A/N - I don't own Sailor Moon or any of the characters created by Naoko Takeuchi.
A/N - There is some switching of pronouns depending on if it's Michiru talking about Haruka or Haruka referring to herself. I tried to add extra spaces to show the change in POV - hopefully that helps!
"I'm impressed with how you were able to develop a character that met Sato-sama's expectations in a single day," Setsuna commented as she eyed her friend, raising a questioning eyebrow. They had made their way out of the office and to the adjacent park, the only words spoken in agreement of eating outside enjoying the weather. Taking the opportunity after their orders were placed at the small street vendor cart, Setsuna wanted to know more about the man she obviously met yesterday. The real mystery in her mind was how he grabbed her attention and why the artist was trying to keep it a secret.
Michiru just shrugged her shoulder, taking her order from the vendor. She continued towards their usual spot in with park without a word, so Setsuna decided to probe a little further. "It was awfully quick considering you've never had any interest in men before. It is intriguing that you were able to get such detail out of seemingly thin air. It makes me think you somehow met someone." Setsuna smirked as Michiru nearly choked in surprise.
"Well, I was hit with some unexpected inspiration. I wouldn't say I met someone." Well I don't know his name or when I would see him again, so I defiantly wouldn't say we've met, she mused. "I just saw a guy at the cafe, and thought he would be interesting to draw. You know how I can be when I see a set of features that cry out of be put on paper." She placed a hand in front of her mouth to cover her giggles as she attempted at humoring her friend with a mostly true explanation. The giggles certainly did not go unnoticed by the taller woman.
"You did share how the rest of your morning went horrible when we chatted last night. I was surprised when you called to request a meeting with Sato-sama so soon. It is a known phenomenon to be perceptive to details when the brain is in a flight or flight mode," Setsuna offered, with her finger to her chin. Michiru just shook her shoulder at her friend. There are times that the green haired beauty could be deeply philosophical, and one just has to roll with it. It's not like Michiru has the desire to get in a debate about the inner workings of the the cortex or whatever Setsuna was talking about.
"Your suggestion is that because of the stress of the meeting with Sato-sama, my brain was hyper sensitive to the first guy I came across that was remotely decent looking?" Michiru inhaled deeply. "Well, that would explain an awful lot in the way of my luck."
Setsuna watched the string of emotions that danced across the artist's face. Sighing inwardly, she decided it was time to change the focus of her question if she wanted to get any information from her.
"I guess what is important is that there is a clear vision in your head that gave you enough to solve your short term issue." Setsuna smiled as Michiru's mouth slowly formed a circle. So typical of her that she obviously had truly not considered anything other than sketching.
Short term issue? I thought I was in the clear once I had a character. Michiru didn't realize the question actually left her lips.
"Yes, short term. You peaked Sato-sama's interest and perhaps have enough sketches ready for the storyboard. I assume you didn't get enough staring at a guy in a cafe for a hour to come up with all 15 chapters worth of material? You will need to add details at some point, his name, occupation, what he enjoys and what makes him smile."
Michiru glanced up at her friend, "Are we still talking abut my character?" Setsuna just smirked.
"But of course, you said you didn't meet anyone." The ever knowing smile that Michiru was accustomed to by now clearly on her face. "I assume you are still planning on some research in the near future?"
"Yes, I think I will attend one of the early races this weekend. That's the nearest event I found where it's likely be filled with testosterone," she quipped as she placed a finger on her chin.
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to accompany you," Setsuna voiced with the remorse evident.
"It can't be helped, I know you had your event to prepare. It will be better for me to attempt this alone. I'll be working on my storyboard this weekend as well. There will not be any reliability in my schedule, so I do not want to take more of your time than I need." Michiru reaffirmed.
"Your adventure seems akin to the storyboard you discussed with Sato-sama." A smirk graced her face when Michiru's eyes grew slightly, likely not expecting her to make that connection. "I wish you luck either way, and I know you will do your best."
"Speaking of your best, how is the dress design coming along?" Michiru inquired, hoping to move the topic of focus off herself for the moment. Setsuna closed the bento box she was enjoying, signaling she was finished eating and taking the bait that Michiru tossed out.
"The designs are complete, and I have some of the dressed made. There will be a time crunch in the near future to complete everything. My biggest hurdle is securing models for the date so that the dresses can be made to the right size."
