(A/N an early post for everyone kind words.)
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The chime over the cafe door gently rang as she crossed the threshold of the cafe. She smiled her greeting to Makoto behind the counter as she made her way to her booth. She slid in effortlessly while placing an order for just tea at the moment while she waited for her companions. She had promised Minako to arrange Kazuki accidentally bump into her again, provided he behaved himself at the gala. Shaking her head on how the model viewed her as part of the screening process when she obviously already liked the white haired man.
Glancing up as the chime sounded, she saw Kazuki standing in the entry glancing around. She stood and waved, pulling his attention to where she was sitting. "Everything is good here, so order what you like," exemplifying the cafe's food as she handed him a menu. She had already expected the blonde model to be fashionably late, so she would need to find a way to ensure that he would remain at the cafe until Minako arrived.
The chime over the door sounded once again, and as ocean blue eyes looked up, she was met with a narrowing set of teal ones. Why is it always the wrong blonde... she mused as Haruka made her way towards the booth. Taking as seat at the empty table just behind Michiru. She shifted her body, turning to watch the blonde take her seat at the other table, a confused look on her face.
"What the hell is he doing here?" The blonde poignantly asked, leaning over the edge of the booth divider, appearing to be speaking to Michiru but loud enough for the white haired man to hear.
"Nani?" Kazuki voiced before Michiru could, a puzzled look on both their faces.
"Is he your new boyfriend or something?" Haruka continued, the annoyance clear in her voice as she barley maintained control over the volume.
"No!" Michiru answered much louder than she intended.
"Are you her bodyguard?" Kazuki obtruded as Michiru shot him a cold glare and he decided to return to examining the menu.
"Haruka..." Michiru cooed in attempt to calm the blonde.
"I prefer ninja," the blonde added with her trademark smirk.
"Haruka you don't have to do this," she again attempting to deflect the racer. "Just try to ignore Haruka, otherwise it will add fuel to the fire," she asserted to Kazuki, turning away from the blonde who obviously could not take any explanation seriously at the moment.
"You shouldn't ignore a ninja." A slight playful edge to her voice, but Michiru was not convinced this was all in fun. Haruka was focused for the moment on the waitress as her beloved pastries were brought out along with her super large coffee. Assuming she was placated for now, she turned back to her table just in time to see Minako walking through the door.
Taking a seat next to her, Minako glanced at the tense faces of her two companions. Michiru opened her mouth as if to say something, but paused glancing over her shoulder to where the racer was sitting. Seeing the table empty as if no one had been there at all, she glanced around the cafe, but by that time Haruka had disappeared. Minako raised a curious eyebrow as her eyes moved around the cafe. Michiru shook her head, not sure how she did not see her leave. Just shrugging towards the golden blonde next to her, the three enjoyed breakfast. After a few wordless glances shared between the model and the white haired artist, Kazuki suddenly announced he needed to take his leave, and exited the cafe.
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Kazuki stood on the sidewalk, listening to the voice on the other end of the phone as he waited for his rideshare to arrive outside the cafe. A set of teal eyes watched him carefully, curiosity growing in folds on whom he was speaking with after leaving the artist so quickly.
"Yeah, I really like her, but I don't know how to ask her out." She could easily hear his whiny voice as she casually closed the distance, determine to catch where he was going to next. "No she's... way more inexperienced, I think." The same nervous tone continued as he recounted the woman he had just shared breakfast with, and the innuendo of that suggestion alone was enough to ignite her anger. I don't care who he's talking to, how dare he lead anyone to believe that she would spend the night with just anyone. Haruka couldn't take it anymore "What makes you think you are worthy of any of her time?"
Kazuki spun around at the tall figure that seemingly appeared from no where, almost dropping his phone. "Where did you come from?" He barley sputtered out at the approaching figure, edging unnervingly close.
The husky response was practically whispered in his ear, " I told you, I'm a ninja."
Raising an eyebrow at the looming blonde, the realization flashing in his eyes recognizing him to be the same that was bantering with Michiru. "Maybe you are right," he conceded. "But don't you think it is up to her to decide who it worthy of her time?"
"Perhaps, so I will leave it to her to choose," the blonde conceited relaxing her proximity to the white haired man. "It may be calamitous for you if I get to her first," she offered with a threatening edge to her voice as she continued her walk along the sidewalk.
She quickened her pace, the anger seething inside of her. Something was not right about that man... Something about his words I don't trust. He has veiled reasons for Michiru's company. Tuning the corner, she pulled out her phone and dialed the number for her raven haired friend.
