(A/N) I still don't own Sailor Moon
"That's your brilliant plan?" The raven haired man shouted at the racer. "I don't expect a lot from that blonde head of yours, but this takes the cake!" Standing before the blonde, Seiya seemed to be a heartbeat away from pacing. He had called the racer earlier in the evening to finalize some details for the photo shoot the following day. Haruka had brought her longtime friend along when she took on the director role, trusting only him to be able to back her up. They started this campaign launch together, spending many hours detailing out all of these events and meetings. It was a long standing tradition of theirs, to have a beer together celebrating completion the details the night before a big event, but as the hours ticked by without hearing from her, the worry started to set in. By the time she came around to calling him back, he was a nervous wreck, so Haruka had him come to her condo for their traditional drink, afraid he would just look like a lunatic if they went out anywhere.
They were able to wrap up the details quickly, as the racer has it all covered, and soon they toasted their traditional beverage. They always saved the good stuff for night after the event, when they could really celebrate. The conversation soon led to where the racer has been all day, and then to an argument about Seiya being overprotective. Eventually the racer reveled the meeting she had with the artist... and that she agreed to let the artist sketch her.
"You realize that it makes you seem like more of a guy, right?" Seiya continued, making his best Haruka voice "Oh, you want me to pose for you, here let me point the way to the beach," striking a body builder pose. "Oh, you want more muscle? Let me remove my shirt," At this point Seiya started unbuttoning his shirt. "Oh, you didn't realize I was a woman? Let me..."
"Alright! That's enough, you made your point!" Jumping off the couch, preventing her raven haired friend from getting too much into character. Satisfied that the ponytailed man had dropped his charade, she flopped back into the couch. Placing her face into her palms, she let our a growl of frustration. "I wasn't thinking... its hard for me to think straight around her." Seiya just gave a nod in agreement as he took a sip from the bottle he held. His friend had been lost to the teal haired artist. He saw it in her eyes as he watched from the background in the test shoot. The artist will forever be the baseline that the racer will measure anyone else against.
"Ok... so you're in this mess now. The important thing is what are you going to do next?" A somber look on his face as he took another drink. There is really only one thing to do from here: make sure Michiru knows. He frowned inwardly, knowing that the racer was better at running away from anything that could harm her. She zealously kept her heart away from the world, but somehow the artist managed to find it and capture it with ease.
"Don't worry Haruka," he smiled as he opened another bottle, dropping himself next to the racer. "We've found a way out of tighter spots than this," placing his arm around the racer.
"I don't know if there is a way out," pushing her friend away. "I'm worried..." She started, as he looked surprisingly up at her to hear those words. Giving a heavy sigh mixed with a growl, she threw her hand in her hair. "I am afraid she'll say no, but I'm more terrified if she says yes. Afraid that she would choose a life with me, and I can't give her the life she deserves."
"That's it, I'm cutting you off for the night," he said as he snatched the bottle from the sadden blonde. "Haruka, no matter what you think she may want, don't you think that should be her decision?" Teal eyes looked at him questionably. "Your the most stubborn bitch I know, if you can't give her what she wants now, you'll find a way." She smiled subtly at the rather unsuccessful attempt at cheering her up. "Let her see you, the real you and there won't be anything to question anymore."
——————————
Entering the studio through the same way she navigated with Minako the prior day, she was surprised at the number of people moving about the floor. Many more than yesterday and way more than she ever expected. I guess Haruka wasn't exaggerating that this was a big deal. Shyly making her way towards the platform stage, she admired the Ferrari that still sat on the platform, truly unsure of what exactly she should be doing. One thing was sure, it was best to stay out of the way of those hurriedly moving about the soundstage until she found the blonde.
