(A/N) Nana - In my mind, she always knew. Minako dropped the same hint ;) People sometimes ignore the most obvious of things when they are smitten.

A/N) I do not own Sailor Moon, just borrowing the characters.

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The blonde's heart burst at the words she didn't expect, I know. A heavy weight lifted from her, elated she was not jilted in the mermaid's eyes. A split second she considered why the mermaid would be so...calm, but those thought quickly few away with the breeze as the teal haired artist rested against her. She relaxed into the rock against her back, a comfortable moment with the mermaid between her and the water. Seemingly the way it should be. A frown quickly returned to her face, as she began to ponder. Seeing no other way around it, she voiced the question that she most afraid of, "then why did you leave abruptly?"

She could feel the artist shift slightly at the question, indicating she was uncomfortable giving an answer. Haruka held still, almost holding her breath to not give an inch to the artist. It may not have been important before, but the reluctance of the artist to offer an answer concerned her. She reached the mermaid chin and gently turned it so their eyes indirectly met. Michiru's face turned the several shared of red, "I saw...someone hid..ing.." she barley managed to get out as her color faded. She quickly turned around, placing some distance between them as she felt she was going to overhead from embarrassment. "That.. was... you I ...saw?" She barely managed to sputter out. Now it was the blonde's turn to transform into a tomato with the slow realization.

"Who else would be... underdressed... in my room?" Choosing not to answer the question directly, curious at what the artist thought that upset her so if it was not the blonde's gender. She pressed for Michiru to continue with pleading teal eyes, at this point it was better to clear the air completely between them.

"I... dunno... I saw the black... garment ...on the table... and guessed you had a visitor," scarcely getting the words out. Haruka was looking down as she processed the accusation, unable to meet the blue eyes before her. Does she not realize that I see no one else but her. Only full when she is here with me and craving only her when she's not. That this feeling she awakens inside, blinds me to anyone else. She signed inwardly, realizing the importance of keeping the artist close, keeping this friendship they've built in tact. Essential enough to admit the truth... well most of it.

"That was just Seiya trying to be funny and leaving that surprise for me," she growled again at how his prank caused so much trouble for her. "He advocated that I should have wore it for the sketch when I told him that I agreed to it," she joked trying to save some face at both their embarrassment. She carefully watched the artist's reaction, attempting to gauge what she was thinking through this process. A frown graced the artist's visage.

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Her senses has been on fire since Haruka led her away from their bench, everything was igniting them more. The slow realization on why she never really thought of the racer as a man only fueled the pull she felt towards the blonde. Beginning as they arrived at the waterfall, when she was taken into the loose embrace, relaxing slightly against the racer's form she continued to feel a calm that the water was never able to achieve before. Secret and simplicity, all wrapped up in strong arms. She heard the words she sought after, or at least the more immediate question. The blonde acknowledging what she had recently vindicated in her own mind. Her heart beating faster, details that she never thought she memorized started flashing in her mind. The figure in the mirror, so strong and slender with the curves that shone though the vain attempt to unsuccessfully cover. Unsure if this was a recessed image she saw that night or just her imagination running away with her, either way she was not too disappointed. Out of seemingly nowhere, Haruka mentioned the black lacy number and wearing it for the sketch. I had forgot about that...she would look beautiful that. I bet that is why Seiya picked it up... and with that a frown was etched onto her face.

"Well, that doesn't seem to be too nice of a joke. Unless he has ulterior motives?" Nudging the blonde, and maintaining the teasing edge in her voice only through years of practice of keeping a sharp tongue when her emotions were aflame. She needed to know where the raven haired assistant played into all of this. He did make a casual sounding threat to her about getting involved with the racer.

"I swear his sole goal in life is to annoy me to death," rolling her teal eyes in the process. "I've given up trying to guess what he is thinking half the time, so please don't let it worry your pretty little mind, mermaid," she consoled as she gently placed her hands on the artist is arms. Turning the artist back around to look at the water, the racer once again gently rested her chin over her shoulder, allowing the low, gentle voice to easily reach her ear. "We've had an eventful morning, and I really would like you to forget about it and we can move on. I'm hoping the water hypnotizes you," chuckling lowly, Michiru could feel the vibrations from the blonde's chest. She relaxed more into the feeling of serenity she just being in the blonde's company.

"You said this your sanctuary," she hummed as she continued to look around at the secluded waterfall and resulting pond. The faintest stream lead away from the pool, and she wondered if it led to the larger lake in the park. "Why would you share this with me?"

