(A/N - new chapter posted early because UnbreakableWarrior asked so nicely for it. This one is one of my favorites. Thank you all for the reviews so far! )

———————————————

She awoke the following day to the sound of her phone alerting her to a few messages. Stretching slowly from her bed, she looked first to check the time realizing that she slept in slightly. Her 'quick' coffee meeting turned into a long conversion with Michiru as the third wheel. As odd as the previous night was, she was happy that Minako and Kazuki were smitten with each other. Having him escort her to the gala wouldn't be excessively troublesome. The opportunity seemed to be available to have the model distract him at the gala if the need arose. Judging by Minako's uncharacteristic muteness, she assumed the model would take him off her hands even if the need didn't arise.

Climbing from her bed, she reached for her phone, her grin growing when she saw the message was from the other blonde occupying her mind, well, every morning lately.

/I'm back in the city, hope you didn't miss me too much/

She couldn't help but laugh at the blonde's egocentricity.

/Glad you made it home, How are you feeling?/

Laughing slightly when the response she received was a photo of the blonde's arm, free of bandaids, gripping a pastry.

/That is one way to do build up strength after an injury... just don't do too many reps/

Glancing at the garment bag hanging from her armoire, her thoughts drifting to the pictures Setsuna took for her. She snapped a picture of the garment bag, sending it over to the racer.

/Don't tire yourself out, I may need your help later/

/Gomen Michiru... I don't think I could help tie that even if I was in peak condition. I did not tell you earlier, but I have to arrive early.../

/It's alright... I have arrangements made by my publisher/

/Save a dance for me/

She sighed as she put her phone down. Partly relieved that the racer did not ask about the plans that she had, but part still nervous if she would be upset at the arrangements. It is just a business introduction... she's a businesswoman... how could she be bothered with that? She rationalized to herself as she made her way to the kitchen to begin her lunch preparations.

———————————————

Haruka parks her car near the front of the commercial building. Exiting the car, she took a moment to adjust her navy blue tailored vest and matching tie of her suit before making her way towards the front. Sneering slightly as she passed the valet station just starting to get set up. There is no way I am going to let them touch my car this time, humming to herself as she climbed the stairs to the entrance. As expected, the staff was rushing around the large gallery as the artist were examine their works on display prior to the guests arrival. She made her way to the gallery coordinator to also examine her tasks before the guest's arrival.

"Good evening, Satoshi-sama. It appears that all the preparations have been beneficial, I see none of the typical last minute panic." She greeted as she approached the brown haired man, stopping just in front of him providing a small bow in greeting before raising to meet his eyes. Satoshi stood similar in height to her, as he smiled back at the blonde.

"Tenoh-sama, the pleasure is all mine. It would not be this seamless without your generous donation. The digital artist you recommended made this gala and action seamless to put together. The excitement for the event spread like wildfire and it sold out quickly," providing a thankful grin and a grateful bow to the blonde director. "We are lucky to have investors such as yourself with a passion for the arts. Perhaps there will come a time when I can convince you to display your own talents..."

"Is there anything else I can help provide attention in your stead before the visitors arrive?" Politely offering her assistance as needed.

"Your gesture is appreciated, but your team had taken care of everything. If you like, there is time to go an mingle with the artists represented. Surely they would be please to meet the benefactor," gesturing to the hall in general.

"They will surely have their fill of small talk this evening; they do not need me to add to their fatigue this evening. Besides, I have the understanding that tonight's benefactor was anonymous." Nodding his head in understanding, Haruka turned and made her way further into the hall.

Slowly meandering through the gala, she quietly observed the excitement for the artist that are studying their pieces on display for the umpteenth time that evening. Her thoughts drifted to the teal haired artist, the look of exhilaration on her face as she examines her displays of her own work at an exhibition dedicated to her own art. The way her face lit up with the sketches and doodles that she showcased to the blonde, and she wished she could see that every day. The way she feels when she paused to look at the newly framed work at her own house. Even with the small tear at the corner, it brings a smile to her face. The shop keeper looked at me strangely when I brought it in to be framed. Maybe I can get the artist to sign it someday... Snapped from her thoughts by a hand tapping her hard on the shoulder, she turned to see a goofy grin and midnight blue eyes.

"I had to break up the daydream... the guests have started to filter in. I thought you might want to make it more towards the entrance in case there are any you wish to speak with," Seiya added with a smirk as she felt a smile grow on her face at the reminder that her mermaid will be attending this evening.

