(A/N We're getting close, and again I thank everyone. I just have to finish editing the last few chapters and we should be all set. Your comments are adored and help me change a few things as I do the last read-throughs.
-AkiJukeri & Nana - a sad Haruka breaks my heart as well. She's so stubborn sometimes, it's hard to get her to change her mind (I tried - and story would be wrapped up already). But she's also deliberate; hopefully some of what has been floating around in the blonde head of hers comes out here. )
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Slowly opening her eyes, taking her time before she sat up to stretch her arms above her head, she felt slightly relieved. Overall she still felt like shit after having the same dream of leaving the mermaid behind her, but slightly relieved. In this dream for the first time she was able to better command the wind that was preventing her return to the mermaid left behind. She smiled slightly at the power in her new found ability and how easily the wind obeyed her wishes, almost like they were one. Feeling the wind obeying it's mistress as soon as her feet left the ground. This time she was able to turn back and dive for the mermaid, but awoke before she reached her.
Picking up the her phone from the nightstand, she saw the number of missed called and messages. A smirk to her lips, happy she had the foresight to turn the ringer off. There were two messages that caught her attention. One from Seiya with a subtly worded "call me now" and once from the her Ojisan with a time and location. Glancing at the clock, realizing it was nearly time to meet her former boss, she opted to give a quick text back to Seiya before getting ready to head out.
/Happy hour tonight on me and I will explain it all/
/Fine. I'll see you at Wanise. You're not getting out of this cheap./
Entering the stiff establishment, she was able to easily find the tall blonde man waiting alone at a table. She smiled as she took the seat opposite to him, his eyes moving to examine her attire.
"Rather causal for a business lunch, is it not?" The deep raspy voice bellowed before his eyes returned to the menu.
"I don't recall coming here for business," she casually replied as she picked up her own menu. She was by no means casual, her normal attire usually consisted of slacks and a button down. He was just searching for a gap in her armor, and her manner of dressing had always been a sore subject between the two. Is that the best you have old man, and argument from when I was 15? He must have no ammo left if he's grasping for anything obscure. Gratified with the ammunition she left him, she settled into the menu. "I think I will have the salad," she added aloud as she placed the paper on the table, meeting his stony stare. Grey blue eyes narrowed at her wordlessly from the other side of the table.
"Is there anything specific you wish to discuss, Ojisan?" She flatly inquired.
"What exactly are you trying to pull with that stunt of yours? I arrive this morning to a million questions from the board members that you left in the middle of the campaign launch."
"That is bullshit and you know it," her husky whisper remaining between the two of them although she felt like she yelled it. "All of the material was approved by the board, and they know that. The campaign managers in each district provided the confirmation this morning that everything was executed." She leaned back as a sly smile came to her face. "But you already knew that..."
"What was I suppose to tell them?"
"That I did my job... and I am taking leave before officially announcing my departure. You know I would give you time to find a replacement, although nothing could replace family..."
"Haruka, I have always known you to be ungrateful, but this subjugates..."
"Let me be clear on one thing," she interrupted as her voice was now threateningly low. "Everything I did was only because I was grateful. You have been my sole tie to family for years now. But I will no longer live under your thumb."
"It's because of Kaioh, isn't it?" Her eyes narrowed at the mention of her mermaid's name. The smirk now resting on the man's lips lit an angry fire in her soul. "I can see that it is... I suspected as much..."
"To what end?" Halting his thought as his eyes widening in surprise. "Why would it matter? If you recall, you choose to not have her associated to anything related to the campaign. The only public name associated is your former director, whom held the position by your own nepotism. So I ask you again, Ojisan. What could you possible have to gain by ending this badly?" Grey blue eyes bore into her teal ones at the realization, but Haruka was unwavering as she continued. "Even if you wanted to stop the campaign, to bury my name, you couldn't now. It would bankrupt the whole division, guaranteeing you get a vote of no confidence. Since you're not a real Tenoh, you need the board to remain chairman."
"What do you want?"
"Just to go in peace. I'll take my references and leave you alone." The chairman studied her skeptically as he seemed to be considering her offer.
"What of your shares?"
"What is my birthright will remain so. I will vote with the board as I always have, and if you continue to do good things then you'll likely remain the chairman. I cannot control that, so do yourself a favor and don't fuck this up." He nodded at her words as their food was delivered. She knew he would. Refusal of this offer would destroy them both, and she had been counting on his self preservation outweighing everything else, as it always had.