"I have never met a mermaid who wouldn't love water." She chuckled as Michiru narrowed her eyes at the dodged question. "I found this in area on one of my many runs through the park. It was quite and secluded. The waterfall, although small, moves with a surge and agility, intense but at the same time calm and serene. Just like the wind. It was the first place I found that I could feel the wind without having to chase it. I guess I somehow knew you would feel the same way about it." A sided smirk coming to her features, "if I am to have you share in my concerns through the campaign, it would only be fitting to share one of my methods for achieving release."

"Is the the only way you relieve your stress?" Michiru pressed, a teasing smile coming to her face as the racer wore an surprise on her face, her mouth making an 'O' shape. Remembering the incident at the cafe earlier, the teasing urge came to her once again.

"Ara, I am not the only one who has work to move on from this morning's woes," she smiled, turning her head slightly to catch the blonde's questioning look. Certain that the playful gleam was evident in her eyes, she couldn't resist to tease the blonde some more. "I think you're trying to keep me here as a distraction. You are the one who has to deal with an angry Makoto after I leave," tapping the blonde on the nose to emphasize her point. "Seems like I may be the only who could save you."

With the last statement, she turned back to face the water. Her little taunting method hopefully achieved a three prong attack. Getting the racer and herself back to the playful relationship that they had before the... incident. Second, the reminder of the threat from Makoto should put the blonde at a disadvantage, and hopefully with that, she would want help from her to smooth things over with the brunette. Then she'll be at her mercy, willing to negotiate with the artist. Then she'll pounce. Laying out the demand to strengthen their bond of friendship, to protect her heart from loosing the blonde forever. To remain by her side, until maybe someday, the blonde no longer has another in her heart. Then maybe it would be free for her to claim, and then she would look at her the same way she sees the blonde. Someday.

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She sat with the mermaid seemingly forever and not long enough at the same time. Nothing was said between the two, both feeling the serene silence that came from the other's company. Trying her best to ignore the suggestion of an irate brunette waiting for her, to stay in the moment that she knew could not last forever. Begrudgingly, she broke the silence to follow along the artist obvious insinuation that she needed the artist's help to avoid the full force of Makoto's wrath. She was surprised that the mermaid agreed to accompany her to smooth things over with the chef, but gave a subtle growl when Michiru suggested they should not keep her waiting much longer.

Reluctantly, they abandoned the hidden oasis and the mermaid accompanied her to the gym where they found Makoto was impatiently waiting. Following with her eyes the teal hair artist trailing along the racer's side, seeming studying the body language between the two for clues to where the pair spent the time since leaving the cafe. Clearly the brunette was surprised to see Michiru united in the quest to get Makoto to go easy on her, evident by the side eye the chef directed at the racer. She chuckled slightly as she winked back, turning to leave to the locker room, and trusting the artist to beg for leniency.

When she returned ready for training in her gi, whatever the artist said to the brunette had worked leaving Makoto in much better mood. She had to hand it to the artist negotiation skills, as the brunette was no longer out for blood while they spared. Michiru watched a few rounds, before she announced that she had to depart and would see both friends later. Haruka narrowed her eyes at her opponent, livid as she managed to loose each one of the rounds the artist observed.

"If I had known that it would only take an artist's touch to get the upper hand with you, I would have introduced you years ago," taunting her opponent with her undefeated streak. Ignoring the provocation, Haruka moved quickly to secure a Ushiro Kesa Gatame hold. She smile victoriously as the brunette struggled to free her arm.

"You're the one who refused to introduce me a week ago!" She growled, moving more of her body weight to halt her opponents struggle. "Besides, nothing is going on between us. I was just slow from the training for the race this weekend, that's all. Michiru is just a coworker, essentially. At best, I can call her a friend."

"Well hello there, Ms 'we're just friends'. I am the queen of Sheba," the brunette rolled her eyes as she rotated towards the blonde.

"Well that is slightly inconceivable. What are you getting at?" Haruka raised an eyebrow at the focused brunette, really not expecting much of an answer. Determination set firm in the brunette's face, with her pink tongue peeking out of the corner of her mouth, focusing her strength. She steadied herself, as the impending growl finally escaped from her opponent. The cry echoing through the room while the brunette called upon all of her strength to force the blondes weight away from her, and using that motion as leverage to quickly loosen the trapped arm. Spinning out of the hold, she smiled triumphantly at the blonde.

"There is no way I would have been able to pull that off if you weren't thinking about her," she added after taking her bow. The blonde returned the gesture and then sighed to herself. Makoto was right. Even when the mermaid wasn't around, she's swimming through my mind. But what could I possibly do? She groaned inwardly as they walked to the locker room.