———————————————————-

Taking advantage of starting in the back of the gallery, he grabbed a handful of quiches to enjoy from the hors d'oeuvres table. Making their way towards the entrance, both would stop momentarily to admire some of the art displayed deeper inside the gallery and to converse with the creators of the work. As they eventually made their way to the front, noticing far more guests filled the hall than anticipated this early in the evening.

"I guess everyone decided to show up early..." Seiya casually joked, but the blonde's eyes were watching two specific guests that stole all her attention. Following her line of sight, he caught the view of Michiru, creating a vision with her teal hair that contrasted delightfully with a dark purple gown hugging her figure. He chuckled to himself at the artist's ability to take the blonde's breath away from across the room as he popped another quiche in his mouth. When he glimpsed her, she turned away from the artist as if she was hiding... with her fists clenched tightly. He looked at the artist again, this time noticing the taller man standing curiously close to the artist.

"Who is he?" The blonde bluntly growled just low enough for only the ponytailed man to hear. He looked up at the blonde whom had her eyes closed in an attempt to maintain her composure. In a pellucidness gesture, she motioned to the guy who was happily chatting away with Michiru, making her laugh in the process.

"Are you jealous?" He asked, a smirk on his face as he casually enjoyed another quiche.

"No," curtly replied as she took a quiche from his plate and placed it in her mouth. Her back still to the artist, he leaned to glance over her shoulder once again. The white haired man was handing her a drink and still by her side, obviously not just a simple admirer of her work.

"Then why are you gritting your teeth?"

"I'm chewing and holding back my urge to wipe that smirk off his face."

"Uh huh, and how would you wipe the smile from his face."

"A grenade launcher would be nice, but my fist would do in a pinch."

"That's jealously, Haruka."

—————————————————————-

Naturally her eyes sought out the blonde crop of hair as a soon as it was only a spec on the horizon of the gallery hall. Like a mouse seeking the cheese in a maze of people, the blonde meandered her way through the growing sea of people but still clearly heading towards the artist. She giggled slightly at the thought that she may be the cheese that could spring a trap for the blonde. Would she put up much of a fight if I would ensnarl her like a siren?

"Michiru-san, I didn't realize you were a fan of The Jealous Curator Podcast. I am glad you found the last episode amusing," Kazuki offered in kind, a smile upon his face. Michiru shifted slightly but kept the warm smile on her face. I have no idea what he is talking about... but as long as he is taking care of the small talk on his own... Her thoughts interrupted when she noticed the racer should have made it to the front by this time. She glanced around, quickly finding Haruka a few paces off. She frowned noting that she seemed to be in a conversation with her assistant, or friend depending on the role he was playing this evening.

Tapping Kazuki on the arm in reassurance that he was doing fine holding the conversation, she held up her empty glass as a signal that she would step away. "I can refresh your drink Kaioh-san," he earnestly offered. She simply shook her head, as she bowed to excuse herself from the investors that were enjoying Kazuki's story. She took a deep breath as she headed towards the blonde. She knew that she owes an explanation to the blonde, that she needs to be the first to say something after their last meeting. If the events this weekend have shown her anything, that it would be up to her to tell her how she feels and she can't wait forever to say it.

———————————

"Sheez coomg thes way," he flatly stated as the fifth and final quiche had entered his mouth. She glared at her friend, both in the annoyance of his recreation watching the jealously well up inside her and frustration that he waited to the last moment to warn her so she couldn't escape.

"Good evening, Haruka, Seiya," the melodic voice sounded from behind her. She glanced up at the raven haired man who smiled and gave a bow in greeting to the artist behind her.

"Good evening Michiru. It appears that your glass is empty, allow me to fetch some refills," he flatly offered, as she extended the empty glass to him. She mumbled some colorful words under her breath as he brushed past her and scurried away.

"I am surprised that you were able to escape your date... he seems rather charismatic," her husky voice carrying none of the mirth she wish it did as she turned to face the artist. Ocean blue eyes looked up to seemingly search hers. She could feel her features soften slightly as she looked into the ocean depths before her, but as the artist extended her hand to touch her face, she turned away. Still watching the artist, a look of confusion arose on her features. She wasn't sure why she turned from the one thing she wanted, but she needed to figure it out.

"About Kazuki-san... he's only..." Michiru started to explain, but the racer softly placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Would you give me the honor of this dance," she gently requested, subtly indicating that whatever the artist intended to tell her about her companion for the evening, she wasn't ready to hear it. She wanted to have this moment, a simple dance before everything would change between them.

