The art work will be beautiful on it's own, but the mystery will add to the storyline. The way he seems to sweep in, suppling a witty, rhetorical remark is humorous. Then providing assistance only to disappear is intriguing," Sato continued to complement the panels as he examined them. He then raised his head to meet Michiru gaze. The enthrallment appearing in his eyes, giving Michiru the closest thing to praise from Sato. "Does he have a name?"
Michiru swallowed hard, not expecting this question so soon. "I want to keep the mysterious quality a little longer."
"That is thinking ahead Ms. Kaioh. By the way he appears, he has an implied intuition on what is happening with Neptune. Allowing the backstory to be held off a little longer gives the reader the breadcrumbs they crave. I think there is enough of this to hold off the big reveal until the next volume."
Michiru's eyes light up at those words. "So they're already looking to secure commission of a third volume?" She asked excitedly.
"Based on the source material provided so far, there has been added excitement for your project. I think if you proved an expanded storyboard at the publisher meeting next week, we might be able to seal the deal."
Michiru swallowed her excitement to maintain her profession composure. She stood and bowed to Sato, thanking him for his kind words and his guidance. She then excused herself so she could have the storyboard ready for the appointed meeting.
As she excited the office, she let out a deep sigh. Though, as opposed to yesterday, this was a very satisfied feeling leaving the office. Setsuna looked up from her desk outside the office as Michiru exited and they exchanged smiles.
"I am pleased that today went much better than our last meeting," the green haired woman commented through her grin. "It is time for my lunch, won't you please join me?" She requested to Michiru, who graciously accepted the offer.