(A/N) thanks for the reviews - Michiru will see some truth, but the best truths always comes in waves.
Once again she was sitting in her studio, and once again her thoughts going to the man that both entices and infuriates her considerably. After almost the entire evening of the racer avoiding her, in the lonely hallway they had a moment to themselves. Her heart raced as if she had been racing to reach the finish line before her, where he stood. There was a fire almost burning in his eyes which unnerved her slightly. Those teal eyes setting her skin ablaze with their stare alone. Taken aback by the vehemence in her body's response, she needed to do something to relax the waves that were starting to crest, feeling the heat start in her cheeks. If she thought some of their customary banter would loosen the hold the teal eyes held, she was befallen at his simple response. I'll leave, she played again in her head as she watched his retreating frame. She wanted to call out, to stop him. To say what? What is it that I need from him? She didn't understand her body's response, this effect the racer had on her. So she watched him leave, not finding the words to even ask herself what she wanted. Once any trace of his shallow was gone from the hall, she found herself alone with nothing but her thoughts. Aware that no matter the question, she would not get any of the answers she sought that evening. She knew she needed to see him again, so would it really matter if she ever found out why this feeling was so strong?
Returning to Minako's side in the main hall, detecting that she was finished with the conversations for the evening as well, they called it a night. The two made their way to the host to bid their farewells and express gratitude for the lovely event. As she bowed to the shorter man, she felt a new presence bring himself to stand alongside the first. Without breaking her bow, a smile came to her lips as she picked up the gentle scent, revealing who had joined. She felt a soft hand take hers as she straightened herself up, gazing straight into smiling teal eyes.
"Thank you for attending the celebration and giving me to honor of being my guest," Haruka spoke as he lightly kissed the back of the hand he was holding. Michiru blushed furiously as she retreated her hand from the blonde's grasp.
"Congratulations again Tenoh-kun for your well deserved victory," complimenting the blonde. A secretive smile on her face catching the blondes bemused expression behind the large exterior smile. Michiru was proud to be the one walking away with the extra point in their game.
Although this man still instigated a reaction from the artist, Michiru feels like she had the upper hand in the game the two were playing.
Breaking the captivation of the memory of her last encounter with the racer, she returned her attention to the drawing panels in front of her. She's learned much about the blonde over the weekend. A name for one thing, Tenoh Haruka. Her smile widened as she thought of the race victory and the genuine smile on the blonde face as he first removed his helmet. She decided that moment that the enjoyed the blondes real smile, the one that reaches all the way to his eyes. She found that she liked that smile and she liked the way the blonde looked in that moment. So open and free. If she saw that smile more, then the blonde might be less maddening.
Thinking back when she saw the excitement on Haruka's face as she cross paths with him in the park, and how exuberantly he spoke as he did a mocking model walk. Oh how Minako would be furious if she saw the racer taunting her profession! He even gave the subtle brag for how fast he could run. Michiru giggled at the recollection, recalling the red and gold wings that stood out on his shoes. She couldn't help but notice those same wings adorned the car that Haruka drove. "When I go fast enough, I almost feel like I could fly... " echoing the statement aloud.
Michiru looked back over the panels that laid before her. She had been working on her storyboard since she arrived back home from the party. Making it through the apartment door, walking directly to the studio, so many thoughts she wanted to get out before she lost them. Still clad in the strapless dress she took her seat and began sketching. The awestruck look in his eyes when the two met in the park, and how he took away her worries. The memories and sentiments flowing from her mind, her hand diligently working to maintain the flow set forth from her mind. The ink capturing the cat and mouse game that Neptune and Uranus played. Uranus carefully watching the ocean goddess from afar, entangling themselves for a brief moment and disappearing into the darkness. Uranus' appearance through the storyboard were subtle, a mild influence in Neptune's strategy. Abruptly shifting to come with such force that you could no longer ignore it's presence, much like the wind. Maddening the heroine as she continued her battles against the evil in the world, and feeling more strongly for the mystery blonde. Learning to trust the mysterious ally and even starting to piece together some of the mystery identity. The look on the blonde's face when the heroine surprised him on his own turf.