"Michiru!" She heard above the static noise. Wrong blonde... I guess Minako is better than just standing in the corner. She sighed inwardly, placing a smile on her face as the bubbly blonde wrapped her arms around the artist. "I am so happy you're here! Have you seen Haruka yet?" Shaking her head no, the model simply took her hand and silently led her through the sea of people. After passing several work stations they arrived at a dressing room concealed towards the back. "Haruka were coming in!" Barely warning before she threw the door open. In the middle of the room stood the tall racer, pulling his shirt down over his long torso... as well as giving Michiru a good view of his tone stomach in the process. Shooting a glare at the model, who simply shrugged a shoulder at the accusing teal stare. Michiru could easily guess that the racer barely got the shirt over his head when Minako announced they were coming in.
"Thank you, Minako. I would have never found Haruka hiding back here," smirking at the model's antics, but couldn't be upset with her. Thanks to the models impeccable timing, she had a new image that will likely inspire some more sketches later. Glancing at Haruka, he seemed more embarrassed than annoyed with their suddenly intrusion.
"Minako, shouldn't you be in the makeup chair?" He accused, raising an eyebrow. The model just raised a hand in a surrendering gesture.
"I was on my way there, but I spotted Michiru. If you don't want her here in your dressing room, I can always take her with me." Michiru giggled as the model's bold challenge and the racers shocked expression. "Don't worry, I will head there now. I wouldn't want to be in there too long or they wont have enough time to do your makeup!" Minako was halfway out the door at the last comment, sticking her tongue out at the taller blonde before she dashed out the door. Haruka just narrowed his eyes at her before the door closed behind her.
"Do you need to head to the makeup chair, Haruka?" She couldn't resist the tease, receiving only a growl from the racer in response. She just giggled at the racers obvious dislike at the mention of cosmetics, although it would not be uncommon for a photo shoot. "On a more serious note, what are you wearing for the shoot? Hopefully not that," pointing at the t-shirt and jeans the racer currently wore.
——————————
She didn't even need to see what she was wearing to know what the artist was eluding. She was considering what to wear, just not for the approaching photo shoot. Actually, the photo shoot was the furthest from her mind right now. She was thinking about the promise to the artist, the promise to let her sketch her. If she played her cards right, she could casually change into whatever the artist has in mind with her sports bra on and avoid an awkward confession on her behalf. Well at least that was how it worked in her head. No matter what, without knowing what the artist had in mind for the sketch, it would be smart to have a layer of 'protection' just in case.
"Do you always make joke about clothing you're suppose to be promoting?" Realizing that the artist was still awaiting an answer. "But no, I do not plan on wearing this. I just... have some last minute...things to ensure they are ready for the shoot." Glancing coyly towards the pile of garments deemed possibilities for later this evening.
"Good, cause I have no idea how I would ever be able to make that look good," gesturing to the blonde in general, a smirk on her lips.
A husky chuckle escaped her at the artist's playful words. Always amazing her how quickly the mermaid can calm the storm inside her, even if the mermaid is the root cause of them. "Plus if I put off getting changed to the last moment, then there is no way they will get me in the makeup chair," she added with a smirk for good measure.
"If you insist, Haruka," the artist paused, her cheeks turning pink before she continued. "I apologize for Minako and mine's intrusion earlier." Now she could guess why the artist looked flushed. Haruka blushed at the thought, but turned quickly away, making it seem like she was looking at the clothes on the rack. "Ara, before you have to go be the boss I was wondering. How exactly am I suppose to do a sketch with all these people?"
Haruka turned to the smaller woman, obviously catching the teasing tone at the little detail she left out of the arrangement. "Well, I was not sure you'd accept the art director position, so I had to add some insurance to get you here," wiggling her eye brows playfully. Michiru took a step closer to the racer.
"Well you got me here with two different promises. I think you own me an extra reward, since I accepted both willingly."
"Well, what else could I possibly promise the inspiring young artist? This is the best scenario you could ask. Your direction on stage will help with my stage fright..." Michiru let out a giggle at the suggestion the racer had any confidence issues. "Hopefully, by the end of the shoot, you will have an idea of how you'd like me to pose. Should make the process after a little easier."
Haruka stepped closer to the artist, placing a finger under her chin so that their eyes met. "I don't want you to worry, I would never break a promise to you, mermaid." Under the spell of the ocean eyes in front of her, and to underline the truth in her words, she leaned the rest of the way to the tempting lips before her. Pausing at the last moment, she placing a feather light kiss on her forehead stepping back before the artist could fully lean into her. "Meet me back here after the session is done. I have something important to tell you, and then we can do what you'd like."