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"Are you on the way to the studio? How did your breakfast with Minako go?" He spoke into the phone when he saw the name appear on the screen.
"Well, Minako was late, so it was short. You did warn me, but it is my fault to schedule the studio time so early in the day. Michiru-senpai did mention that there was an event to promote some of Minako's work and offered to bring me along."
"Why not just ask Minako out directly rather than involving Michiru?" The humor of the situation evident in his tone.
"Yeah, I really like her, but I don't know how to ask her out," the disappointed voice from the other end of the line.
"Well... it is really just as simple as asking. If you can bring yourself to trouble Michiru to take you to breakfast to see her, then you can ask Minako directly."
"No she's not the same as my senpai whom is very understanding of my inexperience. I think I need one more time shadowing Michiru-senpai. I want Minako to see how erudite I am..."
Seiya focused intently on the phone at the sound of a very familiar husky voice on the other line. He groaned inwardly at what could be happening as he intently focused to what he could hear.
"Sorry about that Seiya, are you still there?"
"Yeah, what happened?"
"The weirdest thing happened. Michiru-senpai's bodyguard was walking past... does Minako have a bodyguard too?" The confused question came from the other line, causing Seiya to give a more audible groan.
"No... no she doesn't. They are solely focused on Michiru...I think once you have Minako's attention, then the bodyguard will leave you both alone."
"That good to know... thanks, Seiya!"
"Ja Ne!" He disconnected with Kazuki just as his phone lit up with Haruka's name. Already guessing what she could want, he knew he should probably keep the teasing to a minimum.
"Seiya?" Her low and raspy, almost if she had been running.
"Haruka, what is going on? I was just on my way over to the warehouse for the wardrobe..."
"Yeah... but I was hoping you could do something for me when you have a moment." He frowned at how melancholy she sounded.
"For sure, what do you need?"
"Could you touch base with Michiru... it wasn't on her schedule, but if she could come by... it... "
"She could pitch why she selected the wardrobe items just in case there were questions outside of the proposal provided," he offered with a smirk. His heart dropped slightly at the sound of her struggling, although he didn't understand why.
"Thank you Seiya. Ja Ne."
He stared at his phone for a few moments after the call disconnected to piece together what could have happened from when he last saw the blonde. As anticipated, the introduction of the young artist protege elicited a response from Haruka... but why did she sound dejected? She could have brought Michiru along herself rather than asking him. He send a quick text to the artist to confirm her schedule, but he already knew she would be willing to come. He dialed one more number before he needed to pick up the artist.
"Good afternoon, Seiya," She flatly answered, almost with a knowing tone that he would call.
"I am sorry to bother you Setsuna... But I am concerned about the current arrangement. Are you sure it is best to have Kazuki attend the campaign party tomorrow? I understand him attending the art galas... this is more Haruka's turf. It's already under her skin, this may be too much."
"She is suppose to be your friend, so I would trust your judgement on the matter. She needed a push, and this was the least troublesome way to give her the biggest push."
"Of course you're calm about it, Michiru wouldn't beat the shit out of you if she found out..."
"I have the fullest confidence that the two of them will pull through. If that is all you need, I will be going. Ja ne."
Michiru's mysterious friend is right, it was best to stay the course. They had spoken when he contacted Michiru's editors office last week, and after finding out how much their respective friends have in comment, they concocted this plan to give the two the push they obviously needed. He was pulled from his thoughts as he arrived to Michiru's building and the artist was waiting for him out front. "Are you ready to see the two blondes put on a fashion show?" He questioned the artist with a big grin as she entered the car. She just giggled and nodded before they left for the warehouse.
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Haruka leaned against the door frame as Minako examined the clothing on the rack that was laid out, the smile on her face widening with each one she examined.
"Do I get the choose from any of these?" She squealed as she glanced up at the taller blonde watching her.
"Potentially. If there is one you are partial and would like to wear. We will see what works together and for each of us. Michiru should be by later and she can elaborate if she there is anything specific she had in mind." Minako glanced up at the taller woman, the dismal smile on her face rather than the brilliant one she gifts at the mention of the artist.
"Haruka, are you having trouble with Michiru?"
"Nani?"
"You don't seem happy that she is helping. She did such a good job last time, I can't think of a reason we would not work with her again. That leaves that you two had a fight."
"No, Minako, we're not fighting."
"You know what they say, A quarrel is like an itch; the more you scratch, It's easy to smile when you have a squirrel's intellect." Haruka gave a soft, husky chuckle at Minako's mixed idiom.