She worked more of the panels out in that night than she did in the previous weeks of work. Through the night and into early morning hours the story unfolded until she reached the final two panels. The blonde protagonist was standing in front of Neptune, his wings spread wide, the ocean breeze blowing trough hair the color of the ocean. She chuckled slightly, the impertinence of drawing the blonde with wings, like an angel, even though he is anything but one. But this felt right to her. As Sato would say, the idea should sell. The flow of breeze carried in the art of the second panel, as the heroine stands with the sea at her feet looking at the angel soaring away overhead. 'Why did you enter my life' was all the last panel read.
--
Slowly blinking her eyes open, groggily looking around the room to locate the source of the blaring, annoying noise that pulled her from dreamland. As she sat up, she felt the strange pull of material around her waist. Glancing down at the crumpled evening gown loosely slipping down her torso, frowning at the inappropriate sleeping attire. Apparently she was much too tired to change when she finally retired to bed early in the morning hours. The shrill cry of a phone broke her deliberation how she possibly fall asleep in an evening gown. She reached for her cell, answering without looking at the name.
"Michiru? Are you awake yet?"
"Minako... Yes I'm awake... I think. What time is it?"
"It's nearly two in the afternoon! I didn't realize that you were that tired from all the dancing last night." Michiru rolled her eyes as the giggling resonated from her friend.
"No, Minako, it's not like that. I was working until early in this morning."
"So you were feeling inspired? I should hope so with the number of men you talked with last night." Michiru groaned at her friends inept attempt at perceptiveness. At least when she was dealing with Setsuna, the green haired beauty has the graciousness to hide her amusement. Releasing a audible groan, she realized that Minako seriously lacked gentility. "What if I had the ability to offer you access to more inspiration?" Minako continued, and it was clear that she was smiling on the other end of the line.
"Minako, I have had too little sleep to decipher your riddles right now. If you wish something of me, you will need to be more forthcoming."
"Killjoy! I was calling to see if you wanted to meet up later. I need your...artistic opinion."
"What time?" Michiru glanced at the clock, hoping she would have enough time for a shower. Scratch that, there has to be enough time for a shower, her eyes moving down to the bunched up dress as she moved to get off the bed.
"How about in an hour at the Cafe? I can treat you to some brunch or whatever as I explain the details."
"See you then," Michiru murmured as she disconnected the call. She moved to get herself to the shower, looking at the state of her hair in the mirror as she waited for the water to warm. She'll have to put in some effort this morning, as she positively did not want Minako to think she had that kind of night. She needed to be ready for whatever the spunky little blonde was planning.
--
Stepping into the cafe, she quickly slinked into the booth in the back. Her stomach protesting waiting any longer for food, she placed her order while waiting for Minako to arrive. Just as the plate was placed in front of her, the bubbly blonde danced through the door. Michiru just laughed, politely placing one hand over her mouth as she watched Minako twirling around the entrance so everyone could admire her yellow sundress.
"Still such a people pleaser," Makoto teased from behind the display counter. The blondes eyes went wide as she danced behind the counter to give the brunette an engulfing hug. "Geez, I just saw you yesterday! You act as if it has been years," Makoto chuckled as she pushed the blonde off her.
"I always miss you so much no matter how long it has been!" Minako dramatically replied. Her eyes connected with a pair of ocean blues filled with mirth. She made her way to the booth and taking a seat opposite Michiru. "I see you got started without me," she remarked with a mischievous glance at the half eaten plate.
"Rather than waiting, I thought this would help move on to whatever your so excited about." Minako's smile grew wider at her suggestion.
"You're going to love it! You're coming with me to my photoshoot today!" Minako proclaimed as the artist's face twisted in panic. In the realm of possibilities, this was not on her agenda for the day. Why would she want her, she's an artist, not a photographer.
"What? Why?" She found herself voicing the question aloud.
"It's showcasing the street clothes line as part of the new campaign I was signed to. This is a whole new area for them and I get to be the face of it!" Squealing in excitement, causing Michiru to jump a little as the blonde antics. Michiru shot a look at Makoto who, was listening from behind the counter, openly laughing at the antics. The model calmed herself a little before continuing. "The initial staging for the campaign photoshoot is tonight. I suggested to the campaign manager that we needed an artistic genius to help ensure the image is flawless. She agreed and actually suggested you! I guess you got talking about artistic vision or something at the party and thought you'd be a perfect addition," Minako proudly explained. Her hands clasped together as she studied the artist's reaction. When the acceptance did not come immediately, she brought her arms closer to her body, leaning in with an almost pleading look upon her face.