——————————
Michiru opened her eyes as soon as the feeling of the soft left her. Watching the blonde step way with an amorous look in her eye, her thoughts going a mile a minute, but she could only nod in agreement at the racer's request. A knock came from the door before she could reply anything, and she was secretly happy about that. A second, more tenacious knock followed quickly. Haruka gave her an apologetic look before opening the to the persistent visitor.
"What do you want Seiya!" the racer spat, seemingly knowing who was on the other side before he could see them.
"Cool it there, Wings." He calmly stated, pushing the racer back into the room. He paused for a moment to look at Michiru before turning back to the racer. "The prop guys are looking for you, and also there is an issue with the lighting. Just head over there, they'll listen to you much quicker than I can get them to quit bitching. I will make sure the art director is given a tour." A secretive smile coming to his lips at the last statement. Haruka just narrowed his eyes at the ponytailed man.
"Alright, I am heading over there. Just come rescue me if I'm not back in 15 minutes." Throwing his hands in the air. Pausing for a moment, he turned back to Michiru. "This is Kou Seiya, he has manners for anyone else but me, so you should be in good hands. He will show you to the area we have set up with all the equipment available. Once you have what you need, he can lead you to a staton where you can see the whole shoot. I will meet you there." Haruka paused as he passed Seiya, sharing a look that only the two understood before heading out the room.
"Shall we go, Hime" he offered his arm to the artist. Michiru accepted the arm, raising an eyebrow at the way he called her.
"Do you always give people discrepant nicknames?" She coolly asked as Seiya led the way from the dressing room.
"What do you mean?" he ostensibly asked, as they reached the entrance of a storage area. Leading the way in, he directed Michiru to a table with a few items laid out. Michiru looked over the reflectors and filters on the table and eyed the photo color pallet sensors that she would likely need.
"Nicknames for people that don't match them."
"I know what the word means," rolling his eyes. "Why do you think you're not a hime? You carry yourself in a regal manner and Haruka bows down to you." Her eyes quickly darted to him, her lips pursed with the question she wanted to ask. Seiya beat her to it. "You do realize that Haruka treats you more earnestly than anyone else I have seen. Why would I not assume you have high status?"
"Then why do you call him 'Wings'?"
"Have you seen Haruka around a track? Might as well have wings," he chuckled, but then a serious tone came over his visage. "Seriously though, Haruka has come through for me more than once. And would pound me if I used the nickname 'Angel' so Wings is annoying without resulting in a fight, so it stuck." He focused back to Michiru and the items in her hands. "Is this all you need? I can carry some over to the workstation for you." Taking two of the reflectors from her hand, he turned and exited the storage room with Michiru once again in tow.
Soon enough, they reached the workstation. True to Haruka's word, it was positioned just above the platform, with enough space between the platform and workstation for the photographer to move around between the two. Seiya placed the reflectors he was carrying down beside the table, turning quickly to Michiru that she didn't have time to react at how close he was.
"Listen, Haruka is one of my best friends that I would hate to see get hurt. So just make sure you know what you're doing..." he nearly whispered to the artist. What does he mean by that? I don't think I can mess up the photo shoot that badly. Nervously biting her lip at the words, she nodded her head.
"Seiya!" A husky voice called out, causing both to turn to the source. The racer was breathtaking with a biker like appearance. Clad in tight leather pants, and a leather jacket, that appeared to be open at the bottom and only one clasp at the chest fashioned. Under the jacket, there was just a peak of a tank top that looked like the lower half had been torn off. Giving a subtly sexy appeal as the racer moved, hints of the tone stomach could be seen peaking out from the leather. Michiru was invaded with memories of the same tone midsection she caught upon first entering the dressing room. With ever teasing glimpse she got now, the memory assaulted her again. She busied herself with the workstation to keep from staring at the blonde.