"I think I get what you trying to say, Minako. I think I missed my chance to ask Michiru out, so now it is slightly painful to be around her in a setting like this. We're both professionals, so we can work to make this successful still. I wish I could have taken the chance when it was offered to me..."
Minako turned to fully face her friend. Examining her carefully, as she spoke her true feelings for the first time since she knew the racer. "Why can you tell me these thing and not her?" She softly voiced, her eyes watching the dull look in the taller woman's teal eyes.
"I don't want to be a burden to her," was the simple, soft-spoken response.
"Wait, you don't mind burdening me?" Her accusing tone not escaping the taller woman.
"Did I?" She asked as her trademark smirk returned to her face.
Minako paused for a long moment and then crouched down to the ground as she cries out, "Oh! The burden is so heavy. It agonizes me!"
"Real convincing," sarcasm heavily laced in the taller blonde's voice as she turned to leave the room.
"But seriously Haruka..." Minako called out, causing the racer to pause.
"If the moment is gone, what's the point of telling her now?" Glancing over shoulder before she lowered her head and continued out the door.
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Nervously glancing over towards the raven haired man behind the wheel, she took a deep breath in attempt to calm her heart rate. He has mentioned that her presence was needed at the warehouse, but no additional details were given. She agreed to the benign request, but her mind began to run away with the different scenarios. After the brief encounter with Haruka the night previous in which she felt such a pull to the blonde that she would have done any thing to stay by her side for the evening. But their respective duties pulled them away, leaving a longing in her heart for the remainder of the dull evening. The encounter this morning was by far not what she was expecting. The racer was living up to her name, acting so distant when they were in the cafe. After leaving the cafe, she walked to the park, pausing for a moment at the frequented bench, half expecting to find the blonde waiting for her there. Instead, the silent view awaited her, not providing any of the answers she sought. She didn't hear from the racer for the rest of the day until she got the request from Seiya. After that, she knew something was wrong but unsure as to what it could be. Pondering over that thought until the car arrived, leading to the troubled state she was in currently. They both rode in silence, Seiya would glance periodically over at her silent figure.
"Seiya," her voice nearly a whisper over the thoughts in her head. "Haruka is not good with speaking what she is thinking, is she?" Her eyes moving to the raven haired man with her capricious question.
"No, she is nearly incapable of it," his simple answer. Michiru audibly swallowed as she nodded her head with the answer. "Not the answer yo wanted to hear?"
"It's the answer I admire because it is honest," gracing the small smile to him as they arrived at the warehouse.
As they entered the large room that once held the red Ferrari on top of a platform, she noticed that although the platform remained, other structures were being erected. They walked towards a room she recalled from her last visit that housed the wardrobe for Minako the first time they visited. The room was much larger and better lighting than the dressing room that Haruka utilized; she noted as they entered the room. She recognized the rack in the center that held the items she selected the previous week, and a smile graced her visage that this may be the fashion show she anticipated. Her interest peaked in the situation she found herself, her eyes began to move around the room searching for who else would be joining them.
"Michiru!" The cheerful voice cut through the silence, glancing in the direction she saw the two blondes making their way into the room. While the smaller model greeted her with the customary hug, the taller woman only nodded her head in acknowledgement. Michiru graced a smile in turn as she took a seat on the bench at the edge of the room alongside the model. Her teal eyes holding her gaze as she attempted to see what was going through the blonde's mind. Haruka had discouraged getting too close in front of an audience, so perhaps this is a test. But the teal eyes told her something else, the glow was gone from her eyes.
"Thank you Kaioh-san for making time for us this evening." Michiru flinched at the formal name as Haruka began to speak. "We were reviewing the material for the photo shoots for the final preparations and there are some suggestions that we would like to get your input on." Michiru nodded in understanding. She methodically discussed backgrounds and the overall look for some of the outfits that she has previously selected. Michiru nodded in agreement, half listening as they seemed in line with her previous vision. The other part of her mind occupied with the blonde. She had seen the serious business side before, but not like this.
"The last set of the photos was the vogue style that would be situated as if it was on the edge of a runway," Haruka continued as she pulled a golden top with a deep v-neckline lined in navy blue piping off the rack, garnering more of her attention. She pulled a second zip up top with a similar color scheme suggesting a swap.
"But Haruka, that seems to be against the look of that particular shoot," Minako added. Haruka just seemed to sigh, contenting that the zipper would give a deep line that wasn't as distracting. Suddenly both blondes glanced at the artist and she froze. She knew there wasn't a good reason, they were only finishing up details.