"Where will you go?" He causally voiced in between bites of their silent meal.
"The same place I went when I left the last time," she cryptically responded. Her companion only raising an eyebrow at the response. "It's part of the whole 'let me go in peace' deal. I will attend the board meeting on Monday as planned to formally announce the departure to them as required by the board." He nodded as the enjoyed a few more bites of food, the atmosphere considerably calmer between the two of them. "Oh, one more thing. I want your word that anyone else assigned to this campaign will not be changed. Their hard work should not be punished due to our family politics. This was my own deal." Nodding in agreement one last time, they were able to finish the meal in a serene silence between them for the first time.
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He entered Wanise, the small storefront was cozy but had the best stocked bar in this district. Easily spotting the blonde at the counter, he took the seat beside her.
"It is amazing to me every time that this place is a shoe store durning the day," she casually remarked as his drink was poured in front of him.
"You know I didn't come here to talk about agile space ingenuity with you," he growled lowly before gulping his drink. "What the fuck did you do to the board? All I know is that I saw each and every member today asking me what was going on with you."
"What did you tell them?" She asked curiously as she finished the drink in front of her.
"I told them to go fuck themselves with a cactus, what did you think I told them? I had not a clue that anything happened!"
"That was the point... to give you plausible deniability," rolling her eyes at his dramatic flair before signaling for their drinks to be refreshed.
"Thanks for thinking of me. It gives my middle finger an erection," he growled before turning to his drink.
Eventually the raven haired man calmed down as the evening continued and he understood slightly better her motivations behind the change. "Wait, you're going to miss the campaign launch party, aren't you," a sudden moment of clarity flashing in his otherwise intoxicated mind. "You should at least let Minako... and Michiru know. They may be worried if you just don't show up." Saying nothing but taking a deep breath, his blonde friend seemed to be in agreement.
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(The next day - Saturday)
Sitting in the sofa as the two woman put the finishing touches on their ensembles for the evening, Minako glances down as the message alert chimed on her phone.
"Oh, it's Haruka..." she said aloud as she clicked open the message.
"What does she want?" Michiru peered through the mirror to the blonde model sitting behind her, the teasing tone evident in her voice at whatever the racer would want this close to the campaign party.
"She says... she won't be able to make it," her tone lowering as she read the message aloud.
"Did she say why? It's got to be big if she would miss her own party," the concern evident as she turned around to face the blonde right on.
"No... she didn't. Only that we shouldn't worry... and we should enjoy the fruit of our hard work." Minako watched the worry grow in waves on her teal haired friend, wishing there was something she could do to alleviate her worry. She was worried as well, this was very un-Haruka like, even for the impulsive racer. Learning over the years that it was better to just go with it, the taller blonde always thought things through. Always ensuring that none of the them would be distressed, almost like a big sister to all of them. Moving over to the teal haired woman, she gently placed a hand on her arm in attempt at providing comfort.
"Let's get going, the car will be out front soon. Whether she is there or not, Haruka would not tolerate being late because we are slow." Encouraging the artist to snap out of it and enjoy the evening, she received a light chuckle in return. Nodding to the artist in assurance that she was ready, the two head down to the lobby of the high end building and out to the waiting limo.
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Stepping out of the limo with the help of Kazuki, she glanced up at the ballroom entrance. He gently extended his arm to her as he led her inside the building. Minako trailed behind them, pausing for all the photographers and answering the questions from the reporters.
"She is good at that," Kazuki mused as they passed through the doors.
"This is her party, I would expect nothing less," she replied with a grin. Excusing himself to retrieve beverages for them, she took the opportunity to take in those who were in attendance. Recognizing some of the faces as those she had worked with at the photo shoot, or faces she remembered from the chairman's home. Noticing some friendly smiles in her direction, she sussed that they remembered her as well. There was one dazzling smile that she wanted to see, and it was no where to be found. Of course she knew it wouldn't be, she could only hope that wherever the blonde was, that she was safe.
Pulled from her introspections by the blonde model's hand on her shoulder, she returned a smile to her friend. "I'm surprised by the number of reporters out front, but you handled them strikingly, as always," complimenting her blushing friend. She couldn't recall when she ever saw the model blush, but quickly realized it was related more to Kazuki returning with their drinks than her words of encouragement. She smiled at the younger couple as she accepted the glass, raising in a silent toast "Congratulations to you, Minako," And Haruka...