"Now I am sure you have your hands full this weekend and not just sending me off to make a fool on my own," Michiru grinned at her friends work paying off soon. "And if you are in need of reliable models, I think you can talk a couple of the girls to gladly play dress up. If you're desperate, then we can resort to a clumsy blonde to be a model as well." Both women giggled at the though of their blonde friend attempting to walk a runway.
The two packed up the remainder of their lunch, they began to speak their goodbyes. Only after Michiru reassured the green haired woman that she will be fine this weekend alone, and would call after she returned from the race, and that she will reconnect with Setsuna on Monday after both of their hectic weekends are completed, did she allow her to depart. With that, the two friends bid each other their farewells and Setsuna headed back towards the office building.
Michiru slumped back onto her bench seat and placed her arms over her knees. Great, more pressure to develop this character! I didn't think of all those details, she pouted to herself. At least she can be thankful to Setsuna for brining her attention to that fact now. Thankful that her weekend plans already included completing more research at the racing event, she needed to make sure that she did everything she could to talk to some of the men in attendance. She was sure that just talking to them wouldn't be too awkward... right?
Glancing up from her self pity, she spots a familiar crop of blonde hair heading in her direction. It can't be... What are the chances? She sighed inwardly as she watched the bouncing blonde hair moving along the path, not knowing if she should curse or be thankful for her luck.
As the blonde comes around the bend in the path, Michiru watches the graceful strides of familiar figure. The teal eyes were enough to confirm it was her annoying rescuer from yesterday. Never mind the fact that she spent the night before memorizing the details of his face and the build of figure that she was confident that she could spot him anywhere. Her eyes continued to carefully follow him, and for the first time she noticed the smart business suit was replaced with a very brightly colored track suit.
"Are you stalking me now?" A familiar husky voice alerting her that the aforementioned blonde recognized her as well. She was so focused, not realizing how quickly he was approaching. "Aren't you the one who created a false debt purely to have the opportunity to see me again?" She countered as she quickly regained her focus, a curve coming to her lips as the blonde simply returned a smile at the accusation. "Also, you didn't show up this morning to collect, so I had to take it upon myself to ensure my debt doesn't remain outstanding," the curve of her lips grew into a full smile at the recollection that she did not see the blonde at the cafe this morning.
"Deepest apologies for the inconvenience," the blonde bowed gallantly to the teal haired woman. "Today marked the start of my strict training regiment, and the clean eating restrictions doesn't really have an allotment for a delicious breakfast...or anything else fun," the blonde explained, the last part more mumbled among to himself. Michiru caught it anyway.
"Well that partially explains the absence this morning. I do not think anything could explain the change in fashion sense," Michiru giggled as she gestured to the blondes outfit.
"What is wrong with this?" The blonde inquired while glancing down. "It accentuates my speed," he added while completing a runway turn. Michiru let a soft giggle escape as she tried to hide her amusement. Taking the moment to appreciate the blondes appearance, she eyed him from head to toe since he was obviously offering. The track suit was a bright cobalt blue with gold pinstripes that ran down the sleeves. Some of the same pinstripe detail was visible on the front jacket near the pockets and just below the collar. As her eyes moved down the blondes favorable figure and long tone legs, her attention was brought to the red and gold colored wings on the running shoes.
"I see you like the design," the blonde grinned, obviously catching that Michru was admiring the shoes and possibly more. "The wings are my favorite part. When I go fast enough, I almost feel like I could fly," the blond smiled as he spoke. Then as if his trace was broken, he glanced back at his shoes, doing a little model move to show them off. "They are hot off the runway, so you could say these are one of a kind."
"If they're so rare, why would anyone just wear them around the park?" Michru retorted, the playful mocking tone clear in her voice.
"I guess nothing is off limits when I'm in training mode... except anything worth eating, " the blonde jested while glancing at his watch. "Oh geez. Sorry to cut this short, but I need to get going. I will have to double my pace as not not let my finish time be effected."
"You're being scored and you stopped to show me your outfit?" Michiru cried out.
"Don't worry so much. It makes your pretty little face to scrunch up. I can make that up and still beat my time, easily!" With a wink, the blonde took off down the path, leaving behind a teal haired artist with a stunned look on her face.
How can he so easily turn my day around? She questioned, still staring at the spot he once occupied. Shrugging her shoulders and not expecting the answer to come anytime soon, she picked up her portfolio to make the trip back to her studio.