"I suggest that we have both available and see how it looks with the background. I am partial to the original vision, but can be open to the alternative as well," a glacier calm in her voice. Haruka only nodded and moved on to the last of the details.
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"Can we talk for a moment?" The melodic voice of the artist tugged at her soul before she turned and nodded. "Haruka..." In a gentle pause following the name and the lack of teasing smile on Michiru's face, Haruka instantly senses the foreboding of news she won't like. "I am sorry I did not get the chance to tell you about Kazuki escorting me to the gala." The artist eyes downcast for a moment. "And I am sorry if I forced you to spend to much time entertaining me." Her eyes still not raising to meet her's, sending a ping a fear through her body. Her fear that she was indeed too late.
"It was not my intention to act in an unprofessional manner," she slowly raised her face allowing Haruka to gaze into the piercing ocean blue eyes. The connection so strong almost breaking her resolve.
"There is no need to apologize, Michiru...-san," barley adding the honorific at the end, both cringing slightly at the sound. This hurts so much, but I need to stay strong, Michiru deserves better than what I can give her right now. Closing her eyes and looking away, her feet refusing to take the steps to leave. "I hope you will still be able to join us tomorrow for the actual photos." Adding on at the last minute.
"Yes, I made a commitment to see this project through and nothing would change that."
"I am glad, I still don't believe I can complete it without you," her body finally moving towards the door but not yet taking the last steps to leave. She turned to look at the artist, a sadden slump on her shoulders. "I was going to do a walkthrough of the sets... if you'd like to join me," she offered as the artist followed her out of the door.
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The photo shoot occurred with no issues, which most would consider a success. Michiru's concern was that if there were an issue, then Haruka would need to speak with her. Few words were exchanged as they continued about their roles, from set to set, outfit to outfit, pose to pose. Whatever Michiru asked for, she received with a simple nod from the blonde. Everything except the last look for the runway shoot. Haruka came out in the zip-up top top with the navy piping. She locked eyes with the artist in silent ask if the change was ok. None of the ways you have changed are ok, she wanted to cry out but the words didn't come. She simply nodded and the blonde smiled in return. Everything was going along adequately except the distant behavior of the racer towards everyone. She knew it could be she was focus on the photoshoot or one of the other things that Haruka would be heading up.
After they finished, just as before, the two blondes gathered with her around the screen and flipped through the images she marked. A slight sense of relief flowed through her when she noticed that even Minako had to nudge the taller woman to receive a response from her. They ended the evening with a gentle thanks from Haruka to the team for a job well done for completing three different shoots in one day. Although she saw the sincerity in her face, nothing replaced the sadness that seemed to be in her eyes.
She returned unceremoniously to her apartment, where she resided alone. The place became her home when her family cast her out once she refused to be the picture perfect doll that her parents wanted. The flat was comfortable, but she didn't realize how much it didn't feel like a home until she met Haruka.
She had just completed the last of the legit claim she had to see the blonde with any sense of regularity. She had no pretense of what was to come when she accepted the offer before she grew to know the blonde. Wondering for a minute if she knew how she would feel in this moment when the job was over and everyone was gone if she would have still taken the offer.
She moved to her desk and pulled out her sketch book, already knowing the answer. She could still taste her on her lips in the night when she was pulled from her dreams. Other times in her nightmares where the winged blonde is pulled from her, she wakes, tasting the salt of her tears. While she is in the dark about what could have happened between them, she cannot fight it; the only option is to hold on tight to hope. Whatever it is consuming Haruka, she will share it with her, and they can fix it. In the mean time, she did what she did best with her muse. The sketches coming together depicting fears of having the blonde plucked out of the sky where the guardian of the ocean could do little to help her, leaving Neptune numb without her ally. She put the sketches aside, not sure where they could fit into the panels she was currently working, hoping that she would not need to utilize them.
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Standing in her office in the RedWing building, she glanced around the nearly empty room. She had already packed up the few things that she would need and moved them to her car. Her light was the only one she saw on the floor, ensuring her that no one would be privy to her intent until the board gathered tomorrow.
She had emailed the chosen images for each campaign based on Minako and Michiru's inputs after they reviewed them earlier in the evening. Between her assistant and herself, all of the work orders were issued the previous days, so in a matter of hours, the images would be editorialized and disseminated to magazines, billboards, and stores. The official launch was scheduled to be tomorrow, and the company board members were ready to celebrate. She smiled, knowing she wouldn't be here for any of it. Laying an envelope on the chairman's desk, she clicked off the last light and closed the door as she left the building