Michiru was busy raking her mind of the people she conversed with at the party. She spoke with many of them on her current art projects, but did not recall getting into any thing as deep as artistic vision with any of them.
"I am sure it will help with the inspiration you were seeking for your art book," wiggling her perfectly lined eyebrows slightly to emphasize the offer that Michiru had yet to accept.
"What leads you to think I need any help in the inspiration department for my art book?" Michiru questioned, wondering what was going on inside that blonde head. It seemed to be a good opportunity, and she had no reason to reject it. But she still couldn't see the underlying plan the model had.
"Let's see...I did randomly run into you at a race trying to find your way to the team in the winner circle... only for you to randomly receive an invitation to the party ... that randomly landed you a job at a photo shoot. Really, Michiru? You don't need to be so subtle! If you wanted to come to my photoshoot, all you had to do was ask. That seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to get me to model for your drawings," Minako sensibly explained. Both were interrupted by Makoto laughing out loud as she walked back into the kitchen, obviously not able to handle any more of the model's reasoning. Michiru just gave a vexed expression to the golden blonde.
"Sure, I will come along," she affirmed before Minako continued to postulate any further about what motives she had for attending the race, or any of yesterday's events. Distracting the model from spending any more thought on that subject, both women stood from the table, waving their goodbyes to Makoto.
"Congratulations, by the way, for landing the campaign. You mentioned they were a sponsor of Haruka's race team, but that was all you said. What is this new campaign? " Curiosity evident, as she studied the golden blonde suddenly calm exterior.
"It's for Redwing," Minako casually replied as she exited out the door, not catching Michiru addled expression. Why does that sound so familiar? Michiru questioned to herself as she followed her friend out the door. She sussed she would to find out soon enough.
--
Walking onto the stage, she glanced around examining the items presently set out. Minako was currently in wardrobe. They had both swiped through the racks of sample clothing that were waiting upon their arrival. Minako quickly eliminated the ones that 'weren't cute enough.' Michiru thought it would be best to see the backdrop for the photos and take that into consideration with the outfit to be with a similar theme. If I'm the the only one on this set that thought the location may be important, then I need to be paid for this gig! Michiru inwardly sighed, wondering if this was going to be more of a headache than she bargained. While they were looking through the racks, she tried to ask some casual questions to see how Minako got involved with Redwing brand, hoping she would reveal some more details for what she was diving into. Perhaps also a nugget or two of what she knows about Haruka. Minako was focused on the outfits and didn't offer anything more than 'this one is cute!'
She hummed to herself as she walked around the set, inspecting the red Ferrari parked on top of a platform, with a cop car positioned behind and just slightly to the left. Interesting concept, Michiru thought as she moved closer, making to climb on to the platform with the Ferrari.
"So you really do have a thing for fast cars," a husky voice cut through the empty room. Pausing with one knee on the platform as she climbed, Michiru turned her head, her eyes meeting piercing teal ones. "And here I thought it was just a ploy to get revenge on me." Haruka gave a smug smile.
"Ara, who says I don't like fast things? I found the event before I ever met you, you even pointed it our yourself," smiling victoriously at her logic. "Besides, the party was the only way I was able to clear my false debt," Michiru shot back, her lips curving at the banter. The blonde took a step closer and placed his hands under her shoe, helping boost her the rest of the way onto the platform.
"I told you I would be back at the cafe this week. You're the overly eager one."
"You weren't there today," Michiru glared down from her perch.
"Oh, but I was... for breakfast. I just assume someone was too tired from the party for a meal that early. Particularly if they had to leave before the party was finished." Haruka wore a wicked smile at this point. Joining Michiru on the platform, he leaned against the red car.
Michiru was working on her retort when Minako's voice pierced the room. "Haruka-kun! You're already in wardrobe. Here, help me up!" Minako reached a hand out and Haruka leaned over to hoist her onto the platform. "I didn't seen you up here Michiru. What do you think?" Minako gestured to her outfit. She was in very short shorts that made the 5 foot tall model's legs appear incredibly long. She had an pink halter top on with her long blond hair tied to the side and curls cascading down over her shoulder. On her feet were a pair of sneakers with the red and gold wings on the side.
"Looks very urban," Michiru complimented.
"Have you thought about how the two of us should pose?" Minako inquired, causing both blondes to look directly at Michiru.