"Go give Minako a warning," the racer yelled at the raven haired man. "If she's not ready in 10 min, I'm letting Koneko go in her place!" Seiya gave a wicked smile before scurrying off. I have to hand it to Haruka, that will defiantly get Minako here on time! She chucked at the thought of a dejected model, not noticing the racer coming up behind her. "The monitor here," he said as he subtly reached around the artist waist to turn on the monitor, "will give you real time display of the photos that are captured. You can give adjustments from there. Once your happy, you can click this button to mark it. We can review at the end the ones you marked." Standing back to his full height, he smiled back to the artist. Fighting a frown at the sudden loss of contact, focusing on being professional she gave some direction to the lighting staff that were gathering around.
"You wouldn't really put Usagi in the photo would you?" she asked teasingly, looking at the test shots that appeared on the monitor.
"Oh gods no... but Minako doesn't know that," the racer smiled, turning down towards the stage. Just as the blonde made to the floor, he was seeming tackled by a petite form with two long pigtails trailing behind her. I didn't think he actually mean that Usagi was here. Why would she be here? She silently watched as Usagi admired the outfit, just out of earshot of what the pigtailed girl was saying as she moved her hands over the leather. Haruka eventually stopped the roaming hands as they reached his toned stomach.
"Haruka, could you get on the stage. I'd like to test the reflection of the leather." She called out over the workstation, a smug smile on her face as the racer mindless accepted her direction...and moved away from Usagi.
She watched as Seiya returned with Minako in tow. Minako wore the same halter top and short shorts as the previous day, but that was not what garnered her attention. She watched as Seiya approached Usagi, and seemingly gave her a friendly hug from behind. This resulted in an instant glare from the racer, more dangerous than anything she seemed previous, and Seiya raised he hands taking a few steps back. "Haruka, would you do one shot at the front, middle and rear of the car so I can check the lighting is right," she called out, deciding that this was an optimal time to break up whatever... that was.
She examined the photos in the three positioned, requested one last change to the backlight, and then called for Minako to get on the stage. The shoot seemed to fly by, her eyes glued to the monitor watching the blonde's handsome face appear on the monitor over and over again. Each time, the teal eyes seemingly connecting with her through the monitor. He needed very little direction to look good, and Minako was very photogenic as well. Therefore, most of her directions were to alter the positions where the shoes were clearly visible. A subtle smile on her lips that she was able to remain professional while being assaulted by the sultry stare of the blonde again and again and again.
Haruka called a wrap on the shoot once he looked at the marked images. She was beyond pleased with the variety of shots that they had obtained. They worked so quickly, that they were even able to swap outfits. The racer moving to an open button down shirt. Unfortunately for Michiru, it wasn't as opened as the leather jacket was, leaving only the memory in her mind of the tone torso underneath. Minako re-emerged in a similarly casual outfit of skin tight jeans that rose to just about her belly button, and a crop top with a deep V in the front and back. True to her professionalism, she was able to adjust the posing to match the look of the models, regardless of how tempting the taller blonde looked.
Haruka made his way to the two petite blondes, getting close enough to whisper something in Usagi's ear. Something naughty judging by the pigtail blondes fierce blush afterwards. She nodded to Haruka and headed off with Minako in the direction of the dressing rooms. Glancing around, she noticed that Seiya had also already made himself scarce, leaving her with the blonde while a few stragglers walk around the floor.
——————————
"Koneko, why don't you take Minako and pick out an outfit from the rack. Mamoru and Seiya are waiting out front to take you to the arcade as a thank you," she leaned slightly closer, whispering "Mamoru would never say it, but wear something low cut. He's been working hard this week." She watched as Usagi blushed furiously, nodding and then making her way with Minako to the aforementioned dressing room. Good, they will be out of my hair for the next hour or two. Now there is nothing to interrupt the mermaid and me. She headed over to the workstation where Michiru was still stationed.