"Someone you would like me to provide an introduction," she asked the white haired man, noticing Kazuki glancing around as if he was looking for someone.
"I was just..." he started as he glanced one more time around the room, almost as if to ensure that no one was listening. "looking for the blonde ninja..." he said as he leaned in towards to the two woman. Michiru and Minako exchanged confused glances before motioning to Kazuki that further explanation would be needed. "The blonde that was at the cafe the other day... that said to call him a ninja..." he continued, Minako giggling while Michiru could only roll her eyes.
"Haruka won't be here this evening, so you can relax," she told the paranoid man with an slightly annoyed edge to her tone. He raised an eyebrow curiously at her response, "that is weird, Haruka said..." his voiced trailed off as he glanced towards Minako.
"Minako, is that the model manger from IMG over there?" She pointed towards a group a few steps away. "Since he is talking to the photographer, it could be a great way to get an introduction before your campaign images are displayed," subtly suggesting to Minako sensing there was something Kazuki didn't want the model to know.
"I didn't even see him, thank you Michiru. I will be back shortly," smiling in thanks as she walked over to the two with an energetic bounce in her step.
"You are great at these introductions, Michiru-senpai. I could only hope to be as cultivated as you at some point." Admiration clear in his voice.
"You can show your esteem by relaying what Haruka told you," she all but demanded from the white haired man.
"Oh, well... Haruka was out front of the cafe while I was waiting for my rideshare. He seemed to be not thrilled about my my interest in Minako," he looked at her empathetically as if the confession for Minako was his deepest secret. Michiru just nodded in understanding, encouraging him to continue. "He essentially challenged me to see which one of us Minako would choose. To not be here to attempt at the prize seems uncharacteristic of the man I met, as well as disreputable to Minako herself," something akin to anger flashing in his eyes.
"I would assume that Haruka just conceded that you are the better man for Minako," she added with a smile. "Why don't you go and save her from those men asking her a million questions and offer her a dance," encouraging the white haired man as she took his glass. He smiled in appreciation as he made his way to the blonde model.
Watching in admiration the shinning smile beaming from the model as she accepted Kazuki's request and was led to the dance floor. Well there is no way Haruka was really after Minako's heart, she giggled to herself. Maybe slightly over protective of her like she is with Usagi, it does explain some of her antics yesterday...but not where she could have disappeared to this evening. Almost as if the realization just hit her, she glanced around noticing a certain raven haired man was also no where to be found.
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He walked into the dark room, spotting the blonde sitting at the counter. He could see the dejection on her figure from where he stood, but headed in her direction.
"I haven't seen you this bad in a while Wings," he mumbled as he took the seat alongside her. Glazed teal eyes glanced up at him momentarily, and then returned her gaze to her phone on the counter. "How much have you had to drink this evening?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary for our typical celebration," she murmured without raising her head. She lifted her drink and half ass tilted it in his direction. "Congratulations to a job well done. I got the initial feedback from the publications and everything is in the positive," toasting her glass to her raven haired friend.
"How did Michiru take your absence this evening?" He asked as he leaned in at the blondes unusually soft tone.
"I dunno," she shrugged. "I sent Minako the heads up and she seemed to be willing to carry the face of the campaign."
"You should talk to her, at least let her know what is going on..."
"I don't deserve to... at least not until I can make it right," she said as she glanced back at her phone. He watched her carefully, but curiosity got the best of him. He leaned just a little more to see what was so interesting on the phone. A photo of the teal haired artist in what he could only guess was her outfit for the evening greeted him back. He looked back at the blonde, confusion evident on his features. "They tried to convince me to join them... so it is it kinda like I am there."
"Yeah, cause you would have just sulked in the corner and watched her from across the room. This is slightly less creepy, I guess." Ignoring his obviously conflicted friend for the time being, he returned to his drink. They sat together, enjoying the silence of each other's company and own special brand of mute reassurance.
His attention drew to her again as he heard her gasp. Seeing her holding the phone to her face as it lit up, a smile of pure joy on her face. Curious again, he leaned to see what brought her such delight, only to be greeted with an image of Michiru blowing a kiss.
"I think she's calling you," he offered in attempt to get Haruka to react.
"What do I do?"
"You can start by answering it..." he rolled his eyes and he easily reached over and clicked the green button to accept the call.
"Haruka?" They could both hear over the speaker. He nudged the blonde to snap her out of it before she moved the phone to her ear.