"The two of you?" Michiru questioned alternating her gaze between the two. Minako turned her glance towards an amused Haruka.
"Haruka is to be in this photo with me," Minako added, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Just tell me where to put my hands," Haruka said with a wink as he offered his hand to guide Michiru off the platform.
"Eh?" Was all Michiru could squeak out as she stepped down off the platform. Maybe it was due to the shockingly soft touch from the tall blonde, or the realization that she was to direct the two where to touch each other.
Closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths to help calm herself, confident that she could do this. They each had their own beautiful features, so the photo was guaranteed to be nice, but to have to tell the blondes how to pose was something she was not expecting.
"Maybe I should lean in Haruka's arms on the Ferrari, like we're on a date!" Minako called out. Michiru's lids fluttered open with volition.
"Well, we want to focus on the shoes, correct?" She subtly countered turning back towards the platform, determined that nothing will keep her from making this photo a success. She was not going to let the racer think he got her worked up. No one was going to distract her. Thinking back to her sketches, and the long lines of Neptune's body she liked to draw... how the blonde muse complimented with his lithe, long form. A smile grew on her lips as she had the composition. "Minako, why don't you face the car instead, lean in and extend your leg behind you."
"Like I'm getting frisked by the cops? Sure!" Michiru caught the husky chuckle come from the racer at the model's antics. Feeling good that at least one blonde was amused with the situation, she continued.
"Haruka, why don't you try leaning on the car next to her. You have longer legs, make sure they stick out further than Minako's shoes." Haruka shrugged and took his position, leaning with his back on the driver side door. "Alright, now Minako, turn your head slightly like you are flirting with Haruka. And point your toe a little, it will make a longer line." Michiru spun her head around the room, quickly locating the photographer and moved him to position. "Angle the photo from this position," she instructed and the photographer did as he was instructed.
An hour later, they gather around the monitor, reviewing the handful of pictures taken. The two blondes stood on either side of Michiru as they flipped through the photos. There were a few crew members that flanked them that she didn't recognize, specifically a raven haired man that stood just behind Haruka. She couldn't resist a glance towards the racer each time the man would whisper something in Haruka's ear, prompting the racer to either blush or playfully push him away. Each time the racer reacted, she felt a sting in her chest that she couldn't ignore. Why does he aggravate me so? Does his ability to elicit a reaction from the racer bother me. Am I jealous? Shaking her head of the brainless line of thought, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand instead. The group critiqued some variations of the positions Michiru instructed, few different angles, as well as one particular pose that Minako insisted on where 'officer Haruka' patted her down, and out of all there was a clear favorite.
"Wow Michiru, you really had an eye for this," Minako complimented.
"I told you she would be a great addition," Haruka added with a knowing smile. Michiru looked suddenly at Haruka. Before she could ask any questions, Haruka turned to the raven haired man. Michiru guessed he was apparently giving some sort of direction, since shortly after he began moving around to the rest of the crew.
Haruka was still looking through the images on the monitor as she hear the man talking to Minako. "Mina, we'll head over to your signing party. Haruka will catch up shortly," catching part of the conversion before she felt a hand touch her's and she looked up into shining teal eyes.
--
Haruka motioned with her head for Michiru to lead the way through the door she held open. Why do I keep crossing paths with this teal hair woman? The first time, it was just fun. To get a reaction out of the obviously disconcerted smaller woman. Every time she saw the woman, she continued to take the banter to another level, making her a worthy opponent for the racer. It was more than just the enjoyment of their war of words. Their lyrical battle constantly became more playful with each exchange. Haruka found herself wanting to know more about the woman, but she continued to be a mystery. Since meeting the smaller woman, it was as if Michiru was north and her internal compass would always be looking in that direction. It would always be up to her to follow it, and she was cautiously walking that path. To be able to freely dive as deep as she wished with Michiru, she needed to control the narrative. Everything has the right time, and sometimes you can't rush it. She smiled as her father's advice echoed in her head. She was always an impulsive child, and there are something you just can't rush. Although not sure exactly how that applies in this situation, the mantra hadn't steered her wrong yet. She left her thoughts as she caught the questioning look from the teal hair woman.
"Thank you for coming today to help with the shoot. I was really impressed with how quickly you were able to compose the shot. I am hoping you'd be able to help out tomorrow as well to ensure the shoot itself goes well." A teal eyebrow slowly raised as the smaller woman studied the blonde standing opposite of her.