"So are you a couple now?" Curious green eyes watched over the locker door as they returned to their civilian identities. "Or are you too scared?" She teased, ducking behind the locker door at the glare she received.

"I'm telling you Makoto, it's not like that at all. She said she enjoys being my friend. She has no interest in me beyond that," she sighed, shutting her locker. "I'm not even sure if she would be interested in me like that..."

"Are you kidding?" Green eyes met curious teal ones as she slammed her locker closed. "She's more out than you are. Her parents disowned her when she told them... she has been living on her own since high school." She casually offered as they both made their way out the door. A smirk grew on the blondes lips. Why would I want to stop the mermaid from infiltrating my thoughts. There is so much depth to the mermaid, and I can't do anything but look forward to diving deeper.

"The point is that it hasn't even been a week!" Shoving her friend in the shoulder, "plus someone wouldn't even tell me her name. I had to spend most of my detective skills to get that much first, ne?"

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Walking quickly from the gym, she arrived at the park in a fraction of the time she anticipated. Sitting on the bench the green hair woman had a simple bento in her lap as she looked out at the view of the lake they were both well acquainted. A smile coming to her lips that she managed to catch her friend at lunch. Setsuna will be thrilled at the change of events since she provided comfort to the teal haired woman the previous evening. Approaching her friend, her mind was occupied with what to say to the green hair woman broke her thoughts.

"I assumed I would see you today. However, this is slightly earlier than expected." Setsuna commented without turning around. How does she do that? And what does she mean I'm early? Sitting along side her friend, Setsuna placed the lid on her bento and set it aside.

"Well, I saw Haruka this morning..." she started, a smile coming to her lips at the memory of the blonde.

"And did you talk to Haruka this morning, or just creepily watch from afar?" Signaling to the artist there is no need to beat around the bush.

"I spoke with her, and apologized for how I acted the other night," Michiru took a deep breath. "Well, apparently what I saw in the dressing room wasn't Haruka's lover, but... it was Haruka." Blush filling her cheeks at the memory, she turned her head away from the green haired woman in hopes she wouldn't notice.

"She forgave you so easily for not only accusing her of something she didn't do, but also for embarrassing her? She must really care for you. Or be really desperate for you to continue to work as the art director."

"Well, we didn't get into the details or what happened that night, but decided to put it behind us and focus on our friendship." Michiru paused for a moment, reflecting on the green haired woman's words. "Wait, you're not surprised that Haruka's a woman?"

"Why on earth would I be? I never met her, I only saw through your eyes, through your sketches. You should learn to trust your feelings more." Michiru opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again without a sound. Setsuna had a point. She had felt drawn to the blonde since they met. So much so that she started to questioned her sexuality all over again, but never questioned why the blonde effected her so. She could have avoided many troublesome events if she had trusted herself from the start. "Did you confess to Haruka?" Setsuna interrupted her thoughts with such a blunt question.

"Not exactly..." desperately trying to avoid the gaze of the garnet eyes on her, and failing miserably.

"What harm could it possibly do at this point?" A questioning green eyebrow slowly going up, the garnet stare never wavering.

"It's been less than a week, Setsuna. You need to know someone longer than a week! I mean... there's chemicals in your brain when you first meet someone. You're too happy to make any type of sound judgement. They make Lifetime movies about this!" Garnet eyes continued to study her carefully, a very skeptical smirk appearing on her lips. Her blue eyes lowering to the ground, "I can't... I still have this feeling she's seeing someone. There is someone who has her affections," shifting uncomfortably in her seat. "I'd rather have her friendship then have nothing at all," letting out a heavy breath she didn't know she was holding.

"I guess everything happens in it's own time," Setsuna sighed. "So what is next for you?" Seemingly changing focus, and not giving her love life a second thought. Michiru placed a finger to her chin to mimic deep thought at she attempted to compartmentalize the thoughts of the blonde. With those memories temporarily locked away, she pondered for a moment, Setsuna asked a good question. She still has work to do on her drawings, and she needs to get a reliable schedule for any work she will need to do for the racer. And the exhibit planning.

"At this point, all paths lead to Haruka. I will need information on the next engagement with her, as well as a timeline for the gallery so I can plan accordingly."