"You did a great job, but of course we knew you'd execute perfectly," sitting on the edge of the workstation, her arms propped behind her for support. She caught Michiru's eyes move from the screen up to the blonde standing before her, stopping on the few open buttons. Haruka stood up, realizing that the shirt might give away more than she intended. "I am going to head to the dressing room and change. Why don't you finish with your notes here and meet me at the dressing room when you're ready?" The artist smiled and nodded, while Haruka turned and made the way to the dressing room.
——————————
Turning the monitor off, she stood from the seat and reached her hands over her head to stretch. She glanced around, assuming enough time had pass for the racer to be ready. She didn't want to have another near miss in the racers dressing room, no matter how nice it was to see.
As she watched the image after image of the racer come on the monitor, she questioned more and more the attraction that she had for the racer. The feeling continued to grow over the past few days, both confusing and exciting her with every day and every interaction nurturing it. She could recognize there was something pulling her towards the blonde. Something that made her feel warm and safe in just the racer's presence. But she has never felt this way for a man. She had known her preference was clear in high school, and had never questioned it. Not due to arguments with her parents, or the bullying, the friends that distanced themselves from the lesbian. Never once faltering... until now. She still searches for the source of what she was feeling. Where there once was nothing suddenly, almost as brought on by a sudden gust of wind, someone or something comes to you. An unfamiliar warmth, not something from outside but found within. She knowns would do anything to feel that warmth again.
Hinting at feeling the warmth again, her feet started taking her in the direction of the dressing room. Her mind shifting from her growing feelings towards the blonde, to what exactly she was going to do with the blonde. There was the sketch, and Haruka had said that she would have ideas from the photo shoot. I guess he didn't count on me being so distracted by him. She smiled at the memory, but still didn't help with what the blonde expected for the rest of the evening. He said he had something to tell me... I wonder what it could possibly be? She pondered as she made it to the outside of the door. She paused, thinking she heard the odd sound of scuffling inside the room.
"Haruka..." she called out as she cracked the door slightly. Surprisingly, the scuffling noised stopped, and she was met with silence inside of the room. Opening the door the rest of the way, she looked around for the racer without success. Wondering where he ran off to, something else caught her eye. Walking over to the dressing table, there was an unmistakable sexy, lacy little number crumpled on the top of the table. Glancing around quickly when she thought heard a sound on the other side of the clothing rack, she couldn't make anything out in the dimly lit room. Thinking someone could be hiding there, she took a step backwards, to where she had a better line of sight to a mirror that was just to the side of the rack. Her eyes went wide with shock when she saw a very undressed woman crouching behind the rack, looking as if she was trying to cover her nude form. She gasped in surprise, and then suddenly Haruka's voice rang out.
"Michiru, wait! I can explain!" The plea fell on deft ears, as she was already two steps out the door. Tears going down her face as she completely exited the building, letting her feet carry her to someplace far from there.
——————————
Haruka was fighting with herself the moments before Michiru arrived at the dressing room. She was rethinking her plan to let the smaller woman know her feelings. She wanted so badly to avoid it, but she knew there was something special about the artist. Something that made her not want to run away. Couple that with the surprise of the really girly lingerie she found in her dressing room, causing her inner monologue to be all over the board. Someone obviously thought she needed a push and left the lace teddy for her to find. She was shocked when she actually considered it for a moment. With the way she was looking at my unbuttoned shirt, if I pose in that, then she couldn't resist. And if it all goes bad... then she can just play it off like a joke. Maybe. Well, her brain couldn't handle what to do if it went bad. She must have been lost in thought for way longer than she anticipated, all she could think was to hide and hope Michiru would look for her somewhere else. She quickly realized her mistake when Michiru eyed the lacy number very quickly. I'm gonna kill Seiya. She made a mental note to herself, but froze when she realized the Michiru could sense someone was in the room. She tried calling out to the smaller girl, but it was too late as she ran from the room.
Hanging her head, she stayed rooted in the room, afraid that Michiru wouldn't want to speak to her. Fearful that she would loose the mermaid completely if she approached her like this, she didn't go after her. Maybe if I give her some time, she wouldn't completely hate me. I need to think of a way to make amends. She sighed in acceptance, that might be the best she could hope for at this point.