Makoto glanced up as she heard the chime to the cafe door in time to catch Haruka seemingly jogging in place in the center of the entry. She smiled to see the blonde in better spirits after her run. While breakfast was in full swing, Makoto got the full force of how irritable she can be without her beloved morning coffee and pasty. The breakfast crowd had since cleared out for the morning and with much of the prep completed for lunch, she handed the kitchen over to her junior chef.
"So what's my time?" The blonde asked as she moved closer to the display separating Makoto and herself, still jogging in place with a cheesy smile plastered on her face.
"Pretty good," Makoto said as she glanced down at the stopwatch she was holding. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a hand sneaking around the edge of the display case. At least the hand's owner thought it was sneaky. She slapped the blondes hand as it made a move for the pastries left over from the morning. "Not good enough for one of those."
"I don't think I would earn one if I broke the land speed record," Haruka pouted as she watched Makoto to move the pastries into a to-go box.
"Not during the pre race week. You were lucky I didn't catch you yesterday." She warningly narrowed her eyes, halting any further protests about the pastries. "Say, what were you doing to the girl sitting with you? She did not look pleased when you left."
"Hmm? So you noticed that?" Haruka studied her, attempting to see where Makoto hinting at. Sure the teal haired woman was not pleased, but she was only blushing not crying. "I was just being my charming self and making conversation," Haruka playfully responded as she began to follow Makoto out the cafe door.
They made their way down the block at a leisure pace for the two tall women, although most of their friends would disagree. "I saw her while I was warming up," Haruka added with a smile. Turning the last corner towards the training gym, the wind picked up on the wider street and danced through both women's hair. She smiled at the caress of the breeze, the wind always like an old friend of hers. A playful and encouraging companion.
"My friend?" Makoto mockingly asked, breaking Haruka's focus on the breeze. Makoto always was quick to catch on when the blonde was trying to get information out of her.
"Yeah, your friend with the teal hair. What did you say her name was?"
"Nice try. If you want to harass my friends, you need to do that on your own time," Makoto quipped as she stopped by the front desk of the gym, handing the box of pastries over to the girl working the desk.
"I don't know why they can have a pastry and I can't," Haruka once again pouted as she looked at the box. She was dejected when the small girl behind the desk wagged a finger at her for eyeing the box. "You even have them trained here not to let me have one. I work just as hard!"
"First off, you would shamelessly flirt your way to anything that you really wanted, so of course I had to warn them. Second, no one said you didn't work hard, but you're the one who implemented your pre race rituals for training. So you did this to yourself. I'm just being an extremely supporting training partner," Makoto pointed out as she placed an hand on the stubborn blondes shoulder. "And third! You're avoiding the first question. You must have done something extreme to her!" Makoto finished while accusingly slapping the shoulder she was holding.
"Ow," Haruka muttered rubbing her shoulder. Her thoughts going back to the teal hair woman that was slowly invading her mind. Frustrated that Makoto managed to not let a name slip, she decided to work the considerate angle. "I wouldn't do anything to her. Her wallet fell out of her bag, and I returned it to her...after she thought she lost it and begged me to buy her meal." The latter part was muttered more to herself, but Makoto caught it.
"Is that way she asked to pay later?" Makoto said with a glare. "Oh man, I didn't realize. She was presumably in a panic. That wasn't very nice, Haruak."
"She couldn't have been that upset with me if she greeted me on my run, ne?" Haruka beamed in recollection of the surprise when she caught sight of the teal haired woman in the park. She paused as she opened her locker to change into her gi as she let the memory rush over her for a moment. Although it was a brief meeting the teal hair woman left her in better spirits. The instant she gazed into those deep blue pools, tension began melting away from the taunting she had from Makoto before the ran began. She grinned wolfishly before adding, "Maybe you should give her a call and make sure she'd not falling for my charms."
"That was a good try, Haruka. But you're not going to trick me," Makoto laughed as she checked her gi and closed her locker. "I've always commended your stubbornness when you have goal," Makoto added as the two made their way to the training floor. Haruka walked towards the farside of the circle while Makoto entered the ring. "But I think you'll have to get your mind off of her and focus if your going to have a chance a beating me today." Makoto concluded as she took her bow to Haruka.