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"Michiru..." she seemingly whispered into the phone.
"Haruka, I was worried."
"You know not to waste your worries on me..."
"I missed you..." she froze at the words. Something that shocked her but brought her comfort and warmth at the same time.
"Why? Did you throw something at me?" She literally smacked her face at the comment. She couldn't help it that no matter how bad she was feeling, the artist could momentarily pull her out of it. An audible groan with a subtle chuckle could be heard on the other end, indicating how Michiru thought of her bad jokes.
"Are you not well?"
"I will be better soon enough. I just want to keep you well until then... Ja ne..."
As soon as she disconnected the call, she received a smack on the back of the head. "Ow! What was that for?"
"You damn well know what for... why the hell are you keeping her in the dark?" Her raven haired friend scathed.
"My troubles do not need to be her troubles. If I keep up my end of the deal, then she can be happy... and then I will be happy."
"Haruka, you did at least consider that you could be happy together, right?" A slight smile appeared on her lips.
"Maybe there is still a chance for that..."
"Well, her editor has her booked up for the next few weeks after the campaign wrapped up. If you pull your head out of your ass long enough to go and see her and at least thank her before she's busy with something else." She nodded, deciding that she should do at least that.
The following day she walked into the cafe, the chime sounding above her head as she walked through the door. She spotted the teal haired woman in her usual spot. A smile gracing her features she headed in that direction, but as she reached the table, a stare that felt as cold as glacier ice met her. She paused in her steps, deciding that it may be better to get a pastry and approach the artist with an offering... and an apology.
She was stepping to the counter, where the brunette chef greeted her with a sly smile. "Good Morning Makoto," she managed in a somewhat warmer tone. "What is the fresh pastry display today?"
"Gomen, Haruka. We are all sold out..." Makoto replied flatly, although there was a challenging glare in her eyes.
"Nani?" The blonde managed as she did her best to look like a sad puppy. "How could you be sold out already?" Makoto only shrugged as she glanced towards the artist. Michiru stood from her table and walked to the counter, carrying a large box with her.
"Thank you, Makoto... Oh, I didn't see you there, Haruka." She casually called out as the blonde raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "I picked these up for my team as a thank you. I guess I can spare one for you," she offered as she opened the box facing Haruka.
"Aww, look... she spelled out Thank You," the blonde commented as she reached for her beloved pastry. Makoto leaned in to take a look.
"Haruka, that doesn't say Thank You... you got the Thank part wrong," the brunette observed as she chuckled. Haruka's eyes went wide, and she hesitated.
"It is appreciated, but I do not want to take one if it is meant to be a thank you for your team," she somberly replied as she removed her hand from the box. Michiru smiled and closed the lid before she nodded to both women and headed out the door.
"Haruka..." Makoto let out a groan. "What did you do to Michiru?"
"I... I didn't do anything," teal eyes glancing at granting green ones to see if she was buying it. "More specifically, I did something without including her. But it was for her protection." She defended.
"You may have had good intentions, but based on what I just saw, I think you owe her some explanation," Makoto offered before she turned to head back into the kitchen.
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"Michiru, it is a pleasure to see you again. It looks as if you brought a treat..." Setsuna gently took the box Michiru was carrying before her friend leaned in for a hug.
"I thought it would be best to keep those responsible for making me look beautiful in good spirits," she giggled as Setsuna just smiled.
"Well, it is a lovely gesture, and they smell like they're from Makoto's bakery, which just sweetened the deal. I will take these down the hall while you get changed and meet us down there." Her green haired friend offered as she picked up the box and left the room. Michiru shook her head at her friend. Since this was only a headshot for the upcoming press interviews, she would be only seen from the shoulders up. Giggling to herself at the thought that she should have just had one of the paparazzi taken the photo last night as she was dressed to the nines that night. Then again the person she was looking to impress did not get a chance to see her.
Her message alert sounded at that moment, and she glanced at the message before leaving to meet the makeup team.
/Are you free for lunch today, I'd like to offer my apology/
/Make it a late lunch, and you're paying/
She smiled as she placed her phone in her jacket pocket and left the room.
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Assessing her current situation alone in her oasis, she relished the cool touch of the mist from the waterfall on her face. She knew what she was doing when she planned her exit. Knowing it would be painful and alone. Alone was a feeling she knew for years now, but it felt different now. Tears fell like the ocean in her private moment, pausing on her cheek before they drifted into the breeze.