The artist nodded in acceptance, an unsure smile upon her lips. "What is the matter? Does the mermaid not know how to dance on land?" Her trademark smirk on her face as she gently placed a hand on the slender waist of the artist.

"It's not that. I didn't think racers were graceful at all." she teased back. She just gave a low chuckle as she twirled the mermaid on the floor as a new song started with the string quartet.

"If you think about it, racers make the best dancers. They're quick on their feet, agile, move with purpose-" her ramblings cut off as the artist placed a finger to her lips. The two glided across the floor; she focused on the ocean depths before her. What she saw as a mystery previously in those eyes seemed to be clearer to her now. The swells the mermaid caused within her were relentless. Every time she thought she breached the shore, the waves of the goddess of the deep sea before her would pull her back in. She was beyond the point of wanting to escape the ocean force before her. Continuing to stride around the floor, she held the artist close. Just enough that no one would think of them as lovers, but close enough that she could feel the shared warmth between them. Aware that she needed to move past this in-between phase with the mermaid, let her wave engulf her if the mermaid willed it to be. The movements of their waltz reminding her more and more of the back and forth motion of a wave on the water. A wave that could crash into her arms, and if by some miracle she could hold onto it, then she would never let go.

——————————————————

As Haruka navigated her around the dance floor, with every turn she could feel herself melting closer to the blonde. Not as close as she wanted to, not here. Haruka has made that clear earlier. Not here, but only momentarily. She was willing to hold on, to help her be as free as her element so that she could claim her heart.

The song ended much too quickly for her liking. If she had her way, she would dance all night with the blonde. However, the racer was right about one thing, this was not the place. After they exited the dance floor, they found Seiya waiting with two glasses and the biggest smirk she hadever seen on the raven haired man. He handed them the glasses and left without a word. She smiled at his antics and turned her gaze to the blonde beside her as she took a sip from the glass.

"I...ummmm.. you dance nice..." stuttered the blonde. Michiru couldn't help it but to release a rebellious giggle that she couldn't hold back. She never had ever expected the blonde to stutter.

"Only since you were a good lead," pausing for a moment to take in the blondes form fitting vest for the first time the evening. "Make that a good looking lead." Her eyes growing warmer as she watched the blush grow on her cheeks. Her teal eyes seeming to brighten as they studied her features.

The moment was interrupted when one of the event coordinators intruded, notifying Haruka that the auction was about to begin and her attention was needed. Giving and apologetic look to the artist, suppling an understanding nod herself as the two parted.

"I guess you got thirsty in your quest for a refill," Kazuki jested as she returned to his side with a half-empty glass.

"I apologize for the delay, but you know how it is when a benefactor wants your attention," she offered with a smile. "Besides, the auction is about to start. Come and we can observe from the back so you have some exposure for when your own art will be auctioned in the future," explaining further to her younger companion as they made their way to the auction room.

——————————————————-

Leaning back on the sofa, she raised the cold bottle to her lips. Sitting alone in her condo, her eyes annoyed at the silence in the room, allowing her mind to get into it's own thoughts. Seiya elected to head home after the gala was wrapped up rather than partake in their traditional drink together when they finished an event. She closed her eyes, thinking back to the dance with the mermaid and the thoughts that continued to whip through her soul like piercing autumn winds. The moments with the mermaid were fleeting but every one brought her closer, and she needed to take the leap that would bridge this in-between state.

Recalling back to her dream of the mermaid swimming along side her, she needed to take the steps to adjust her direction or speed. She just hoped that it was not past the point where she would leave the mermaid behind at a point where she could no longer reach her.

————————————————————

The remainder of the night was uneventful, partially since she did not see the blonde again for the evening. Kazuki was pleasant and undaunting for the evening as well, which often left her to wallow in her thoughts.

Returning to her apartment, she sat at her desk and began to sketch. There was a fire that she witnessed awakening within the blonde, and the way her teal eyes carried a new light inspired her. She wanted nothing more than to know what was just below the surface of those eyes, gaining more and more of a glimpse into the soul of the racer, the heart of the blonde, what makes Haruka, well, Haruka.

The way that they danced together, her thoughts drifted to the way that the wind plays with the ocean along the shore. Coaxing the sea to swell up and peak at the crest of the wave. But the power in the wave still lies just under the surface until the moment it crashes against the shore. She was beginning to understand where the wind was blowing her, and how she could become more like the wave that works along side the wind rather than the boat that is simply pushed along by it.

Glancing to the racing jacket that still was laid carefully over the edge of the love seat, her eyes began to water slightly. She knew she wanted what she couldn't have, but she held onto hope regardless