"Sounds like you have a new excuse to see her again today," the teasing smile never leaving her lips. "And once you have the event scheduled, pass them along to me and I will bring Sato-sama up to speed. I do not think there is any benefit for you to try to explain all of this to him yourself." Never once did she think of involving her editor in anything that was occurring with the campaign. Although, that was what he gets his fee for, so he can manage all the requests that she received from the business men she met at the gala in the past few days. Setsuna gave a knowing smile, and Michiru returned it. Her deal with the racer was her personal business, and as Setsuna mentioned, she only needed to give him the dates in which she was already committed. It certainly has been a whirlwind, but she was happy to go through it with the racer.

Setsuna stood from the bench, indicating that she had to return to the office. As she started to leave, a thought seemed to cross her mind, turning back to the artist. "If your schedule does look like you will have to manage a lot, it may be wise to ask if your art director title comes with an assistant." Without a word more, she walked off towards the office building.

She remained seated on the bench, watching out to the lake but her mind was back with the racer by the waterfall. Everything, all the stress, deadlines, concerns, and fears seem to melt away as if the small waterfall washed them away. Just the memory of sharing that moment nestled close to the blonde brought the warmth back to her. Releasing a deep breath, she knew sharing small moments just the two of them was worth it, even if she couldn't have the blonde completely to herself. Glancing down at her phone, she grinned as she dialed the blonde's number.

"Hello? Michiru?" Was the raspy, out of breath answer on the other end.

"Did you survive Makoto? " giggling at the growl that came from the other end of the line.

"She made me run a lap around the lake for every pastry I had. How many did you tell her you gave me? I'm pretty sure you owe me a few more pastries 'cause I didn't have..."

"Later, Haruka," Michiru cut off. "I need something else other than to barter for food with you."

"Oh really? I mean I should shower first..."

"Haruka!" She cried, happy that the racer could not see her expression. "How about I tell you what I need and then you can plan accordingly?"

"Tch..."

"Well, since you're my boss now I assume there are some places and times you would expect me to show up at. I thought it would be helpful for me to know these, rather than just counting on you randomly picking me up."

"Fine... let your rational suggestion take away all of my fun sneaking up on you." She swore she could hear the blonde pouting on the end of the line. "Tonight there is a smaller gathering at the chairman's home. I will pick you up in about 2 hours. They will be very happy to receive you, ...and it's bound to be better than sitting in some stuffy meeting..." the latter seemed to be directed more to herself than to Michiru. "When I arrive, I promise I will have a list of all the events and the name of an assistant who can help you track all the details. How does that sound?"

"So there's no way to get the details to do my job without going to a party with you?" The giggle evident in her voice.

"I am sorry your boss pushes such a hard bargain."

"That's ok, at least if I am there with you I can make sure you stick to your clean eating! Ja ne!" Hanging up quickly before the blonde could protest. If she wants to negotiate, then Michiru will show her she can play just as tough.

Stepping out of the bath, feeling almost like a new woman as she began to dry herself. So much of the confusion she held inside her seemingly washed away while sitting at the waterfall with the blonde. No longer feeling the despair stemming from the confusion set forth every time she dreamed of the blonde. The simple act of picking up her phone and calling the racer to hear that soothing voice, the luxuries she didn't know would bring simple joy.

Leading her back to the task at hand, she stood in front of her wardrobe deciding on what to wear. As she walked home from the park, she spotted the bouncy blonde model and enacted on the luck tossed in her path. Catching up with Minako as to the status of her current social life, the model offered to loan her another outfit. Happily agreeing, the model provided another beautiful dress, complete with an eye catching neckline that would require some fashion tape to make it through the evening.

Once she retuned home, common sense began to set in. Sure she wanted to catch eye of a certain someone, but she also was intelligent enough to remember that this was a party with the board members. Logic overtook her mind at that point, and the model's dress will have to wait for another opportunity, maybe a night with just her and the blonde. A smile on her lips at the thought and quickly filing it in her mind for later, she needed a new plan for tonight. She made one more desperate phone call before she needed to start to get ready. When she exited the bathroom, she found a garment bag on the back of her door, obviously left there by a green haired dress fairy. Looking at the outfit that Setsuna provided after the pleading call to the designer, she knew this was a winner. The black blouse had a v neckline, with the flutter sleeves landing just below her elbow. More like the single flutter sleeve, as Setsuna removed one sleeve, leaving a shoulder exposed. The bottom was a banded waist, with the pleated skirt flowing from the hips. Admiring the result one more time in the mirror, pleased with the outcome just as she heard the bell from the building's lobby. Confirming with the doorman that Haruka was waiting in the lobby, she headed down to meet her.

(A/N) For anyone whom is curious, fashion tape is sometimes used when there is concern that the fabric wouldn't stay put as one moves to secure it to the skin, preventing anything unnecessary from showing. Think very deep necklines or high slits.