She stared intently at the eyes that were carefully surveying her as she stood in the center of the room. Announcing her departure from the company went smoother than she initially thought. Although it made up most of what she knew of her adult life, she did not feel connected to any of those before her, the chairman included. She felt relieved to leave her position freely, not to have to constantly fight to make any headway in what she knew needed to be done. At times, it felt like that was her sole purpose. Heightening her resolve, she provided the board details of how she will retain her voting member status. She is and will remain the primary shareholder in her parent's company until she chooses otherwise, there was no need to be involved in the daily activity. She left the room quietly after that, no congratulations, no inquiries in what was next, only respectful bows driven by her family name.
Stepping outside of the building, greeted by the bright midday sun carried on a refreshing breeze. Haruka glanced around, not genuinely thinking this far ahead as to what to do with her day. It had been forever since she was free during the day. Having liberation to let her feet carry her wherever they desired, she made her way to the large park near the lake.
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Sitting in front of the microphone, Michiru continued to softly answer the questions bade by her host. The radio interview binge of promotional material for the new volume of her manga was in the final hours. It was only midday, and she was currently on her fourth radio show host. The questions were highly repetitive at this point. Where do you find your inspiration? Do you see yourself as Neptune? Most likely, all provided to the hosts directly by her manager. She reached deep down to offer the same enthusiasm as she had the first time she answered these questions. She preferred these radio interviews since, as a traditional Mangka, she didn't have her identity associated with her authored manga. Allowing the reader to connect more with the story rather than be concerned with the author. Michiru enjoyed this practice, empowering her to be as transparent with her art, or characters in this case, as she deemed fit.
"The beautiful man working with Neptune, what can you tell us about him?" The radio host deviated from the monotonous questions causing Michiru pause.
"There is not much to say at this moment. You and I know as much about him as Neptune does," she giggled as she reflected on her answer. "He appears to be an ally to her, but only he knows his true motivations."
"You speak as if they are real people, and you are only retelling their story," the host gave a hearty laugh.
"Perhaps. Regardless of that fact, all of us will be waiting to see what happens next," smiling with her answer. She is also anxiously anticipating what the blonde's next move would be, still hoping that it would a step forward and not a step back.
"Are you confirming that there is the third volume in work?" The host's question pulled her from her musings.
"There will always be more story to tell, but for now, the focus is on where the story currently holds us. Anything beyond that is a dream and aspiration until we all make it authentic."
"You heard it here my fellow Neptunians! If we get #IDreamNeptune3 trending, then Maganka Kaioh Michiru will give us more!"
"Well... I..." catching Sato's nod from the side of the room, "I trust the fans to do their best!" Giving a victory sign as the interview ended, even though no one could see her.
"That was brilliant Kaioh-san! We will get the public interest intensified before we make the announcement. I guess you did pick up more business savvy with your work with RedWing than I anticipated. No wonder they brought you as a consultant!" Sato complimented her in his unique way of warm words partnered with his stone stare. Simply nodding in acceptance of the compliment, she began to pack her belongings after the last of the long day of interviews.
*
Michiru sips on her drink in a muted celebration of finishing the interviews. Repeatedly answering the same questions were taxing on its own, but the line of questioning focusing on the new character drained her mental resolve force her thoughts off the blonde. She sighs as she takes another sip.
"That sounds like the mind crying out for a distraction," a deep voice invaded her thoughts.
"Excuse me?" Michiru's head snapped in the direction of the unknown voice to spot a shorter man with brown hair slinking onto the seat next to her.
"Do you come here often?" He asked as he flashed her a smile. Michiru shakes her head in response, avoiding any chance she necessitate yet another conversation today.
"No wonder I haven't seen the woman of my dreams around here before." She flinched for a moment. That has to be the absolute worst pickup line I have ever heard, Michiru thought to herself as she forced a smile. She winced as he leaned closer to her.
"Let's dance," he whispered in an attempt to add a rough edge to his voice in what she could only guess was an attempt to sound sexual. He grabbed Michiru's hand as he stood in an effort to lead her to the dance floor.
She responded with delicately removing her hand from his while she politely spoke, "sorry, I prefer just to watch."
The man persisted, this time grabbing her wrist while adding a not-so-subtle, "Com'on baby! You'll love dancing with me!"
"I don't want to," she firmly continued her refusal. He just kept smiling, completely ignoring her protest.
"Would you please remove your filthy hands from my friend?" A demanding new voice boomed behind them. The man stopped for a moment, and both turned to look in the direction of the imposition. A few feet away stood a blonde which she was well acquainted with, the anger fuming in their teal blue eyes. As the blonde started moving towards the two, Michiru could feel the man holding her wrist start to shake.
Haruka stopped in front of them and grabbed the hand still gripping Michiru firmly with hers. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"
The man jerked his hand away from the blonde while hissing some colorful curse words in the direction of the blonde before slinking away.
"Thanks," was all Michiru offered as she looked into the familiar teal eyes.
"You shouldn't offer if you're only going to end up declining," the blonde murmured, the blitheness evident on her face as she started to walk away.