Along with the solitary feeling, this was the only place where she could go to let her emotions out because she knew she would be discrete here. Pondering Michiru's reaction this morning, she found herself asking when she lost her warmth and became cruel to the artist. This was all for her, but why did it mean she couldn't tell her.
Haruka regains her resolve, reminding herself that love can be so much easier to gain when she doesn't hate herself. This was the necessary pain she prepared for, what was needed to give Michiru the best future if she chooses to be with her. Cultivating beauty that her Obasan always reminded her. This was the best to have the best chance with the mermaid.
I met you in the strangest year of my life. She mused in her ephemeral pep talk. You made me strong in the worst of times when I couldn't do it alone. Everything has the right time, and sometimes you can't rush it. She was ascertaining, for once, that she didn't run. Her dreams had enforced that rushing blindly towards a goal only causes the mermaid to be left behind. She glanced one more time longingly at the waterfall. Then why does it feel like I'm the one being left behind?
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She watched her teal haired friend expertly follow the photographer's directions, her movements effortless and graceful as she moved in front of the camera. She was not surprised, the teal haired beauty was built to perform no matter how much she denied her desire to do so.
The headshots were simple enough and completed in record time. Happy with the shots achieved and selecting her top two that would be used for the press release, the two women turn to leave.
"I am sorry you missed your lunch," Michiru offered her green haired friend.
"If it was an issue, I could have easily stepped out," she offered in simple reassurance. "I wanted to make sure that everything was completed successfully. It would be pointless to take a break, no?"
"Thank you for your help, Setsuna. I apologize that I could not join you for lunch."
"Enjoy, Michiru. Hopefully, your day can become brighter, " she offered her friend, even as she was met with a skeptical look from the artist. Rolling her garnet eyes at the apparent confusion, "you will be busy with your press interviews for some time; perhaps it would be wise to take the time to see Haruka." Deciding for once to give her friend direction so she would do it.
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Haruka glances around in an attempt once again to determine how she ended up in this situation. She had met Michiru for lunch at the park, picking up a declicious little meal from one of the vendors that lined the perimeter of the park. They ate in realtive silence, netiher asking questions and nor offering any details either. She knew that the artist was tied up with something relating to her art, but Michiru offered no additonal information. Not wanting to devulge too much of her own torturous project either, she found herself not asking many questions. Both seemed to just enjoy each other's company. Haruka was certian that was where the mermaid snarled her in her trap. After they finished eating, Michiru mentions she'd like to spend more time with the blonde, but needs to pick up a few things. Without thinking, Haruka agrees to join her, soon finding hersef meandering into store after store with the mermaid.
I hate shopping, she groans to herself as she places the bags she is carrying on the ground in their current store. Glancing at the teal haired woman looking at the racks, she realizes once again she would do anything to see that smile... even shopping.
"I need to find something elegant, but professional for my trip," the artist suddenly offered. Haruka glanced curiously at the rack the artist was currently flipping through at the information that was just freely offered.
"Elegant and professional? As elegant as your art but still be taken seriously. Will Kazuki be joining you as well?" She casully asked as Michiru shot her a glare. "Eh? It's important to know if you need to coordinate or stand out on your own," smirking to herself.
"I suppose you are right. It will just be me this time," she added with a sigh. She seems so sad that he will not be going with her... Haruka is fuming internally, realizing that she would not get that love. Michiru comes out in a simple but polished dress for the event and Haruka's breath is taken away.
"What do you think?" Michiru askes as she gave a subtle twirl.
Haruka swallows hard as she watches the mermaid move gracfully across the floor. All she can get out is a "looks nice," although she wanted to say so much more. Michiru returns to the dressing room to change and exits in her street clothes, catching Haruka immersed in her own thoughts. The mermaid touched her arm, and she recognizes that it is clenched in anger. Michiru simply pulls Haruka with her towards the cashier.
"Haruka, I'm not interested in him," muttering lowly as they reached the counter.
"Eh?" Haruka murmurs coming out of her daze. She was still processing the information of never really having Michiru's love. "What did you say again?"
"Give me your wallet first," Michiru smiled coyly when Haruka nonchalantly handed over her wallet. Haruka watched as Michiru took out a few bills to lay for the purchase before handing the now empty wallet back to her. "Thanks," she added, passings the bags to Haruka and began to pull her out of the store. "I've thought about it, but he isn't my type," Michiru clarified with a smile.