"It can't be helped, " Haruka conceded as she retuned the bow. "I think I have a better chance as getting a pastry than getting any details out of you." A stern focus settling into each of their faces as they rose from the bow. Makoto rushed the blonde determined to beat her this time. She delivered a flying knee, which would be a challenge for the blonde to block. Haruka just smiled at her bold opponent, leaning to meet the brunette's stomach with her shoulder and easily using the momentum to push Makoto up over her shoulder, landing on the mat. Makoto sprung back to her feet quickly as the blonde delivered a kick to her midsection that was already weakened by the earlier hit. Makoto steadied herself, catching her ankle and using a palm heel to punch her body weight into her opponent. The blonde hopped backwards at the combo of the movement and the brunette still holding her leg. Makoto finally releases the leg allowing Haruka's body to fall towards her. Before the racer could get her stance, Makoto rolled her shoulder to the blonde continuing until she was on the floor and the chef rolled off of her.
"Much better fighter kitten," she said in a mocking tone. Makoto charged again, and once again aiming to deliver a flying knee. This time the blonde simply caught it while easily pushing the brunette's shoulder back down to the floor and her feet were soon above her head. "You tried that one already," she taunted while the brunette rose back to her feet. Haruka suddenly moved towards her, delivering a punch to her shoulder. Instead of letting the punch roll off her, Makoto evened her stance, causing Haruka to be slightly off balance. She was certainly not expecting Makoto to take the hit, and not expecting the brunette to finally deliver a knee to her midsection, forcing Haruka to flip over the raised leg as her momentum carried her to her back.
"Well, I felt that one," Haruka laughed. Makoto extending a hand to help the blonde off her back.
"You said to make it count. That's one for me," victoriously smiling at the blonde. "You ready?" The blonde just grinned wickedly in response as she made her attack.
Michiru fumbled for the light switch in her studio, balancing her portfolio in one hand and the additional supplies in the other. Once the studio filled with the artificial light, the portfolio was tenderly placed on the desk. The precious cargo safely on the desk, she moved about the apartment placing the new supplies to their homes. With her chores completed, she once again sunk herself in the studio's love seat. Finding the seat much more comforting this time, she settled herself deeper, allowing her mind and body to relax slightly.
Once again, her thoughts were pulled to the blonde. Feeling the swell of the images flood her mind once again, she reached for her sketch book, drafting out a few ideas to be put into her story board. She started sketching more details of the blonde's figure, those long tone legs relentless on her memory. Before long, she transitioned her sketches to the male protagonists standing with her heroine in front of a dramatic backdrop. She paused to examine the expanded storyboard taking shape, pleased with the amount of sketches she had to reference. Biting her lip as she contemplated the graphite eyes staring back at her, she released a frustrated sigh. She was craving a name for the face staring back at her, and for the unnamed blonde muse as well.
Perhaps she should start crafting the name now. Less she name the charter directly after her inspiration. She mused that once she knew the blondes name, nothing else would sound right. At least with the protagonist having his own name, she can start to divorce the two slightly.
Decided to break for dinner, she stood from the desk giving a languorous stretch over her head. She had been sketching far longer than she originally thought, preparing simple stir fry to satisfy her empty stomach. Preparing a plate, she headed back to the studio, deciding to eat in her love seat for a change. Her mind was occupied with the current question at hand and she knew she would not stop thinking about it long enough to quell her hunger. She glanced down at the list of names that have all been crossed out. Initially she tried to guess what the blonde name. When that experiment fizzled out with nothing coming close to describing the blonde, she instead tried strong male names. None of those fit either.
After washing and putting away the dishes from dinner, she made her way to the bath to relax her mind. She prepared the water and added a bath bomb that swirled the different shades of blue and green around her tub. The colors brought a serene smile to her face as it reminded her of the colors of Neptune. The planet that always helps a special place in her heart, and even the namesake of her Manga. Sinking further in the bath, her mind wandering until she imagined herself in the Neptune of her imagination, where her story was placed. Floating on the surface she felt the pull of the ocean waters and her body move with them, almost swaying her to her own world. As she reveled in the relaxation she felt, she heard a heady whisper blow across the surface of the waters of Neptune. She focused in on the breeze sweeping across the water, and she began to hear words seemingly in the same heady voice. You think the ocean creates all of this on its own? Yes, the sea is powerful on its own, but it needs the wind to carry its scent, to unleash the power of a hurricane on the shore. The ocean and the wind play together constantly at the surface, and combine to create an incomparable power.Emerging from the water, a content grin graced her lips. Rinsing off from her bath and feeling refreshed, she also felt resolve about some of her lingering questions. The vision, if it could be called that, had reminded her that the perfect partner for the ocean is the wind. The perfect partner for her Neptune would be planet of shock, surprises, and divine timing. The king of the sky himself, Uranus