"Excuse me?"
"A woman drinking a fruit martini by the bar all alone is an invitation to them," Haruka simply offered.
"And a woman dressed in man's clothing is an invitation to what exactly?" Michiru retorted. Haruka just smirked and faced the bartender while Michiru continued, "who are you trying to fool exactly?"
"I'm not fooling anyone, particularly not anymore. I never said I was a man. And since when did dressing like this become an issue?"
"And since when did a woman quietly enjoying her drink become an invitation?" Michiru countered, cocking an eyebrow up. Haruka just looked at her and sighed.
"Here," she added while handing a glass of water to Michiru. Michiru takes the glass, glancing at it before returning a questioning look to Haruka. "A glass of water," she explained, causing the teal brows to furrow. "To calm your tempter down." She smiled triumphantly and quickly made her exit.
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Quietly slinking back to the shadows where she had been silently observing, she slunk into her seat. She had initially come to talk with the artist, but the tired expression on her face was broadcasting clearly to anyone willing to take notice that she was no one for conversation that evening. The confidence quickly retreating to some remote corner inside her, she eventually found herself at one of the tables towards the back. Silently observing the artist, hoping to inspire her to say what was in her heart. When she saw the jerk approach her mermaid, concern overtook all other feelings in her and cowardliness fleeing as she stepped out of the darkness. Once the menacing man removed himself, the mermaid's fury with her drowned ever other feeling like a tidal wave. In a panic she took the chance to return to the shadows.
The mermaid had her unmistakable siren call, and she just needed to find her language of love. The concept of it was extremely foreign to her. Oh, how I wish I could just allow it to spill out of her like the waterfall that a mermaid deserves. Quickly dismissing that idea early on, she could not destroy the second chance she has been given.
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Midnight blue eyes scanned the dimly lit room looking for the blonde that was here somewhere. The earlier text from her suggested she was planning to do something irresponsible, and the motorbike out front confirmed she had to be somewhere nearby. Making his way through the bar section, he froze as he heard his name in a singsong tone he was not expecting.
"Seiya, what brings you to this district?" Michiru joyfully questioned from her perch at the bar. He slowly moved to meet her glassy-eyed stare, quickly assuming she has had a drink or two in that seat.
"Michiru, what a surprise to find you here. I could ask you the same, but I do not wish to intrude," he politely deflected, hoping that in her current state, she would let it slide as he took a couple of steps to move past her.
"Where are you going?" She asked, an accusing tone evident.
"To... get food," he sighed. His deflection did not work, and it seemed he would not escape that easily. As he was trying to avoid the artist's watchful eye, he spotted a set of teal eyes vigilant from the edge of the room. Shit! Baka waiting in the shadows like that, silently cursed himself.
"Stay here with me for a moment," the artist pulled his attention back to her.
"Why?" He empathetically asked as he pulled his gaze from the heedful blonde.
"Just because..." she singsonged.
"Ok," taking a seat beside her. He turned his attention to Michiru, toying with the empty glass still resting on the bar top, clearly getting ready to say something to him.
"There is no need to fret, Seiya. I will not keep you here all evening. Setsuna planned on joining me soon, so I won't be troublesome. I just..."
"What is wrong, Hime?" Detecting the hesitation in her once happy drunk facade. Glancing at the eyes perched afar, studying to see if she already did something brainless.
"Honestly, I was sitting here thinking about Haruka. I am not sure where to go from here. I do not want to have my emotions cloud our relationship, and I do not want to stand in the way of all the great things she will go on to do..."
"But..." he offered in an attempt to coax her to continue off her drunken rant.
"My mind is seemingly stuck on all the reasons I should let her go. But... when I spotted you, I realized I had one of my magical Pegasus or whatever questions left with you. So I guess that means I need to make the last wish with the genie." He nervously chuckled at her intoxicated logic. Feeling the fear to answer what she was going to ask seeming flood his body, he willed himself to hold it back... he would not back down from a promise. "Can I be good enough for her? You told me when we first met that I better know what I am doing so I don't hurt her," releasing a deep breath combined with a subtle groan. She thrust her hands into teal locks, dragging them through as she turned to face him again. "I just assumed you would be the best one to let me know when I am finally good enough since Haruka is incapable of it."
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"Honestly, Michiru, I cannot think of anyone better. I will admit that when I said that, I didn't know you. But that has changed by your actions, Hime, and I am sure it has only increased how good you are to Haruka as well." Giving an honest smile to the artist that she reciprocated. "You also once told me that I give bad nicknames, but I think you have come to find that there is truth in them. Why else do you think I call you Haruka's princess?"
"Michiru... Seiya," they turned to see Setsuna approaching the bar, and Seiya removed himself from his perch.
"Good evening Setsuna. I was passing through and saw Hime here, so I decided to keep someone else from stealing your seat before you arrived," he offered the stool to the green haired woman, not escaping the knowing smile on her face. He bid goodbye to both women as he headed towards the exit. Just as he reached the door, he circled back around the edge of the room over to where the tall blonde was still sitting.
"Checking the drink specials?" Haruka snide without chancing a glance at him as he took a seat.
