(A/N) I do not own Sailor Moon or the characters.
Michiru's eyes were on her the moment she glided through the Cafe entrance. She knew it without looking, but she risked a glance heedlessly just to watch the artist smile widen as she approached. Swiftly sliding into the seat across from the teal haired woman, flashing a honest smile. The playful smirk must have alerted Michiru, as she subtly reaches in to bag and holds up her wallet. Tauntingly waving it back and forth, cautioning the racer that she couldn't pull the same trick again. Haruka just chucked at the gesture and picked up the menu.
"I thought we were meeting at the park?" Michiru questioned, a curl evident on her lips.
"We are. I just was getting something to eat first," lowering the menu just enough for her eyes to peer over the top. "The girl that I'm meeting there fancies listening to me go on and on about myself, so I'm afraid I won't have the chance to eat anything later." Smiling at the eye roll she received, she retreated behind the menu once again.
"Then if we're not meeting here, why are you sharing my table?" She was happy to have the barrier, knowing the artist was annoyed already by her tone, she struggled to suppress the growing grin.
"Makoto says I have to when the cafe is busy," could be heard from behind the menu, the blonde's dry tone emphasizing that it was the most obvious thing. Michiru glanced around the half full cafe, deciding not to protest further. Knowing it irked the artist to share the table, it was necessary that she didn't think their date started out rough. "Just to be clear, the date hasn't started yet," stating just that as she placed her order with the waitress. Michiru raised her eyebrow curiously as the blonde threw out the word date. Undoubtedly, it had all been forgotten as a fit of giggles flowed from the artist as soon as the waitress returned with three pastries stacked on a plate, flanked by the biggest coffee cup the cafe had. Makoto always hid the goblet in the back, and Haruka was always able to find it. A small challenge for the blonde to enjoy the elixir she craved after her pre-race diet. "I don't eat like this in front of dates," vindicating to the artist thusly their date hadn't begun.
"I thought you couldn't have pastries?" Michiru asks accusingly. Appraising the full plate that sat before the blonde, she snuck a hand along the table's edge to pull a flaky corner from one of the pastries. Teal eyes watched woefully as the artist quickly retreated the stolen morsel to her lips.
"Are you planning to tattle to Makoto?" The blonde cautiously asked the artist. Teal hair just shook with the giggles as a hushed no could be made out between them. "I really only have to eat clean the days prior to the race. I am allowed to celebrate my victory, ne?"
"You're still celebrating three days later?" A curl still evident on her lips from stealing the tasty treat. Haruka just smiled as she took a deep inhale of the pastry in her hand, emphasizing her gratification that she finally had one uninhibited.
"Well, the afterparty was really the sponsor's celebration, not so much my thing." She paused as she munched on her long awaited pastry. Adding the thumbs down with her hand to emphasize her displeasure with the event. "Then we had the celebration last night on account of Minako's signing to the campaign. Later is the photoshoot, and tonight they will announce my participation in the campaign as they unveil the main PR video." She paused once again as she placed the reminder of the first pastry in her mouth, barley holding back a subtle hum of satisfaction. "Plus all of the meetings and planning that went into all of these events," again expanding her hands in emphasis. "This afternoon is really my first chance to celebrate, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate."
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Michiru watched on as the blonde recounted all that he had accomplished in the past week, while she remained on her studio love seat daydreaming... about a specific racer. Shaking that thought, she instead focused on the child like exuberance he had with the pastry in front of him. Her eyes grew wide with the last comment, this is how Haruka would choose to celebrate. In a cafe, with a pastry...or two, and her. A warming smile grew on her lips, her cold expression softening as the racer greedily begin to devour the final pastry.
Watching as the next pastry was devoured quickly, memories of the previous nights kiss drifted through her memory. A tingle rippling through her senses at the remembrance of the soft lips upon hers. Just simple and beautiful. She didn't feel the urge to push him away. Neither moved to deepen it either, and she suspected that the racer was nervous that she would reject him. She saw the look on his face once she opened her eyes. He was waiting for her to react, as if he expected it to be negative. And she tried to speak her feelings, but found herself still breathless.
After returning home, that same question plagued her through the evening. Why didn't I reject him? The thought of kissing a man always disgusted me before they could get close enough to try. Haruka is just so different... Shifting her attention momentarily from the blonde running through her mind and back down at the drawing she was currently detailing.
She had some rough sketches in her book, attempting to capture a dream she had the previous night. The scene on the page currently portrayed Neptune, her hair flowing in the strong breeze sitting along the shore, staring out at the ocean, wondering where her soul mate could be found.