"That's it? A compliment? No smart ass remark on showing up here or egotistical observation about my motives?" Michiru questioned, although the mirth was evident on her face. Haruka's realized she was testing the validity of her offer. She couldn't blame her, as she realized that Michiru only knows Haruka as the charismatic racer. The teasing comment from the artist seemed to awaken something in her as well. She was always ready to answer a challenge.
"Well, having a mermaid around does sweeten the deal for me," Haruka's offered as she shifted closer to Michiru. "It was exciting to have you challenging me, and this way you order me around some more."
"Don't tell me you're a masochist?" Michiru questioned, the perfect eyebrow raising once again as she took assessment of Haruka's reaction.
"No, of course not," Haruka chuckled as she slowly stepped closer. "I just enjoy a woman who gives a 100% in what she does. Someone who devotes herself to her passions and believes in herself to succeed at what she sets out for herself." Michiru's breath seemed to get caught in her throat with the penetrating gaze as she stared in the depth in the ocean blue eyes before her. Haruka placed a hand softly on Michiru's cheek holding the gaze a little longer. Michiru placed her hand on top of Haruka's, but did not move away. Haruka leaned towards the woman and soon felt the soft touch of her breath upon her skin. She felt Michiru's free hand grip the tail of her shirt. The smaller woman raised herself on her toes, their noses almost touching. Falling under the mermaid's spell, closing her eyes as she felt the brush of lips against hers. It was a chaste kiss, as Haruka quickly moved away. Before she would pull the mermaid closer, before she could deepen the kiss. She needed to know what it was that drew her to this smaller woman. And she needed to know how she felt for her before they got too close.
--
Michru felt the warmth of Haruka's breath on her lips as he was suddenly so close to her. When did he move that close? Watching the sparking teal eyes drawing her closer, her face raised closer to his. Her hand holding him so he couldn't take the warmth away from her. Almost as quickly, the warmth was replaced by the cool touch of soft lips against hers. The touch sent goosebumps on her skin, energy flowing through her whole body at the contact. Then suddenly it was gone. She looked up to see Haruka cautiously eyeing her, almost waiting to see her reaction. "Haruka, I..." Michiru started, feeling the need to fill the silence, still processing the feelings swirling inside of her.
--
"I'll see you at the cafe for breakfast tomorrow?" Haruka cut in on Michiru's hesitation. "It's been a busy day, and I'd love to talk with you more... about the details on the photo shoot, if you'll allow me." Catching the questioning look from the smaller woman at her offhand response, she offered a slight explanation. "I wouldn't want you to jump into something without knowing me." Pleased with the gentle smile that graced the smaller women at the promise to acquaint themselves better, her body relaxed. She watched the teal hair beauty settle into a chair in the room, seemingly needing to calm herself.
In the moments before the kiss, she was under a spell of Michiru's eyes, only broken with the feeling of the velvety lips. She needed to call it a night before she went to far. Keep it together Tenoh, this is the time to take it slow. Haruka scoffed at her inner monologue, she never does anything slow.
The woman she saw at the after party was alluring, she couldn't keep her eyes off the teal haired beauty all night. Finding themselves alone in the gallery, she could hardly fight the jump of her heart in her chest. She wanted to take the artist in her arms, to answer the mermaid's unspoken siren call. Yet Michiru's words that night made her heart skip a beat, just not in the way she anticipated. I don't like the way you're looking at me. Although the mermaid said it with a hint of mirth, it crashed her spell and she realized in that moment she needed to regain control.
Regretfully, she left the mermaid there alone in the hallway without any explanation. She felt a pang of guilt, and suspected Michiru was not pleased to see her leave either. Liable to act on impulse if she stayed a moment longer in that galley, walking away was the smart choice. Everyone would agree very little good could come from her impulses.
"Of course," Michiru responded pulling her thoughts back to the mermaid before her. Haruka simply smiled that she accepted her offer, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. Yes, this was the best, what she said is the truth. The teal haired beauty that brought this questionable feelings within, and she wanted to know if there was more to it than that. She wants to know more about the mermaid that crossed her path one day and seemingly never left. She wasn't sure if she has a choice in getting swept away by ocean eyed beauty, but was certain she did not want to fight it either.
(A/N - what did Michiru think of this kiss?)
(A/N think 90s sketchers campaign for the photo setup)