"Wouldn't matter. I always order the same thing," he lightheartedly answered as the blonde knowingly slid the second glass full of amber liquid over to him. Bringing the glass to his lips, he enjoyed a sip. Silence engulfed the two as they sat in relative comfort, watching the two women at the bar until they raised from their seats to leave.
"So, what exactly are you doing here?" He bluntly questioned, any fear of the blonde's reaction left with the artist. His blonde friend shot him a questioning look before narrowing her eyes. "You cannot leave her in this state. It is destroying her. You put her here, and you need to fix it," he emphasized as he pushed on her shoulder.
"What do you know?" She mocked him.
"I don't need to know anything. It is plain to anyone who looks at either of you," he rolled his eyes. He turned to face her straight on, "I do know you... and that you probably haven't said what you needed. She speaks as if you have rejected her, that you abandoned her and she is trying so hard to change herself to make you happy. If that is not what you intended, If you want the Michiru that you loved from the start, I suggest you fucking do something."
He stood from their table, and she nodded in acknowledgment as he turned to leave. It was tough for him to remain a neutral party, to hold himself back from just a quick hit that would knock some sense into the blonde. She may try to rationalize it as protecting the artist, but it was painfully clear that it benefited no one.
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Haruka stared at the white door in front of her, deep in thought of her next steps. After she sat at the bar alone contemplating what to do with herself, she ended up here. Unlocking the door and pushing it open, she examined around the furnishing in the front room. They were just how she remembered them, except now covered in a light layer of dust.
The early morning light of the sunrise caught her attention as it started to peak through the windows towards the back of the house. Smiling in memory of what the sunrise looked like from here, she opened the back door and walked out into the overrun garden, looking out to the bay.
Through the late night of staring at the empty glass before her, she considered a few options she still had. She decided to return to the house on the ocean that once belonged to her parents. Her self-preservation and reservations were at odds with each other, and a few days here would be enough for her to untangle herself from both. Specifically, she couldn't run the risk of running into Michiru before she had come up with the words to say to her.
As she sat on the grass, watching the sun move over the surface of the bay, the morning breeze playing with the strands of her hair. The calm of the moment and the sound of the water allowed her thoughts to drift to the mermaid. The wind glided upon her skin as it carried the ocean breeze to every pore. She could feel it slip under her sleeve, tickling the skin just out of it's reach. The soft touch, the familiar scent, the intimacy as it invaded her senses, all reminded her of Michiru. The most random things causing her heart to beat faster, filling her whole body with warmth with nothing but soft-spoken words. The ocean siren could cause emotional earthquakes with her touches. She opened her eyes as they shined out to the ocean, a smile coming to her lips as she finally found the words.
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Michiru stared at the blank canvas before her. Her inspiration had been fleeting the past few days. She intently focused on the canvas, her mind picturing the lake she knew all too well as it would sit on the canvas, the correct colors selected on the pallet and ready to go. Taking a deep breath, she moved her mind to create mode and allowed her hands to move about the surface mindlessly. Feeling the breeze on her face and the sun reflected from the water onto her cheeks, she completed her masterpiece. Taking a step back to admire the colorful canvas, she released a slight groan. Although she managed to capture the lake, she had added the waterfall oasis of Haruka's to the landscape.
Lately, she couldn't complete a sketch without it somehow reminding her of the racer. For someone I haven't seen in a few days, she indeed occupies a majority of my mind, she groaned internally. Walking out of her studio, she placed the freshly completed piece with other items to be offered up at her upcoming exhibition. With the launch of the new Neptune Manga volume, Sato managed to incorporate an auction for a charity that would include some of her inspiration pieces. The exhibition will display in a particular area devoted to the manga for the first few days, with the auction on the exhibit's last day.
She opened the door to greet Setsuna and a few workmen accompanying her to retrieve the items for the exhibit. Leading them to the items places just to the side of the entry, she directed which items to be taken now as the workmen began to pack up the canvas. Moving the kettle to the stove to heat water for tea, she watched the green haired woman looking through the canvas that remained in the apartment.
"Michiru, these two pieces are new for the inspiration exhibit," Setsuna observed as she picked up the painting of the lake with the waterfall, exposing another recognizable portrait-like image of a blonde with a mysterious look in their eyes. "They both don't have titles," intensive garnet eyes moving to look at her.
"Yes they are new, I have not determined titles for them," she answered as she prepared the tea for them both. "I thought you were going to comment on the subject matter," adding with a curious look as she handed the cup to her green haired friend.
"I can see the resemblance to the manga. Although that one scenery is in the color scheme of Neptune, it is a landscape I did not see in any of the panels." Her eye raised as if she was recollecting all of the panels in the manga.
"It is where Uranus gave the truth to Neptune," she replied without thinking. A green eyebrow was raised in a judgmental manner as her comment.
"I didn't recall that part," Setsuna smirked as she placed her cup to her lips.
"I didn't include it... not yet. It was more of partial truth and additional layers to be uncovered." Michiru smiled and nodded as she placed her cup to her lips as well.