Putting her papers away, she watched Haruka sigh with a pacified expression on his face. "That was sooooo good, guess I'll have to continue my win streak in order to enjoy one of those again."
"Ara, does that mean I have to share my table after every race?" Giving her best stone expression to counter the blonde's questioning stare. She didn't want to give the blonde any indication of her willingness for these small interactions to continue, but felt the corners of her mouth begin to turn up in betrayal at the sight of mirth in his teal eyes.
"If you want to see me more often mermaid, all you really need to do is ask," the blonde playfully retorted, clearly not effected in the least by Michiru's cold exterior.
"Suppose that was my deepest desire... spending breakfast with you on a more regular basis, that is," the playful tone in her voice mirroring the warm light in her eyes. "How exactly was I suppose to go about it? Announce it into the wind and you would appear?" The triumphant grin appearing on her lips, watching Haruka's eyes go wide at the introspection of her words. Her tone turned slightly more serious with a hint of the previous playful edge. "It would be quite troublesome otherwise, as you never offered where to direct such request. I have no desire to be labeled a stalker, unlike some people." Haruka's smile widened at the blatantly clear demand the teal haired woman stipulated. Seemingly considering his response, Haruka dropped his shoulders slightly as he turned to face Michiru more squarely.
"Very well," giving an extended exhale. "Tenoh Haruka, Marketing Director, SkyKing," the blonde extended out a hand in a western greeting.
Surprise spread clearly on Michiru's face with the name SkyKing. Anyone would be able to recognize the name of the large apparel brand. Suppressing her reaction, refusing to be impressed by the blonde's title, she took the offered hand as she teased, "Director? That is a rather unique title for a race car driver."
"Well, racing is more of a hobby of mine. I have been devoting the majority of my time to the launch of the RedWing line under the brand. I believe you're familiar with it," a lop sided smile on his face.
"You mean those exclusive shoes you were wearing with neon wings?" Ungraciously sticking out her tongue in disapproval.
"See, you do remember. Although that special color combination is truly one of a kind. And it's not neon." A serious shadow appeared on the blonde's face. "I thought you were an artist and could tell the difference. Guess I should spend a little more time on people's resumes and not rely on a pretty face," he complained as he started to rub his temples in mocked aggravation. The artist let a small chuckle escape, pulling the racer to look at her one again. The mirth returned to his eyes, he rested his chin on his hand. "You shouldn't mock them though, you'd have to really be someone famous to get your hands on a pair."
"Ara, and you don't think I'm famous enough to get my hands on a set? You hired me on the mere mention of my first name alone," she teased back, mirroring the blonde relaxed position.
"You already have your favorites, hmm? It would make sense, you having the whole collection. I mean, you walked onto the photo set and composed it quickly." He retorted, holding a finger to his chin.
"Tch. Perhaps I am just that good of an artist," Michiru shrugged, entertainment dancing in her eyes.
"Thank you for you direction yesterday," changing to clear sincerity in his voice. "I was impressed on how quickly you were able to put it all together." Honesty apparent in the teal eyes, "the board was really impressed with the test shoots. They applauded the look of the campaign. They want more of this style. I spoke to the chairman about the position you held in the composure, and they implored that I bring you on for the remainder of the launch." His hand reaching across the table to land softly on top of hers. "It's not only because the chairman asked. I can't quite explain it," he paused, running his thumb mindlessly over the hand below his as if collecting his thoughts. "I know you don't know me well enough to grant such a favor, but... I... feel like you really need to be a part of this. That I need you... to help. That's partly why I asked you here. In attempt to show my gratitude, and also lift this cloud of mysteriousness between us."
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The silence between them felt thick, although it only really lasted seconds. She watched her posture change slightly at the praise of her photo. Did she really not realize how incredible that image turned out, because of her. It was not just Michiru's talent. She had an eye for appealing images, yes, but her calming presence and softly given directions. Poised, yet calculating. She was put at ease at the artists words, and all of the frustration of the meetings prior to that disappeared. She dared ponder what would have happened if it was just the two of them in that moment. Sighing inwardly, she remembered that she got a glimpse of that, sharing the sweet kiss in the back room. The smile appear on her face at the memory, causing her to glance down to hid the blush that surly was creeping onto her cheeks. But how does one feel all of this is such a short period of time? Drifting out of her thoughts, she caught sight of the sketchbook still resting in the artist lap; even upside down she could see the beauty in the image.
Relaxing back into her seat, watching the artist do that same bringing a more causal air between them. "It seems you have a good eye for a vision," nodding her head towards the sketchbook. Now it was the artist turn to blush. Causally extending the sketchbook to the tabletop, and in a shy-like manner turning it around so the she could clearly see the drawing. The teal eyes carefully studies the uncolored drawing. A woman in a very short sailor fuku-esq attire, stood in the center as both the ocean and the wind danced around her. Though it was a static photo, she could clearly see wind moving through her hair and skirt, the water dancing around her hands almost like she commanded it.
"You can have it if you're so fascinated with my doodles," the artist smiled. Before Haruka could respond, the artist moved to pull the on the corner of the page. The teal haired woman clearly meant to pull out the page and give it to her, but that's not what happened. Her index finger slipped, the page ripped from the closest corner. She started, shocked, at the scrap of paper in her hand. She barley noticed the laughter coming from the blonde. Clearly embarrassed, she refused to look at her, still looking down at the torn drawing.
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I cannot believe that ripped! I really don't want to show him any of the other drawings since he's in them! When she did finally look up, Haruka was still laughing. She would have been furious if it was for how the laugh sounded. He wasn't being unkind, it was more like he couldn't help it. It was the first time that his laugh didn't infuriate her. She turned away in shame of what just happened and also of concern that her smile would give her away. She signs and placed the ripped drawing down on the table along with a few bills to cover her meal.
Quickly placing her sketchbook away, hoping there were no further questions from the racer as she moved out of the booth. Before she could stand, a soft hand once again caught hers. Raising her eyes from the floor, she was met with watery teal eyes.
"Gomen, Michiru. I did not mean to laugh that hard. That must have taken you hours," he empathized between the remaining chuckles. "But the look on your face with the corner... in your... hand..." Before she knew it, the blonde was in a fit of chuckles once again. Watching his unrestrained joy at the drawing's misfortune, a subtle giggle erupted from the artist. Followed by another, until both were fully engulfed in the misfortune of the drawing's fate.
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"Haruka-kun! Are you crying?" An unmistakable voice pierced her mirth. She took a few breaths to regain control of her laughter and began wiping her eyes for tears.
"Usagi-baka! How can you mistake laughter for crying? No one is as big of crybaby as you!" The second, more stern voice countered. Rei, for sure, she realized as the laughter finally left her system. As much as she enjoyed teasing the bun haired girl, this was most certainly not the best time. Moving the two half's of the drawing off the table just in time for the small blonde to place her milkshake on the table top.
"Woomph tuh oonan eede?" Usagi garbled out as spoonful after spoonful was placed in her mouth. Slapping the spoon from her hand, Rei remained standing behind her obviously annoyed.
"Hello to you too, Koneko," she calmly greeted the now sitting girl, her gaiety from before absent. She turned to Michiru, noticing the artist eying the newcomers hesitatingly. Her icy expression returned, leaving Haruka wondering if she knew the younger girls already. Releasing a heavy sigh, introductions were necessary.
"Michiru, this is Koneko and Pyro," she offered the artist, the lopsided teasing smile clear.
"Haruka-baka!" The bun haired girl began to cry.
"I'm Rei and this is Usagi. Only Haruka calls us by that name, unfortunately," Rei offered as she pushed her long black hair off her shoulder. "It's nice to meet you, Michiru." Haruka smirked to herself, confident now that they do not know each other.
"We were just leaving. I hate to leave so quickly, but we have an appointment to make. Ja ne!" Haruka quickly bid goodbye to the smaller women and gently taking Michiru's hand to lead her out of the booth.
"Where is this appointment? I thought we were heading to the park?" The artist frowned, looking around expectantly. The racer slowed her pace, releasing an groan at their narrow escape.
"I've known those two since high school. If we didn't escape when we did, we'd be stuck while Koneko ate her weight in ice cream!" Haruka let a shutter move through her body at the memory of the last time she couldn't say no to those baby blue eyes of her Koneko, only escaping after four sundaes and Makoto scolding the bun haired blonde for eating so much.
"Sounds like it must have been traumatic, Haruka. You have a death grip on my hand! I prefer to be touched more gently." Haurka was certain that she heard Michiru purr that last line to her, the blush growing on her cheeks as she realized she still held the artist hand.
"Gomenasai. Never would want to damage the tools of an artist," she teased back, regaining the normal color in her face. Michiru just concentrated on her freed hand, opening and closing her hand a few times as the two walked to the park.
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Entering the park, the two walked in silence along the circular path a familiar bench came into her view. Looking at the piece of wood she seemed to pay frequent visits to, a smile came to her lips. Glancing back to the blonde, she saw a secretive smile on his face as well.
"Take a seat," Haruka whispered, nodding towards the bench with her head. She obliged, looking back at the racer rooted in the same spot. Her face twisted into a questioning frown, in which he just pushed both of his index fingers into fake dimples, encouraging her to smile. Covering her mouth to stifle the giggle that escaped at the blondes antics, looking down for a moment in her glee. When she glanced back up, the blonde was gone. She quickly glanced around, looking for him, with no such luck.
"Michiru..." a soft husky voice sounded next to her. She turned to see Haruka as next to her on the bench, a single lily in her hand. He extended his hand toward her, Michiru took the flower from him. "Now we can begin." A smile growing on both of their lips.
"It's lovely. I didn't know you could be such a charmer," teasing the blonde as she placed the flower in her hair.
"You only think I am a charmer because you didn't see me at breakfast." Shrugging a shoulder, Haruka stood, a smile upon his face as he gestured for Michiru to join him. "Come, lets walk and talk," turned to head down the circular path while Michiru joined him at his side. Taking a leisure pace along the path, allowing the morning joggers to pass them by as they enjoyed each other's company.
"I am envious of those at the after party who were able to be put under the mermaids spell." casually commenting of the number of connections that Michiru established while still looking at the scenery before them.
"Ara, that could have been you if you weren't so busy ignoring me all evening," she pouted.
"I have no excuse, that is why I wanted to spend this time with you in an attempt to try to make it up to you. So, perhaps you should get me caught up on what all those elitist business men know."
"Are you jealous of them, Haruka?" The teasing smile back on her lips. The racer paused and turned to face her.
"I'm not jealous. I just don't want them knowing something that I missed out on," chuckling as he gave a little pout to the artist. Who was she to refuse a pouting blonde? As they continued the walk around the lake, she shared with the racer her love of art. She spoke of how she started with just doodles, and then moved to painting, and then to the beautiful panel drawings she was working on now. She even told the blonde about the small art show she had the previous year featuring the panel art. Haruka listened earnestly while the teal eyes intently watched as she recounted her passion.
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Before either of them realized, they had made their way completely around the lake and were back to the bench, once again taking a seat. She positioned herself to have a perfect view of the artist as she reverently looked out upon the lake before them.
"So the sketch you shared with me today was part of the work you have readying for another exhibit? I would like very much to see it someday," The honesty clear in her question. Michiru just returned the smile as she returned her gaze to the lake. "You must really love the water. In your art I could almost see the water flowing on the page." That got the artist attention, as she turned her body to face the racer head on.
"Really, Haruka? You claim to see the water move off the page on its own?" The artist giggles as she placed the back of her hand upon the racers forehead. Haruka just looked on with widen eyes, unsure of how close they suddenly were and even more unsure of the artist's intention. Luckily Michiru spoke first. "You don't seem to have a fever," she clarified.
"I'm serious, Michiru. I am not sure why it is, but from what I've seen so far, I just know I would enjoy it very much." She shifted slightly in her seat as the artist coasted along the bench closer to the racer, leaving scarcely any room between them.
"Would you be willing to test that theory?" Haruka just looked at the half smile of the smaller woman. Knowing all too well it was unwise to underestimate her. "If you believe you'd love my art no matter what... you could always... pose for me."
Haruka just smirked at the challenge, spotting her opening right away. "You got yourself a deal," she bluntly confirmed, sending the artist's eyes wide at how easily the racer accepted. "Meet me at the studio at 4 this evening and I will pose for you." Flashing her most disarming smile to the smaller woman, the artist nodded in acceptance.
"Now, I believe we also agreed to talk about your more regular participation in the campaign as an art director," placing a finger to her chin in a mock thoughtful manner.
"Yes, you practically begged me to participate," playfully batting the racer's hand away, forcing her to be serious for a moment.
"Well, what else can I do other than beg to get you to agree?"
The artist thought for a moment at the blank check the blonde gave. Suddenly, her face lit up. "I will help with this campaign, and in exchange you will sponsor my next art exhibit."
"Well that sounds like a win-win, so there's no way I could say no." A true smile grew on her face as she lunged forward taking the racer in a hug. "I take that we have an agreement?" Chuckling at the artist's excitement. The smaller just nodded in agreement as Haruka gently wrapped her arms loosely around the smaller form. After tonight, you'll know everything. I hope you'll still hug me as tightly.